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Rabensburger Thaya-Auen

Lower Austria  >  Austria

The floodplain of the Thaya River, easily reached on foot from Rabensburg train station, is an excellent spot for observing raptors and migrating birds.

Added* by Riccardo Pianezza
Most recent update 13 Οκτωβρίου 2025

Description

Naturschutzgebiet Rabensburger Thaya-Auen is a nature reserve where the Thaya River floodplain opens into a beautiful, tranquil landscape shaped by the river’s winding course. The area is a mosaic of meadows, riparian forests, and reedbeds, interspersed with patches of arable land, bushes and old trees. In spring and after heavy rains, parts of the plain are covered by shallow water, creating rich feeding grounds for birds.

This diverse habitat supports an impressive variety of bird species throughout the year. Spring is the best time to visit, when the songs of Ποταμοτριλιστής, Βαλτοποταμίδα, Θαμνοτριλιστής, and Ορτυκομάνα fill the air. In summer, the floodplain hosts Αετομάχος, Διπλοκεφαλάς, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Μελισσοφάγος, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Συκοφάγος, Στραβολαίμης, Μαύρος Πελαργός, and Λευκός Πελαργός.

During winter, the area can serve as a stopover site for Χιονογερακίνα, while (Ανατολικός) Βασιλαετός, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Θαλασσαετός, and Διπλοσάϊνο can be seen here throughout the year, together with Μεσαίος Δρυοκολάπτης and Σταχτής Δρυοκολάπτης. On occasion, a Στεπογέρακο may also be observed soaring above the area.

Details

Access

The Rabensburger Thaya-Auen nature reserve is easy to reach from Rabensburg main station, and there is also ample parking at the start of the 3,5 km circular route shown on the map. Press P on the map for directions to the parking. The paths are well maintained and suitable for both walking and cycling (though not ideal for city bikes). It’s well worth spending at least two to three hours exploring the floodplain and its diverse habitats.

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , River , Agriculture , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Spring

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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Map

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