Dürnstein Castle: A Ruined Fortress with a Storied Past

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Explore the dramatic ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned, and soak in the stunning Wachau Valley views.

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Dürnstein Castle

Perched high above the Danube in the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein Castle is a ruined medieval fortress famous for its connection to Richard the Lionheart. Explore the remains of this once-imposing structure and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Dürnstein Castle

Dürnstein, 3601, AT
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill walk to the castle ruins, as the path can be steep and uneven.
Bring water, especially on a hot day, as there are no facilities at the castle.
Combine your visit with a Danube cruise for a unique perspective of the castle and the Wachau Valley.
Visit during the apricot blooming season (usually in spring) for an especially picturesque experience.

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Getting There

Walking

From the town center of Dürnstein, follow the signs towards Burgruine Dürnstein. The path begins at the south end of town and ascends steeply. There are two trails; one easier with historical markers, and a more challenging scenic route. The hike takes approximately 20 minutes. No costs are associated with walking to the castle.
Public Transport

From Krems, take the WL1 VOR bus or the Wachau Bahn train to Dürnstein. From the Dürnstein Parkplatz P2 bus stop or the Duernstein-Oberloiben train station, walk towards the town center and follow the walking directions to the castle. Bus fare from Krems to Dürnstein ranges from €2 - €11. The Wachau Bahn is not covered by Freizeit or Einfach Raus tickets. A train from Krems to Duernstein-Oberloiben takes 12 minutes.
Car

Parking is prohibited in the old city center. Use one of the designated parking lots (P1, P2, P3, P6, P7, or P8) outside the town walls. From the parking lots, walk to the town center and follow the walking directions to the castle. Parking fees apply. Mobile phone parking is possible at P7. Parking P2 is located near Villa Lindenstöckel Oberloiben and the winery Stockingerhof.

Discover more about Dürnstein Castle

Dürnstein Castle, or Burgruine Dürnstein in German, is a captivating ruin with a rich history, dramatically situated on a rocky hill overlooking the town of Dürnstein and the Danube River. Constructed in the mid-12th century by Hadmar I of Kuenring, the castle was strategically positioned to control the Danube. The castle's claim to fame lies in its role as the prison of King Richard the Lionheart of England from December 1192 to March 1193. Richard was captured near Vienna by Duke Leopold V of Austria, who accused the English king of tearing down the Austrian flag and refusing to share spoils from the Third Crusade. Legend says that Richard's loyal minstrel, Blondel, searched for his king, eventually finding him in Dürnstein by singing a song that Richard recognized and completed. Richard was eventually released upon payment of a hefty ransom. In 1645, during the Thirty Years' War, Swedish forces conquered Dürnstein, and upon their withdrawal, they destroyed parts of the castle. Since then, the castle has remained a ruin, offering visitors a glimpse into its medieval past. Today, the ruins are freely accessible year-round and can be reached via a 20-minute hike from the town center. The climb is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.