The Hagenbach Gorge in Eichenhain Nature Park is actually a real go-to spot for a relaxing snack by the shallow water. Currently, however, many visitors find themselves frustrated by barriers and “No Entry” signs.
Following the severe flooding in September 2024, the path through the gorge is completely destroyed and closed indefinitely. Crossing it is absolutely life-threatening due to broken footbridges and falling rocks. But don’t pack your hiking boots away just yet: with the right bypass route, you can still reach your destination.
Nature hotspot with a multi-million-euro construction site
First, let’s clarify what a gorge actually is. Basically, we’re talking about a gorge carved deep into the rock, which the waters of the Hagenbach have laboriously carved out over thousands of years. It was precisely this unbridled water that proved to be the route’s undoing. The damage to trails and safety features is so extensive that the restoration will cost around 3.3 million euros and won’t be completed until late 2026 at the earliest.
In addition, there is a controversial flood protection project further down the stream… The stream bed there will be widened and planted with native vegetation in the coming years to protect the homes in the neighboring community of St. Andrä-Wördern from further flooding. Critics had previously expressed concerns about potentially excessive interference with the ecosystem, while the project operators prioritize the urgent protection of residents during heavy rainfall.
The clever detour to the Eagles
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There is an official detour route on site , the Ristlweg, which safely takes you north past the closed danger zone. Just expect a slightly longer detour for this leisurely detour to go around the area.
Your actual destination at the end of the hike is fully operational anyway: The Hagenbachklamm Bird of Prey Breeding Station near Unterkirchbach is open on weekends and holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With over 300 animals, ranging from massive European eagle owls to the giant Andean condor, it is one of the larger private raptor breeding stations in Austria. Since it is purely a breeding and care station, there are no loud flight shows; instead, you can observe the birds in complete peace and quiet.
The best way to get there from Vienna
Getting there from Vienna is a breeze, even without a car. Just hop on the S-Bahn to St. Andrä-Wördern and take the bus from there directly to the “St. Andrä/Hagentale” stop. If you get really hungry after the hike along the Ristlweg, you can sit down in the outdoor seating area of Gasthaus Marienhof in Unterkirchbach. Just keep in mind: they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so you’ll have to bring your own snacks in a bag.
