Location: Durnstein
Top Things to do in Durnstein
Top 10 Things to do in Durnstein, Lower 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. Kanu Wachau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Canoe Rental, Stand Up Paddle Center, Lessons, Tours, Team events
2. Burgruine Duernstein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 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 RobinB1957 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Many reviews mention the word hike to get here. That's overegging the pudding in my opinion as it's more like a slightly strenuous hill climb although I do agree that parts of the descent could be slippery in wet weather. There is more than one route up and down by the way. The main route is dotted with information boards giving details of Richard Ist's imprisonment and his relationship with his brother John, Saladdin and Leopold Duke of Austria. Overall I think that there's little doubt that Richard was a nasty piece of work and one can understand John's reluctance to bankrupt England to raise the ransom money.That's another debate however so enjoy the ruins and views in this lovely part of the Wachau valley.
3. Altes Presshaus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
4. Weingut Tegernseerhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The historical roots of Tegernseerhof go back over 1000 years. Holy Roman Emperor Henry II granted the Benedictine monastery of Tegernsee two oxgangs of land in Wachau. In 1176, Tegernseerhof was built and named after its owner. Today, Tegernseerhof is owned by the Mittelbach family. The winery has been in their possession for five generations. The name has been preserved, like the ancient knowledge of viniculture, passed on from one generation to the next. The Tegernseerhof vineyards are located on the best slopes of the Wachau region. They are characterized by steep terraces of primary rock, with optimal exposure to sun and wind. The result is an incredible wealth of different aromas, reflected in the different Smaragd wines of Tegernseerhof. Whether Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, each wine has a personality all of its own.
5. Weingut F.X. Pichler
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
6. Domane Wachau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
The Domäne Wachau is deeply rooted in the Wachau region. Close to 440 hectares of vineyards are cultivated by the members of this quality-oriented cooperative – that makes 30 percent of the entire Wachau vineyard area. These vineyards are found on steep terraces reinforced by old dry stone walls and are part of a World Cultural Heritage. Famous names like Achleiten, Kollmitz, Loibenberg and Tausend-Eimer-Berg are found on the Domäne Wachau’s vineyard map and make it the only winery in the Wachau with wines from all of the most prestigious sites in the region.
Reviewed By 332pamelaf - Powell River, Canada
As we rode our bikes along the Danube Bike Trail we stopped in the famous Wachau Valley to sample wines at Domane Wachau near the picture perfect little town of Dürnstein. We put our name down for a tasting upon arrival at Domane Wachau and had only a short wait (we were there in late September) before Pascal took our small group to a table and began an excellent tasting session - providing just the right amount of information on their vineyards and methods, samples of a variety of their outstanding wines, and answers to whatever questions were thrown at him. Well done! Before he started he checked with the group as to our wine preferences and tailored the tastings to suit. As I didn’t trust myself to sample too much and then get back on my bike, he also provided some of their delicious juice which I would happily have bought to take along had I not been riding a bike already heavily loaded with gear. Domane Wachau is right on the bike trail for those riding; if you are driving it’s easy to find and there’s lots of parking. Highly recommended!
7. Stift Durnstein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
The blue and white steeple of the former Monastery of the Augustinian Canons located by the river Danube is the landmark of the Wachau Valley! The new exhibition invites you to contemplate “the good, the beautiful, the true”.
Reviewed By israroz - Ra'anana, Israel
Durnstein, the lovely village, is definitely the "gem" of the Wachau Valley. Not a big village but a magnificent place to walk around and enjoy the spirit of an old time village. The village is surrounded from all sides by vines to produce white wines in witch Durnstein was blessed. Cobble stones narrow streets with many photography objects (you are welcome to see my photos), souvenir shops, coffee shops and places to taste and buy the famous white wines and apricot schnapps.
8. Weingut Bohmer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By BrandstrupDK - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This winery is a must visit when in Dürnstein or near by. Great wine tasting and Leopold will entertain you with the family story and details about the wines. They have a few rooms upstairs, clean and nice, newly renovated. Great beds, very quiet.
9. Durnstein Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By somersault07 - Arlington, United States
A good workout climbing the steep hill to get to the castle ruins. A fun piece of history for those of us who grew up reading Robin Hood. Beautiful views from the ruins.
