Gasthof Sänger Blondel

For reasonably priced accommodations in the fairy-tale village of Dürnstein, the Gasthof Sänger Blondel offers pleasant rooms, wonderful food, and a great warmth of welcome from Johann and Walpurga Schendl whose family who have owned the home since 1730. The gasthof’s name is based on the legend of Richard the Lionheart’s faithful servant, Sänger Blondel, who discovered his master was imprisoned in Dürnstein castle by playing Richard’s favorite song beneath his window. When the king’s voice joined in the refrain, the English knew where he was hidden. The inn is enchanting from the first glance—an immaculately kept, pretty yellow house with white trim and dark-green shutters. Wisteria drapes the exterior, potted plants soften the front, and geraniums cascade from windowboxes. The gracious Schendl family gives personal attention to each guest and will help in planning tours of the surrounding countryside. Several of the staff, at the inn for almost 20 years, know the special requests of returning guests who have become like family, while the same minstrel has been playing his zither in the gasthof for over 20 years. There are several attractive dining rooms plus alovely enclosed garden where you can dine outside, shaded by four chestnut trees, and look up at Dürnstein’s whimsical church steeple. The pleasant guestrooms vary in size and are priced accordingly. The hotel offers a 10% discount if you stay 7 days or more.