Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel Schloss Dürnstein is a 5-star hotel and restaurant housed in a historic baroque castle overlooking the Danube in Austria’s Wachau Valley.

The address is 3601 Dürnstein 2, Wachau, Austria.

You can reach the team by phone at +43 2711 212, by email at hotel@schloss.at, or through the website www.schloss.at.

Guests can choose between various rooms and suites inside the castle and the separate Villa Schönthal for added privacy.

Guests reside in centuries-old castle rooms within the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau, enjoy panoramic Danube views, and experience 5-star comfort combined with regional culture and gastronomy.

The property features the Terrace Restaurant by Georg Pomassl for lunch and dinner as well as a castle breakfast service.

Yes, the restaurant is open to everyone, not just hotel guests.

It reopens on 27 March 2026 so guests can once again enjoy meals with the famous view.

Table reservations are usually possible the same morning of the desired day.

The buffet offers pastries, croissants, freshly pressed juices, honey, jams and sparkling wine, while an étagère brings cold cuts, cheeses, spreads, fruit and vegetables; hot drinks and egg dishes of your choice are also served.

The Schloss-Spa provides a Day Spa, Late Spa and quiet relaxation areas, offering guests a place to withdraw, unwind and breathe deeply.

The Day Spa is open daily from 08:00 to 19:30.

Late Spa is a shorter evening option for guests with limited time, running from 16:00 to 19:30.

Yes, Day Spa bookings are available for anyone seeking a full day of relaxation, even without an overnight stay.

Both Day Spa and Late Spa sessions can be booked online via the hotel’s website.

Yes, the hotel offers vouchers that can be purchased directly through the "GUTSCHEINE" section of the website.

The Royal Midweek package invites guests to stay four nights from Sunday to Thursday and receive one of those nights free of charge.

The hotel organises boat tours, sports, picnics, art and culture outings, and other events that showcase the Wachau region.

Yes, dedicated wine tastings allow guests to sample regional Wachau wines.

Yes, the venue hosts weddings, celebrations (Feste & Feiern) and meetings (Tagungen) in its historic spaces.

Guests can also relax in the Bar & Lobby and the castle library.

Content is available in German (DE), English (EN) and Czech (CS).

Yes, boat tours on the Danube are listed among the hotel’s activity options.

The "Sport" programme lets guests stay active during their Wachau visit.

The property is personally managed by Maria-Katharina Thiery-Schroll and Christian Thiery together with their team.

The Terrace Restaurant is overseen by chef Georg Pomassl.

Yes, the hotel maintains official Facebook (FB) and Instagram (INSTA) accounts, accessible through the icons on the website.

Table reservations can be completed online via the "BOOKaTable" link on the hotel’s website.

Yes. You can reserve rooms online at any time via the “BUCHEN” button on www.schloss.at, or alternatively by phone or email.

Yes. The castle stands in Austria’s Wachau Valley, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape.

Yes. “Picknick” is listed among the hotel’s organised activity options, letting guests enjoy an outdoor meal while exploring the Wachau landscape.

No. The Terrace Restaurant operates seasonally and is scheduled to resume service on 27 March 2026 after its winter break.

The Royal Midweek offer allows guests to stay four consecutive nights from Sunday to Thursday while paying for only three of those nights, giving one complimentary night within the stay.

The main castle hotel closes each year from the end of October until the end of March; however, the Tor Zimmer in the annex and the Villa Schönthal remain bookable, and breakfast at the Schloss Greisslerei can be added.

No. The wellness area, pool landscape and bicycle rental are closed between the end of October and the end of March.

Schloss Greisslerei is open every day from 08:00 to 20:00 with no rest day.

Yes. The Schloss Greisslerei online shop sells the house-made Wachauer Marillen Marmelade in 80 g, 180 g and 280 g jars.

Yes. Guests can assemble a custom picnic basket or backpack online and pick it up for outings in the Wachau.

