Grenzgänger – A Expedition through the Unterer Inn European Nature Reserve

Name: Grenzgänger – A Expedition through the Unterer Inn European Nature Reserve
Start: 2026-10-11T13:10:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-11T13:10:00+02:00
Location: Parkplatz vor der Burgschänke

Sunday 11 October · 13:10Parkplatz vor der Burgschänke · oberoesterreich

What's it about?

Border crossers – An expedition through the Unterer Inn European Nature Reserve Experience boundless nature around the Naturium at Inn. Here in the Unterer Inn European Nature Reserve, you will see with what force the Inn has shaped the surroundings, how it was tamed, and how it is now reclaiming its natural state. The islands in the reservoirs are home to up to 300 bird species, and untouched, natural floodplain forests, known as the European jungle, are developing here. The Unterer Inn offers a variety of habitats and specially adapted creatures like hardly anywhere else. Let’s start the jungle excursion together! The tour begins at Schloss Frauenstein in the municipality of Mining. Here, we get an overview of the area, its formation, 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, the Inn has reclaimed some of its natural state, turning the European Nature Reserve Unterer Inn with its islands into a unique piece of earth. The area also offers other exciting habitats: a highlight is the fish ladder built in 2019 by Verbund AG. This 2.6 km long waterway not only allows fish to bypass the power plant but also creates a new habitat. In the "European jungle," the floodplain forest, we learn what makes this special and endangered forest type unique. The biodiversity in these waterside forests is exceptionally high. Here, we encounter fascinating animals like the beaver. We will also explore the survival strategies and adaptations of floodplain forest inhabitants and answer questions such as: 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 break off during floods? And why do we call the beaver the "landscape architect" and value it so highly for the ecosystem? Afterward, we will take a well-deserved break at the "Brennen" – species-rich dry grasslands growing on gravelly ground. On the way back, we will have another chance to fully experience the "European jungle," and with some luck, we may observe the rare sea eagle, which breeds here in the European Nature Reserve – one of only two pairs in Bavaria. The tour ends at the Naturium in Ering, where there is an exhibition and informational material. Image credits: Naturium am Inn Equipment: - Sturdy, waterproof footwear - Weather-appropriate clothing - Insect and sun protection - A small snack and drink Time: 9:30 AM, Duration: approx. 3 hours We will walk on forest paths, which may be wet depending on weather and water levels. The total distance is about 4 km. The ascent to the dam is about 50 meters long and somewhat steeper. Suitable for wheelchair users with assistance. Cost: €5 per person – payable on site.