Thaya WILDRiver: A journey into wilderness

One of the European Wilderness Network partners from Czech Republic and Austria is Thaya WILDRiver.

The European Wilderness Network representing Europe’s last Wilderness, was founded in 2014 and has grown to now 40 members in 17 Countries with more than 350 000 ha of audited Wilderness.

The Thaya River (known as the Dyje in Czech) is a stunning example of nature’s persistence and beauty. Flowing through the heart of Central Europe, this river serves not only as a natural border between Austria and the Czech Republic but also as the lifeblood of two expansive national parks: Thayatal National Park in Austria and Podyjí National Park in the Czech Republic. Rich in biodiversity and a testament to the region’s ecological importance, the Thaya is a place where water, land, and wildlife intertwine in perfect harmony.

The origins and geological impact of the Thaya

The Thaya River’s name, derived from ancient Illyrian, means “rushing river,” which is an apt description for this dynamic watercourse. Approximately five million years ago, the Thaya began carving its way through the hard granite of the Bohemian Massif, shaping the landscape into the meandering path we see today. It has cut deep into the earth, forming dramatic meanders and river bends that are a hallmark of the river’s unique character.

One of the most striking bends is near Merkersdorf, where the Thaya wraps around the 378-meter-high Umlaufberg. Only a narrow rocky outcrop prevents the river from forming a complete loop, making it a breathtaking natural feature and a symbol of the Thaya’s enduring power to shape the landscape.

Please also read:  Nature’s untouched beauty at Archipelago WILDCoast

The Thaya river’s ecological importance

The Thaya River is not just an aesthetic marvel but also a vital ecosystem. Its waters nurture a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it an invaluable part of the local environment. The river and its tributaries, such as the Fugnitz and Kajabach, create a rich habitat for various species, some of which are rare and endangered. The noble crayfish, brown trout, otters, and water bats are just a few of the species that thrive in the river’s cool, flowing waters.

Birdlife is equally abundant, with black storks, kingfishers, and dice snakes making their homes along its banks. The river’s surroundings, including steep cliffs, dense forests, and alluvial plains, provide perfect conditions for a thriving wildlife community. This biodiversity is integral to the health of the Thaya River valley, and the region’s ongoing preservation efforts seek to maintain and enhance this natural wealth.

Thayatal and Podyjí: a transboundary wilderness

At the heart of the Thaya’s significance is its location in the Thayatal and Podyjí National Parks, two protected areas that form a transboundary wilderness on both sides of the river. The Thayatal National Park in Austria, the smallest of its kind in the country, and the Podyjí National Park in the Czech Republic together create one of the last near-natural valleys in Central Europe.

The WILDRiver segment of the Thaya, spanning over 2 kilometers, is a particularly notable area within the national parks. This pristine stretch of the river is embedded in the heart of the Thayatal, linking the WILDForest and the Podyjí Wilderness. It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, home to meanders, alluvial plains, and ancient forests that have been left to evolve spontaneously, fostering rich biodiversity.

The valley’s climate is a unique blend of continental and Central European influences, creating a diverse range of forest types and plant species. The oak and hornbeam-oak forests, relict pine forests, and alder forests thrive in this protected space, while native beech trees dominate the higher elevations. This rich variety of ecosystems plays a crucial role in sustaining the region’s biodiversity.

Restoring the Thaya: a cross-border initiative

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to restore and protect the natural course of the Thaya River. In the past, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, sections of the river were straightened, reducing its length by nearly 3.2 kilometers. However, thanks to the DYJE 2020 – THAYA 2020 project, a cross-border initiative between the Czech Republic and Austria, the river is returning to its natural, meandering flow.

One of the main goals of this project is to reconnect the oxbows — the meanders that were cut off during the straightening process — to the river’s main watercourse. This restoration effort has already extended the river’s length by over a kilometer, with the meanders now contributing to the river’s floodplain habitat. These efforts are vital not only for the health of the river but also for the diverse species that depend on its unique environment.

By improving the morphology of the river and promoting sustainable fish management, the project is ensuring the long-term health of the Thaya River ecosystem. The restoration of the natural river course also contributes to improved water quality, animal migration, and fish reproduction.

Wilderness tourism: A sustainable experience

Visitors to the Thayatal National Park are invited to explore this wild landscape through a network of marked trails that lead through forests, meadows, and along the riverbanks. The surrounding areas offer stunning viewpoints that allow visitors to experience the river’s wild beauty.

The park is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Vienna (95 km away) and Prague (220 km away), making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists. Visitors can enjoy not only the river and its surroundings but also the rich cultural heritage of the region. The small town of Hardegg, nestled in the heart of the Thayatal National Park, is the only settlement accessible by car, offering a quiet base for exploring the area.

Looking to the future

The Thaya River is more than just a geographical feature; it is a symbol of cooperation, conservation, and the resilience of nature. As part of the ongoing efforts to protect this ecologically important area, the Thayatal and Podyjí National Parks are working together with the European Wilderness Society to ensure the long-term health and preservation of the river and its surrounding ecosystems.

By maintaining the river’s natural flow, restoring its biodiversity, and promoting sustainable tourism, these parks not only protect a vital waterway but also safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of the region for future generations.

European Wilderness Network

The main aim of the European Wilderness Network is a unified approach to Wilderness Stewardship and the representation of Wilderness and its challenges internationally and within the European Union. All Wilderness, WILDCoasts, WILDForests, WILDIslands, and WILDRivers, in the European Wilderness Network are unique and represent the best and wildest places in Europe.