The wellness area, pool landscape and bicycle rental operate from the end of March until the end of October; they are closed between the end of October and the end of March.

The castle offers several Deluxe suite types: Tor Suite Deluxe, Schloss Suite Deluxe, Historische Suite Deluxe, Turm Suite Deluxe and Balkon Suite Deluxe, each individually designed within the historic walls.

Villa Schönthal accommodates up to 8 guests in 130 m² of living space with two bedrooms, additional sofa beds, a 20 m² terrace and a spacious garden. Amenities include a private sauna, wine cellar, kitchen, fireplace, outdoor grill area, air-conditioning, Vi-Spring beds, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and full 5-star hotel service.

Yes. Guests can hire bicycles on site between the end of March and the end of October, the same period in which the pool and wellness facilities operate.

Küffer Keller is a relaxed lakeside spot just a few steps from the castle where guests can enjoy food and drinks by the pond. It is open Monday to Saturday from 5:30 p.m. during the season from May through October.

The hotel is located at 48°23'45.8" N, 15°31'08.3" E (48.3969683, 15.5179972), which can be entered into any navigation system for precise directions.

The converted attic conference room can host meetings for up to 30 people, and the hotel team will gladly prepare a customised programme on request.

For the 2026 season (28 March – 25 October) Schloss-Frühstück is available daily from 07:30 to 10:00.

Two summer events are listed: Sonnenwende on 20 June 2026 from 18:30 and Lichterschwemme on 27 June 2026 from 18:30. Seats can be reserved online through the “BOOKaTable” section of the website.

Yes. Guests can work out in a small, private fitness room inside the hotel that is quietly situated and equipped with all the essential training machines and free weights needed for a gentle full-body workout.

Yes. The hotel’s ‘Aktiv Sein’ programme directs guests to the nearby Donaubucht at Oberloiben, where modern canoe and stand-up paddleboard equipment as well as an experienced guiding team are available.

Schloss Greisslerei is situated at 3601 Dürnstein 32, just a short walk from the castle. You can reach the bistro and shop by phone at +43 2711 212 666 or by email at greisslerei@schloss.at.

The Greisslerei stocks a wide range of house-made and regional specialties, including wild-game delicacies, smoked meats, goat and sheep dairy items, pestos, sauces, the famous Wachauer apricot jam, fruit juices, Wachau wines, local beer and spirits.

Yes. The Schloss Greisslerei online shop features more than 40 regional items—from apricot jam and wild-garlic pesto to local wines—which can be ordered directly through the website.

Yes. The DDSG shipping line operates day excursions that bring guests by boat from Vienna directly to Dürnstein, allowing an easy and scenic arrival on the Danube.

Schloss Greisslerei serves breakfast and brunch until 11:00 a.m., and offers hot dishes continuously from 12:00 noon until closing at 8:00 p.m.

The bistro presents a seasonally changing menu featuring house-made pasta, smoked specialities, red-wine cake and other regional Wachau dishes.

Yes. Schloss Greisslerei sells hotel-branded items such as a beige cap embroidered with the Hotel Schloss Dürnstein crest, available online for €28.

Breakfast and brunch are offered daily in the bistro until 11:00 a.m., with the shop and bistro remaining open until 8:00 p.m.

During the hotel season the Terrace Restaurant serves guests from 12:00 to 15:00 and again from 18:30 to 22:30, with the kitchen taking orders from 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:30 to 21:00.

The bar opens daily at 18:00 throughout the operating season of the hotel.

Tasting sessions feature the region’s three protected quality levels – Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd – allowing guests to compare the classic Wachau styles side by side.

They are held in the castle’s 400-year-old historic wine cellar located beneath the main building.

The Wachau lies in the warm Pannonian climate zone, whose sunny, dry conditions contribute to the distinctive elegance of the local Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Yes. The “Day Spa inklusive Frühstück” package is available daily during the 2026 spa season (28 March – 25 October) from 08:00 to 19:30 and combines full-day spa access with the castle breakfast service.

