Tiroler Lech Nature Park

The Tiroler Lech Nature Park (Naturpark Tiroler Lech) extends in the northern Limestone Alps between Steeg and Vils at the South German border, surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Allgäu and Lechtal Alps. The Lechtal valley is one of the last near-natural alpine river valleys of Austria, wide alluvial forests characterise the landscape. Its core is the azure blue wild river Lech, which due to its natural dynamic has created a wide riverbed as well as huge gravel bars. The riverbank is characterised by a huge number of botanic and zoologic rarities.

So far, about 1,160 flowering plants have been proved, 392 plant species are at risk of extinction, e.g. the German tamarisk or the blurush. Also rare animal species, such as natterjacks and rattle grasshoppers, have their natural habitat in the nature park. A highlight is the 17 metres high bird observation tower, which enables you to get an insight into the environment of a large number of birds, living in ponds and bodies of standing water. Furthermore a number of hiking paths, several platforms, and interesting information about the nature park and the wild river landscape can be found here. The Nature Park Office is located in Elmen in the Lechtal valley.

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Founded in: 2004
Surface: 41 sqkm

Peculiarities: "Natura2000" area, largest connected protected area in the valley areas of Tyrol, wild water areas are the most threatened landscapes of Central Europe

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