Nationalpark Donau-Auen
Nationalpark Donau-Auen
Nationalpark Donau-Auen
5
About
The Donau-Auen National Park is protecting one of the last large unbuilt wetlands areas in Europe. Here the dynamics of the flowing stream are still active. The rise and fall of the water levels define life rhythms in the wetlands. The river shaped this landscape with its floods and still nurtures today a large diversity of plants and animals. In the National Park nature can develop free from economic restrictions. The visitor centre at the Donau-Auen National Park in Orth on the Danube beckons as "Gateway to the Wetlands" - the starting place for getting to know the fascinating world of the Danube wetlands. It offers information and reservations, the multimedia exhibition DonAUraum, the Schlossinsel ("castle island") on the grounds including underwater observatory and the National Park shop and cafe.
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CarolDM1900
Montpelier, VT3,343 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
Let's face it, people come to Vienna for its scintillating urban-cultural environment. The city is not lacking green spaces, either. It has beautiful, well-manicured parks and some wilder spots here and there, in the Prater woods and at the far ends of the Donauinsel. But if you're a nature lover who wants more, get yourself to Donau-Auen. It's an easy trip via public transport and a perfect place to spend the day.
This is a big park running from the outskirts of Vienna almost to the border with Slovakia. The wetlands it protects are the last significant example of the free-flowing, undeveloped marshes that once existed along this section of the Danube. Even this was nearly lost in the 1980s when plans to build a power plant here provoked public outcry. Citizen protests including "occupy the floodplain" type demonstrations saved the wetlands and led to establishment of the national park in 1996 after many environmental studies and a long legal battle that reached Austria's Supreme Court.
At Donau-Auen you can run, walk, or bike over an extensive network of trails, all of them well-signed to include distance indicators and maps with red-dot "standorts" to show your precise location. I have two favorite spots. First, Josefsteg, a wooden bridge crossing over a large marsh that teems with life. Some 100 species of birds breed in the park, and you can see and hear most of them from this bridge, which is the access point to most trails when entering from the National Park Haus (visitor center).
What a cacophony! Listen carefully and you may even hear cuckoos calling from woods in the distance. On the way to the bridge, you'll also pass a small, reedy pond where I have been watching a mother swan sit on her nest with father swan on patrol to discourage intruders. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to see the hatchlings. Just don't get too close. The big guy will let you know.
Second, the Napoleon Rundweg, a 10-km circular trail that partly follows the route taken by retreating French troops after Napoleon's defeat in the nearby Battle of Aspern (soon reversed at the Battle of Wagram, also near the park). You can get to the trail by following signs for about 5 km from National Park Haus or you can enter the trail directly further down (past the lake, Panozzolacke) via a parking lot just off Lobgrundstrasse, where the 92B bus stops.
First section of the trail runs along railroad tracks and an industrial area, but you quickly enter a quiet, beautiful, less traveled area that has some history, too. Look for the granite markers about Napoleon's 1809 retreat. Near the location of his headquarters, now long gone, there's also a side road leading to a pleasant outdoor cafe, good place to stop on the return trip. There's a WC too, useful after a 10 km trek.
As the season gets into swing in early May, there are other activities to enjoy. From Salztorbrücke, you can take the National Park boat for a 4 hour tour. Cost is 11 Euros for adults, 5 for children. If you're an active person who'd rather paddle, you can do that too. There are several paddling tours, reaching different parts of the park, where you can join a group (you can rent a kayak if you'd prefer) to explore some of the smaller waterways for a closer look at the wildlife. Some 30 species of mammals make their home in the park, and you'll find many varieties of reptiles and amphibians, too.
The National Park Haus has an assortment of very informative, beautifully-colored booklets and brochures covering every aspect of nature and recreation in Donau-Auen. They're free, but available only in German (worth taking home just for the pictures). Park Haus staff generally speak English and can help you figure out which tours and activities you would most enjoy, and where and when to get them.
To get to Donau-Auen, take the U2 (direction Seestadt) to Donaustadtbrücke. Follow signs that have the icon of a bus and get the 92B (direction Ölhafen). For the National Park Haus, get off Raffineriestrasse/Biberhaufenweg. You'll see a side street running slightly downhill, nearly parallel to the main street. That is Biberhaufenweg. Take it, and you will see signs for the National Park Haus, which is just beyond a dog-training school.
