ナイトリングの天然記念物・トップ16

緑の(!)ドナウ川の美しい光の戯れ。

「世界遺産の宝物～人類の遺産～」という、私の見解では全面的に推薦できるテレビシリーズのウェブサイトには、「ヴァッハウは、まずメルクとクレムスの間のニーダーエスターライヒ州にある約30kmのドナウの渓谷です。ここでは川が狭い岩の谷を形成しています。ヴァッハウのランドマークであり、この風景の演出そのものであるのがメルク修道院です…」と書かれています。ユネスコから「世界遺産」の称号を授与されたこのハイライトに関する15分間の番組は、以下のリンクからARDのメディアライブラリで視聴できます =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-wachau-oesterreich-folge-282/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS82ODcyNjk0

Near Pottenbrunn, the Traisen River underwent comprehensive revitalization as part of a water management pilot project. The aim was to restore the river's natural structure and improve its connectivity for aquatic life. This involved redesigning weirs, constructing near-natural bypass channels and fish ladders, and widening the riverbed. Banks were flattened and ecologically enhanced through the creation of side channels, islands, and shallow water zones. These measures not only improved the river's ecological condition but also promoted natural flood retention areas and enhanced the landscape and recreational opportunities along the Traisen.

A really good place

The Windcatcher fountain sculpture has stood in Europaplatz in St. Pölten since 2024. Erected as a new landmark as part of the square's redesign, it replaces the previous fountain. The sculpture consists of approximately 16,000 handmade bricks and forms an open rotunda equipped with an irrigation system. This system provides cooling through cascading water and evaporation, improving the microclimate. Inside, a tree is surrounded by a bench. The structure also reduces noise and particulate matter, and provides habitat for birds and insects. The design combines ecological function with a pleasant public space and was implemented with the participation of the local community, who were able to symbolically sponsor individual bricks. The Windcatcher thus represents climate awareness, sustainability, and social cohesion.

"The large-scale fountain sculpture offers, on the one hand, a place of retreat and lingering at this busy traffic intersection, thanks to its structural design, and on the other hand, the object is designed in such a way that its special brick structure creates a space that is permeable to air and light," says the Graz-based artist collective "Breath Earth Collective", who will implement the project.

Very scenic section of the Danube cycle path.

The Danube Valley in the Wachau region is an absolute highlight and rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour through this area is an unforgettable experience: I've driven the route several times now and discover new impressions and perspectives with every trip. The combination of the Danube panorama, historical sites, and picturesque landscape makes the tour unique. Absolutely top-notch and highly recommended – an experience you simply have to have!