Hello All-
We would like to go to Durnstein from Vienna on May 1st. What is the best way to get there? There are 6 of us. We heard that they raise the Maypole on May 1 and we would like to see and celebrate. Thanks, Dan
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2126 posts
Trains from Vienna Hbf go to the town of Krems an der Donau with a change of trains in St.Polten in about 1:15. From Krems an der Donau the hourly VOR Bus #720 reaches Durnstein in less than 15 minutes. There also is the Niederosterreich Bahnen, a narrow-gauge train making the short journey from Krems to Durnstein four times daily. Taxis also are an option. Krems is about four miles from tiny Durnstein and has a fascinating medieval old town, so plan to spend some time in both locations.
Durnstein’s castle ruins above the town is where England’s King Richard-the-Lionheart, on his way back from one of the crusades, was held prisoner for a few months until a ransom was paid.
Then it was back to England
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1402 posts
We were in Dürnstein last year 1 May for the Maibaumaufstellen. We were staying in Dürnstein and got to the Fest by the Kloster early around 10:00am. Some people were dressed in Tracht and early on it was mostly local folks. They used traditional poles to raise the Maibaum with many Bier breaks. There was a local traditional band and they sold drinks, cakes, Bratwürste and other food. Bierbanks to sit at. It was fun for us similar to home in Bayern. The later it got the more tourists arrived. I would check with the tourist office for this year.
Posted by
2280 posts
There also is the Niederosterreich Bahnen, a narrow-gauge train making the short journey from Krems to Durnstein ...
This is a regular-gauge train line which has been taken over by Niederösterreich Bahnen after OeBB (Austrian Railways) had ceased to service this (non-profitable) Wachau Bahn route.
I would suggest to go by train to Dürnstein. Departing in Vienna from Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof at 8am (REX 4 - 9556), arriving in Krems/Donau at 9:08am, continuing at 9:15am (WHB - R16950), arriving in Dürnstein/Oberloiben at 9:30am. (The next connection is two hours later, i.e. dep. 10am, arr. 11:30am.)
You should buy the tickets for the Wachau Bahn well in advance.
https://www.wachaubahn.at/en/timetable-wachaubahn
If the train from Vienna to Krems has two decks I recommend sitting in the upper deck for having a much better view.
Posted by
OP
Rockford, IL, USA
98 posts
Thanks for the info everyone. Does the Osterreich Bahnen have an app like the Deutsche Bahn (DB)?
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8260 posts
Yes, just look for ÖBB Tickets in the App Store (or Google Play). Or follow this link: https://www.oebb.at/en/tickets-kundenkarten/online-mobile-ticketing/oebb-app
By the way, Durnstein is one of the most charming towns I have traveled to. I loved my day trip here, and one of these days I will get back again. Enjoy your trip there!