Variety of Nature

The uniqueness of this region is characterised by the diversity of nature, culture and sustainable management on the margins of the city of Vienna – the only biosphere reserve in Europe part of which is located in a megacity with millions of inhabitants. The biosphere reserve aims at protecting nature and conserving the habitats and species that need protection, at the same time as developing the region in a way to make it a region that excels in responsible management and actions.

Feuersalamander im Wald
© BPWW/M. Graf

  • more than 20 types of woodland

  • more than 17 types of meadow

  • more than 2,000 plant species

biospheres

The Wienerwald is the largest contiguous deciduous beech woodland in Central Europe. The location of such a large expanse of woodland on the edge of a big city is unique. The range of climatic and geological conditions in the Wienerwald is the reason for the great diversity of vegetation types. The Biosphere Reserve has more than 20 types of woodland – with beech, oak and hornbeam dominating – and more than 17 types of meadow. There are more than 2,000 plant species and approx. 150 species of breeding birds in the Wienerwald. The sun-blessed slopes of the Wienerwald in this open cultural landscape are characterised by viticulture. This landscape is rich in structures such as fruit trees, hedges and stone walls providing habitats for numerous interesting and endangered animals and plants.

Blumenwiese
© BPWW/M. Graf

More protected areas

  • core zones

  • European nature reserve

  • landscape protection

  • Nature reserve

  • Natural monuments

  • Nature parks

  • Protected habitats

model region with different protected areas

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are special cultural and nature landscapes which facilitates the balance between biodiversity conservation, economic and social development and the preservation of local cultural values in these regions.

The Wienerwald was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2005 by UNESCO. The Biosphärenpark Wienerwald is in size the second biggest Biosphere Reserve in Austria. The Biosphere Reserve Salzburger Lungau and Kärntner Nockberge (149.600 ha) is bigger and the Biosphere Großes Walsertal (19.200 ha) is smaller.