Danube River
The Danube River floodplain grassland, located between Vienna and Bratislava, was saved at the last minute from the threat of hydropower plant construction. It can be said to be one of the few remaining floodplain landscapes in central Europe. The river can still showcase its scenic features and support a large number of plants and wildlife: over 60 species of fish, kingfishers, eagles, beavers, turtles, rare orchids, and countless insects thrive here. This "green wilderness in the stream" stretches 38 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, providing a delightful natural environment.
Geshaoze National Park
Gesäuse National Park is Austria's third largest and newest national park, ranging in altitude from 490 meters at its lowest point to 2,370 meters at the peak of Hochtor. It is a natural habitat for various species such as chickens, marmots, gazelles, deer, and roe deer, with a total of 90 different species, and visitors can also enjoy observing 50 different types of wild orchids. The nearby Benedictine monastery in Admont has a long history and is worth a visit.
Taroko National Park
Hohe Tauern National Park spans three states in Austria - Tyrol, Carinthia, and Salzburg - and is the largest national park in Central Europe. It features various natural wonders, including Austria's highest peak - Grossglockner, massive glaciers, and the magnificent Krimml Waterfalls. The hiking network and the via ferrata system in the Alps extend for approximately 1200 kilometers. With over 80 mountain huts, it provides perfect infrastructure for long-distance hikes and short trips to the southern end of the Tauern Range, where more than 240 peaks over 3000 meters high stand tall.
Karkar National Park
Kalkalpen National Park is the largest continuous forest area in Austria. Three-quarters of the land is covered with pine, birch, and beech trees, which grow, mature, and die naturally. The park also features spectacular canyons, picturesque waterfalls, and lakes. The Ennstal Visitor Center provides information about the national park and is an ideal starting point for short trips into Kalkalpen National Park. The Kalkalpen National Park region is a mature cultural landscape. As a habitat for flora and fauna, it not only protects the environment but also serves as a basis and recreational space for people's livelihoods, making it of significant importance. Most importantly, the intact environment provides the foundation for the quality of leisure and tourism in the area. Kalkalpen National Park is part of the network of protected natural heritage areas.
Lake Neusiedl National Park
Neusiedler See National Park is surrounded by reed beds, which is the second largest in Europe after the Danube Delta. A variety of plants and animals from the Alps, Pannonian region, Asia, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe coexist in the saltwater lake and vast grasslands, creating unique biodiversity. It is a bird migration spot for both Europe and Africa, making it a famous bird paradise and a haven for birdwatchers, cyclists, and horse riding enthusiasts.
Taya Valley National Park
Nearly half of Austria's native plants grow in this relatively small area. Due to decades under the Iron Curtain, the valley located on the border with the Czech Republic has remained largely untouched and undeveloped. Because of its geography and limited access, 90% of the land covered by forests in the Thaya Valley National Park has not been disturbed by forestry companies. What was once unimaginable is now so simple: a part of the national park is located in the Czech Republic, allowing visitors to hike or cycle across the border to explore.
