Naturjuwel Natura 2000 Raabklamm

Natural Jewel & Natura 2000 Area Its conservation value has long been known, and it was declared a nature reserve as early as 1970; in 2006, it was declared a Natura 2000 European Protected Area. Located between Weiz / St. Ruprecht an der Raab and the Almenland Nature Park in the heart of Eastern Styria, the gorge stretches over a length of 17 kilometers. Its aesthetic value as a diverse hiking paradise is just as important as its richness in different habitats. The Natura 2000 European Protected Area allows numerous endangered animal and plant species to thrive in their natural environment. The Raab cuts through the limestone area between Schöckl and Sattelberg and flows largely naturally through the gorge. On the steep slopes, there are near-natural beech and maple-ash forests. Already in spring, woodruff stretches its delicate white blossoms upwards in the still sparse forest. A little later, the initially pink-flowered spotted lungwort, which increasingly changes its flower color towards blue, creates a colorful picture in the moist, cool deciduous forest. Directly in the riverbed of the Raab, numerous tall perennials thrive on the gravel islands. Here, for example, the over 1.5 meter tall, dark pink to white-flowered white-flowered night violet comes into bloom. It is one of the rarer species in Styria. But also horse mint and bitter cress feel at home here. From the animal world, birds that need old or already dead trees find their habitat here. Black storks, Eurasian pygmy owls, and Eurasian eagle-owls nest here. The numerous caves in the gorge are important winter quarters for lesser and greater mouse-eared bats as well as for the barbastelle bat. From the insect world, Austria's largest dragonfly species must certainly be mentioned: the banded demoiselle. For runners and cyclists, the "Kleine" Raabklamm (Small Raab Gorge) offers a great local recreation area, whereas demanding hikers in the "Große" Raabklamm (Large Raab Gorge) get their money's worth on around 10 kilometers over footbridges and past bizarre rock formations. Numerous side hiking trails allow for a shortening of the path. Please note that if you are out with your dog, it should be kept on a leash.The Raabklamm - Natura 2000Size: 555.1 ha Municipalities of the Natura 2000 area: Passail, Mortantsch, Gutenberg-Stenzengreith, Naas The Raab is probably the most heavily developed river in Austria. Over 20 weirs or bottom sills and a bed designed with stone throws with a river course shortening from approx. 40 to now 95 Styrian river kilometers were created between the 1950s and 1980s. Only 14% of the Austrian Raab flows freely and naturally. This includes a part of the Raab in the Weiz district, where it squeezes between Schöckl limestones (approx. 350 million years old) and crystalline primeval rock parts, forming the Raabklamm. In the numerous karst caves of the Raabklamm, bats find excellent winter quarters.

Opening hours & season

• 01.01.2021 – 31.12.2030dailyopen all day