Dürnstein Castle Ruins, Dürnstein, Austria

The city of Dürnstein and Dürnstein castle ruin are connected by a wall. The castle was built between 1140-1145 by Hadmar I Kuenring and blasted by Sweden under General Torstenson in 1645. You can see a model of the city and the ruins at Dürnstein Abbey.

Dürnstein castle is known from the legend about Richard the Lionheart. The legend tells, that the English King Richard the Lionheart tore up the Austrian flag on the return journey of his crusade and refused to share the spoils of war with Leopold V. Sure, Leopold V. held the English king in the castle 1192-1193. The Royal prisoner could receive travelling singer (troubadours) for his entertainment, resulted in probably later the legend of Blondel singer. His faithful minstrel moved from Castle to Castle, until he discovered his King in Dürnstein, by singing a song verse, the prisoner added. Richard the Lionheart was released after a ransom of 150,000 Silver marks in freedom.

User Reviews

Robert Wood (3 years ago)
Steep climb, but very well worth it. Great information on the historical boards on the way up

Lena Baumgartner (3 years ago)
Always a great, chill route and the Restaurant at the parking lot is very good - saisonal and delicious food, nice to bring friends

michal Lo (3 years ago)
Not a short climb, a bit difficult for those who are not in shape but possible. Preferably hiking shoes, sneakers will also do ?. The view is worth the effort don't miss it.

Erik Reimhult (4 years ago)
This is a quite spectacular ruin and view. It is only a short hike to get up there from the village. The view of the river bend is nicer than the ruin, although it is amazing how the castle seems to have almost grown out of the rock.

Avital Symonds (4 years ago)
Great view from the top. Definitely worth the climb.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Dürnstein Castle Ruins

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