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A visit to the UnterWasserReich Nature Park Hochmoor Schrems

The UnterWasserReich Hochmoor Schrems Nature Park is a fascinating excursion destination in the Waldviertel, which offers visitors the unique world of moors and ponds It offers a variety of experiences in both good and bad weather. The daily feeding of the otters and the opportunity to experience native plants and animals up close are particularly impressive.

Short info:

  • What is the UnderWater Kingdom? It is a visitor center in the Hochmoor Schrems Nature Park that offers an interactive exhibition and a water garden.
  • Where is it? Address: Moorbadstraße 4, 3943 Schrems, Lower Austria.
  • opening hours? March 23 to November 3, 2024, daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • How much time should I plan for? Plan about 2 to 3 hours
  • Is it suitable for children? Yes, there are special programs and an adventure playground for children.
  • Is there an entrance fee? Yes, admission prices are staggered: adults pay 11 euros, children 8 euros, there are also family tickets. NÖ-Card admission is free.
  • What is there to see? Highlights include the otter enclosure, large aquariums with native fish, a live microscope show and changing special exhibitions.
  • What will I experience there? In addition to the indoor exhibition, the water garden offers experiences such as rope rafts and the Ladder to Heaven, a 20-meter-high observation deck.
  • Gastronomy and shop? In the Café UnterWasserReich you can enjoy regional specialties, and the shop sells products from the Waldviertel.

Interactive exhibition and water garden

The heart of the UnderWater Kingdom is the interactive indoor exhibition. Here, visitors can marvel at the variety of local fish species in large aquariums. The microscope live shows, which take place twice a day and provide a detailed look at the tiny inhabitants of the waters, are particularly interesting. A sample is taken from the pond and brought closer to the visitors. The researcher giving the presentation is clearly passionate about what she is doing, but to be honest, the details become too much for our 5-year-old after 30 minutes.

The changing special exhibitions, such as “Climate Change”, offer additional insights into current environmental issues and their impact on the moorland landscapes.

The natural water garden awaits you in the outdoor area of the nature park. Walks over wooden terraces lead past typical moor plants such as sundew, marsh tea and cotton grass. The water garden is not only a botanical highlight, but also a retreat for frogs, dragonflies and butterflies. The rope rafts are particularly exciting for children, as they offer a special perspective on the water and its inhabitants.

The otters

A special highlight of the UnderWater Kingdom are the otters. You can watch these shy animals in their natural enclosure during the daily feeding shows at 10:30, 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. Be sure to be there at one of these times, otherwise the visit will only be half as exciting.

Otters belong to the marten family and are known for their agility in the water. They feed on aquatic animals such as fish, frogs and crabs, but also land animals such as rats and mice are on their menu. Since otters are mostly active at dusk and at night in the wild, the opportunity to see them here during the day is particularly valuable.

The design of the otter enclosure allows visitors to observe the animals in an environment that replicates their natural habitat. This not only provides an educational insight into otter behaviour, but also promotes understanding of the need for their protection.

hiking trails and nature experiences

The nature park offers several hiking trails that lead through the quiet moor landscape. The raised moor hiking trail is a 4.5-kilometer-long route that runs along the water surfaces of old peat pits. With a bit of luck, you can spot the rare moor frog here. Another interesting route is the moor trail, which is a 5-kilometer circular hike and starts directly at the UnterWasserReich car park. For hiking enthusiasts who have a little more time, the “Moor und Feld” route offers an extended 11-kilometer hike.

café and shop

After an eventful day, the Café UnterWasserReich invites you to relax. Here you can enjoy regional specialties, coffee and homemade pastries. The idyllic surroundings can be particularly enjoyed on the pond terrace. In the shop you will find a selection of souvenirs and regional products from the Waldviertel, which are ideal as gifts.

A visit to the UnterWasserReich Nature Park Hochmoor Schrems offers a successful mix of nature experiences and educational opportunities. Whether hiking through the moor, watching the otters or relaxing in the café – every visitor will find something to inspire them here.

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