Lyla Lindsey
Durnstein is a small, fairy-tale town in Austria, full of colourful houses, historic monuments and cosy wine taverns. Located on the banks of the Danube, it is a popular day trip from Vienna. The town is known for its apricot products, grape growing and wine. Durnstein is also famous for its ruined castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, in 1192. The castle offers rewarding views of the town and the valley beyond. Durnstein is a paradise for hikers and wine lovers, and its major attractions are easily accessible on foot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | On the banks of the Danube River in Lower Austria |
| Population | 800-900 inhabitants |
| Transport | Accessible by boat, train, car, or on foot |
| Attractions | Burgruine Dürnstein, Durnstein Castle, Dürnstein Abbey, The Town Hall, Kremser Tor, Pfarrkirche Unterloiben, Tourismusinformation Dürnstein, Wachau vineyards |
| Food and drink | Wine, apricot dumplings, apricot strudel, apricot brandy, apricot liqueur, Wiener Schnitzel, Knödel, and Tafelspitz |
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What You'll Learn
Durnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned
Durnstein Castle, located on a hill above the small town of Durnstein, is a ruined medieval castle that is most famous for being the prison of Richard the Lionheart, King of England, in the 12th century. The castle was built between 1140 and 1145 by Hademar I of Kuenring, and during the Crusades, it served as a prison for the King.
The story of Richard the Lionheart's imprisonment at Durnstein Castle is a fascinating one. On his way back from the Third Crusade, Richard tore down the Austrian flag, offending Leopold V, the Duke of Austria. Richard also allegedly plotted the murder of his cousin, Conrad of Montferrat, further angering Leopold. As a result, Richard was captured near Vienna in 1192 and brought to Durnstein Castle, where he was imprisoned until 1193.
During his imprisonment, Richard was allowed to receive travelling singers (troubadours), including his minstrel, Blondel. According to legend, Blondel journeyed from castle to castle, singing a song known only to him and the King. When he finally reached Durnstein Castle, Richard responded by singing the second verse, and Blondel worked to secure his release. Richard was eventually released upon payment of a ransom worth 150,000 silver marks, or 35 tons of silver.
Today, the ruins of Durnstein Castle are a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike up to the castle, following a thematic path that provides detailed information on the history of Richard the Lionheart's imprisonment. The town of Durnstein itself is also worth exploring, with its colourful architecture, historic sites, and natural scenery.
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The historic town centre and its colourful buildings
The historic town centre of Dürnstein is a sight to behold, with its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and medieval charm. Located in the Wachau Valley, this small town is known for its picturesque beauty and well-preserved historic architecture.
As you walk through the town centre, you'll be surrounded by colourful houses and historic monuments. The iconic blue tower of the Stift Dürnstein is a striking feature and a testament to the town's rich history. The town's name, Dürnstein, which means "dry stone," is derived from the castle that once stood atop the cliffs above the town.
Dürnstein has a long history that dates back to at least 1019, and it was a significant site during the Crusades. The town was once under the rule of the Kuenring family, who built the castle, and later it was acquired by the Habsburgs in 1356. In 1192, the castle played a pivotal role when Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned there by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, due to a dispute during the Third Crusade.
Today, the castle lies in ruins, but it still offers rewarding views of the town and the valley beyond. The climb up to the castle can be challenging, but it is worth the effort for the breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities. Along the way, you'll find informative signs and historical markers that provide insight into the town's rich past.
In addition to its historical attractions, Dürnstein is also known for its cosy wine taverns and delicious local wines. The Wachau region is renowned for its wine production, and Dürnstein is no exception. Visitors can enjoy tasting the local vintages, including the famous Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners, while savouring the unique atmosphere of this fairy-tale town.
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The best wines of the Wachau region
The Wachau wine region is a spectacular winemaking region in Austria, with idyllic scenery and steeply terraced vineyards. The region is small, with 124 vineyards and 650 growers cultivating 3340 acres of land. The Wachau Valley is known for producing some of the best Austrian wines, with especially delicious Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners.
