Lobau

The Lobau is a section of the Danube floodplain area north of the Danube, largely inside, but also partly east of Vienna, extending on the left bank of the Danube between Vienna and the mouth of the March (border with Slovakia).The Lobau is approximately 22 square kilometers in size and is administered and cared for by the City of Vienna’s Municipal Department 49 – Forestry and Agricultural Operations.

Administratively, the area within Vienna belongs to the 22nd district of Donaustadt, and in terms of the land registry, it is divided into the cadastral districts Landjägermeisteramt and Kaiserebersdorf Herrschaft (save for the extreme north-western edge, which belongs to Aspern).Groß-Enzersdorf owns the smaller area outside of Vienna.

Following World War I, the Lobau gained popularity as a local recreation place. Nudism, whether legal or not, created its meeting sites in the 1920s, which still exist today, at the Lobau’s side arms.

With the second Danube regulation in Vienna in the 1970s, two new local recreation zones were created: the New Danube and Danube Island.They do not belong to the Lobau, but they border it, thus the usage are extremely similar, especially in the southern portion of the island.Last but not least, this is due to the informal and permissive nudist bathing habits prevalent there.

The Obere Lobau nature path goes from the Saltenstraße national park gate (15 minutes’ walk from line 93A to the Danzergasse station) to the Dechantweg national park entrance (five minutes from 92B Raffineriestraße/Biberhaufenweg).

Numerous hiking paths go to the Lobau, including the long-distance hiking trail Ostösterreichischer Grenzlandweg and the European long-distance hiking trails E4 and E8.

This picturesque floodplain, just outside the hectic metropolis of Vienna, Austria, offers a calm respite for people seeking tranquillity and an intensive encounter with nature.

Lobau, often known as the Vienna Woods, is a diversified habitat rich in flora and wildlife. The extensive marshes, flowing canals, and lush woods that reach as far as the eye can see define the area. Nature lovers will be captivated by the variety of bird species, fauna, and plants that call this region home.

The Danube-Auen National Park, which covers a large chunk of Lobau, is one of its most outstanding characteristics. This national park provides critical habitat for several endangered species, including the European beaver and the white-tailed eagle. As you walk the park’s paths, you may see these wonderful species in their native habitat, going about their daily activities unaffected.

Lobau is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers. The floodplain is an important resting and breeding area for migrating birds, drawing thousands of them each year. The skies above Lobau are filled with chirps, tweets, and cries from the stately grey heron to the bright kingfisher. Remember to bring binoculars and a camera to catch these magnificent bird displays.

Exploring Lobau is a journey through a kaleidoscope of scenery. Oxbow lakes, built by the river’s shifting channel over ages, provide calm waters where exquisite water lilies float softly on the surface. As you go, you’ll come across large reed beds, their rustling noises providing an otherworldly mood. Here, you could come across elusive amphibians like the common spadefoot toad, which blends in well with the reeds.

The Lobau region is a refuge for animals as well as environment enthusiasts seeking tranquility and relief from the fast-paced metropolitan life. The region is crisscrossed with several walking and cycling routes, encouraging tourists to explore at their own speed. You’ll feel a feeling of calm and connection with the land as you walk along the winding trails, far distant from the city’s noise and bustle.

The Lobau experience is more than only its natural charms. The terrain is dotted with historical and cultural sites, which lend depth and excitement to your tour. The Donauwarte Tower, a 19th-century tower, provides panoramic views of the whole region, rewarding tourists with stunning views of the Danube River and its adjacent floodplains.

For anyone interested in learning more about the region’s rich history, the Lobau Museum offers intriguing insights into the region’s geological formation, flora and wildlife, and the cultural legacy of the people who have lived here for generations. Immerse yourself in the interactive displays and learn about the rich web of life that keeps Lobau alive.