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Unterer Inn - Katzenbergleithen

Oberösterreich  >  Austria

Rich wetlands along the river Inn on the border of Germany and Austria. 300 bird species have been seen in the area, what makes this a great area for birding.

Added* by Wolfgang Müller
Most recent update 18 února 2023

Description

Unterer Inn European Nature Reserve is a border-crossing nature reserve between Germany and Austria. Lush vegetation thrives here along the river Inn: silt banks, reed banks, pasture-covered islands and untouched riparian forests. Around 300 species of birds use the wetlands around the Inn as a breeding ground and resting place - also rare species such as jespák písečný, jespák křivozobý, jespák bojovný, pěnice vlašská, rybák bělokřídlý or vodouš tmavý. It is the extensive food supply that attracts the birds. Especially in spring and autumn, during the bird migration, you can admire many birds. Also a very good area to look for butterflies. Note that some area are overgrown and views can be obstructed, especially in summer.

Details

Access

The 55 km long European Nature Reserve Unterer Inn offers countless options for birding, mostly along the dams on the German and Austrian side. We focus here on the Egglfing barrage and the part called Katzenbergleithen near the town of Kirchdorf.

The observation area upstream of the Egglfing barrage can be reached by driving on the B 142 at Obernberg in the direction of Kirchdorf. After 1.3 km at a small rest area, a small road goes steeply down to the right (follow the sign: "Mosthof Staufenberg" and "Güterweg Katzenbergleithen). After another kilometer you drive on a gravel path that leads to the right to the nearby river (sign "Mosthof Staufenberg"). After the first 90 ° curve you come to a small hut on the edge of the riparian forest after 200 m. Here you park (see the P on the map). From there and from a point about 300 m further down the river, you can see the shallow water and sand bars. Back on the main path and 1.5 km further on, you will see an observation stand on the right-hand side behind a row of bushes / trees, which stands on the bank 50 m from the road (See the map). To the left (upstream) of the observation stand is a simple dirt road between the trees on the bank and a field parallel to the river. Here you always have excellent insights into the silt areas.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Mud flats , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration , Spring

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

There are many other places that are interesting along the European Reserve Unterer Inntal. For example around the small German town of Ering (which has a visitor center for the whole reserve) or the colony of breeding kvakoš noční near Minaberg. See the links below for more info.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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