For the parking lot where the Napoleon Rundweg begins and ends, go three stops further on the 92B to Lobgrundstrasse. When you get off the bus, follow the pedestrian crossings and dirt/gravel path to the parking lot. Access to the lot is across Raffineriestrasse on Lobgrundstrasse, to the left, across from an industrial complex. At the parking lot, there's a sign board with a big map, so you can't miss the trail.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit. If you go later, keep in mind that lowlands like this tend to have bugs (one reason they attract so many birds), so plan accordingly, with an early-morning visit and some insect repellent. If it's a hot day, bring water. There are concessions just outside the park, but not a lot of options inside it, although outdoor cafe just at the start/end of the Napoleon Rundweg is nice spot for food and drink and there may be similar establishments elsewhere. The park covers 93 square kilometers, and I haven't been everywhere, yet.
Donau-Auen is a wonderful place, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
This is a big park running from the outskirts of Vienna almost to the border with Slovakia. The wetlands it protects are the last significant example of the free-flowing, undeveloped marshes that once existed along this section of the Danube. Even this was nearly lost in the 1980s when plans to build a power plant here provoked public outcry. Citizen protests including "occupy the floodplain" type demonstrations saved the wetlands and led to establishment of the national park in 1996 after many environmental studies and a long legal battle that reached Austria's Supreme Court.
At Donau-Auen you can run, walk, or bike over an extensive network of trails, all of them well-signed to include distance indicators and maps with red-dot "standorts" to show your precise location. I have two favorite spots. First, Josefsteg, a wooden bridge crossing over a large marsh that teems with life. Some 100 species of birds breed in the park, and you can see and hear most of them from this bridge, which is the access point to most trails when entering from the National Park Haus (visitor center).
What a cacophony! Listen carefully and you may even hear cuckoos calling from woods in the distance. On the way to the bridge, you'll also pass a small, reedy pond where I have been watching a mother swan sit on her nest with father swan on patrol to discourage intruders. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to see the hatchlings. Just don't get too close. The big guy will let you know.
Second, the Napoleon Rundweg, a 10-km circular trail that partly follows the route taken by retreating French troops after Napoleon's defeat in the nearby Battle of Aspern (soon reversed at the Battle of Wagram, also near the park). You can get to the trail by following signs for about 5 km from National Park Haus or you can enter the trail directly further down (past the lake, Panozzolacke) via a parking lot just off Lobgrundstrasse, where the 92B bus stops.
First section of the trail runs along railroad tracks and an industrial area, but you quickly enter a quiet, beautiful, less traveled area that has some history, too. Look for the granite markers about Napoleon's 1809 retreat. Near the location of his headquarters, now long gone, there's also a side road leading to a pleasant outdoor cafe, good place to stop on the return trip. There's a WC too, useful after a 10 km trek.
As the season gets into swing in early May, there are other activities to enjoy. From Salztorbrücke, you can take the National Park boat for a 4 hour tour. Cost is 11 Euros for adults, 5 for children. If you're an active person who'd rather paddle, you can do that too. There are several paddling tours, reaching different parts of the park, where you can join a group (you can rent a kayak if you'd prefer) to explore some of the smaller waterways for a closer look at the wildlife. Some 30 species of mammals make their home in the park, and you'll find many varieties of reptiles and amphibians, too.
The National Park Haus has an assortment of very informative, beautifully-colored booklets and brochures covering every aspect of nature and recreation in Donau-Auen. They're free, but available only in German (worth taking home just for the pictures). Park Haus staff generally speak English and can help you figure out which tours and activities you would most enjoy, and where and when to get them.
To get to Donau-Auen, take the U2 (direction Seestadt) to Donaustadtbrücke. Follow signs that have the icon of a bus and get the 92B (direction Ölhafen). For the National Park Haus, get off Raffineriestrasse/Biberhaufenweg. You'll see a side street running slightly downhill, nearly parallel to the main street. That is Biberhaufenweg. Take it, and you will see signs for the National Park Haus, which is just beyond a dog-training school.
For the parking lot where the Napoleon Rundweg begins and ends, go three stops further on the 92B to Lobgrundstrasse. When you get off the bus, follow the pedestrian crossings and dirt/gravel path to the parking lot. Access to the lot is across Raffineriestrasse on Lobgrundstrasse, to the left, across from an industrial complex. At the parking lot, there's a sign board with a big map, so you can't miss the trail.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit. If you go later, keep in mind that lowlands like this tend to have bugs (one reason they attract so many birds), so plan accordingly, with an early-morning visit and some insect repellent. If it's a hot day, bring water. There are concessions just outside the park, but not a lot of options inside it, although outdoor cafe just at the start/end of the Napoleon Rundweg is nice spot for food and drink and there may be similar establishments elsewhere. The park covers 93 square kilometers, and I haven't been everywhere, yet.
