Dürrenstein, Mountain summit in Lower Austria, Austria.
Dürrenstein is a 1,878 meter (6,162 ft) high summit in the northern limestone Alps with extensive limestone formations. The mountain sits within a large forest protection area that stretches across several valleys.
The mountain was disputed between Carthusian monks from Gaming and Benedictine monks from Admont Abbey for several centuries. These abbeys held significant influence over the region's economy and land management during the Middle Ages.
The Dürrenstein-Lassingtal area protects one of Europe's largest beech forests in its natural state. Visitors walking through this woodland can experience the diversity and character of a landscape shaped by nature rather than human activity.
Multiple marked hiking trails lead to the summit, with most routes taking 3 to 5 hours of walking time. The nearby Ybbstalerhütte mountain refuge offers rest and overnight shelter for hikers along the way.
The nearby Grünloch sinkhole holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in Austria at minus 52.6 degrees Celsius. This natural cavity acts like a freezer because cold air becomes trapped there naturally.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
