Natural Environment
The National Park is characterized by its unique floodplain landscape.
The Donau-Auen National Park preserves the last great floodplain landscape in Central Europe, between the European metropolises of Vienna and Bratislava. The Danube, which still flows freely here, is the lifeline and dynamic creative force, that shapes an abundance of habitats. The protected area thus ensures the survival of numerous endangered species.
With an area of 9,615 ha, the National Park extends over two federal provinces: Lower Austria and Vienna.
65% alluvial forest
15% meadows
20% waterbodies
The Donau-Auen National Park was established in 1996 and recognised by the IUCN as a protected area under category II in 1997.
The Sections of the Danube in the National Park and in the Wachau region are the last free flowing stretches in Austria.
The National Park is characterized by its unique floodplain landscape.
The Donau-Auen National Park boasts 38 kilometres of protected wetlands territory as well as a free flowing section of the Danube river that’s around 36 km in length. It’s the natural course of the river itself, which is constantly changing, that ultimately shapes the face of the National Park. Its numerous bodies of water are connected to the river (depending on the water level) and create space for extensive, jungle-like alluvial forests between the tributaries and calm, oxbow lakes.
Dried gravel beds and meadows on the steppes, created by man in the middle of the forests, add to the mosaic of habitats.
Water is always the dominating element of the landscape: the Danube flows through the alluvial forest with overwhelming force during periods of high water. This creates gravel banks and tears steep walls in the river bank, which in turn introduces nutrients into the current. It’s this that makes the river a source of life as well as creative designer.
The fauna of the Danube floodplains is extraordinarily diverse.
The biodiversity of the Donau-Auen National Park is characteristic of riverside floodplains, which have become a rarity in Central Europe. This is what makes the National Park area one of the last refuges for rare species of mammals, breeding birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as a wide range of invertebrates.
Who ever observes skies and riverbank areas, won't wait long to spot white-tailed eagles, dice snakes and little ringed plovers. Thanks to encouragement of the natural course of the floodplain and renaturation projects, the protected area also contributes to the preservation of highly-endangered species, such as the dog-fish, the European pond turtel, the great capricorn beetle and the green club-tailed dragonfly.
In years gone by, the European pond turtel was caught in large numbers as it was a popular meal to enjoy during Lent. The reptile, which can reach an age of up to 60 years old, is under serious threat today. The Donau-Auen National Park is making an important contribution to saving the species from extinction thanks to the research carried out as well as improvement of the habitat conditions and the protection of their clutch of eggs.
The kingfisher is referred to as a “flying gem” because of its colour and shape. However, stream regulation and water pollution have caused a sharp fall in the population. The Danube Wetlands host the largest Austrian breeding grounds and therefore offer the best conditions for spotting the distinctive bird.
The long-lost dog-fish was rediscovered in the National Park area in 1992. The species, which is currently threatened with extinction, takes its name from it’s characteristic swimming style: the alternating movement of the large pectoral fins resembles the swimming motion of a dog.
Due to its diverse, closely integrated landscape structure the Donau-Auen National Park conceals a great wealth of plant species. At a closer look at the abundant flora, unique species, such as the seriously endangered black poplar, the Siberian iris, the wild grapevine as well as a relict population of water soldier can be spotted.
Thanks to its position on the Danube corridor, the National Park plays a special role in biodiversity and species conservation also in the pan-European context.
The black poplar appears as a riverside tree in the lowlands of large rivers and is one of the few tree crops, which can populate gravel banks. The trees, which can reach the ripe age of 300 years and develop bizarre, great habits, are important breeding grounds for large nest builders, such as black storks and white-tailed eagles. This is important as these are on the red list of endangered species in Austria.
The water soldier was once represented in large numbers in the swamps of the Marchfeld plain, but now you can only spot it in a few oxbow lakes of the Danube. As a result of stream regulations, the plant, which even in bloom protrudes no more than half way above the water, has been suppressed in many places. Today the species is threatened with extinction.
The Siberian iris dominates the face of the Danube wet meadows when in bloom in May and June. As it only grows at sites that are first mowed in late summer and are not fertilised, the species has now become seriously endangered.
Whether you opt for a ranger-led expedition, an atmospheric hike, a stroll along the riverbank or participating in the colourful family and workshop programme: a visit to the Donau-Auen National Park always provides an escape from everyday life.
The striking bee-eater with its colourful plumage looks like an exotic bird of paradise, however is a common breeding bird in south-eastern Europe. It is very specialized in its breeding sites, which is why a breeding wall was built especially for it by the National Park in 2014, which can be easily observed from the Haslau Nature Walk. The circular trail at the boundary area of the National Park with interactive stations is particularly suitable for families.
The Orth region is one of the most extensive flootplains of the National Park. Numerous streams run through it - here the river forms gravel islands, tears down embankments, carries along driftwood and reminds us of its original shape and power. The circular trail offers an exciting hike through various landscapes of the floodplain.
Boat tours provide the opportunity to experience the River Danube and the waterboedies of its wetlands close up. Whether it be a canoe/rubber dinghy trip along the oxbow lakes or tour downstream: learning about the flora and fauna from the water is an extraordinary experience. National park rangers accompany visitors on specialist tours to guarantee that no natural secret remains undisclosed.
Uncover the secrets of the floodplain by tracking the footsteps of those who live there: this is facilitated by the variety of information and visitor offers provided at the Donau-Auen National Park.
National Park Lounge and „Schlossinsel“ Floodplain Adventure Area.
The schlossORTH National Park Centre provides new perspectives on the floodplain and offers broad visitor information. The multimedia “DonAUräume” exhibition allows visitors to experience the history of the National Park as well as providing information on how it’s run today. This as well as the National Park Lounge and the “Schlossinsel” floodplain adventure site invite visitors to explore and enjoy. An exhibition displayed in the observation tower: “Eavesdrop on nature” – that ist all about sounds in nature. A visit to the National Park shop and the opportunity to book guided tours are just some of the great ways you can enhance your trip.
Contact
schlossORTH National Park Centre
Schlossplatz 1, 2304 Orth an der Donau
Tel.: +43 (2212) 3555
Visitor Centre for the Viennese part of the Donau-Auen National Park.
The visitor centre for the Viennese section of the Donau-Auen National Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature and relax away from the busy city. The National Park exhibitions “tonAU” and “AU-Kino” as well as the special exhibitions that change each year provide in-depth insights into the flora and fauna of the protected area. The generous garden with an adventure play area and picnic benches provide the perfect opportunity to relax – special exclusive tours (that can be booked on site) allow visitors to make further discoveries.
Contact
wien-lobAU National Park House
Dechantweg 8, 1220 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 4000 49495
The Marchfeld Hunting Castle Eckartsau can look back on a long tradition. Today this castle, which was once the residence of the last Austrian imperial couple, forms part of the Donau-Auen National Park and is a venue for numerous National Park programmes, as well as the “W|LD°WECHSEL” exhibition. The extensive castle park, which includes an observation lodge and imperial road, invites visitors to spend time relaxing and enjoying nature.
Contact
Österreichische Bundesforste AG
Donau-Auen National Park Office
Schloss Eckartsau, A-2305 Eckartsau
Tel.: +43 (2214) 2240
Nationalpark Donau-Auen GmbH
Schloss Orth, Schlossplatz 1
2304 Orth an der Donau
Tel.: +43 (2212) 3450
nationalpark@donauauen.at
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