Lainzer

The Lainzer Tiergarten is a large nature reserve situated on the eastern slopes of the Vienna Woods in Lower Austria, just north of Vienna. Encompassing approximately 2,000 hectares, the area sits at the foothills of the Hohe Wand and Karlstift hill, providing varied habitats ranging from mixed deciduous forest to wet marshland.

The reserve was founded in 1875 by the Austrian state as a hunting preserve, but was later opened to the public in 1949. Its management has since shifted from game farming to conservation, and it today serves as a protected park for wildlife and as a recreational space for nearby residents. The Lainzer Tiergarten is best known for its intact subalpine forest, which hosts a variety of bird species, small mammals, and protected plants such as orchids and alpine flowers.

Visitors to the Lainzer Tiergarten can explore a network of marked trails that lead to the historic Tschiffelswick Farm, the Peasant's House, and the hilltop observatory on Karlstift. Seasonal events such as guided tours for birds of prey and educational workshops for children are organized by the park's administration. The park records sustainable visitor numbers to maintain ecological balance and safeguards the habitat of endangered species such as the golden eagle and the gray wolf.

Access to the Lainzer Tiergarten is convenient via public transport and dedicated bicycle routes from Vienna’s city center. Entry is free, but certain trails require permits, especially when visiting sensitive ecological zones. The facility provides visitor huts, informational displays, and small cafés that reflect the regional culinary traditions.