Dürnstein Castle

From Dürnstein a flight of steps (half an hour's climb) ascends the hill to the massive ruins of the 12th C. Dürnstein Castle (destroyed by the Swedes in 1645). Here in 1193 Richard the Lion-hearted was imprisoned by Duke Leopold VI of Austria, with whom he had quarreled during the Third Crusade; and it is here that the minstrel Blondel is said to have discovered his master. There is a magnificent view from the castle.