Donau früher und heute: historisches Dia einer Flusskurve mit Sandbank, im Filmstreifen-Rahmen

The Danube: Then and Now

Rivers change when we let them. But our approach to rivers has also changed considerably in recent decades: in the past, we often relied on heavily regulated rivers with hard-engineered banks. Today, however, we try to give rivers more room again, allowing them to flow more freely. That way, dynamic processes create new habitats, both in the river itself and in the surrounding floodplain forests.

This change in approach can be observed particularly impressively along the Danube in the Ottensheim Marktau floodplain.

1962

Islands and Gravel Banks

Although the Danube was already regulated in 1962, it still flowed relatively freely. Islands and extensive gravel banks were able to form here due to the river’s excessive width.

Donau früher und heute: historische Luftaufnahme einer Flussschlinge mit breiter Sandbank vor der Renaturierung

1970

Power Plant and Reinforced Banks

From 1970 onwards, the construction of the Ottensheim-Wilhering power plant led to more and more banks being hard-engineered, increasingly constricting and regulating the river. The hard-engineered banks are clearly visible in the photos.

Donau früher und heute: historische Ansicht einer Flusskurve mit Ortschaft, Schloss und Baustellenfläche Donau früher und heute: steile Steinschüttung (Blocksatz) am Ufer vor der ökologischen Umgestaltung Donau früher und heute: begrüntes Steinufer mit Blick auf ein Wehr im Hintergrund

2011

Back to More Nature

A gradual rethink is taking place. The new motto is back to more nature. As part of restoration measures, new islands, side channels, and fish passages are created along the Danube starting in 2011. The river can flow more freely again and is ecologically enhanced.

Donau bei Niedrigwasser 2013 mit Schotterbank, Totholz und Baggerarbeiten vor Schlosspanorama

Donau 2018 mit Frachtschiff, aufgeschüttetem Kies und Uferbefestigung vor Schloss und Ortschaft

2025

Extension of the Side Channel

Today, we know that intact rivers need room to develop. This not only strengthens ecological quality but often improves flood protection as well. As part of the IRIS project, an existing side channel is therefore being extended. Along approximately 400 meters, further habitats for animals and plants are being created. In addition, a viewing platform is being built at the mouth of the side channel, inviting visitors to experience the river for themselves in the future. The measures will be completed in winter 2026/2027.

Donau früher und heute: Drohnenaufnahme der laufenden Renaturierungsarbeiten mit Kiesinsel im Herbst

Donau früher und heute: Luftaufnahme der renaturierten Kies- und Sandinsel im Frühjahr

Donau 2026 mit renaturierten Schotter- und Kiesflächen, ersten Pioniergräsern und Blick auf Schloss

Donau 2025 mit breiter Schotterbank und Verlandungszonen im Winterlicht vor Schlosskulisse

If you look closely, you’ll notice that the last photo bears a striking resemblance to the one from 1962. The circle closes here. And yet, this is only the beginning: further projects will follow to give our rivers even more room.