Donau-Auen National Park

Donau-Auen Overview

Donau-Auen National Park, also known as Danube Auen National Park, is located in Austria.  It stands as a significant natural sanctuary along the Danube River, stretching from Vienna to the Slovakian border. Established in 1996, the park covers an area of approximately 93 square kilometers (about 36 square miles), making it one of the largest remaining wetlands in Central Europe. This unique ecosystem encompasses a mosaic of rivers, islands, forests, and meadows, providing crucial habitats for a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Situated between the cities of Vienna and Bratislava, Danube Auen National Park is a vital green corridor in a densely populated region, offering an accessible escape to nature for local residents and visitors alike. The park’s landscapes are characterized by the dynamic interplay between water and land, shaped by the natural flooding cycle of the Danube River. This dynamic environment supports a rich biodiversity, including over 800 plant species and a wide variety of wildlife, such as beavers, otters, white-tailed eagles, and numerous species of amphibians and reptiles.

Donau Auen National Park plays a critical role in environmental education and conservation, offering a range of programs and activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems. The park provides a network of hiking and cycling trails, observation towers, and guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and learn about the ecological processes that sustain this vibrant landscape.

The park’s commitment to preserving the natural flood dynamics of the Danube River not only ensures the health of its ecosystems but also offers natural flood protection for surrounding communities. Danube Auen National Park is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in environmental conservation, as it spans across national borders and serves as a shared natural heritage for Austria and Slovakia.

By protecting this unique wetland ecosystem, Danube Auen National Park preserves an essential part of Europe’s natural and cultural landscape, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and a place for people to connect with the natural world.