Ruine Hinterhaus, Weinviertel Travel Guide

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Explore the medieval Ruine Hinterhaus in Spitz, Austria, for panoramic views of the Danube and a glimpse into Wachau's rich history.

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Ruine Hinterhaus

Perched high above Spitz on the Danube, Ruine Hinterhaus is a captivating castle ruin dating back to the 12th century. Once a strategic stronghold of the Kuenringers, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River.

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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From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the path to the ruins can be steep and uneven.
Visit during the summer solstice in June to see the ruins illuminated with a chain of lights at dusk.
Combine your visit with a hike along the Wassergeistweg (Water Spirit Trail) or a section of the Jauerling-Runde hiking route.
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty of the ruins and surrounding landscape.

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Explore Ruine Hinterhaus on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ruine Hinterhaus, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Schifffahrtsmuseum (Shipping Museum) in Spitz, follow the signs towards Ruine Hinterhaus. The walk is a steep, but short, climb uphill, taking approximately 10-15 minutes. The path is well-maintained but can be uneven, so wear appropriate footwear. There are no entrance fees to access the ruins.
Public Transport

Take bus line 715, 718, or 719 to Spitz/Donau Bahnhof. From the train station, it's approximately a 16-minute walk to the Kreuzung Ruine Hinterhaus. From there, follow the walking directions to the ruin. A single bus fare within the Wachau region typically costs around €2-4.
Parking

Parking is available at the Donaulände (Danube promenade), at the train station, or closer to the base of the ruins. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €1-2 per hour.

Discover more about Ruine Hinterhaus

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.