Ruine Hinterhaus: A Wachau Valley Sentinel

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Explore the medieval Ruine Hinterhaus in Spitz, Austria, for panoramic views of the Danube and Wachau Valley. Free entry, open year-round!

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Ruine Hinterhaus

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
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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.
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.

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Getting There

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.
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).
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.

Discover more about Ruine Hinterhaus

The Ruine Hinterhaus, also known as Oberhaus, is a captivating ruin that towers over the town of Spitz in Lower Austria. First mentioned in 1243, this ancient fortification sits on a spur of the Jauerling mountain, offering panoramic views of the Wachau region and the Danube River. The castle's origins trace back to the 12th century when it served as a strategic stronghold for the Kuenring family, who controlled trade and river tolls in the medieval Wachau. The complex is divided into three distinct sections: the lower castle to the northeast, the main castle occupying the majority of the ridge, and the southwestern outer bailey. The oldest part, the main castle, dates back to the 12th century. Throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, the Knights of Spitz controlled the castle under the Kuenringers. Over the centuries, Ruine Hinterhaus has witnessed its share of conflict. It was taken and destroyed in 1409 during the Habsburg fraternal dispute. Although rebuilt in 1438, Hungarian troops seized it again in 1493. The castle gradually fell into disrepair after 1500. Today, the ruins are owned by the market town of Spitz and maintained by the local tourism association. Visitors can explore the well-preserved defensive walls, the Romanesque palace, and the keep. Legend has it that the ruin is haunted by the spirit of Adelheid, the wife of Henry the Iron, who appears every year on the anniversary of her death.