Dürnstein

Dürnstein is a small town in the Wachau in Austria, on the river Danube. Together with the neighbouring villages of Oberloiben and Unterloiben it is one of the main wine-producing centres of the region, and attracts nearly 1.7 million visitors annually.

Understand
Dürnstein derives its name from the ruined castle overlooking the town. The earliest historic records of the settlement date to the late 12th century, when Richard I of England was imprisoned in the castle by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, following the Third Crusade. Today the town is known primarily for its wine production and, along with the Wachau, as a popular tourist destination.



By car
Dürnstein is just a few kilometres west of Krems and can be reached on the B3 regional highway, which follows the Danube River on its northern bank.

By train
The NÖVOG Wachaubahn narrow-gauge railway line passes through on its way from Krems to Emmersdorf. It operates only on weekends and public holidays from April to October and daily in July, August and September. See the Wachaubahn website to look up train information online.

By boat
From mid-April through October Dürnstein can be reached by river boats which ply the route between Krems and Melk, also making stops in Spitz and Emmersdorf.



By bus
VOR bus route WL1 operates roughly hourly between Krems and Melk via Dürnstein, with stops at each end of the road tunnel beneath the village. See the VOR website for timetables. A Wachau Ticket is available on buses for €10 (€5 for children) and offers unlimited travel on buses in the region for one day.

Get around
The best way to get around Dürnstein proper is undoubtedly by foot. To go to the neighbouring villages of Ober- or Unterloiben though you may want to have a pair of wheels.

Only residents with a special permit may park on the street in the centre of Dürnstein; visitors may park in private areas (for hotels and pensions) or at four car parks outside the centre:, , , and. Paid parking is required from 08:00-19:00: €1.50 (1 hr), €3 (2 hr), €4 (entire day).

Sleep
Dürnstein has an abundance of accommodation available. Along with a number of holiday apartments and smaller pensions, there are also four hotels. The city maintains a helpful online directory, which also allows reservations.