Burgruine Duernstein
Burgruine Duernstein
4.5
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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.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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iowacityia
iowa city, ia2,430 contributions
May 2022
We visited as part of a shore excursion from our cruise ship. Our activities coordinator offered up a hike to the Durnstein castle ruins. We made the hike around 2:30 pm. It is a hike that will give your heart a workout. And at times you really need to pay attention to the surface that you are walking on. For us it was a fun hike, and the destination, and views were very cool. I am so glad that we made the trip. And the town is very cute. It was quite busy when we walked back through on our way to the ship. We did spend a bit of money in Durnstein. On Liqueurs, candy, and sweet mustard. All were very yummy. If given the chance, I would stop back to Durnstein, and the ruins.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChetTraveler
Eureka, CA87 contributions
Sep 2021
I visited Durnstein Castle in August 2016. Good views of Wachau Valley from the castle trail. I guess this is a false review because I visited 5 years prior to Sept 2021. My visit was to remember my 25th great uncle, Richard the Lionhearted while on a river cruise. The beautiful Danube River and Wachau Valley spreads out before you as well as an overview of the town of Durnstein at the base of the trail.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snochasr
Minneapolis, MN928 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
To the cycling enthusiasts I went with, the "old" path up to the castle was no problem, but if you are older, short, out of shape or have bad knees, make sure you take the new path. It is wide, paved most of the way and has interpretive signs along the way. I can't say that it is any steeper because it goes to the same place, but it is a slope rather than some combination of rough, uneven stone stairs, tree roots and the occasional hillside scramble. Those afraid of heights should not be too concerned either way, and the old way does have an occasional view of the river, but the views are best from on top the castle, where the fear of heights can become a problem – another good reason to at least go DOWN the new way, as I did.
As you face the town from the river, the new path is on the right hand side of town and plainly marked. The old way starts in the middle of town, down the old Main Street to your left. Your choice. Either way, leave plenty of time to get up and back before dark, but if you have the opportunity, stay into the night and see the beautiful way the old castle is illuminated.
As you face the town from the river, the new path is on the right hand side of town and plainly marked. The old way starts in the middle of town, down the old Main Street to your left. Your choice. Either way, leave plenty of time to get up and back before dark, but if you have the opportunity, stay into the night and see the beautiful way the old castle is illuminated.
Written September 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redeco
Warren, MA9,297 contributions
Dec 2010
A visit to Durnstein is like stepping back in time to the thirteenth or fourteenth century. The town has retained it Medieval character with its winding narrow streets, shops, inns, and restaurants. The abbey church of Pfarrkirche was rebuilt in the Baroque style and its blue tower is an icon of this little town today.
Kuenringer Castle which served as prison for English King Richard the Lionheart in 1192, is in ruins today and helps to make Durnstein such a picturesque town. According to legend, the King's minstrel, a Frenchman named Jean Blondel, found him by using a song known only to the two of them. A ransom of seventy-seven thousand pounds of silver was paid and Richard was released. The name of Jean Blondel lives on in many of Durnstein's most prominent establishments.
Another interesting fact about Durnstein is that it is celebrated in Tolstoy's novel 'War and Peace', the subject of an entire chapter. The site served as battleground for the French, Prussian, and Russian armies during the Napoleonic wars. The winner differs depending on who tells of the battle.
I suggest taking time to visit the little graveyard up a set of stairs at the west side of the town. The site is small...so small that after a period of years, remains are dug up and stored in an ossuary. See accompanying photos.
I highly suggest taking the time to visit this lovely little town. Take time to enjoy the winding streets, the ruins of the castle, and the Danube below. The shops are lovely and the restaurants look inviting. You'll be glad you did.
Kuenringer Castle which served as prison for English King Richard the Lionheart in 1192, is in ruins today and helps to make Durnstein such a picturesque town. According to legend, the King's minstrel, a Frenchman named Jean Blondel, found him by using a song known only to the two of them. A ransom of seventy-seven thousand pounds of silver was paid and Richard was released. The name of Jean Blondel lives on in many of Durnstein's most prominent establishments.
Another interesting fact about Durnstein is that it is celebrated in Tolstoy's novel 'War and Peace', the subject of an entire chapter. The site served as battleground for the French, Prussian, and Russian armies during the Napoleonic wars. The winner differs depending on who tells of the battle.
