Nature in Austria

Austria’s nature is strongly shaped by the Alps. There are also wooded hills, basin landscapes, agriculturally used plains, river valleys, lakes, fens and floodplains. A habitat includes plants, animals, fungi, soils, water and climate. These components are interconnected, which means that changes in one place can affect the entire natural system. Forests cover large parts of the country. They provide habitats, store water and carbon, supply wood and can protect settlements and transport routes from natural hazards. Important bodies of water include the Danube, numerous smaller rivers, streams and lakes. Near-natural shores and floodplains provide habitats for many species and can absorb water during floods. Austria protects valuable landscapes and habitats through various types of protected areas. These include national parks (Nationalpark), nature parks (Naturpark), European protected areas (Europaschutzgebiet), nature reserves (Naturschutzgebiet) and other forms regulated under provincial law, with different objectives and rules. Nature conservation in Austria is shared between the federal government, the federal provinces (Bundesländer), municipalities, landowners and other parties. Many specific rules are set by the federal provinces, so local differences may exist. Managed areas are also part of Austria’s cultural landscape. Alpine pastures, meadows, grazing land, fields and forests can be rich in species when use, maintenance and protection are well coordinated. Nature is affected by land consumption, fragmented habitats, pollution, invasive species and climate change. Protective measures can reduce damage, but lost soils or complex habitats are often difficult to fully restore. For visitors, consideration, keeping the environment clean and following local instructions are the most important basic rules. Trail requirements, access rights, leash requirements and restrictions on collecting things may differ depending on the area, season and federal province.