Natura 2000 Gebiet "Vogelschutzgebiet Oberes Donautal"

The 924 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 bird sanctuary is characterized by gorge forests and rocky slopes. On flat 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. Bird species protected in the bird sanctuary include black storks, European honey buzzards, eagle owls, great crested newts, and yellow-bellied toads. From Linz: Take the B127 via Rottenegg, Gerling, St. Martin, Untermühl to Kirchberg ob der Donau.