Austria

Donau-Auen National Park

Scroll down

Our Park in Numbers

1996

Year

Established in

Square Kilometers

Area Size

0.45

Million People

Visitors last year

Euros

Entry Fee

Donau-Auen National Park

Donau-Auen National Park is a vital floodplain ecosystem along the Danube River in Austria known for its rich biodiversity unique wetlands and rare species including beavers and kingfishers Visitors enjoy hiking birdwatching and canoeing while exploring historic water mills highlighting the park's role in conservation and cultural heritage

Orth Island viewpoint

Top things to see

1. Lobau Nature Reserve - rich wetlands with diverse flora and fauna

2. Danube Island - scenic spot for picnics and birdwatching

3. Alte Donau - historic oxbow lake ideal for kayaking and fishing

4. National Park Visitor Center - interactive exhibits and guided tours

5. Marchfeldkanal Trail - easy hike with views of floodplains and meadows

Top things to do

1. Canoe or kayak along the Danube to explore wetlands and spot wildlife up close

2. Join a guided birdwatching tour to learn about rare species and their habitats

3. Participate in a night walk to experience the park's nocturnal sounds and creatures

4. Try fishing in designated areas to connect with the river ecosystem

5. Attend a local workshop on traditional crafts or nature photography techniques

Climate

Donau-Auen National Park experiences mild winters and warm summers with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 25 degrees Celsius precipitation peaks in spring and summer with occasional floods and fog events

Official Website of the park

Throughout the seasons

Make sure to be prepared for every season when visiting the park

Spring

Highs

17.5

Lows

7.3

1. Spot blooming wildflowers along the Danube floodplains for vibrant spring colors 2. Take a guided boat tour to observe migratory birds returning to the park 3. Enjoy cycling on scenic trails through lush green meadows and forests 4. Join a nature walk to learn about the park's unique floodplain ecosystem 5. Have a picnic by the river while listening to the sounds of spring wildlife

Summer

Highs

27.3

Lows

16.3

1. Explore the Lobau hiking trails to discover diverse flora and fauna unique to the Donau-Auen wetlands 2. Join guided boat tours on the Danube to experience the park's rich aquatic ecosystems and birdlife 3. Camp at designated sites to enjoy peaceful nights surrounded by nature and the sounds of the river 4. Attend summer wildlife watching programs focusing on beavers storks and rare amphibians 5. Participate in educational workshops about wetland conservation and the park's natural history

Fall

Highs

17.5

Lows

8.3

1. Hike along the Danube floodplain trails to enjoy vibrant fall foliage and crisp autumn air 2. Spot migratory birds and deer preparing for winter in the park's diverse wetland habitats 3. Join guided autumn tours to learn about the park's unique floodplain ecosystem and seasonal changes 4. Explore the park's bike paths surrounded by colorful leaves and peaceful river views 5. Attend fall-themed events like birdwatching workshops or nature photography sessions

Winter

Highs

3.5

Lows

-1.5

1. Snowshoeing along frozen trails to explore the serene winter landscape and spot wildlife tracks 2. Ice skating on designated safe areas of the Danube River surrounded by frosted trees 3. Winter birdwatching to see species like white-tailed eagles and owls in their natural habitat 4. Guided night hikes to experience the quiet beauty of the park under a starry winter sky 5. Photography sessions capturing the contrast of icy waters and snow-covered floodplains

Getting Around

Explore Donau-Auen National Park by bike or on foot using marked trails and boardwalks enjoy boat tours or rent canoes to navigate the Danube River and its wetlands easily

Public Transport

To explore Donau-Auen National Park use regional trains to nearby towns then local buses or bike rentals to access trails and visitor centers within the park area.

Parking Lots

1. Orth an der Donau parking lot near visitor center

2. Stopfenreuth parking area close to hiking trails

3. Lobau parking lot with easy access to nature paths

4. Essling parking area near Danube river access

5. Kaiserebersdorf parking lot good for bike routes

Hiking in the park

Easy

Easy hikes in Donau-Auen National Park include the Lobau Trail 5 km with minimal elevation gain and the Alte Donau Loop 4 km mostly flat offering scenic river views perfect for beginners.

Moderate

Moderate hikes in Donau-Auen National Park include the Lobau Trail 10 km 150 m elevation gain and the Marchfeld Trail 12 km 200 m elevation gain offering scenic river views and diverse wildlife.

Strenuous

Donau-Auen National Park offers moderate hikes like the Lobau Trail 10 km 150 m gain and the Marchfeldkanal Loop 12 km 200 m gain with scenic river views and diverse wildlife.