Dürnstein
Dürnstein, Austria
A small Wachau town on the Danube, known for its blue baroque abbey tower and the castle ruin on the ridge above. Walk the single main street, then climb to the ruin for a view of the river bends and the vineyard terraces.
Dürnstein lies on the Danube in the Wachau, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and has only around 860 inhabitants. The name comes from the castle: "dürr" (dry) and "Stein" (stone) refer to the bare rock above the river. In 1192 Duke Leopold V of Austria held King Richard I of England prisoner here. In 1645 Swedish troops under Lennart Torstensson destroyed the castle, and today a ruin stands there. The abbey, founded in 1410, was rebuilt in the Baroque style from 1710 and is known for its blue tower, which can be seen from the Danube. Emperor Joseph II dissolved it in 1788.
The Wachau is a terraced wine-growing landscape. Allow about two to three hours for a walk through the town and the climb to the ruin. Dürnstein is one of the most visited places in the Wachau, so arrive early or outside the high season.
- Nearest town
- Dürnstein, Austria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.3951, 15.5185
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Campingplatz RossatzCampsite0 km from DürnsteinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Wohnmobilcamping ArtnerMotorhome stopover1 km from Dürnstein · 20 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Stellplatz HerzogenburgMotorhome stopover19 km from Dürnstein · 4 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Wachau Camping SchönbühelCampsite19 km from Dürnstein · 70 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Donau Camping EmmersdorfCampsite21 km from DürnsteinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Campingplatz MelkCampsite23 km from DürnsteinTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Dürnstein?
Dürnstein is in Dürnstein, Austria, at GPS 48.3951, 15.5185. It is about 7 km from Krems an der Donau.
Can you camp near Dürnstein?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Campingplatz Rossatz, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Dürnstein?
Places worth a stop nearby: Melk Abbey (23 km), Rosenburg Castle (27 km), Altenburg Abbey (28 km) and Maria Taferl Basilica (32 km).
When is the best time to visit Dürnstein?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)