Ruine Hinterhaus: A Wachau Valley Sentinel
Explore the medieval Ruine Hinterhaus in Spitz, Austria, for panoramic views of the Danube and Wachau Valley. Free entry, open year-round!
Ruine Hinterhaus, a nearly 1,000-year-old fortress in Spitz on the Danube, offers a glimpse into medieval Austria. Perched on a rocky ridge, the freely accessible ruins provide stunning views of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Explore the remains of this once-strategic stronghold and imagine life in the Middle Ages.
A brief summary to Ruine Hinterhaus
- Keine Zufahrt zur Ruine möglich!, Ruine Hinterhaus Parkplatz beim Schifffahrtsmuseum, Auf der Wehr 21, Spitz, 3620, AT
- +4327132363
- Visit website
- 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.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy the scenic views from the ruins.
- Visit during the summer solstice for a special festival.
- Combine your visit with a hike on the Wassergeistweg or Jauerling-Runde trails.
- Explore the vineyards surrounding Spitz and sample the local Grüner Veltliner wine.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Ruine Hinterhaus parking lot near the Schifffahrtsmuseum (Maritime Museum) on Auf der Wehr 21 in Spitz, the ruins are a 10-15 minute uphill walk. Follow the path leading north; it's a steep but manageable climb. There are two paths; the one to the right is easier, while the one to the left is more challenging. The route is free.
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Public Transport
Take bus line 715, 718, or 719 to the Spitz/Donau Hinterhaus stop. From there, it's a 6-minute (470m) walk to the castle ruins. From Melk, the bus ride takes approximately 28 minutes and costs €4-€11. A Wachau day ticket, costing €12 (children €6), allows unlimited travel on bus lines 715, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, and 723 between Melk and Krems, as well as access to the three local ferries (Spitz-Arnsdorf, Weißenkirchen-St. Lorenz, and Dürnstein-Rossatz).
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Ferry
From Arnsdorf, take the Rollfähre Spitz-Arnsdorf (reaction ferry) to Spitz. From the Spitz ferry landing, walk towards the Schifffahrtsmuseum, then follow the walking directions. The ferry operates from March to October, with varying hours depending on the day. The ferry crossing costs €4 for adults with a bicycle and €2 for children with a bicycle. A Wachau day ticket includes the cost for people but there is an additional fee for vehicles.
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