Burgruine Dürnstein

Found in the Wachau region of the Danube, the ruins of Dürnstein Castle can be seen atop one of the hills behind Dürnstein overlooking the river. The castle was originally built back in the 12th century by Hadmar I of the Kuenring Family, ancestor to the Hadmar who held Aggstein Castle, although its most famous for its relevance to the legend of Richard the Lionheart. It is said that when Richard the Lionheart returned from the Third Crusade, he refused to share the spoils of war with Duke Leopold V of Austria, and so was imprisoned by Leopold within the walls of Dürnstein Castle between 1192 and 1993. Although you can spy the ruins as you cruise by, taking the trail up to Burgruine Dürnstein will reward you with gorgeous views of the surrounding Wachau region. Read More