Nature

Valley of Diversity

With a current area of 1,360 hectares, the Thayatal National Park is Austria's smallest. But it doesn't have to hide at all, because in terms of species and habitat diversity it is a leading player.

This is due on the one hand to the varied influences of the Pannonian climate from the east and the Atlantic climate from the west. On the other hand, the rock which makes the subsoil range from acidic to alkaline, also provides different conditions for life. But the Thaya itself has the most important say. A proud 1.5 to 5 million years ago, it cut to 150 metres deep into the hard granites and gneisses of the Bohemian Massif and has since shaped the valley with its many elongated meanders and loops. It forms one of the most beautiful, diverse and at the same time also one of the last near-natural ravines in Central Europe. The unique scenic charm of the Green Canyon can best be felt from the Umlaufberg, which is almost completely embraced by the Thaya.

Marc Graf, "Das Thayatal von oben"

The Thayatal is one of the last near-natural valley landscapes in Central Europe. Steep banks with often vertical rock falls, wide valley bottoms and a rich mosaic of different habitats line the river on its way through the National Park.

Plants

Almost half of all native plant species occur in the cross-border conservation area.
The spectrum ranges from such magnificent representatives as Turk's-cap lilies which thrive in the cool penumbra of the forest under nutrient-rich conditions, to frugal plantain grass carnations, which are among the fragile and beautiful specialists of the dry meadows.

Animals

The undisputed star in the animal world of the Thayatal National Park is the European wildcat. The species, thought to be extinct in Austria, was rediscovered in 2007. But summer guests such as graceful black storks, reptiles such as colourful emerald lizards or river dwellers which rare elsewhere, such as the noble crayfish, also add a touch of wonder.

Natural areas

There are about 40 hectares of meadows around the Thaya that were once created through grazing. Original dry grasslands with a wealth of botanical rarities have also been preserved on steep slopes and rocky plateaus. However, most of the National Park, over 90 percent, is characterised by primaeval oak and beech forests and special forest communities.

The Thaya

The Thaya is the lifeline of the National Park. With its striking meanders and deep cuts into the rock, it leaves its mark on the landscape, forms the border between Austria and the Czech Republic and connects the two banks to form a large protected area.

Seasons

Colourful spring flowers are the first to make the forest shine, the Thaya swells, the animal world begins to stir. In summer, the Thaya provides pleasant freshness and coolness, while meadows bloom lushly and insects hum and chirp. In autumn, the Indian summer arrives. And in winter, a thick layer of frost often covers the landscape. The ice-free Thaya then becomes a port of call for many birds in the area, including the majestic white-tailed eagle.
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