Durnstein for a few hours
 

I am in the middle of booking private transporation from Vienna to Prague with a stop in Cesky Krumlov for a few hours. I am now thinking of adding Durnstein as well. I figure we would be able to spend 2 - 1/2 hours there. the car service suggested Melk abbey as another stopover but I don't think my husband would be interested in another castle/ palace. Just walking around durstein, taking in the natural beauty would be great

Is this not enough time?

thanks

Yes--It would be another great stop on the way to Vienna. You could have lunch. Richard

Durnstein is in the Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic areas of Europe. Durnstein itself is quite small, but yes, it's worth a stop. This area is filled with charming small towns and hillside wineries. Melk abbey is quite spectacular and you could easily spend a few hours there also.

Both are good stops but the Abbey at Melk is spectacular--that would be my choice.

Dürnstein is a small village however with some good things to see and quite interesting. Many buildings from the 13th- 14th century still remain on the short main street only for foot traffic. 2 1/2 hours makes a good time for things to see.

www.duernstein.at

the castle ruins above it where Richsrd of England held for rasnsonmin the 1100s.
The Stift Church worth a visit - it celebrates its 600th anniversary this year. A fine terrace with views of the Danube too.
The small friedhof ( cemetary ) is quite interesting too.
Numerous small shops with various goods - schnaps , good winre too.
Places like Böhmer winery with testing , and other productd from schnaps to honey .
The Domane Wachau winery in the town with fine wine to test and tours available

Restaurants with dining terraces by the danube at Schloss Dürnstein , Richard Lowenherz hotel and also at the fine heuriger (wine tavern ) Alte klosterkeller after 3 PM- this with fine wine , and a suberb view over the vineyards to the danube.
The winre there superb from the Mittelbach winery close by .
A nice promenade along the Danube for an relaxing walk too.

While Stift melk is unique , the small village of Dürnstein ofers much for the visitor.

Thanks so much for the responses. Sounds like Durstein is a go - however, we will probably be there first thing in the morning and will not be able to stay for lunch. We will depart Vienna 8AM and (correct me if I am wrong - but of course you will!) the drive to Durnstein is one hour. Two hours in Durnstein, two hour drive to Cesky Krumlov, four hours in Cesky Krumlov and then two hour plus drive to Prague. Sounds like a lot of driving and a long day...he said it was bit of a detour.

Vienna to Dürnstein takes about 1 hour 15 minutes depending on your departure point in Vienna.
Leaving at 8 AM once out of Vienna , most traffic is headed into the city ( local rush hour ) so hopefully an easy drive - most direct route is A- 22 then onward to S- 5 becoming S-3 at Krems .

Dürnstein- Cesky Krumlov takes about 2 1/2 hours depending on route tken -
one with following the Danube more scenic to Linz but longer .

Dürnstein will have a parking lot at each end - the center a pedestrian zone except for local residents and those staying in the few hotels .
From parking area a short 5 minute walk to the center - but your driver csn bring you up to the town gate and then turn around to park saving you a little time -mostly things along one street and by the Church-
admission to the Church complex is 2,60 euro currently - but worth it to me .

Not really much of a detour