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Municipality in Lower Austria, Austria
Photo: Cha già José from Vienna, Austria, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Dürnstein Castle Ruins
Built in the 12th century, the castle is best known for being the prison of King Richard the Lionhearted of England from December 1192 to March 1193, after he was captured by Austrian Duke Leopold V while returning from the Third Crusade. In 1635, toward the end of the Thirty Years' War, the Swedes captured the castle and later destroyed the outer gate. After serving as a refuge during the Austro-Turkish War a couple decades later, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the late 17th century the castle was purchased by an Austrian noble family, which still owns it.
Dürnstein Monastery
The former monastery was founded in 1410, and forcibly closed in 1788 by order of Emperor Joseph II. It is today managed by a consortium of several Augustine monastic orders, and its distinctive blue and white bell tower is considered to be an icon of the Wachau region. Independent visitors can access the courtyard, church, and main terrace. Guided tours (in German, English, and French) also allow access to the crypt and the cloister; tours take place every Sunday at 12:00 or at other times if booked in advance, and last about an hour.
St. Kunigunde Church
The former parish church is the oldest church in Dürnstein and dates from 1200. In 1783 most of the church was rebuilt, but the original tower and sacristy remain.
The outdoor natural swimming pool is fully maintained with biological means only and no chemicals. There is a children's section and an adult section, as well as a lawn for relaxing and sporting facilities.
Operating since 1780, in 1905 this was the birthplace of the Wachauer Laberl, a wheat and rye sourdough roll which is commonly served in Heurigen. The well-known establishment has a small café serving various pastries and coffee, and also sells its own version of the local Marillenmarmelade (apricot jam).
Located in the former monastic cellar, with a nice garden overlooking both vineyards the Danube, the restaurant serves local dishes with local wine only (no beer). Reservations can be made online.
Located in an early 18th-century house close to the centre of town, this is a good place not only to sample the local wine but also regional cuisine, in a rustic atmosphere. Many dishes have creative twists on traditional specialties as well as more modern creations, all made from locally-sourced ingredients. Seating is available indoors as well as in a pleasant shaded courtyard.
The family-run vineyard is especially known for Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, and has a well-known restaurant specialising in Wachauer cuisine. In the summer guests can dine outdoors in a large apple orchard. Reservations can be made online.
Has 60 spaces for tents and caravans, located next to a swimming spot with excellent views of Dürnstein. Pets permitted.
Located in a 15th-century house behind the old city hall. This hotel has five simple but comfortable rooms, all with TVs and private terraces, as well as holiday apartments. There is also a lovely garden for guests.
Hotel Richard Lionheart
The hotel offers 39 rooms, suites and apartments. Nonsmoking rooms available, pets permitted, free Wi-fi and outdoor pool. A gourmet restaurant, awarded one toque by Gault Millau, is located onsite.
The former castle now houses a five-star hotel, open April through October. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre, free bicycles, as well as an onsite restaurant and gift shop. Pets permitted, free Wi-Fi throughout, free parking.
By train
The NÖVOG Wachaubahn narrow-gauge railway line passes through Dürnstein-Oberloiben Bahnhof on its way from Krems to Emmersdorf.
By boat
From mid-April through October Dürnstein can be reached by river boats which ply the route between Krems and Melk, also making stops in Spitz and Emmersdorf.
By bus
VOR bus route WL1 operates roughly hourly between Krems and Melk via Dürnstein, with stops at each end of the road tunnel beneath the village. See the VOR website for timetables.
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