Vogelbergsteig and the Dürnstein castle ruin

What it is

The Vogelbergsteig is a short, steep loop over the rocks above Dürnstein, in the Wachau. It is 3.8 km with 341 m of ascent, about 2 and a half hours, and the Donau Niederösterreich tourist office rates it as difficult: the last third goes over rock and a granite slab with gravel, with sections secured by cables and chains. At the top await the rocky outcrop of the Vogelberg, the Starhemberg viewing tower on the summit of the Schlossberg and the ruin of Dürnstein castle, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the late 12th century. Below, the Danube and the abbey's blue tower.

It is free and done independently.

The route, step by step

1. Start in Dürnstein. The route begins below, in the village, on the banks of the Danube (208 m).
2. The climb. A steep, varied path climbs the slope between woodland and rock.
3. The secured section. In the last third the path crosses rock and a granite slab with gravel; there are cables and chains to hold on to. It is the part that demands no fear of heights.
4. The Vogelberg. A rocky outcrop at 546 m, the great viewpoint over the valley.
5. The Starhemberg tower. On the summit of the Schlossberg, at 564 m. The key to the tower is requested at the Fesslhütte.
6. The castle ruin. You go down to the Dürnstein ruin and from there to the village, closing the loop.

Difficulty and who can do it

The tourist office gives it 4 out of 6 for both fitness and difficulty. The cables and chains are there for a reason: you need a firm foot, free hands and no fear of heights. It suits teenagers used to the mountains; not small children. If you only want the ruin, go up and down by the normal path from the village, without passing through the cable section.

Wear mountain footwear with a good sole. The gravel on the slab is slippery.

When to go

From spring to autumn, with the path dry. With snow or ice the route is closed for safety. After rain, the rock and gravel are slippery: wait for it to dry. In summer set out early, before the heat builds.

Getting there and parking

By car, take the A1 to Melk and the B3 to Dürnstein, or the S5 or S33 to Krems and the B3. Dürnstein has few visitor spaces, so arrive early or use public transport:

• Bus 715, every hour, from Melk and Krems stations to the Parkplatz P2 stop in Dürnstein.
• Wachau train (Wachaubahn), daily from 30 May to 1 November, from Emmersdorf or Krems.
• nextbike bicycles, with stations in Dürnstein, at €1 per half hour.
• Boat: the DDSG cruise stops at Dürnstein.

Water and food

There is nowhere to eat or drink on the route: bring water, especially in summer. In Dürnstein you have places to eat on the way down, and the Domäne Wachau, with its wine shop, is in the same village.

If the weather changes

In a storm, do not enter the cable section: wet rock and metal are a bad combination. If it catches you at the top, descend by the ruin path, which is the most direct to the village.