Donau-Auen is a wonderful place, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Written 29 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarlaColumna123
Cologne, Germany1,399 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Donau-Auen National Park is one of the largest wetlands of the river Danube in Middle Europe. It is such a peaceful area and great place for recharging batteries. The flora and fauna of this wetland is very special. It is such a highlight to walk around there enjoying nature.
Written 18 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike_3579
Gland, Switzerland58 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
lovely cycle ride in the flood plain of the Danube with small towns like Orth make this a very worthwhile visit.
Written 14 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiroSvorc
Piestany, Slovakia189 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
The castle with an outdoor exhibition of the Donau-Auen National Park is located in the village of Orth about halfway along the Bratislava-Vienna cycle route. The covered futuristic entrance somewhat spoils the exterior scenery of the castle. The large info center at the entrance offers rich information about the national park. In the castle garden, there is a small exhibition of life in the Danube floodplain forests. There is not much to see for 8 Euros. The area is more for small city children and you can walk through it in a quarter of an hour, even through a wicker tunnel. The observation tower does not offer any excellent views either. But what I regretted the most was the absence of a buffet. There is only a vending machine in the corridor with bars and a few drinks. In other Austrian castles there was a cafe or a restaurant. Austria offers more beautiful attractions and you can walk to the Danube River, either by bike or on foot. You will see more beautiful corners and scenery.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Willy B
Genk, Belgium373 contributions
Jun 2017 • Business
A great National park stretching along the Danube river from Eastern Vienna almost to the Slovak Border. I visited the part near Gros-Enzersdorf where I took a bicycle ride trough the woods had great views of the Danube river and the many Canals and creeks in this natural reserve. Great place to spot water fowl and I imagine dear and other wildlife early in the early morning and evening.
Written 10 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lazar D
Bucharest, Romania24 contributions
May 2014 • Family
A great place for holidays for walking or cycling. Exceptional. Castles, civilization, history, nature, exceptional road.
Written 4 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ullreva
Leobersdorf, Austria145 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
We took part in a 3 hour birdwatching tour along the Danube - and ended up seeing eagles courting, wild geese migrating, cormorants catching fish - and wild boar swimming across the big river - in January. It was definitely worth it... and our guides were pleasant and knowledgable...
Written 14 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Radek H
Zidlochovice, Czech Republic175 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
We were there in the last week od April and the weathr was not the best possible. Nevertheless we observed protected flora and fauna typical for these "auen" biotop - several species of wild orchids, forest and watter birds, butterflies, big and old trees, frogs and also native wild European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). This turtle is possible to seen at the branch on watter surface mainly in the morning when it os "sunbathing". There is really very good cycle road through the entire National park.
Written 2 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie
194 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
This national park is situated in Austria near Wien and close to Bratislava, too. It shows nature beauties in Danube area called "Freshwater swamp forest". In this park you can feel or watch nature. You can see animals and plants that are typical for the river Danube area.
There are lots of activities for kids and adults too.
As you want to know more about this area near the river Danube, I completely recomend to visit this national park and its beauties.
There are lots of activities for kids and adults too.
As you want to know more about this area near the river Danube, I completely recomend to visit this national park and its beauties.
Written 26 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
isabel p
Vienna, Austria521 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
the nature hike outside the castle with all explainations about nature, animals, fauna+flora is great. well done - also for kids a really good experience
Written 17 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are we allowed to drive in our car inside the Donau-auen national park?
Written 12 April 2019
How do we get here from central Vienna, using public transport?
Written 9 June 2018
Hi Amanda,
when using public transportation to get to the Donau-Auen National Park from the Danube’s north banks, or from the schlossORTH National Park Centre, use the ÖBB Post Bus Route 391. Departs from U2/Aspernstrasse, Wonkaplatz Süd in the direction of Hainburg. Stops in Gross-Enzersdorf, Schönau, Orth/Donau, Eckartsau, and Stopfenreuth.
From the Danube’s south banks, use express train line S7 departing from Vienna (e.g. from Wien Floridsdorf, Praterstern or Wien Mitte), travelling in the direction of Wolfsthal. Stops include Maria Ellend, Haslau, Regelsbrunn, Petronell, and Hainburg.
The Viennese section of the Donau-Auen National Park may be reached by local busses, the Wiener Linien. To get to the wien-lobAU National Park House take bus Route 92B from U2/Donaustadtbrücke or Route 93A from U1/Kagran.
Public transportation information by phone:
Wiener Linien (bus): +43 1/7909-100
VOR: +43 0810 222324
ÖBB Post Bus: +43 0810 222 333
ÖBB: +43 051717
Kind regards, the National Park Team
Written 11 June 2018
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