Climbing the Ruins at Dürnstein

Yesterday we took a long bus tour down the Donau to Melk, Willandorf and Dürnstein. It was the first day where it really hit me that I was truly in a foreign place and not just another city where people speak a different language. We saw old castles, plenty of the Donau, and the ancient ruins at Dürnstein. Great trip.

Inside the church at Melk, complete with choir

The awesome library at Melk

Am I an intellectual yet?

After Melk we went to Willandorf, which was the site of the discovery of the Venus of Willandorf, a 25,000 year old figurine believed to be a fertility symbol. While the discovery itself was quite amazing, Willandorf doesn't have anything really special to offer aside from being another - albeit beautiful and quaint - town on the Donau.

We did, however, take a stop to hang out on the banks of the Donau.

Donau

Having a beer on the bank of the Donau. Life is good.

Love this picture. After wandering back from the beach I decided that it was imperative that I climb this tree and finish my beer in it. This led an Italian to ask someone in our group - 100% seriously - if it was a cultural thing for Americans to drink beer in trees. I'm leaving my mark here.

When I was finished being a monkey, we set off for the town of Dürnstein and its ruins.

Our goal

Halfway up, looking out over the valley

We saw a lot of climbers on our way, the craggy rocks are just perfect for climbing. I of course couldn't resist, and bypassed about a quarter of the trail up the mountain by climbing up a rock face. So much fun, I wish I had my gear here with me.

Ancient well on the way up

Reaching the ruins

View from the top

I need to stop doing this

Finally, here is a video of the view from the top of the ruins. Amazing hike, fabulous view.