The Wachau Valley has a unique three-tier scale based on the ripeness of the grapes at harvest. The lightest style is called Steinfeder, with a maximum alcohol level of 11.5%. The second style, Federspiel, has an alcohol level between 11.5-12.5% and is richer on the palate. The final style, Smaragd, has a minimum alcohol level of 12.5% and is the most age-worthy.
In addition to Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, some producers also grow other grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Neuburger. A few wineries also make small percentages of red wine, Zweigelt. Limited quantities of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Malvasia, and Muskateller can also be found in the region.
The town of Dürnstein, located in the heart of the Wachau wine region, is known for its stunning vineyards and incredible wines. The nearby villages of Unterloiben and Oberloiben are also known for their fabulous wineries and excellent food. Dürnstein is a great place to visit for wine lovers, with many wine taverns serving fantastic local wines.
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The iconic blue tower of the Stift Durnstein
The small town of Dürnstein in Austria is a popular tourist destination in the Wachau region. It is known for its apricots, grape growing, colourful architecture, historic sites, and breathtaking natural scenery.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Dürnstein is the blue tower of the Stift (Abbey) Dürnstein. The tower, which dates back to 1733, is known for its striking blue and white colours and has become the landmark of the Wachau Valley. The abbey itself is an example of magnificent Austrian Baroque architecture, with the tower being the most elegant building in the complex.
The blue tower, also known as God's Finger, is part of the former Dürnstein Abbey, which has been a parish church since 1745. The abbey is dedicated to the Virgin Mary's assumption into Heaven and is owned by the Augustinian Canons of Herzogenburg Abbey.
The blue tower stands out against the white abbey and the surrounding green vineyards of the Wachau Valley. The valley is a beautiful stretch of the Danube River, surrounded by mountains and ancient castle ruins.
Dürnstein is easily accessible by boat, car, or train, making it a popular day trip from Vienna for history and wine lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, explore the historic Old Town, and taste local wines at the cozy wine taverns.
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The medieval Kuenring dynasty's seat
The small Austrian town of Dürnstein, with a population of just over 900 people, is known for its grape-growing, historic character, and castle. It was once the seat of the medieval Kuenring dynasty.
The Kuenring family, who were rural nobility, immigrated to Austria from the Bavarian-Saxon region in the 11th century. They were given large territories near Eggenburg and Gobelsburg as an imperial fiefdom. In the service of the local Austrian Babenberger prince, they acquired a sizable portion of the Waldviertel in Lower Austria. The Tegernsee Monastery in Bavaria appointed them as bailiffs in the Wachau to guard over the monastery's possessions.
In the 12th century, Hadmar I of Kuenring built a castle on the cliffs above Dürnstein. This castle would later become known as one of the places where King Richard I of England (Richard the Lionheart) was imprisoned. Richard's imprisonment was the result of a dispute with Leopold V, Duke of Austria, during the Third Crusade. Richard offended Leopold by tearing down his flag after the Battle of Acre, and Leopold also accused Richard of plotting the murder of his cousin, Conrad of Montferrat. This bitter feud led to Richard's capture near Vienna in December 1192. He was imprisoned in Dürnstein Castle until March 1193, when he was released on a technicality—it was unlawful to capture a fellow crusader.
The Kuenring line died out in 1355 with the death of Leuthold V. of Kuenring, the family's last male member. After the Kuenring family, the mastery of Dürnstein was passed on to the Masters of Maissau, then to Duke Albrecht, followed by Ulrich v. Eitzing, and in 1609 to the Masters of Zelking.
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Frequently asked questions
Dürnstein is a small, historic town in the Styria region of Austria, with about 4,500 inhabitants. It is known for its colourful houses, wine taverns, historic monuments, and apricot products. The town is located in the middle of Wachau's wine and fruit region, and is a popular destination for tourists.
The main attraction in Dürnstein is Castle Kuernriger (Schloß Kürnriger), also known as Durnstein Castle. The castle was built in the 12th century and was where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, in 1192. Other attractions include the Burgruine Dürnstein fortress, the historic gate, and the bright blue tower of the Dürnstein Abbey.
Dürnstein is located on the northern bank of the Danube River, and can be reached by car, train, or boat. It is about an hour's drive from Vienna, and can also be accessed by taking a river cruise down the Danube River.
