Lainsitzniederung in Gmünd

Unusual landscape conservationists have been grazing in the Lainsitzniederung near Gmünd since 2018: water buffalo. But rare birds, butterflies, dragonflies and even otters also find a home here. The idyllic floodplain and meadow landscape provides a habitat for an impressive variety of flora and fauna.

The Lainsitz meanders through species-rich willow meadows and floodplains. The nature reserve bears the name of the Lainsitz River, a tributary of the Vltava on the border with the Czech Republic. Annual floods inundate the floodplain, creating ideal conditions for plants and animals. The floodplain landscape north of Gmünd is the largest near-natural meandering section of all low mountain rivers in Lower Austria and is home to the last large floodplain meadow lowlands in the Waldviertel.

The Lainsitz meadows are important breeding grounds for water birds. The highly endangered corncrake in particular feels at home here - its distinctive double call can reach up to a kilometer away. Dragonflies, including the green damselfly, and numerous butterfly species such as the meadow blue, also characterize the landscape. Otters can also be found here, supported by the proximity to Czech populations. To protect nature, visitors should not leave the marked paths.

Since 2018, water buffalo have been maintaining the wet meadows by controlling woody plants, stinging nettles and balsam. The grazing project is the first of its kind in an Austrian nature reserve. The impressive animals can be observed from the viewing platforms along the Lainsitz from May to October.

The Lainsitzniederung is easily accessible from Gmünd. Nearby, the Blockheide Nature Park attracts visitors with its impressive granite formations, including the famous Wackelsteine - a perfect destination for nature lovers and families.