The National Park

Valley of Diversity

Together with the neighbouring Podyjí Narodní Park in the Czech Republic, the Thayatal National Park forms a large cross-border protected area that preserves one of the last near-natural valley landscapes in Central Europe. Characterised by the striking meanders and surrounding mountains of the Thaya, the "Valley of Diversity” surprises with its impressive views, an abundance of animal and plant species and many places that have retained their unspoilt, original character. Austria's Green Canyon is a unique natural treasure.

National parks ensure that nature is allowed to develop and evolve as freely as possible without human intervention. Today and tomorrow They are important places for research and offer visitors incomparable experiences of nature, reminding us that we too are inextricably linked to nature.

Short & sweet

Austrian area: 13.6 km²
23,3 km river kilometres per 10 km as the crow flies
92% forest, 4% meadow, 1% dry grassland & rock, 3% bodies of water
90,7% nature zone
A large part of the native flora on 0.016% of the area
Area Austria & Czech Republic: 77 km²

Key facts at a glance

Thayatal & Podyjí National Parks

The Podyjí Národní Park has existed since 1991, followed in 2000 by the official opening of the Austrian Thayatal National Park. Each of the national parks has its own independent administration, but pursues many common goals. And that's a good thing, because nature knows no political boundaries.

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Valley of Nature

Unique to the Thayatal

The climate, rocks and the meanders of the Thaya create unique living conditions. Many of the species found here are unique in Austria.

Forests - Meadows - Dry Grasslands

The National Park has an amazing wealth of varied habitats to offer in a small area.

The Nature of the Thaytal National Park

Although it is the smallest in Austria in terms of area, it has no need to hide. When it comes to species and habitat diversity, the Thayatal National Park takes the lead.

Natural environment management

The most important goals of a national park are species conservation and the preservation of genetic diversity.
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Research

Research shows us how important the intact nature of national parks is for the survival of many species and the functioning of ecosystems.
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Educational mission

Nature is and remains the best teacher. That is why there is a wide range of activities, from guided tours to seminars to project weeks for schools.
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Austria National Parks

Six national parks - one common voice
"We anchor the Austrian national parks as a common heritage in people's minds and hearts and thus strengthen the desire to live more in touch with nature.”

Austria National Parks