Rotes Tor

3D Model

The Red Gate in Spitz an der Donau is the last remaining part of the medieval fortifications that once protected the town from attack. It is often referred to as the Hunger Gate because it served as an important defensive point during the Swedish invasions in the Thirty Years’ War, and the population sought refuge through this gate or left the town in times of great need. The name “red” can be traced back either to the gate’s former color or to bloody events associated with it in local tradition. The gate itself consists of massive stone walls and a characteristic round-arched passageway and is located slightly elevated on the northern edge of the town center, nestled in the slopes of the castle hill. From here, there is a wide view over the Danube valley, the Tausendeimerberg hill, and the terraced vineyards of the Wachau region. Today, the Red Gate is not only a popular photo motif, but also an atmospheric starting point for hikes and an important part of cultural history tours.