Yes. When ordering in the online voucher shop you may add a personal dedication and request a printed voucher with brochures to be mailed to your chosen address.

The voucher webshop accepts major credit cards and PayPal for secure online payment.

The “Frühling in Bewegung” (Spring in Motion) special offer provides a €50 culinary credit (Genussguthaben) for your stay and features the Küffer Keller Grillheuriger experience.

For 2026 the main castle hotel welcomes guests from 27 March 2026 (check-in from 15:00) until 26 October 2026 (check-out by 11:00).

No. The Terrace Restaurant operates every day throughout the hotel season and observes no weekly closing day.

Yes. Even during the hotel’s winter closure (end of October to end of March), the Schloss Greisslerei shop and bistro remain open every day from 08:00 to 20:00, allowing winter guests and day visitors to enjoy breakfast and purchase regional products.

Schloss Greisslerei is the hotel’s standalone bistro and delicatessen at 3601 Dürnstein 32, just a short walk from the castle. Open daily from 08:00 to 20:00, it serves breakfast and continuous hot dishes, sells over 40 house-made and regional products, provides picnic baskets, and stocks branded souvenirs.

The Wachauer Advent is a festive Christmas market highlighted by Austria’s first and only floating Advent market on the illuminated Adventschiff. Regional handicrafts, Wachau delicacies and atmospheric lights transform Dürnstein’s old town, the abbey courtyard and the castle surroundings into a unique winter wonderland that hotel guests can easily explore on foot.

Even in winter, the woods and vineyard terraces around Dürnstein offer picturesque hiking trails. Guests can choose gentle riverside strolls along the Danube, longer vineyard hikes with panoramic valley views, or romantic paths through the medieval old town—all starting just outside the castle gates.

Yes. Schloss Greisslerei is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00 for both hotel guests and day visitors, who are welcome to enjoy breakfast, continuous hot dishes and the delicatessen’s regional products even when the main castle hotel is closed.

Yes. Guests can swim in the outdoor pool located in the castle garden, relax in the indoor pool (Hallenbad) and warm up in the spa sauna in addition to enjoying quiet relaxation areas.

For 2026 the Schloss-Spa runs from 28 March through 25 October, matching the hotel’s main operating months.

Between the end of October and the end of March, breakfast is not served in the main castle; guests booked in the Tor Zimmer annex or in Villa Schönthal can instead add the Schloss Greisslerei bistro breakfast, located a short walk away.

Hotel Schloss Dürnstein cooperates with several nearby estates, including Domäne Wachau in Dürnstein, Weingut-Heuriger Mang in Weißenkirchen, Weingut Böhmer in Dürnstein and Weingut Markus Mayer in Unterloiben. Tastings or visits to these partner wineries can be organised through the hotel team.

Recommended partners include Marillerl for unique Wachau experiences, Wachaupur for wine-focused excursions by land or water, and Segway Wachau for sightseeing on two wheels. The concierge will gladly help guests book any of these guided tours.

Via the "Bootstouren Wachau" partner, guests may book trips in traditional Zillen boats as well as water-ski or wakeboard sessions; snacks and Wachau wines can be arranged on board upon request. Enquiries can be made directly with the hotel’s activities desk.

No. The hotel advises that late check-outs are not possible on 26 October 2026; all guests are asked to depart that morning as the property closes for the winter break.

For stays between 27 March and 26 October 2026, check-in is available from 15:00 and check-out is requested by 11:00.

For the 2026 season, the Terrace Restaurant (Donau-Terrasse) opens for dinner on 27 March 2026 and remains in service through 25 October 2026.

Yes. Although Küffer Keller closes as a grill venue from early October until the new summer season, it can still be reserved as an ideal location for Christmas celebrations during that period.

The Circle Grill features one round table by the fire that seats up to twelve guests.

The hotel is presently seeking an Oberkellner (head waiter); applications can be sent to jobs@schloss.at.

