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Steinertor: Krems's Iconic Gateway

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Discover the majestic Steinertor in Krems an der Donau, a symbol of history and architectural beauty marking the entrance to the Wachau Valley.

The Steinertor, a beautifully preserved city gate in Krems an der Donau, Austria, stands as a symbol of the city. Originally built in the late 15th century and later remodeled in the Baroque style, it marks the entrance to the enchanting Wachau Valley.

A brief summary to Steinertor

  • Ob. Landstraße, Krems an der Donau, 3500, AT
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Steinertor.

  • Visit during the golden hour for breathtaking photographs of the gate against the setting sun.
  • Explore the surrounding old town: Wander through the cobblestone streets and discover the medieval architecture and charming shops near the Steinertor.
  • Visit nearby attractions: Don't miss the Gozzoburg castle and the Piaristenkirche, both within walking distance of the gate.
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the area to fully appreciate the historical significance of this landmark.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Steinertor is centrally located in Krems' old town and easily accessible on foot from most points within the city center. From the Krems Kunstmeile, walk east along the Obere Landstraße. The gate will be clearly visible within a few minutes. From the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), head north along the Fußgängerzone (pedestrian zone); the Steinertor marks the end of this zone. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus or train at Krems Bahnhof (main train station), take a short bus ride (lines 1, 2, or 4) to the 'Krems, Südtirolerplatz' stop. From there, it's a 5-minute walk north along the Obere Landstraße to the Steinertor. A single bus fare is approximately €2.40. Alternatively, from Krems Campus-Kunstmeile station, it is a 7 minute walk.

  • Driving

    If driving, head to Krems an der Donau. From the main road (B37), take the exit towards Krems and follow signs to Obere Landstraße. Steinertor is located at Obere Landstraße, 3500 Krems an der Donau. Several parking garages are available nearby, including Parking garage Steinertor (Utzstraße 1). Parking fees typically range from €1.70 to €2.00 per hour, with daily maximums around €11.70. Short-term parking spaces are available directly in front of the Steinertor, costing €0.50 / 30 minutes.

Discover more about Steinertor

The Steinertor is more than just a historical monument; it's a living symbol of Krems's identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. Constructed in the late Middle Ages around 1480, it served as a crucial entry point into the town, representing both protection and prosperity. In 1756, during the reign of Maria Theresa, the gate was remodeled in the Baroque style. Until the last third of the 19th century, Krems was surrounded by a wall, but it was systematically razed, leaving the Steinertor as the only surviving city gate. In 2005, Krems celebrated the 700th anniversary of its city rights, and the Steinertor was restored to its original medieval appearance as much as possible. The gate features towers flanking both sides, dating back to the late Middle Ages. Above the gates rests an ornate triangular gable hosting two statues representing Saint John Nepomuk and Leopold III. Beneath these statues are carved reliefs illustrating Emperor Franz I's coat-of-arms and Latin inscriptions. A small plaque displays the AEIOU motto, associated with Emperor Frederick III, which stands for "Alles Erdreich ist Österreich untertan" (All the world is subject to Austria). Today, the Steinertor stands proudly at the beginning of the Obere Landstrasse, Krems' main shopping street, making it easily accessible for visitors. There is no admission fee to view or walk through this iconic landmark, which remains open 24/7 throughout the year.
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