Dürnstein: Richard the Lionheart and the Blue Tower
The Wachau's most famous village and the story of a captive king
HighlightsNiederösterreich- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Languages
- German, English
With its blue and white abbey tower, Dürnstein is the Wachau's signature view. Your guide tells you why an English king was once held captive here.
In the winter of 1192, on his way home from the Crusades, Richard the Lionheart fell into the hands of the Babenberg Duke Leopold V and was held at Dürnstein Castle. Your guide explains how this happened, what the huge ransom later meant for Vienna and Wiener Neustadt, and what lies behind the legend of the minstrel Blondel.
Along the main street you find town houses, wine taverns and apricot shops. Dürnstein Abbey with its blue tower is a baroque gem and one of the Wachau's landmarks. If you wish, climb up to the castle ruins for a view over the Danube valley.
The tour fits well into river cruise port times. The tour is private and priced per group.
Highlights
- Dürnstein Abbey and its blue tower
- The captivity of Richard the Lionheart
- Main street with wine taverns and apricot shops
- Optional: climb to the castle ruins
- Fits river cruise port times
The route
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1Riverbank
Start at the pier with a view of abbey and ruins.
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2Town gate
Entrance to the medieval village.
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3Main street
Town houses, wine taverns and apricot specialities.
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4Dürnstein Abbey
Baroque abbey with the famous blue tower.
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5Castle ruins
A climb to the site of the king's captivity.
Who this tour is for
For river cruise guests, Wachau visitors and history lovers.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included in the price?
No. Admission to Dürnstein Abbey is not included. The castle ruins are free to visit.
How strenuous is the path to the ruins?
The climb takes about 20 to 30 minutes on a rocky path. Those who prefer can stay in the village.