Schloss Dürnstein was built at the beginning of the 17th century by the Princes of Starhemberg. The castle still carries the character of baroque architecture and the history of past centuries.

Schloss Dürnstein has been owned by the Thiery family since 1937. Today, Johannes Christian Thiery and Maria Katharina Thiery-Schroll continue to run the hotel in the family tradition.

The hotel offers 45 royal rooms and suites. It also features a luxury villa that can be booked exclusively year-round.

The Ruine Dürnstein is located nearby. The site is associated with Richard the Lionheart and is presented as part of the area’s historical significance.

Yes. The hotel states that the wine served at the castle comes directly from its own wine cellar.

The legal notice states that the website is not fully functional for people with physical impairments, including limitations related to sight, hearing or motor skills. The hotel says it is willing to explain its offers through other channels.

Yes. The Bar & Lobby welcomes external guests as well as hotel guests and is open daily from 18:00.

The Bar & Lobby serves Wachau wines, champagne, Wachau apricot juice and signature drinks such as the Schloss Bellini and Dürnstein Tonic.

Yes. When guests want something small to eat, the bar serves selected small dishes intended for sharing and enjoying together.

For celebrations, the hotel supports guests from planning through to the end of the event. The service includes creating a memorable menu and a supporting programme suited to the Wachau setting.

Yes. The hotel FAQ states that the restaurant is open to all guests for breakfast or dinner. Guests are asked to reserve a table through BOOKaTable.

Yes. The hotel is described as being directly on the Danube in a quiet setting with no traffic, no noise and no hectic atmosphere. It is presented as a place for calm, space and views of the surrounding landscape.

Hotel guests can join a small journey through the wine cellar daily at 18:00, starting with a glass of sparkling wine at the hotel bar. The tasting includes two special white wines: Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The listed price is €18 per person.

The imprint lists DI Christian Thiery as the managing director of Hotel Schloss Dürnstein GmbH. The company is registered under Firmenbuchnummer FN 281 552y and UID number ATU 628 11 425.

The listed gastronomy partners include Fesslhütte in Dürnstein, described as a food stop for hiking with local cuisine, and Gasthof Prankl in Spitz, described as a restaurant with a garden.

Yes. The wine tasting information says guests can taste excellent Wachau wines and also discover international rarities in the more than 400-year-old historic cellar vault.

The wine tasting page includes a booking link for a wine tasting in the 400-year-old wine cellar. The link points to https://www.schlosswachau.at.

Yes. The rooms and suites are described as individual refuges where no two rooms are alike. They combine historic structures with contemporary comfort, antique furniture, modern accents, high-quality materials and carefully selected details.

The kitchen combines regional ingredients with creative craftsmanship. The dining experience is accompanied by wines that reflect the character of the Wachau region.

The rooms and suites may offer views of the Danube or the surrounding vineyards. The hotel describes these views as part of the special atmosphere of each room.

Schloss Dürnstein is described as having been part of the Wachau for centuries. The hotel presents itself as a living part of the region, where wine culture, baroque art, European history, and modern hospitality come together.

The Best of Wachau Goldclub offer applies from stays of 3 nights. It includes a varied experience programme as well as an individual Gold and direct-booker bonus, with selected regional experiences such as tastings, a traditional Zille boat trip or a winery tour.

The apricot blossom cannot be dated exactly because it depends on nature. It usually takes place between mid-March and mid-April and lasts only about 10 to 21 days.

Each spring, more than 100,000 apricot trees bloom in the Wachau, transforming the UNESCO World Heritage landscape into a fragrant white and pink sea of blossoms. Hotel Schloss Dürnstein describes itself as a prime riverside viewpoint for this seasonal spectacle.

Dürnstein is described as being in a top location not far from Vienna, directly in the Danube Valley among vineyards, the river and historic places. The Wachau offers space, quiet, nature, wine and time for guests who prefer to stay outside the city.

