Ruine Hinterhaus

The ruin of Hinterhaus stands on a rocky spur of the Jauerling above Spitz on the Danube in Lower Austria. First recorded in 1243, it is almost a thousand years old. The site is divided into three separate parts: a lower northeastern outer ward, the main castle that occupies most of the ridge, and a southwestern outer ward. The oldest part, the main castle, already existed in the 12th century. From the 13th to the 14th century the knights of Spitz held the castle, themselves vassals of the Kuenringers. Local tales say the ghost of Adelheid, wife of Heinrich the Iron, still appears each year on the anniversary of his death. After her passing Heinrich quickly remarried, breaking the customary year of mourning, and died soon afterwards; many saw this as punishment for his behaviour. Visitors walk freely through the open ruins. The main castle’s walls frame sweeping views over the Wachau and the Danube. The lower outer ward and the southwestern section preserve earthworks and foundations from later centuries. The vineyard called Tausendeimerberg lies close by, producing a set harvest each year.