Nature Spectacle – Border Crossers in October

Name: Nature Spectacle – Border Crossers in October
Start: 2026-10-03
End: 2026-10-03
Location: Parkplatz vor der Burgschänke

Saturday 3 October · 09:30Parkplatz vor der Burgschänke · oberoesterreich

What's it about?

Border Crossers – An expedition through the Europareservat Unterer Inn.Experience boundless nature around the Naturium am Inn.Here in the Europareservat Unterer Inn, you will experience the power with which the Inn has shaped the surroundings, how it was tamed, and how it is now reclaiming its naturalness. The islands in the reservoirs are home not only to up to 300 bird species, but also to untouched, natural riparian forests, the so-called European jungle. On the Lower Inn, you can find more diverse habitats and specially adapted creatures than almost anywhere else. Let's start the jungle excursion together!The tour begins at Frauenstein Castle in the municipality of Mining. Here we get an overview of the area, its origins, and historical aspects. A special feature of this region is the close coexistence of humans and nature. The once wild Inn was straightened by humans, causing islands and gravel banks to disappear. Years later, the Ering-Frauenstein power plant was built. Over time, however, the Inn has reclaimed a piece of nature, making the Europareservat Unterer Inn with its islands a unique spot on earth. But the area offers even more exciting habitats: A highlight is the fish ladder built by Verbund AG in 2019. This 2.6 km long body of water not only allows fish to bypass the power plant but also forms a new habitat. In the "European jungle," the riparian forest, we learn what characterizes this special and endangered forest type. The biodiversity in these water-proximate forests is exceptionally high. Here you encounter fascinating animals like the beaver. We also deal with the survival strategies and adaptations of the riparian forest inhabitants and answer the following questions: How do bats hunt, and why is not every flight successful? How can a black poplar stand in water for so long without suffocating? Why don't willows simply break off during floods? And why do we call the beaver a "landscape architect" and value it so much for the ecosystem? On the so-called "Brennen" – species-rich dry grasslands that grow on gravelly ground – we will then take a well-deserved break. On the way back, we will have another opportunity to fully absorb the "European jungle," and with a bit of luck, we might even observe the rare white-tailed eagle, which breeds here in the Europareservat – one of only two pairs in Bavaria. The tour will end at the Naturium in Ering. Here there is an exhibition and information material.Image credits: Naturium am InnEquipment:Sturdy, waterproof footwearWeather-appropriate clothingMosquito and sun protectionA small snack/packed lunch and drinksTime: 9:30 AM, Duration: approx. 3 hoursWe will be moving on forest paths, which may be wet depending on the weather and water level. The path is approximately 4 km long in total. The ascent to the dam is about 50 m long and a bit steeper.Suitable for wheelchair users with an accompanying person.€5 per person – payable on site