Location: Durnstein
Top Things to do in Durnstein
Top 10 Things to do in Durnstein, Austria
Dürnstein is a small town on the Danube river in the Krems-Land district, in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region and also a well-known wine growing area. The municipality consists of the Katastralgemeinden Dürnstein, Oberloiben and Unterloiben.
Restaurants in Durnstein
1. Burgruine Duernstein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
Castle Kuernriger (Schloß Kürnriger) is the main attraction of Durnstein (Dürnstein). It is the ruins of the castle in which Richard Leoncoeur, King of England was held prisoner for a year while returning from a Crusade. The ransom was used by the Duke of Babenberg to build the city walls of Vienna. This is a popular historical attraction especially for British people.
Reviewed By steve1211957 - St Helens, United Kingdom
Steep walk up to the castle that Legend has it imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. The castle is now mostly ruins but nonetheless the views across the river but well worth your effort.
The town itself is full of touristy type shops, not for me but I guess that we all have to make a living!!
2. Wachau Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By GiseppeGord
Many people that we have spoken with have stated, and we agree, that the Wachau Valley is simply splendid. Breathtaking views of wine country, charming towns, monasteries and terraced vineyards. You will pass many UNESCO world heritage sites. This wine producing region goes back to the Romans. A wonderful journey through time.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
ATTENTION! The Karikaturmuseum Krems closes temporarily until May 12, 2017 due to reconstruction works. Reopening will take place on 13 May 2017. Karikaturmuseum Krems is the very unique museum for caricature, cartoons, comics and satire art in Austria. Founded in 2001, the architect and caricaturist Gustav Peichl / IRONIMUS planned the museum and enriches Krems with its Exhibitions. There are also about 2-3 temporary Exhibitions per year where artworks from popular international cartoonists are shown.
Reviewed By Charming_Karl - Charleston, South Carolina
When we visited this museum, its shows were dedicated to two cartoonist/humorists, Manfred Deix and Guillermo Mordillo. In addition to stills of the latter's works, there were also screens showing various short films of his cartoons, all involving his signature tiny people with big bulbous noses. We loved the museum, and thought its light-hearted atmosphere made a nice contrast to a day in Krems that had involved lots of monuments like the Piaristenkirche.
4. Schloss Rossatz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Rene R - Bruinisse, The Netherlands
Very central location, well cleaned and very friendly reception by Mrs Lorenz. Fresh flowers and well stocked regarding kitchenware etc. even shower gel etc were supplied. A few minor quirks (old doors and inefficient heating) are gladly accepted for that.
The view is spectacular: you can see the ruins and village of Dürnstein from the kitchen.
A small supermarket with all necessities and fresh bread is right opposite the castle, parking lot is not five minutes by foot. Opening hours are somewhat limited but can certainly be managed.
Poldis Kaffee Eckerl (Café) is next to the supermarket and always well visited by locals.
Around the corner is a local Heuriger and the larger 'Rossatz 8'.
Mautern and Krems are easily and quickly reachable by car. But watch out for the narrow roads in the villages!
5. Wehrkirche Mariae Himmelfahrt
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Charming_Karl - Charleston, South Carolina
In the grand scheme of things, this may be a small church as some have said. But seen from the river, in the context of the quaint towns hugging the sides of the Danube throughout the Wachau Valley, it looks quite impressive and beautiful.
6. Benediktinerstift Goettweig
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie S - Aurora, Colorado
We had several days in the Wachau Valley and had time to explore, so we spent some time at the Goettweig Abby. The church was pretty but could not compare to Melk Abbey. I wouldn't make a special trip to see if , especially if...MoreThank you for taking the time to rate us!
7. Weingut Nikolaihof
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Nikolaihof is the oldest wine estate in Austria, whose history goes back almost 2000 years to Roman times. In the walls of Nikolaihof can be found remains of the early Christian Agapit basilica in which Bishop Pilgrim of Passau held a synod in 985 A.D. In 1075 the former ‘Freihof' was referred to in a document as the central administrative seat of the Passau monastery of St Nikola; the present-day chapel was established by the Augustinian canons of this monastery. Wine has been produced here since the time of the Celts. The first documentary evidence of this dates from around 470 A.D. in the time of St Severin and the Romans.
Reviewed By Odis P - Bent NM
A small but outstanding Austrian winery has produced the first Riesling ever to attain a perfect 100 score from Robert Parker. Unfortunately, that vintage has sold out, but many wines are on sale, ranging from excellent to superlative. The winery is run by a charming lady, Christine Saahs, who will be happy to show you the old cellar (from Roman times) and the new cellar (the mid-500s). The thousand-year-old wine press is a marvel to behold. Mrs. Saahs also has written an interesting cookbook (in German only) detailing local specialties.
8. Stift Durnstein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia
The church is worth 5 Points. Outside it is light blue and white with a pleasing ornate design. It can be seen from miles away and is one of the two emblematic buildings of the town. The inside I would call restrained Baroque: highly decorated, but without the Kitsch often associated with that style.
The Stift (Monastery) is a different story. I would give it 1 Point for its drab color, box-like construction and ugly roof. I found nothing at the monastery worth stopping for.
9. Wachauer Nase
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ysantis - Kassel, Germany
Leider noch nicht so bekannt ist die Wachauer Nase in Rossatz an der Anlegestation der Rollfähre St. Lorenz, die beide Ufer miteinander verbindet.
Von Weitem sieht es so aus als wäre ein Riese liegend vergraben und nur seine Nase ragt aus der Erde. Witzigerweise sind die Nasenlöcher sind so groß, dass Menschen sie betreten und in ihr umher gehen können.
10. Domaene Wachau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie S - Aurora, Colorado
This is the largest winery we visited in the valley. The wine tasting room and shop is large and nicely decorated. The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and the wine tasting was generous. We were particularly fascinated by their display of the different soils in the valley and which grapes grow best. I must say though this reminded me more of a winery in the US, more mass production. We preferred the smaller, family owned wineries throughout the valley.
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