In addition to the Wachau, nearby wine-growing areas mentioned include Kremstal, Kamptal and Traisental. Each region is described as having its own character while sharing a passion for vines, wine and enjoyment.

Yes. The hotel’s "Salzburg, Prague & Wachau" page describes Schloss Dürnstein as the perfect stop on the route linking Vienna, Salzburg and Prague, offering travellers a comfortable midpoint in Central Europe.

The “Marille-Gold” offer features an exclusive picnic basket with Wachau delicacies for outings among the apricot orchards, a Sundowner on the Danube terrace with a glass of Wachau Riesling, and relaxation time in the Schloss Spa while the Wachau spring blossom unfolds.

Yes. A dedicated "Eventkalender 2026: Highlights in Dürnstein & der Wachau" page lists the key cultural and regional events throughout the year so guests can plan their visit accordingly.

Yes. A dedicated parking area is located directly inside the castle courtyard (“Parkplatz direkt im Schlosshof”) and is included free of charge for overnight guests.

Yes. The castle courtyard is equipped with electric charging stations (“Elektro-Ladestationen”) that guests may use for a fee.

Yes. Free Wi-Fi (“WIFI”) is listed among the standard benefits offered to all staying guests.

Yes. A generous castle breakfast is part of the standard inclusive benefits for all overnight guests.

Yes. The list of inclusive guest benefits specifies green-fee reductions at selected golf courses in Lower Austria.

Yes. The room inquiry form lists “Dog allowed” in the equipment options, indicating that certain rooms can accommodate guests travelling with dogs. Please mention this requirement when you make your reservation so an appropriate room can be assigned.

The hotel lists Transgourmet, Unfried, Höllerschmid, Artner and Eierhof Kreimel as trusted local producers and suppliers.

The Grillheuriger is named after architect Friedrich Küffer; stained-glass windows made by his father still adorn the building and tell the story of this special place.

The Bar & Lobby was completely redesigned for the 2025 season, giving the space a fresh and charming atmosphere.

Yes. The hotel has announced a closure week (Schließwoche) from 19 to 25 October 2026.

Yes. Although Villa Schönthal is booked as a private holiday home, guests can still make full use of all five-star services provided by Hotel Schloss Dürnstein.

Yes. Hotel guests may retreat to the terrace at any time, even when the restaurant is closed, to enjoy a glass of regional wine or a coffee while watching the Danube drift by.

No. The hotel-owned bicycles are available for cycling tours, but they must be rented for an additional charge.

The guided visit through the 400-year-old cellar takes about 20 minutes, including the tasting of two Wachau white wines and a welcome glass of sparkling wine.

The latest lunch and dinner menu is published online and can be viewed at https://menu.schloss.at/index.php?lang=en.

Yes. Guests relaxing in the castle’s indoor pool area are offered a complimentary cup of Ronnefeldt tea.

Villa Schönthal underwent a complete renovation in 2016 and is furnished in a classic style tailored to the historic building, accented with a modern, fresh touch.

The latest Küffer Keller food and beverage menu is published online and can be viewed anytime at https://menu.schloss.at/indexKK.php?lang=de/.

When sending an enquiry through the online contact form, simply tick the box "I would like to receive the newsletter" and submit the form; your address will be added to the mailing list.

From 27 March to 2 April 2026, stays of two nights or longer receive a 30 % discount. The offer also covers a welcome drink in the Schloss Greisslerei, daily castle breakfast, a small welcome gift in the room, courtyard parking, access to the castle spa (indoor and outdoor pools plus sauna), Wi-Fi and green-fee reductions at selected golf courses; EV charging is available for an extra fee.

The non-refundable Last Minute Castle Escape grants 15 % off when you book and pay within five days of arrival and includes a welcome drink in the Schloss Greisslerei, a small in-room welcome gift, free courtyard parking, access to the castle spa with indoor and outdoor pools plus sauna, complimentary Ronnefeldt tea in the pool area, Wi-Fi and green-fee discounts; EV charging is available for an additional fee.

