Dürnstein Castle: A Ruined Fortress with a Royal Past

4.7 (3170)

Explore the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in Wachau Valley, Austria, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, offering stunning Danube views.

Home
Austria
Waldviertel
Dürnstein Castle

Perched high above the Danube in the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein Castle is a ruined medieval fortress famous for imprisoning Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Dürnstein Castle

Dürnstein, 3601, AT
Click to display
Click to display

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 climb to the castle, 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 the nearby Dürnstein Abbey, known for its distinctive blue and white tower.
Explore the charming town of Dürnstein, with its colorful houses and wine taverns.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Steinformationen Dürnstein

Steinformationen Dürnstein: Ancient Stone Formations

Start Vogelbergsteig

Start Vogelbergsteig: A Hiking Adventure in Dürnstein

Stift Dürnstein

Stift Dürnstein: Baroque Jewel of the Wachau

Getting There

Walking

The most common way to reach Dürnstein Castle is by walking from the town of Dürnstein. From the town center, follow the signs towards the Burgruine Dürnstein. The path is steep and takes approximately 20-30 minutes to ascend. The trail begins near the town walls. There are no entrance fees to access the castle ruins.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus from Krems or Melk, disembark at the Dürnstein bus stop. From there, walk through the town center towards the castle ruins, following the signs. The walk to the base of the castle trail takes about 10 minutes. Bus tickets within the Wachau Valley typically cost around €2-4.
Car

Parking is available outside the old town of Dürnstein in designated pay-and-display car parks. From the car parks, walk through the town gate (Kremser Tor) and follow the signs to Dürnstein Castle. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour.

Discover more about Dürnstein Castle

Dürnstein Castle, or Burgruine Dürnstein in German, is a captivating historical site located in Dürnstein, Austria. The castle's origins date back to the mid-12th century when it was built by Hadmar I of Kuenring. Its strategic position on a rocky hill overlooking the Danube River made it an important defensive structure.The castle is most renowned for its role in the imprisonment of King Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart. In 1192, Duke Leopold V of Austria captured Richard near Vienna and held him at Dürnstein Castle. According to legend, Richard's loyal minstrel, Blondel, searched for him by singing a specific stanza outside castles until Richard responded, revealing his location. Richard was eventually released after a ransom of 150,000 silver marks was paid.Over the centuries, Dürnstein Castle faced various challenges. Hussite forces plundered it in the 15th century. In 1645, during the Thirty Years' War, Swedish troops conquered and partially destroyed the castle. By 1662, it was no longer permanently inhabited.Today, Dürnstein Castle stands as a ruin, offering visitors a glimpse into its medieval past. The site is freely accessible year-round, and a trail leads through the ruins, providing stunning views of the Wachau Valley. The climb to the top takes about 20-30 minutes from the town center.