I suggest taking time to visit the little graveyard up a set of stairs at the west side of the town. The site is small...so small that after a period of years, remains are dug up and stored in an ossuary. See accompanying photos.
I highly suggest taking the time to visit this lovely little town. Take time to enjoy the winding streets, the ruins of the castle, and the Danube below. The shops are lovely and the restaurants look inviting. You'll be glad you did.
Written February 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1234texas
Seabrook, TX5,185 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
The castle is the focal point of Dürnstein--very prominent on the skyline high on a "mountaintop." It is eye catching from the river. The castle was built in between 1140 - 1145 and eventually destroyed in a war with Sweden (they were very active in the area and have had a huge impact on the history). As an aside, we were told that the castle's claim to fame is having held King Richard the Lionheart captive.
Sad to say, there is not much that is intact of the original castle, but you can easily "fill in the blanks" if you have been to other restored castles--the principles are pretty basic! The views through the remaining gun ports and cracks in the walls are beautiful--as is the entire countryside. Lots of Kodak Moments here! The long shots are great and the views of the river are outstanding. Getting up (it is about 500+ feet above the river) here is half the fun/challenge of taking a hike up the very steep & loose gravel/rock path to the castle. There are few handholds along the way and you need to keep your focus on the path--BOTH up & down (which may be far more difficult for any in your group with mobility issues)! At the bottom is the town--very attractive and worth a quick run through to see the buildings and shops.
There is no fee to pay--the hike is the surcharge! It doesn't look as though 100's of people do this daily. Make absolutely certain that you have good sturdy shoes. I used my exercise sneakers as opposed to hiking boots--they provided good footing and I did not slip and slide as some of the group did. Keep in mind that you will be climbing over rocks, slippery dirt/gravel, around boulders, and up/down some relatively steep slopes. There is absolutely no way that anyone with physical handicaps should consider this walk! It takes more than two hours to get from/to the boat dock and the walk around the castle remains--which are very tricky if you want to see all of the remains of it.
Bottom line! This is a very pretty walk with many great views and photo opps. The remains of the castle are disappointing, but the trip is still a good one. I would not do it again, but then, it is a "one and done" activity in my book. There are many castles and cathedrals that I have visited a second or third time because you can't see everything in the first visit--this is not one of those!
Sad to say, there is not much that is intact of the original castle, but you can easily "fill in the blanks" if you have been to other restored castles--the principles are pretty basic! The views through the remaining gun ports and cracks in the walls are beautiful--as is the entire countryside. Lots of Kodak Moments here! The long shots are great and the views of the river are outstanding. Getting up (it is about 500+ feet above the river) here is half the fun/challenge of taking a hike up the very steep & loose gravel/rock path to the castle. There are few handholds along the way and you need to keep your focus on the path--BOTH up & down (which may be far more difficult for any in your group with mobility issues)! At the bottom is the town--very attractive and worth a quick run through to see the buildings and shops.
There is no fee to pay--the hike is the surcharge! It doesn't look as though 100's of people do this daily. Make absolutely certain that you have good sturdy shoes. I used my exercise sneakers as opposed to hiking boots--they provided good footing and I did not slip and slide as some of the group did. Keep in mind that you will be climbing over rocks, slippery dirt/gravel, around boulders, and up/down some relatively steep slopes. There is absolutely no way that anyone with physical handicaps should consider this walk! It takes more than two hours to get from/to the boat dock and the walk around the castle remains--which are very tricky if you want to see all of the remains of it.
Bottom line! This is a very pretty walk with many great views and photo opps. The remains of the castle are disappointing, but the trip is still a good one. I would not do it again, but then, it is a "one and done" activity in my book. There are many castles and cathedrals that I have visited a second or third time because you can't see everything in the first visit--this is not one of those!
Written July 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
palmpirate
British Columbia, Canada536 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
Durnstein on the banks of the Danube has the history of Richard the Lionheart's capture as its main claim to fame. Read all about it on the climb up a paved path to the top. The views are worth the effort of making it to the top. Only a half hour for physically fit but careful if your knees have gone already. You can do a circle walk, up the harder side and down more easily. It was a Sunday when we stopped by and we didn't see another soul. Very quaint village in the heart of wine country. Since it was winter none of the tasting rooms were open. Try the local Gruner Veltlineer grown all over Domaine Washau, the local co-operative, a crisp dry white. Its available everywhere, even Waitrose has it! Prost!
