Natura 2000 Gebiet "FFH-Gebiet Oberes Donau- und Aschachtal"

The 7,119 ha European protected area "Upper Danube and Aschach Valley" is composed of various parts - the Danube valley with some steep slopes between the border near Passau and Aschach, and the gorge section of the Aschach between Waizenkirchen and Hartkirchen. The landscape of the Upper Danube and Aschach Valley is characterized by gorge forests and rocky slopes. On gentle slopes, dry and wet slope/gorge forests, oak-hornbeam and beech forests transition into mixed forests. Of very high importance are also the scree slopes and impressive rock formations that can be found at the Schlögener Schlinge. In this section of the Danube, there are also various fish species that have the most significant occurrences in all of Austria, such as the Semling, Streber, or Zingel. Arrival from Linz: From Linz, take the B127 towards Ottensheim. From there, continue on the B131 to Landshaag, where you cross the Danube bridge to Aschach. From Hartkirchen, take the B130 to Engelhartszell.