City Walking Tour through the Historical Center of Stein

Over the centuries, Danube trade has made a definite mark on Stein, the sister city of Krems. Ships did not land there simply to pick up wine. Shipments were also always exchanged at riverside and made Stein a center of trade.  Many factors coincided to bring about the rapid rise of the town. Among other advantages, Stein had a monopoly as a salt store and exported wine to Bavaria and southern Germany. In 1401/02, over one of fourth of all wine exported from Lower Austria was channeled through Stein.
 
Although the first documented mention of Stein was in 1072, about 80 years after Krems, the toll crossing (urfahr) to Mautern is older, a well-fortified place across from Mautern indirectly substantiated by the Raffelstätter Zollordnung, a set of customs regulations from 903 to 907.
 
 Finds at Ried Altenburg in Stein also confirm a Slavic settlement from the 6^th century onward. Rapid urban development occurred in the late 11^th century, with growth restricted only by the inherent physical traits of the site. The space between the vineyards and the Danube was limited to say the least. Prior to flood control measures, it often measured only a few meters in width.
 
The burghers and burgesses cultivated international trade relations and their prosperity still manifests itself in the townscape. Richly ornate portals, figurative decoration, flat and round oriels and wall murals all attest to the successful trade conducted by the town. We also find spacious rooms in the homes that feature colorful wooden ceilings and many other signs of growing wealth.
 
In recent years, the Kunstmeile and Danube University have set vibrant new accents for the future of Stein. Over 200,000 passengers disembark at the landing stage each year to enjoy the picturesque historical center and its culinary and cultural offerings. 
 
Start at Göttweigerhof, Göttweigerhofgasse No. 7