Written December 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gmtravellers
Winnipeg655 contributions
Sep 2012 • Friends
The castle is a ruin you climb the hill for a FABULOUS view of the Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Claim to fame for this castle is that Richard the Lion Hearted was imprisioned after the Crusades here. Tip: there is a paved path which is much easier to climb than the rough steep path facing the river.
Durnstein is a very small village of less than 1000 inhabitants the other landmark is the blue spired Augustine Abbey Church which is stunning especially at night.
Durnstein is a very small village of less than 1000 inhabitants the other landmark is the blue spired Augustine Abbey Church which is stunning especially at night.
Written October 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ofamof
Central Ohio144 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
The castle ruins are on a high bluff overlooking Durnstein and the Danube Valley. There is little of the castle left, except for the shell of a few of the rooms. There's a great view terrace, though, and the views out over the river valley are spectacular. It is a bit of hike up - a bit steep and uneven. Note that there are two paths up from the town. The first is a little bit shorter, but much steeper and more uneven. The second is a much easier hike - with a broader, less steep path that is even paved part of the way. It also has some signs with historical information about the castle and the conflict between Richard the Lionheart and Leopold. To get to the easier path, when coming from the center of town go out through the city gate and then go left. Ignore the first path to the castle which you will pass (unless you want the steeper climb). Really spectacular in the late afternoon when the crowds thin and the light turns golden.
Written October 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken M
Melbourne, Australia114 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Durnstein is a very pretty village on the banks of Danube in Austria. It had very narrow streets and quirky shops. Very picturesque. I located a very steep, long and at times rocky trail that led to the ruins of the castle. It was a tough climb and, because of time constraints, could not really enjoy the views at the top - the boat waits for no man! If you are physically able, it is a good walk/climb. I would have liked to have stayed a lot longer in this quaint little village.
Written December 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie C
Mountain View, CA1,125 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
A visit to Durnstein would not be complete without a hike up to the old castle. Look for the sign towards the south end of town on the main street directing you to the path up to the castle. Warning - it is not an easy climb! If you are out of shape just take your time, you"ll get there! It is a bit steep in places but they have done a good job of making it a safe climb. The castle was built in the 1100's and Richard the 1st King of England was imprisoned here in 1192. It was pretty much destroyed in the 30 years war in the 1600's. The views of Durnstein and across the Wachau Valley are great as you are hiking upwards and truly impressive at the top. You get a good view across the Donau of the small town of Rossatz and all the vineyards. Don't forget to take some pictures! You can even see the Stift Goettweig monastery off in the distance near Krems. If you have time, take the ferry (Fahre) from Durnstein to Rossatz and get a view back across the Donau of Durnstein
Written November 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What day cruise did u take to see Durnstein castle? I am looking for day cruise on Danube from Vienna to see wachau valley, Melk Abbey & durnstein castle on sept 24...
Written August 30, 2018
I wasn't on a day cruise I was on a cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. If you are going to Durnstein Castle I would suggest that you take good pair of walking shoes as the climb to the top of the hill. where the castle is situated, is a little steep.
Written August 31, 2018
My mom has bad arthritis. Is there any way to take transfer or accessible route to the top?
Written July 14, 2016
No, there's no vehicular access. Have used both routes up. One is a steep scramble with steps and rough rocks and gravel. The other is a path mostly surfaced but still fairly steep. Some elderly friends of ours took this path as far as they could manage and then sat on benches enjoying the view, flowers and birds while the fitter people climbed to the castle.
Written July 16, 2016
Hi, How long is the hike? Is their information in the castle that points out different things?
Thanks.
Yvonne
Written April 13, 2016
There is a lot of history up there....you would be surprised! Plenty of signage and information.
Written April 15, 2016
We have a few hours of free time in Durnstein in the morning as we travel up the Danube on a riverboat. Is it reasonable to think that we could walk from the river up to the castle ruins? How long does it take to walk up to the castle? Do you need a reservation? We are active folks.
Judy and Dan
Written February 17, 2015
Hi: yes, you will have plenty of time, and it is well worth it!
Written February 18, 2015
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