Introduction

Vienna is renowned for its numerous green spaces and recreation areas. But did you know that part of the Donau-Auen National Park also falls inside the Austria capital? It's called the Lobau, the "jungle" of the Viennese.

The Lobau, the "water forest", lies in the east of Vienna, covers 2,300 hectares and accounts for almost one third of the entire area of the Donau-Auen National Park. This is one of six Austrian national parks, has been existing for 15 years and protects one of the last remaining large wetlands in Central Europe.

The area is home to more than 800 species of plant, 30 mammal and 100 brooding bird species, 8 reptile, 13 amphibian and 60 fish species. Beavers, sea eagles, praying mantis, grey herons, small emperor moths and little ringed plovers populate this secretive world. The kingfisher, the "flying jewel", is also at home here and is the symbol of the National Park.

For residents of Vienna, the Lobau is not only a green oasis, but also offers a wide range of activities. From an educational hike, to an excursion on the National Park boat, to a hiking excursion - everything is possible here. Some bodies of water can even be swum in.

The wien-lob AU National Park house, which opened in 2007, lets visitors experience nature in harmony with architecture. Exhibitions, informational events and a shop on the topic of wetland forests are offered. A well signposted hiking and cycling network runs throughout the Lobau. Also recommended are the free guided educational hikes, which present the special features of the wetland forest eco-system. If you'd like to hike along historic trails, then the eleven kilometre-long Napoleon loop trail comes highly recommended. Archduke Carl gave Napoleon his first taste of defeat in the battle at Aspern and Essling in 1809. As a memorial to this, stone obelisks were erected at all the main sites of the event and two museums were built. The hiking trail, which can be freely accessed all year round and lies entirely in the Lobau, leads to battle sites as well as to Napoleon's headquarters and the French Cemetery.

From the city center right into the Lobau? The small but nice National Park boat plies from the Old City along the Viennese Danube canal into the jungle. Those who prefer a larger ship can take the Admiral Tegetthoff on the first Sunday of the month from May to September. The boat goes from the center of Vienna through the National Park, taking you to the mediaeval town of Hainburg.

Website

www.donauauen.at

National Park Building wien-lobAU

MA 49 - City of Vienna Forestry Department

Booking of bicycle and hiking tours

Tours also in English and Slovakian (other languages on request) 22., Dechantweg 8

+43-1-4000-49495

nh@ma49.wien.gv.at

www.nph-lobau.wien.at

Bus 91A (Roter Hiasl), 92A, 93A (Naufahrtbrücke)

27 February-26 October We to Su, 10.00 am - 6.00 pm

Napoleon loop trail

Hiking map and folder available at the Forestry Commission office

"Aspern 1809" and "Essling-Schüttkasten" museums open from April to October, Su 10.00 am - 12.00 noon, free admission

Start of the tour:

22., U1 Kagran, Bus 91A Lobgrundgasse

National Park Boat

Departure: 9 a.m., Salztorbrücke, departs from Franz-Josefs Quay

+43-1-4000-49495

from 6 people, reservation required

May 2 to October 26, daily

With the DDSG to the National Park

Day trip on board the Admiral Tegetthoff

Departure: 8.30 a.m., Reichsbrücke

+43-1-588 80-0

Reservation required

www.ddsg-blue-danube.at