Celebration for the 25-year-old: New viewing station opened in the Thayatal National Park!

Celebration for the 25-year-old: New viewing station opened in the Thayatal National Park!

Hardegg, Österreich - On May 27, 2025, the anniversary "25 Years of National Park Thayatal" was celebrated with a festive celebration in the picturesque Thayatal. The event emphasized the significant successes of the national park, which has been an important protected area in the region near Hardegg since its foundation in 2000. A highlight of the festival was the opening of the new “Invaluation” viewing station, which offers visitors a breathtaking panorama over the river loops and circulation mountains of the Thayatal. The viewing station is 16 meters high and was built from natural tree trunks and a steel structure, with architect Karl Gruber designing with nature in dialogue.

In the past 25 years, the Thayatal National Park has not only preserved the biological diversity of the region, but also emphasized its cross -border importance. Together with the Czech Národní Park Podyjí, it forms a 7,700 hectare area that is connected by the Thaya as a natural border between Austria and the Czech Republic. This cooperation goes back to the 1999 Treaty and strengthens cross -border nature conservation, whereby the employees of both national park administrations work regularly to develop joint projects.

international cooperation and nature conservation

The cross -border cooperation began after the fall of the Iron Curtain and found its legal basis in a declaration that was signed on July 15, 1999. Since then, this initiative has been implemented by regular meetings between the directors and the staff of both national parks. Successful projects include joint excursions, flora and fauna research as well as the creation of bilingual children's dictionaries.

The Thayatal National Park protects one of the most biodiversons in Europe and offers habitat for over 50% of all mammals, reptile and amphibian types of Austria. The returnees to the region include the European wild cat, the wandering falcon and the sea eagle, all of which are among the successfully protected species. This was also recognized by Christian Holzer from the BMLUK during the ceremony, which emphasizes the international recognition of the national park.

celebrations and activities

The celebrations for the anniversary attracted over 700 visitors and offered a varied festival program. In addition to the blessing of the new viewing station by herb pastor Benedikt, there were artistic contributions such as a children's theater and a appearance of the Danubeirates. In addition, guests were able to take part in many interactive activities, including face painting, water slides and natural research stations.

National park director Christian Übl took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of the national park for the region. The event made it clear that the national park is not only a retreat for many endangered species, but also offers a platform for education and research. The over 80% natural forests in the Thayatal are a testimony to the successful nature conservation and the sustainable development, which has been taking place here for a quarter of a century.

For visitors who want to learn more about the beauty and variety of nature, there are numerous hiking routes at their disposal, such as the Merkersdorfer circular hiking trail, which leads directly to the new panoramic station. The Thayatal National Park, as part of the network of European National Park national parkaustria.at, remains an important place for biodiversity and cross -border nature conservation.