Experience the natural jewel Marchauen
Welcome to the Marchauen Nature Reserve!
The “Untere Marchauen” nature reserve is located—with the exception of a small portion—in the floodplain of the March River between the municipalities of Marchegg and Zwerndorf. In addition to near-natural riparian forests, diverse meadows and floodplain waters characterize this nature reserve, which spans approximately 1,200 hectares.
The original “Herrschaftsau” (manor floodplain) of the Palffy family was designated as the “Untere Marchauen” nature reserve in 1973. Since then, the WWF has managed it as a model site for sustainable forestry and agriculture. Nest protection zones and natural forest reserves form core areas where nature is left to its own devices.
The main attraction of the March floodplains is the white stork colony near Marchegg Castle. First documented in 1890, it now comprises up to 40 occupied nests. The storks’ choice of old oak trees as their nesting sites is unique in all of Central Europe. Master Adebar now feels at home not only in the old oak trees but also on the castle’s chimneys. The storks in the reserve forage for food in the extensive meadows on both sides of the March River, on the Austrian and Slovakian sides. Occasionally, the shy black stork also circles above the floodplain forest. Like the black kite and the significant gray heron colony, it is one of the nature reserve’s treasures.
A paradise for walking and hiking:
Designated visitor trails offer a wonderful and relaxing way to hike through the pristine floodplain forest of the March River. Specially built observation platforms allow visitors to watch Master Adebar go about his daily routine. The huts along the trails invite you to take a break right in the middle of the habitat of beavers, kingfishers, and fire-bellied toads. With a little luck, you might encounter a herd of Konik horses. This ancient horse breed lives year-round in the floodplain reserve and is perfectly adapted to life in the wild.
MARCHEGG STORK HOUSE
The Marchegg StorkHouse is located directly inside Marchegg Castle and serves as an information center for nature tourism in the March floodplains. During a guided tour, you’ll gain insight into the lives of storks, the natural environment of the March floodplains, and the surroundings of the diverse Marchfeld region. It also houses the regional shop, which offers innovative and regional products from partner businesses, themed literature, and plenty of interesting items for young nature enthusiasts. The screen in the shop displays a live stream offering a glimpse into a stork’s nest and the fascinating process of raising stork chicks.
