Dürnstein is one of the most visited villages in the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley wine-growing region, easily reached from both Vienna and Salzburg. It’s a charming mix of medieval and baroque architecture, lively with visitors by day and quietly romantic by night.
With dozens of wineries in the area, Dürnstein is a highlight of many wine tours on foot, by bike, or by car. Multi-day tours from Munich to Vienna and from Vienna to Venice also often stop in the Wachau Valley to take in the village and surrounding wine country. Tour the local cellars, taste Wachau’s crisp dry whites at the rustic little heurigen (wine bars) scattered through the region, and enjoy a stroll through the beguiling center of this jewel-like town.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather to tour Dürnstein and the surrounding Wachau Valley vineyards.
With its bright blue bell tower and pretty houses, Dürnstein is a photographer’s dream.
If you're visiting the village as part of a wine tour, keep in mind that some wineries may not be accessible to wheelchairs; confirm in advance.
You must be of legal drinking age to participate in wine tastings.
By car, Dürnstein is 1 hour from Vienna and 2.5 hours from Salzburg. Trains from Vienna run from Franz-Josefs Station to Krems, a short bus ride from Dürnstein. Danube River cruises, which run hourly through the summer, stop at the riverfront quay. As Dürnstein is a pedestrian-only zone, there are parking areas and bike racks below the village.
The countryside of the Wachau Valley is particularly beautiful to visit in the spring and fall. In the springtime, the vineyards and wooded hills are in full bloom, while the fall brings dramatic autumn colors.
The ruins of Kuenringer Castle (also known as Burgruine Dürnstein) stand on a jagged promontory overlooking the town. English King Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned here on his return from the Crusades in 1192. According to legend, Richard was rescued from captivity by his minstrel Jean Blondel, whose name you’ll see on several of Dürnstein’s bars and hotels. The challenging 30-minute scramble to the castle rewards travelers with gorgeous views of the Wachau Valley.
