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 discopalace

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Dürnstein Castle Ruins

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