Europaschutzgebiet Unteres Steyr- und Ennstal

While the Enns is subject to strong human intervention due to the impoundment areas of several power plants, the Steyr can still flow quite unhindered in this area. With its characteristic gravel banks, framed by willows, the Lower Steyr is a valuable green and recreational area in the immediate vicinity of the city. A popular walk through this natural landscape begins at the Kruglwehr parking lot below the pilgrimage site of Christkindl. Although the gravel banks are a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, rare bird species such as the black woodpecker, kingfisher, dipper, and grey wagtail live and breed here. The European protected area continues after the confluence of the Steyr into the Enns and encompasses in its entirety the river landscape in the municipalities of Garsten, Sierning, and Steyr, as well as further via Kronstorf to Enns. The Steyrtal Cycle Path and the Enns Cycle Path offer good opportunities to experience this natural area actively.