The castle is in ruins and it was decided to leave it that way by the people of Duernstein. It is famous for being the place where Richard the Lionhearted of England was held prisoner. Peter managed to hike all the way to the top and found fallen masonry, weeds and steep rough formed steps on slippery paths.
I took the quieter option of a walking tour of Duernstein
and fell in love with the place.
The streets were cobblestone and the shops quaint.
This graveyard was beautiful. The plots were owned by a
family and contained the remains of many people. In the past, bones were dug up and stored in the 'Bone Room' which is viewable through a metal gate, to allow for more room for burials. The bones (hundreds of them) are neatly stacked to a height of 2 metres along 3 walls of the small room. I found it fascinating...Peter won't look at the photo though.
The blue church tower was a gorgeous splash
of colour in the walled, ancient city which is known for producing wine, schnapps and apricots.
When you mix the apricot pulp with the schnapps you get apricot liqueur which warms you up quite well and played its part in killing the cold germs that I'd picked up from other passengers!
The grapes are grown on the sides of the
mountains and the terraces remind you of Asian rice paddies. They are very steep, with each row of vines being a metre above the one below.
Last view of Duernstein.
Duernstein and Melk are situated in the
Wachau Valley, a 16km stretch of river in which the growing conditions for grapes and apricots is perfect. The scenery along this stretch of river is not to be missed...unless you've caught such a bad cold from the other guests that you have to lie down with the shivers and a headache. Never mind, Peter captured the moment and I occasionally opened an eye to see the view, even though it hurt!
The next stop was Melk, another medieval town in the Wachau Valley. Since 1089 it has been the site of a Benedictine monastery, founded by Leopold 11, which has been rebuilt several times over the years. Today's architecture dates from the beginning of the 18th century (1701 - 1726).
The Abby entrance.
Aby courtyard.
Inside the church. 
The Abby from the town.
Looking back at Melk from the river.
Another view of the Abby, showing just how large it is.
The streets of Melk.
Inside the church again, looking up at the ceiling.
Walking back to the ship. Just a pretty view!
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