Durnstein

We arrived in Durnstein after our bike ride in time to "storm the castle. The castle is mostly a pile of ruins high over the Danube., and is most know for being the place where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned upon his return from the Crusades. It was a steep climb up but worth it for the lovely views. We spent about 1/2 an hour scrambling over the ruins and admiring the views - we had an excellent scene of the Wachau Valley in all its fall color. We also had a nice view of the blue and white baroque church.

After our hike we wandered through town and enjoyed some apricot brandy (a local specialty and quite tasty!) and then we went toa local heuriger for a wine tasting. Heurigers are small family-owned restaraunts and wine cellars. We had a sampling of local Wachau valley wines known as veltliner. After an eveing stroll along the river we retired to our cabins to prepare for our departure to VIenna.