Photos

The main attractions of Dürnstein are its white and blue late Baroque Stiftkirche (left side of the photo) and the so called Burgruine (the castle above the town on the right). The castle is widely known due to its association with the English king Richard the Lionheart, who was caught by Babenbergs on his return from Crusades, and kept prisoner here.

The origins of the castle date back to eleventh century. It was thrashed by the Swedish army in 1645 and nowadays represents a mere pile of ruins. However, its fame continues to attract a steady stream of tourists, mainly English.