Attractions and Places To See around Dunkelsteinerwald - Top 20

As one of four roll-on ferries in Austria, it cruises between Spitz and Arnsdorf.

The view from Dürnstein Castle is breathtakingly beautiful!

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The roller ferry runs between Spitz on the left bank and Arnsdorf on the right bank of the Danube in the Wachau. The Spitz Arnsdorf roller ferry is constructed like a catamaran from two interconnected hulls. The substructure is made of steel, while the superstructure is made of wood. The ferry is held in place by a 485 m long cable that is stretched across the Danube and anchored in strong towers on the banks. A pulley runs on the cable stretched across the river, from which a cable leads to the ferry. It is powered by the current of the Danube. The Spitz Arnsdorf roller ferry transports people, bicycles and motor vehicles. It runs daily as required, except in winter. The crossing takes between 5-7 minutes. Olafur Eliasson's expanded Wachau image is installed on the ferry. There is a camera obscura in the lightless waiting room. The light that falls through a small opening into the darkened room creates an inverted and upside down image. Olafur Eliasson has upgraded the system with lenses and mirrors so that the expansive view outside is projected onto two screens inside. This allows the viewer to concentrate on a section of the landscape panorama. The camera obscura conveys the element of movement and intensifies the experience.

From Dürnstein-Oberloiben, a bus departs hourly for Krems/Melk. Dürnstein, a picturesque village in the Wachau region, is rich in history and charm. Founded in the 11th century by the Kuenring family, Dürnstein achieved considerable wealth and development in the 13th and 14th centuries through the ransom paid for the captured English King Richard the Lionheart.

Spitz an der Donau is one of the most picturesque villages in the Wachau and an absolute must for any visitor to the region. It is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by terraced vineyards. A worthwhile destination for a tour. You can linger here for a while, there is a lot to discover! A very beautiful, tranquil place with some sights. The narrow alleys and old houses in Renaissance and Baroque style convey a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. The noteworthy town hall square is a central meeting point with charming pubs and shops. Hinterhaus Castle ruin, a medieval castle ruin, towers above the village and offers spectacular views of the Wachau. Spitz is idyllically situated between the Danube and the famous vineyards of the Wachau, offering one of the most beautiful backdrops in the region. The village is perfectly suited as a destination or stopover for a bike tour. The place combines nature, history, and enjoyment in a unique way.

Dürnstein History During the 11th century, the Kuenringers came to Austria from the Bavarian-Saxon region and received large areas around Eggenburg and Gobelsburg as imperial fiefs. In the service of the Austrian Babenberg sovereign, they acquired a large part of the Waldviertel. The Tegernsee monastery in Bavaria appointed them as bailiffs over the monastery's properties in the Wachau. Asso von Kuenring acquired the area around today's Dürnstein, and his grandson Hadmar I fortified the rock above the Danube for the first time. In 1192/93, the English King Richard I the Lionheart was imprisoned in the Kuenringer castle on behalf of the Babenberger Leopold V. A share of Richard's ransom, which went to the Kuenringers, enabled the castle and town of Dürnstein to be expanded and flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the division of inheritance between the Kuenringer brothers Leuthold III and Johann I in 1347, the new town was referred to as a town for the first time. In this year, Dürnstein was probably granted town rights by Johann I, and the residents are referred to as citizens. The town of Dürnstein was not awarded its coat of arms until 1476 by Emperor Friedrich III. Text / Source: Dürnstein Municipality, 3601 Dürnstein, No. 25 https://www.duernstein.at/ueber-duernstein/geschichte

The crossing is always a welcome change of pace and a memorable experience. Beautiful views of the Danube are an added bonus! The cable ferry in Spitz on the Danube is a historic and fascinating mode of transport, part of the unique cultural heritage of the Wachau region. It connects Spitz with the opposite town of Arnsdorf and offers a traditional and environmentally friendly way to cross the Danube. Cable ferries have existed for centuries and were once an important link before bridges spanned the Danube. The ferry in Spitz is still in operation today to preserve the tradition and charm of the Wachau. In addition to its practical use, the cable ferry now also serves as a tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the past. The crossing takes about 5–10 minutes and offers magnificent views of the Wachau landscape, characterized by vineyards and historic sites. The journey is smooth and allows you to experience the Danube up close. From the ferry, you have a fantastic view of the picturesque village of Spitz with its famous vineyards and historic buildings.