schlossORTH National Park Centre
The first port of call for any visit to the Donau-Auen National Park is the schlossORTH National Park Centre, the „Gateway to the Wetlands“. Accompany the national park rangers on a special journey of discovery!
The „DonAUräume“ multimedia exhibition will introduce you via a number of unconventional access points to the fascinating world of the Danube Wetlands. Here, you will learn how the landscape came into being and all about the present-day national park and its hidden treasures. Participation is highly recommended.
The observation tower offers a panoramic view of the Danube wetlands. In addition to various annual exhibitions, wild animals living in or near the castle are presented here: White storks, jackdaws, kestrels and several species of bats. Monitors even allow a live view into nesting boxes or nests.
On the “Schlossinsel”, the Centre’s discovery area, you will meet animals and plants that inhabit the national park region and visit the unique underwater observatory.
Highlights
The wetlands landscape on the Danube is unique in Central Europe and has been under the protection of the Donau-Auen National Park since 1996. This unspoilt landscape has exceptional beauty and the protected area provides a place of retreat for rare species.The schlossORTH National Park Centre offers a wealth of interesting and unusual information about the Danube Wetlands and should be the first port of call for anyone visiting the national park. As the „Gateway to the Wetlands“, the Centre opens up the world of the national park for visitors.
The multimedia DonAUräume exhibition, staged in four rooms, provides information about some of the lesser known aspects of the national park region. It brings the origins of the region to life and explains how the national park works today.
The lookout tower offers views over the Danube Wetlands and annual exhibitions. Also, a camera provides live views of the stork nest. The castle’s courtyard is the meeting point for guided tours and also a place for visitors to take a well-earned rest.
The “Schlossinsel” grounds serve as the outdoor discovery area. Enjoy a walking tour around and experience the animals and plants of the region in their habitats. Observe the European pond turtles and some typical snake varieties from the Danube Wetlands in their special enclosures. Amphibians and insects have also made a home on the island. Spring flowers also flourish here, as do rare water plants, wild flowers, groves, arid grassland plants and a number of impressive trees. The underwater observatory is the main attraction; it provides a unique glimpse of aquatic life that is just like diving underwater yourself. The area also has facilities to encourage our younger guests to play and join in.
The tourist information office provides expert advice on the national park and the region. The shop has a selection of souvenirs of the Danube wetlands.
A diverse programme of activities and events for young and old rounds off the many „things to do“ at the schlossORTH National Park Centre.
Infrastructure
The schlossORTH National Park Centre invites visitors to enjoy the fascinating world of the Danube Wetlands. You will find all of this under one roof:
- Information and booking office
- DonAUräume exhibition
- The Schlossinsel experience with underwater observatory
- National park shop and lounge
- Lookout tower and courtyard, guest exhibitions
- Events, guided tours
- museumORTH, the local museum of Orth an der Donau
- Wheelchair accessible
- Just 15km from the outskirts of Vienna!
Opening Times
Opening hours 2024
21 March – 30 September: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
1 October – 1 November: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2 November 2023 – 20 March 2024: closed for the winter. Telephone enquiries and bookings only, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Prices
Adults € 9
Children, young adults from 6-19, students and apprentices € 5,50
Seniors € 5,50
Family ticket € 18
The entrance charge includest he entrance to the National Park lounge, Schlossinsel area and the viewing tower without a guide.
Guided tours are held on weekends and public holidays for a surcharge: Guided tours through the exhibition “DonAUräume” at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., tours through the nearby riparian forest at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Impressions
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