Burgruine Duernstein
Burgruine Duernstein
4.5
About
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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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles404 reviews
Excellent
234
Very good
139
Average
27
Poor
3
Terrible
1

belgaicas
Sydney, Australia663 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Friends
Great views of the Wachau Valley from up on top.

Walk from the Village up the gentle path. On the way there are plenty of signs to read to break the trip up!

Once at the end of the path you can go even further right up to the top. Challenging.

There is a shorter way down to the village mainly steps - very challenging.

Wear good shoes but do this walk!
Written 17 December 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.

POSitiveBrett
Scottsdale, AZ209 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Friends
The hike up to Burgruine Castle in Durnstein is a little bit strenuous, but definitely worth the effort! The trail leading up to the ruin is lined with signs that give interesting history about the castle and it's famous prisoner, King Richard the Lionhearted. When you get to the ruin, you will look down on the Danube valley in awe, with sights in every direction. This was a highlight of our entire trip.
Written 9 December 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.

planerider857
Kerrville, TX26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017 • Family
The hike is strenuous, but not long, and the reward is an amazing view from the castle of Durnstein and the Wachau Valley. The hike also provides the opportunity to learn more about the castle ruins that one time held King Richard the Lionheart as prisoner. Along the trail are plaques that provide some history about the castle, the crusades, King Richard, Saladin, Duke Leopold of Austria, other notable historical figures and the legend of Robin Hood.
Written 28 November 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.

chinhome
Chapin, SC308 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017 • Couples
About 15 minutes up a sometimes steep, narrow, rough stone route you come to the ruins of the 13th century castle where King Richard The Lionhearted was held captive for an enormously obscene ransom. The ruins are not especially scenic but the view down to Durnstein and across the Danube River are totally awsome. Wear good shoes.
Written 28 November 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.

PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,233 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017 • Couples
We were on a Viking river cruise down the Danube and stopped in Durnstein. From the port, it took us about 20 minutes to walk up to the castle. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Once you are up there, you are awarded with amazing views. It is definitely worth the hike up. We went up close to sunset.
Written 6 November 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.

ofamof
Central Ohio158 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 25 October 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.

steve1211957
St Helens, UK169 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2017 • Couples
Steep walk up to the castle that Legend has it imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. The castle is now mostly ruins but nonetheless the views across the river but well worth your effort.
The town itself is full of touristy type shops, not for me but I guess that we all have to make a living!!
Written 21 October 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.

PS1645
Ottawa, Canada38 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Couples
While the ruin itself is very good, as a starting point for hiking in the area, it is perfect. It is a ruin and as such is not in great shape but the views offered at the site and on the way up there (yes, quite an uphill walk if you are not prepared for it) are spectacular. We used it as a starting point to go to Krems for lunch and took a boat back to Dürnstein.
Written 10 October 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.

TravelingDrZ
Easton, PA442 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Friends
Make absolutely sure you are up for it! It is a very steep hike. Now.. lots of great history from up there and what a view!!!
Written 1 October 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.

jrandsk
Freshwater, Australia670 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Couples
Situated atop the hill out of the town, this site is what remains of an old castle that is said to have been where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned for a year - a story that has never been verified. Not much left at the top of what is a good climb, but the photo opportunities of the surrounding Wachau valley are superb.
Written 30 September 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.

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Burgruine Duernstein - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor