Damp Joy.

Challenge: 2 (sports shoes)
Circuit: Lobau via Dechantlacke, Josefsteg, Panozzalacke and Neue Donau
Length: 7.62km
Start point: Nationalparkhaus lobAU,
1220 Vienna, Dechantweg 8
Coordinates: 48°11'40.66"N, 16°28'5.63"E
Public transport: 91A > Roter Hiasl stop
(5 minutes from the start point by foot)    

ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The Blair Witch doesn't live in America, she lives in the Lobau, on that we urbs agree, because the roughest looking dwellings are hidden in the thickets around the lakes. They are lovers' hideouts, used during the summer months. In summer, the Obere Lobau area of Austria is a place for fun, games and nakedness.  

People who prefer to experience the charm of the wetlands and lakes in peace and quiet should probably plan their trip for spring or autumn, because there aren't many mosquitoes then either. But whatever the season, a tour through this nature reserve leaves a lasting impression.  

Go to Google-Maps

ROUTE
The Nationalparkhaus lobAU visitor centre is the start point for this tour, and is located on Dechantweg. This entrance to the path, which is wide and comfortable along its entire length, is marked by two wooden posts. It goes straight into the nature reserve, before coming to a fork after 500m. Take the left turn in the direction of Alt Naufahrt – a lake in Untere Biberhaufen. As we carry on, we pass a lot of little paths on the right, that lead to places to swim on Dechantlacke. Our path however, carries on to a T junction.

Take the right path in the direction of Großenzersdorf. (The left turn leads to the Lobau entrance at Luitpold-Stern-Gasse). Follow this wide path as far as Josephsteg, cross this and go straight ahead until you reach another T junction. Take the right turn to Panozzalacke. Walk along the Fasangartenarm, past the ‘Knusperhäuschen’ food stand and follow Napoleon's headquarters (Napoleonstein) until you hit Lobgrundstraße.

Here, turn right, cross Raffineriestraße, and go down to the Danube and hike along the bank side path until you have almost reached the Steinspornbrücke bridge, where a path leads to the right to the bus stop at Raffeneriestraße/Roter Hiasl. To get to the exit, turn into Biberhaufenweg, and take the right across the big car park to Nationalparkhaus lobAU.    

AREA TIPS  

Nationalparkhaus lobAU
Exhibits and audiovisual displays
Opening from March to the end of October
Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm
1220 Vienna, Dechantweg 8
http://www.nph-lobau.wien.at

Detailed National Park Map
for bathing, boat trips, wheelchair routes and
various publications about the floodplain
http://www.donauauen.at (under Downloads)  

Roter Hiasl
Cosy traditional Viennese restaurant
1220 Vienna, Biberhaufenweg 228
http://www.roterhiasl.at  

Walking maps
of the Donau-Auen National Park
[Danube Wetlands National Park]
1:50 000, Publisher: freytag & berndt
available in bookshops