nature - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2002 - 58 Euro Cent

Already in 1941 there were efforts to give the nature around the "Umlaufberg" at Merkersdorf and Hardegg a special protection. In 1984, the third expansion stage for the exploitation of the Thaya water by the threshold power plant and irrigation project Byci scale should be implemented, which would have meant the demise of a magnificent landscape and the destruction of intact, natural habitat. Before Hardegg would have spread through the Schwellbetrieb a mud desert. The resistance against this plan became so enormous that not only this project had to be abandoned, but also the soil could be prepared for a thorough nature conservation project. As of 1.1.2000, 25 km of the Thayatal and its surroundings were declared a national park and thus the habitat for 1287 plant species - ie almost half of all 2950 species occurring throughout Austria - and an incredible number of animal species, such as 65 species of mammals, 152 species of birds, 885 species of butterflies and even 22 earthworm species secured for the long term. Various hiking trails open up the area to the visitors, especially the Thayatalweg, the Einsiedlerweg, the Hardegger and the Merkersdorfer Rundwanderweg. In addition, a rich leadership program is offered. Along the former Iron Curtain, there is now an international cycle path that connects to the Czech National Park Podyjí. (More info: www.np-thayatal.at)