More river, more life: Danube Marktau
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More InformationExcavators are already at work in the Marktau near Ottensheim and Wilhering. They are moving huge masses of gravel and fine sediment and are thereby completing an essential step in the restoration of the Marktau. By extending an existing side arm by around 400 meters, the Danube is being given more space and is becoming more like its original branched course. By deliberately lowering the terrain on the newly created island, floodwaters can once again shape the landscape—and that across a vast area of 5 hectares. Natural flooding dynamics are essential for the development of new riparian forests and the settlement of pioneer species. At the same time, flood retention and flood protection are improved.
In the future, the new side arm will flow back into the Danube at the Ofenwasserbrücke bridge. Here, a viewing platform will be built.
The viewing platform will be a special highlight: from here, visitors will have a panoramic view over the Danube. From the power station at Ottensheim-Wilhering, the view extends to the mouth of the old river arm of Ottensheim and the mouth of the Rodl opposite, then over Ottensheim Castle to the Ottensheim ferry, known as the “wire rope bridge.”
In this roughly 2-kilometre stretch downstream of the dam, in the area known as the backwater limit, remnants of the river’s original dynamics can still be found. Here, the water still flows, erosion and sedimentation occur—you can feel the power of the river and get an idea of what the Danube might have looked like as a wild river. With a little luck, you may even spot kingfishers or common sandpipers.
The landscape, which still looks quite barren due to clearing and construction work, will develop into a diverse habitat in the coming years.
Overview of the measures on the Danube
The measures in the Marktau are intended to create important habitats for animals and plants while also improving flood protection. The following measures will be implemented from 2025 to 2026:
Danube measures site plan
Why is part of the Danube being restored?
The LIFE IP IRIS project aims to combine flood protection and nature conservation. It primarily uses nature-based solutions: rivers are redesigned in such a way that they more closely resemble their natural and original form.
The Danube is one of Europe’s largest and most important rivers and fulfills many functions at once. In the IRIS project area near Linz, the river is heavily regulated and shaped by settlements, transport routes, and power plant operations. As a result, the river lacks natural dynamics, which leads to low fish stocks and, overall, only moderate ecological quality.
The IRIS measures along the Danube build on earlier restoration efforts and aim to achieve a balance between human use and nature. Projects such as the extension of the island side-arm system in the Marktau provide new habitats for wildlife and improve ecological quality, while strengthening flood protection. At the same time, attractive recreational areas along the river are created for people to enjoy.
Reinforced bank in the Marktau area before revitalisation (May 2012)
Photo credits: TB Zauner (featured image & fish on featured image), Bernhard Schubert (view of the Danube and impressions of the Danube), Viadonau (Marktau before restoration), Linz Service GmbH (impressions of the Danube).
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