Dürnstein

A tiny walled town with a big story. The blue and white tower of its abbey church is the best-known view in the Wachau, and the castle ruins on the crag above are where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner in 1192 and 1193 on his way home from the Third Crusade. The climb to the ruins takes about half an hour and repays it with the view.

Good to know

• Richard I of England was held at Dürnstein from 21 December 1192 until March 1193, on the orders of Duke Leopold V.
• He was released on payment of a ransom of 150,000 silver marks; part of it paid for the expansion of the castle and town.
• The castle ruins are freely accessible all year.

Themes