Ruine Hinterhaus: A Wachau Valley Stronghold

Ruine Hinterhaus, also known as Oberhaus, is a fascinating ruin with a history stretching back nearly a thousand years. First mentioned in 1243, this former defensive structure sits on a spur of the Jauerling mountain range, high above the town of Spitz in Lower Austria. Originally built in the 12th century, Hinterhaus Castle served as a strategic stronghold, monitoring the Danube River for the Kuenringers. The castle's elevated position provided excellent views of the Danube Valley and the Spitzer Graben, allowing those within to spot potential threats. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries, to defend against Turkish invasions. Today, Ruine Hinterhaus is owned by the market town of Spitz and maintained by the local tourism association. The ruins are freely accessible year-round, inviting visitors to explore the remains of its walls, towers, and Romanesque palace. The site is divided into three distinct sections: the northeastern outer bailey, the main castle, and the southwestern outer bailey. From the ruins, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube, the surrounding vineyards, and the iconic Tausendeimerberg (Thousand Bucket Mountain). Legend has it that the spirit of Adelheid, the wife of Henry the Iron, haunts the ruin every year on the anniversary of her husband's death.