Austria

Thayatal National Park

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Our Park in Numbers

2000

Year

Established in

Square Kilometers

Area Size

0.35

Million People

Visitors last year

Euros

Entry Fee

Thayatal National Park

Thayatal National Park straddles the Austria Czech border featuring rugged cliffs dense forests and the wild Thaya River It hosts diverse wildlife including lynx and eagles and offers hiking cycling and birdwatching Its unique geology and rich history make it vital for conservation and tourism.

Rote Wand viewpoint

Top things to see

1. Ruins of Hardegg Castle offering panoramic views of the Thaya River valley

2. Aussichtsturm lookout tower providing scenic vistas over the forested landscape

3. Hiking trail along the Thaya River with diverse flora and fauna sightings

4. The Devil's Cave a unique limestone cave with guided tours available

5. Wildflower meadows in spring showcasing rare plant species and vibrant colors

Top things to do

1. Join a guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife and experience the park after dark

2. Try rock climbing on designated cliffs for a thrilling view of the park's landscape

3. Participate in a birdwatching tour to identify rare and native species with an expert guide

4. Take part in a photography workshop focusing on capturing the park's unique flora and fauna

5. Explore the park by canoe or kayak on the Thaya River for a peaceful water adventure

Climate

Thayatal National Park experiences mild springs warm summers cool autumns and cold winters with average temperatures ranging from -2°C in winter to 25°C in summer precipitation is moderate with occasional heavy rain and snow in winter storms are rare but possible

Official Website of the park

Throughout the seasons

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

Spring

Highs

15.3

Lows

3.5

1. Hike the scenic trails to see blooming wildflowers and fresh green foliage 2. Birdwatch early morning to spot migratory species returning for spring 3. Explore the Thaya River banks for vibrant springtime wildlife activity 4. Enjoy a picnic in the meadows surrounded by blossoming trees and fresh air 5. Take guided tours to learn about the park's unique flora and fauna in spring

Summer

Highs

27.3

Lows

14.3

1. Hike the scenic trails along the Thaya River for stunning views of the canyon and lush forests 2. Join guided wildlife tours to spot deer wild boar and diverse bird species unique to the park 3. Camp at designated sites to experience the peaceful natural surroundings under starry skies 4. Explore the park's caves and rock formations for a thrilling adventure and geological insights 5. Attend summer nature programs and workshops to learn about local flora fauna and conservation efforts

Fall

Highs

15.2

Lows

5.2

1. Hike the scenic trails to enjoy vibrant fall foliage and crisp autumn air 2. Spot deer and foxes preparing for winter during early morning wildlife viewing 3. Join guided tours to learn about the park's unique geology and history 4. Explore the Thaya River valley for stunning views and birdwatching opportunities 5. Attend seasonal events like mushroom foraging workshops or autumn photography tours

Winter

Highs

3.2

Lows

-2.5

1. Snowshoeing through frosted forests to explore quiet trails and spot winter wildlife. 2. Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls for an adrenaline-filled adventure. 3. Winter birdwatching to see species that thrive in cold weather. 4. Photography sessions capturing snow-covered landscapes and icy river scenes. 5. Cozy campfires at designated spots to enjoy the serene winter night sky.

Getting Around

Explore Thayatal National Park on marked hiking trails or bike paths enjoy river views and wildlife spotting while using park maps and visitor centers for guidance

Public Transport

To explore Thayatal National Park use regional buses from nearby towns like Hardegg or Retz then hike the marked trails within the park for easy access to scenic spots and nature areas

Parking Lots

1
Parkplatz Heufurth near main entrance

2
Parkplatz Hardegg close to visitor center

3
Parkplatz Zeller Staritzen for hiking trails

4
Parkplatz Niederfladnitz near river access

5
Parkplatz Retz for easy park access

Hiking in the park

Easy

Easy hikes in Thayatal National Park include the Thaya River Trail 5 km 100 m elevation gain and the Heidenreichstein Loop 4 km 80 m elevation gain both offer gentle terrain and scenic views.

Moderate

Moderate hikes in Thayatal National Park include the Thaya River Trail 8 km 200 m elevation gain and the Felsenpfad Trail 6 km 250 m elevation gain offering scenic views and diverse flora.

Strenuous

Strenuous hikes in Thayatal National Park include the Klausensteig Trail with 600m elevation gain over 8km and the Felsenweg Trail featuring 700m gain across 10km offering challenging terrain and scenic views.