Inn-Salzach Natura 2000 Protected Area Adventures
Inn-Salzach Natura 2000 Protected Area is a transboundary conservation region along the Inn and Salzach rivers, notable for its diverse floodplain ecosystems, rich wildlife habitats, and opportunities for nature-based recreation.
About Inn-Salzach Natura 2000 Protected Area
The Inn-Salzach Natura 2000 Protected Area comprises a network of riverine floodplains, wetlands, and forests situated along the Inn and Salzach rivers, which flow through the Bavaria region in Germany and Upper Austria in Austria. This Natura 2000 site protects important habitats including alluvial forests, marshes, water meadows, and gravel banks that are vital for numerous rare and endangered species, especially birds, amphibians, and aquatic fauna. The area's geography is characterized by a dynamic river landscape with shifting watercourses, meandering river arms, and wide floodplains that offer flood regulation and nutrient cycling benefits. Historically, the Inn and Salzach rivers shaped local cultural development and settlement patterns, with traditional land uses such as extensive pasture and seasonal fishing still practiced in parts. Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Inn-Salzach can enjoy birdwatching at designated observation points, low-impact hiking and cycling trails near floodplain meadows, and paddling opportunities on calmer river sections. Notable landmarks include natural floodplain reserves like Unterer Inn and protected bird nesting sites, making the area a hotspot for biodiversity. Due to its cross-border nature, the site fosters collaboration between German and Austrian conservation authorities, ensuring habitat connectivity and sustainable management. Visitors seeking tranquility and a close connection to Central Europe's riverine ecosystems will find Inn-Salzach uniquely captivating and biologically significant.
Highlights
Extensive alluvial floodplain forests along the Inn River recognized for rare bird species
Diverse wetland habitats supporting endangered amphibians like the Yellow Bellied Toad
Traditional river gravel banks that serve as important spawning grounds for fish
Cross-border ecological corridors connecting habitats in Germany and Austria
Notable Natural Features
Unterer Inn Floodplain
One of the largest intact floodplain forests in Central Europe, critical for biodiversity conservation and flood control.
Alluvial Meadows
Seasonally flooded grasslands supporting rare plant species and traditional extensive agriculture.
Transboundary Habitat Corridors
Ecological networks connecting protected areas across German and Austrian borders to facilitate wildlife movement.