The Wachau is the most beautiful section of Austria’s Danube Valley and Dürnstein is a fascinating small town with a long history.

Dürnstein is a splendid place, once well protected by a castle and defensive walls. Its sixteenth and seventeenth century buildings and narrow streets were decorated with Bacchanian Baroque in the eighteenth century by art-minded religious leaders.

A magnificent portal leads to the courtyard of an Augustinian canon monastery that dates back to 1410 and that was renovated in 1980. Master builders such as Joseph Muggenast, Jakob Prandtauer and Matthias Steinl created this sacred splendour for provost Hieronymus. The interior of the church is decorated with lush Baroque and its high altar and choir stalls are remarkable works of art. The tabernacle is of a world globe shining with a golden light above the altar and sacred images, paintings plus a splendid pipe organ.

The ruins of Kuenringer Castle are located here and the legend of the adventures of English prince, Richard The Lionheart, and his faithful servant, the minstrel, Blondel, has survived to the present day. Richard was imprisoned here and released only after payment of thirty-five thousand kilos of silver.

Dürnstein has always been influenced by the Danube and its history continues to be reflected within its waters.