Starhembergwarte

The Starhembergwarte is a ten-metre-high observation tower standing on the summit of the Schlossberg above the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in Lower Austria. The hill itself reaches 564 metres above sea level, and the tower was built in its present form in 1895. It takes its name from Camillo Heinrich Prince of Starhemberg, who owned the land at the time. The site overlooks the Danube valley and the Wachau region, with vineyards and forested slopes stretching away in every direction. The first wooden tower was erected in 1882 by the Krems-Stein section of the Austrian Tourist Club, but it deteriorated within a decade. The present stone structure was designed by Josef Utz jun., the city architect of Krems, and opened in August 1895. After damage in the First World War the tower was neglected until restored in 1925. Further repairs were carried out in 1987 and 1988 to keep the observation deck safe for visitors. A visitor climbs a short flight of stone steps to reach the viewing platform. From here the Wachau’s terraced vineyards lie directly below, and the Danube appears as a silver ribbon winding through the valley. On clear days the view extends to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle and the forested hills of the Dunkelsteinerwald. The climb is gentle, and the tower is open all year, offering a quiet spot to watch the changing light over the landscape.