Yes. During the winter break the Tor Rooms in the annex and the private Villa Schönthal remain bookable over the holidays, and breakfast can be added in the nearby Schloss Greisslerei.

Bookings made 90 days or more before arrival with full prepayment receive a 12 % discount. The rate is non-refundable but allows one free rebooking up to 30 days before arrival.

A Late Spa visit from 16:00 to 19:30 is priced at €35 per person.

The latest Schloss Greisslerei menu is available online at https://menu.schloss.at/indexGR.php?lang=de/.

Yes. The charging points are available to guests for an additional charge, as stated in the inclusions for current packages such as the Last Minute Castle Escape and Opening Week 2026 offers.

Current special-offer stays include a complimentary welcome drink in the Schloss Greisslerei and a small welcome gift placed in your room upon arrival.

Yes. In the online room inquiry form you can tick the "Balcony" option under Equipment; the reservations team will then assign you to a room that features its own balcony, subject to availability.

Staying guests receive free parking in the castle courtyard, a personal welcome greeting in their room, full access to the Schloss-Spa with indoor and outdoor pools and relaxation areas, a complimentary cup of Ronnefeldt tea in the indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and reduced green fees at selected Lower Austria golf courses.

Yes. All "Wachau Living" holiday apartments are available year-round and offer cosy accommodations even during the castle hotel’s winter closure.

The Dürnstein Tonic combines VSN Veltliner Sweet Natural with Schloss Gin, tonic water and fresh berries, creating a Wachau-inspired twist on a classic gin and tonic.

Guests are offered "Our Water", a pure Alpine spring water that the hotel bottles on site to avoid long transport routes and reduce environmental impact.

Yes. The drinks list features several non-alcoholic choices such as soda water, lemon or raspberry sodas, elderflower spritzer, various fruit juices and Fritz-Kola (including Superzero).

Yes. An outdoor wedding ceremony can be arranged on the Küffer Keller grounds in coordination with the local municipality. The site rental is €550 for a one-hour slot, and couples must organise an alternative indoor venue because Küffer Keller itself has no weather-backup option.

During the 2026 season Küffer Keller hosts a pop-up by Mama Liu & Sons, who prepare Chinese-inspired dishes on the venue’s wood-fired grill.

For any questions related to data protection, please email hotel@schloss.at or call +43 2711 212.

Besides the indoor and outdoor pools, the Schloss-Spa offers a compact sauna landscape that comprises a steam bath, an infrared cabin and a quiet relaxation zone.

The Schloss Restaurant serves lunch from 12:00 to 15:00 and dinner from 18:30 to 22:30, with the kitchen accepting orders between 12:00–14:00 and 18:30–21:00.

No. Küffer Keller is closed every Sunday throughout its season; it operates Monday to Saturday from 17:30 to 21:30 between May and October.

The drinks list shows that espresso-based coffees such as small or double espresso and Café Americano are prepared with JAVA coffee.

Yes. The online menu offers AI-assisted translations in Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Polish, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean in addition to the original German version.

No. During the annual winter closure from late October to late March, the lobby, bar and restaurant remain closed together with the main castle hotel.

For Küffer Keller enquiries or table reservations, please email grill@schloss.at or call +43 2711 212.

Hotel Schloss Dürnstein is led by siblings Maria-Katharina Thiery-Schroll and Johannes Christian Thiery, representing the third generation of family management.

Küffer Keller sits just a few steps from the castle, beside the pond with views of the Danube, providing a relaxed grill-tavern atmosphere close to the hotel grounds.

Comprehensive information on the private Villa Schönthal—including facilities, photos and availability—is available on its dedicated website at www.villawachau.at.

For payments via bank transfer please use Volksbank NÖ, IBAN AT34 4715 0301 5575 0000 and BIC VBOEATWWNOM, payable to Hotel Schloss Dürnstein GmbH at 3601 Dürnstein 2.