Durnstein is a city in Austria, in the federal state of Lower Austria.
Durstein is the town where the Augustinian monastery, founded at the beginning of the 15th century, is located, the pearl of the architectural ensemble of which is the Marie-Himmelfalt church, the symbol of the city, and where the king of England, Richard the Lionheart, was captured in a medieval castle.
Durnstein is one of the most attractive places in the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is located on the left bank of the Danube, 4 kilometers west of Krems.
Access : Coordinates: 48.395556, 15.520278 / International trains stop at Sankt Polten station. From here it is possible to continue by train to Krems (25 km in about 25 minutes). Krems station is 7 km from Durnstein-Oberloiben station /
By car :
From Salzburg or Linz: A1 motorway towards Melk with exit Wachau. Proceed on the B3 state road along the Danube for 30 km towards Durnstein.
From Vienna Nord: A22 motorway towards Tulln, continue on the S5 road to Krems, then continue on the B3 state road for 7 km towards Durnstein.
From Vienna West: A1 motorway with exit at Sankt Polten, continue on the S33 to Krems and then continue on the B3 towards Durnstein.
Highlights :
- Stift Durnstein (Durnstein Monastery : The monastery church in Durnstein is recognized as one of the best examples of Austrian baroque. The monastery was founded in 1410 – the heyday of the Middle Ages, before the birth of Michelangelo even more than 50 years. And the completion of construction dates back only to 1725 – a completely different era, in Russia at the beginning of the year Peter I.
- On the mountain above the town are the ruins of an ancient castle dating back to the 12th century. The castle was built between 1140 and 1145 and it is said that King Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart, was “held” right here at the time of the Third Crusade. In 1645 the castle was completely destroyed by the Swedes.The city of Durnstein and the castle were connected by a common defensive wall. The castle played the role of a citadel.
- Durnstein is a little-known Austrian town in the Wachau Valley. The whole valley is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, . The Cemetery and Charner House / The Convent of Poor Clares / The Pillory / The New Castle
- the Marie-Himmelfalt church, a symbol of the city. The church is built in baroque style. In a medieval castle that rises above the city, the King of England, Richard the Lionheart, was captured. The king was imprisoned, returning from the third crusade.
- Durnstein Abbey: with its impressive blue tower, it is a landmark of the Wachau. The former Augustinian canons can be visited with the permanent exhibition “Discovery of the Precious”. / Wachau Saffron Manufactory / Wachaubahn , old rail line runs through the heart of the Wachau.
- Kunigunden Church: The church was first mentioned in 1289; only the tower remains of it. / Battle memorial / Former Clarissin Church: donated in 1289 / town hall / The Krems Gate / Buildings on the Western Edge of Town / Richard Lowenherz Themed Path.
Events : Wachauer Radtage : Cycling marathon which also passes through Durnstein / Internationale Musiktage Durnstein , October. Music day.
Activities : sightseeing / photo opportunities / You can sail to this magical place by boat directly from Vienna. The cruise is designed for the whole day.
/ Enjoy panoramic views of the Danube Valley / City tours in Durnstein
Go next : Krems an der Donau is a riverside town in the Danube’s Wachau Valley tourist region of Lower Austria. / Melk is a small riverside town on south bank of the Danube River in the Wachau Valley of Lower Austria.
