Central Europe’s largest colony of tree-nesting white storks does not nest in some distant national park. It is just a short drive from Vienna. If you’re looking for a place where nature is allowed to thrive completely undisturbed, this vast floodplain is exactly the right spot. After just a few steps across a narrow dam, you leave the built-up world completely behind you. The “Untere Marchauen” nature reserve, located right next to Marchegg Castle, offers a protected habitat for 500 endangered animal and plant species across more than 1,100 hectares.
As recently as the 1960s, this area was in serious danger of being ruined by industrial wastewater. In 1970, it was saved by the WWF and local stakeholders. Today, old oak and ash trees grow here, on which up to 50 occupied stork nests are perched in the spring and summer.
Eye to eye with Master Adebar and wild horses
To observe the activities of the large birds up close, head to the wooden stork platform, which stands several meters high. From this elevated structure, you’ll have an excellent view directly into the nests and of the young birds being fed.
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In addition to the storks, there has been another unique animal feature since 2015: a herd of wild Konik horses roams the reserve. Through their natural grazing behavior, these hardy animals ensure that the wet meadows do not become overgrown, creating new habitats for rare grasshoppers. They often graze right along the designated circular hiking trails and can be observed at your leisure.
Beaver Dams and Nature Education
If you venture deeper into the wetland, be sure to take a break at the Biber Hut or the Maritz Hut. With binoculars and a little patience, you can spot beavers, kingfishers, or circling white-tailed eagles from these observation platforms on the Augewässer. Since nature takes absolute priority here, strict rules apply: dogs must be kept on a short leash, bicycles must be left at the entrance, and visitors must not stray from the marked paths.
The Stork House on the ground floor of Marchegg Castle serves as your central information point. Here you can not only pick up hiking maps and regional products from the Marchfeld, but also book guided tours with trained nature guides. A visit to the freely accessible reserve can be wonderfully rounded off with a relaxing snack by the water.
📍Untere Marchauen Nature Reserve (near Marchegg Castle)
🗺️ Im Schloss 1, 2293 Marchegg
💸 Admission: Reserve freely accessible
⏰ Opening hours: The reserve is open year-round and accessible at any time
