Castle Ruins on the Danube River (Day 3)

We left the city of Vienna behind and headed down the highway towards the Wachau Valley. I had read that in Rick Steves Vienna guide book that the Wachau Valley is a very picturesque area and as it was on our way to Salzburg, it worked out perfectly.

We were just driving down the highway and there was this huge structure. We thought it was a castle – doesn’t it look like one(?) –  but after researching it, found out it is an abbey.

Located in the town of Furth, this abbey is called Gottweig Abbey. The original structure was built in 1072 but burnt down and rebuilt in 1718. This is where the order of St. Benedict was started. The library at the abbey has 130,000 books.

There are many many vineyards in this stretch of country. The Austrians are great lovers of wine! They use every bit of space for their vineyards…

all the way up the steep mountain sides.

It was only one paragraph in the guide book about Durnstein but it caught my attention.

-traffic free-

-quaint-

-castle ruins-

-Richard the Lionheart-

-Crusades-

We decided to stop even though it was going to put us later into Salzburg. A notion, a love of history and now? One of the best memories of our trip.

Welcome to Durnstein

I love this little stone wall with the flowers growing out of it.

Visiting the ruins of Burgruine where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1193 on his return home from the Third Crusade was where we wanted to go. I took a few breaks along the way as the trail was very steep and uphill, taking about 30 minutes but the views were gorgeous!

The church bells ringing through the countryside sounded lovely.

The Danube River

After taking a short tour around the town (everything was closed since we had arrived so late in the afternoon), we went to a lovely restaurant with outdoor dining which is not unusual at all. It was a charming setting but it became very chill as the evening progressed as the restaurant was located next to the Danube but for your comfort there are blankets to warm you. This also is not unusual and is common for customers to be using.

The Austrians take great pains with food presentation. It was quite enjoyable to have food that was so beautifully presented.

A look at our desserts

Taking a picture at night with a flash doesn’t make for a good photo – but this really was a beautiful presentation.

All meals are very drawn out. At this point, we did not realize that you need to summon the waiter if you would like your check, otherwise it can a looonng while before you are able to leave. I think this supper meal took us a total of 2 hours. 🙂

On to Salzburg!

We Have Arrived in Austria – Day 1

We Have Arrived in Austria – Part Two of Day 1

An Italian Eatery in Vienna, Austria

The Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria – Part One of Day 2

Street Views of Vienna, Austria – Part Two of Day 2

The Summer Palace of the Habsburg’s – Day 3