Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Inn-Salzach Natura 2000 Protected Area comprises a network of riverine floodplains, wetlands, and forests situated along the Inn and Salzach rivers, which flow through the Bavaria region in Germany and Upper Austria in Austria. This Natura 2000 site protects important habitats including alluvial forests, marshes, water meadows, and gravel banks that are vital for numerous rare and endangered species, especially birds, amphibians, and aquatic fauna. The area's geography is characterized by a dynamic river landscape with shifting watercourses, meandering river arms, and wide floodplains that offer flood regulation and nutrient cycling benefits. Historically, the Inn and Salzach rivers shaped local cultural development and settlement patterns, with traditional land uses such as extensive pasture and seasonal fishing still practiced in parts. Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Inn-Salzach can enjoy birdwatching at designated observation points, low-impact hiking and cycling trails near floodplain meadows, and paddling opportunities on calmer river sections. Notable landmarks include natural floodplain reserves like Unterer Inn and protected bird nesting sites, making the area a hotspot for biodiversity. Due to its cross-border nature, the site fosters collaboration between German and Austrian conservation authorities, ensuring habitat connectivity and sustainable management. Visitors seeking tranquility and a close connection to Central Europe's riverine ecosystems will find Inn-Salzach uniquely captivating and biologically significant.
