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Stift Dürnstein: A Baroque Jewel on the Danube

Discover Baroque splendor and rich history at Stift Dürnstein, an iconic monastery in Austria's Wachau Valley, famed for its blue-and-white tower.

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Stift Dürnstein, an iconic monastery in Austria's Wachau Valley, is famed for its stunning Baroque architecture and its distinctive blue-and-white church tower. Founded in 1410, the monastery has evolved through centuries, playing a significant role in the region's cultural and religious landscape.

A brief summary to Stift Dürnstein

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the abbey's history and art; tours are available in German on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 11 a.m.
  • An audio guide is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish and German.
  • Combine your visit with a Wachau Valley boat trip; a DDSG Blue Danube ticket grants a discount.
  • Explore the nearby Dürnstein Castle ruins, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Dürnstein town center, Stift Dürnstein is easily accessible on foot. Follow the main street (Dürnstein 1) through the town; the abbey is located at the end of the street. The walk is short but uphill.

  • Public Transport

    The 715 bus connects Krems and Melk with stops in Dürnstein. From the 'Dürnstein Parkplatz P2' bus stop, walk east into the town center and follow the main street (Dürnstein 1) to the abbey. The walk from the bus stop to the abbey is approximately 10 minutes. A single ticket on the 715 bus costs between €2 and €11. A Wachau day ticket, which includes bus and ferry travel, is available for €12.

  • Car

    Parking is prohibited in the old city center of Dürnstein. Four pay-and-display car parks are available outside the town center. From the P1-P3 parking lots, walk west into the town center and follow the main street (Dürnstein 1) to the abbey. The walk from the parking lots to the Abbey is 7 to 10 minutes. Parking fees vary. Mobile phone parking is possible at P7.

  • Ferry

    A ferry connects Dürnstein to Rossatz on the opposite bank of the Danube. From the Rossatz ferry landing, you can take bus 720 to Krems. The Dürnstein-Rossatz ferry operates from April to mid-October. Check local ferry schedules for times and prices.

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Discover more about Stift Dürnstein

Perched on the banks of the Danube in the Wachau Valley, Stift Dürnstein is one of Lower Austria's most famous and striking monasteries. Known for its stunning Baroque architecture and iconic blue-and-white church tower, this former Augustinian monastery attracts thousands of visitors each year. The monastery's location on the Danube River has made it a strategic and influential site throughout its existence. The history of Dürnstein Abbey begins in 1372 with the dedication of a Mary Chapel. In 1410, Augustinian-Canons from Wittingau in Bohemia were invited to take over pastoral care, thus starting Dürnstein Abbey. The monastery experienced its golden age in the 18th century when it underwent a complete Baroque transformation. Renowned architects like Jakob Prandtauer and Joseph Munggenast transformed the medieval structure into the magnificent Baroque masterpiece that stands today. The abbey church, with its intricate details and opulent design, exemplifies the high Baroque style. The high altar is a particularly spectacular feature, showcasing the artistic mastery of the period. The blue-and-white tower, designed by Matthias Steinl, is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of the monastery's spiritual significance. Its vibrant colors and elegant design make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the Wachau Valley. Visitors can explore the abbey's architecture, wander through its peaceful courtyard, and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. The Abbey Church, which has also been the parish church since 1745, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary's assumption into Heaven. The side chapels contain paintings by Martin Johann Schmidt. One unique feature is the fully rotatable tabernacle of the high altar, in the form of a globe decorated with 44 scenes from the life of Jesus. The Abbey organ was built in 1724 and is still in its original condition.

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