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 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-lobAU 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. Those looking to hike along historic trails in the Lobau are well advised to take the eleven kilometer-long Napoleon hiking loop , which runs past Napoleon's former headquarters.

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.

For more detailed information, go to www.donauauen.at

National Park House wien-lobAU

22, Dechantweg 8
+43-1-4000-49495
Bus 91A (Roter Hiasl), 92A, 93A (Naufahrtbrücke)
Wed to Sun, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

National Park Forest Administration Lobau

Booking of bicycle and hiking tours
23, Groß-Enzersdorf, Dr. Anton Krabichler-Platz 3
+43-1-4000 49480
All year, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

National Park Boat

Departure: 9 a.m., Salztorbrücke, departs from Franz-Josefs Quay
+43-1-4000-49480
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