Ruine Aggstein is a 12th-century fortress on a 300-meter rocky promontory directly above the Danube in the Wachau. Built by the Kuenringer lords to control river toll rights, it was one of the most strategically visible and militarily secure castles in medieval Lower Austria. The ruins are substantial and the views are exceptional. Open April-October; check ruineaggstein.at for current hours and admission. By car from Krems or Melk 20-30 minutes; accessible by Danube cycling path with a steep climb from the river.
castle in Wachau
Ruine Aggstein
Ruine Aggstein is the most dramatically positioned castle ruin in the Wachau: a 12th-century fortress on a narrow rocky promontory 300 meters above the Danube, built so precisely over the river that anyone approaching by water could see it from kilometers away. That was the point.
- Type
- castle
- Destination
- Wachau
- Cost
- Paid entry
- Founded
- 12th century
- Era
- Medieval
- Address
- Aggstein, 3642 Aggsbach Dorf, 3601 Wachau
- Coordinates
- 48.3139, 15.4216
- Official website
- Visit website