The Nationalpark Donau-Auen stretches from Vienna (you can find the post about the Lobau here) all the way to Hainburg on the Slovak border and covers an area of more than 9,600 ha.
Forests, meadows and waterways invite you to explore this stunning floodplain landscape with your dog.
So in mid-August, Atlas, Tiago, Neroli, Murphy, Archibald, Martina and I set off and head for Haslau an der Donau. There we make our first stop with a short hike. Then we continue on to Regelsbrunn, where we find ourselves a little "bathing island" and simply while away the time.
But more details on that below!
Hike along the Themenweg Haslau
The full circular trail is 3.5 km long and takes about 1 hour. The Themenweg Haslau features information boards about the diverse flora and fauna of the surrounding area. Team Hundereise finds a parking spot just past the playground and gets ready to go.
We pass the viewing platform and then turn left onto the themed trail. The Donau-Auen captivates us straight away, and the information stations make the walk all the more enjoyable. Since we're travelling without a plan this time, we hike "only" as far as the "Wertvolle Kleingewässer" point and then turn back — because we really want to reach the Danube, and there's no sign of it anywhere.
(If I'd looked at the PDF linked above beforehand, we would have known better :P )
Into the Jungle
When we get back to the gravel path, instead of turning right towards the car, we turn left and step into the "wilderness" once more. 2 signs welcome us to the Nationalpark Donau-Auen and nature swallows us up instantly. The lush greenery and the vines hanging from the trees genuinely give you the feeling that Mowgli and Baghira from The Jungle Book might appear at any moment.
With the heat of the day, the humidity inside the dense forest and so close to the Danube is also quite high. We hike past a clearing where 3 wooden boats are stored. Surely the water must be close? That's what we think! But we couldn't be more wrong…
We enjoy the peace and solitude until we reach a spot where fallen trees at chest height block the path. I squeeze underneath and check whether there's a way through on the other side. But it's so overgrown that it simply makes no sense to go on. We decide to turn back and try our luck elsewhere in search of the long-awaited, refreshing water.
Back at the car, we want to treat our pack to some of Martina's homemade goat yoghurt as a little pick-me-up. Rather clumsily, the tub slips out of my hand, and Archie and I end up covered head to toe in the white gold. Archibald thinks it's wonderful — Martina finds it hilarious :D
Off to the Donau-Auen at Regelsbrunn
At the Treffpunkt, Martina and I treat ourselves to a coffee break before heading on to the Donaulände, where we park the car. From there, the seven of us stroll towards the towpath. The Donau-Auen show their most beautiful side along this stretch. Tall trees and pink blossoms line our path.
Once we reach the towpath, we search for — and find — our own little "deserted" island and settle in for a while. On the one hand, we want to show off the harnesses from Monty's Pfotenshop properly; on the other, we simply want to have fun and enjoy the afternoon sun. And we manage both:
Fun in and around the water, followed by a snack for the 3 Galgo boys and 2 Frenchie boys, and then a rest. While Atlas, Tiago and Neroli stretch out flat on the ground and enjoy a leisurely siesta, Archibald and Murphy still need to keep an eye on things — but sitting down, at least — that'll do! ;)
Once we've finished relaxing, we pack up our 7 humans and 5 doggy boys, stroll back to the car and head for home. Even though we were a little "disorganised" this time, Team Hundereise once again wrapped up an eventful day in the most relaxed of ways.
Facts about the Donau Auen
- The national park protects a diverse array of wildlife and plant life.
- For the safety of the wildlife and out of consideration for other visitors, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- There are over 100 km of marked trails to choose from.
- The area of more than 9,600 hectares consists of approximately 65% riparian forest, 15% meadow and 20% water.
