• Die sanften Hügel des Naturparks Föhrenberge erstrahlen im warmen Licht der Abendsonne, während bunte Wildblumen das grüne Gras schmücken. Ein Gefühl von Ruhe und Freiheit durchzieht die Luft, perfekt für einen entspannten Sommerabend in der Natur.
    ©© Naturparke Niederösterreich/Robert Herbst

Our Nature Park Philosophy

Die sanften Hügel der Weinregion laden zu einem entspannten Spaziergang ein, während die goldenen Weinreben im warmen Licht der Nachmittagssonne leuchten. Ein majestätischer Baum bietet Schatten und einen perfekten Platz, um die Schönheit der Natur zu genießen und die Seele baumeln zu lassen.
©© Wienerwald Tourismus GmbH/Christian Dusek

What is a nature park?

The ‘NaturePark’ designation is awarded to particularly valuable natural and cultural landscapes that have been shaped by human activity over the centuries. Careful, recurring management has given rise to distinctive landscapes that today provide vital habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

To ensure that these vibrant landscapes are preserved for the future, nature parks aim to responsibly combine conservation with sustainable use. As model regions, they demonstrate how near-natural land management, recreation and sustainable regional development can go hand in hand – working together and in partnership with the people who live in and manage these areas.

The work is based on the four-pillar model comprising conservation, recreation, education and regional development.

The four-pillar philosophy of nature parks

The work of nature parks in Austria is based on the four-pillar model. The four equally important areas – conservation, recreation, education and regional development – work closely together as part of an integrated approach.

Sustainable success is achieved where these areas are conceived and implemented in close collaboration: when landscapes are cared for, habitats are preserved, knowledge is shared and regions are strengthened. In this way, nature parks develop into spaces for the future that combine ecological, social and economic benefits.

Nature parks put this philosophy into practice every day – through effective projects and in partnership with local authorities, associations, schools, nurseries, partner organisations, volunteers and the local community, landscapes teeming with life are responsibly preserved and developed with a view to the future.

  • Große Kuhschelle (Pulsatilla grandis)
    ©LPV/F. Hohn

    Protection

  • Zwei Wanderer genießen die frische Luft und die malerische Landschaft auf einem schmalen Pfad, umgeben von üppigem Grün und sanften Hügeln. Die warmen Sonnenstrahlen tauchen die Szenerie in ein goldenes Licht und laden dazu ein, die Ruhe der Natur zu erleben. Diese Pilgerwanderung verspricht nicht nur körperliche Ertüchtigung, sondern auch eine spirituelle Auszeit.
    ©© Mostviertel Tourismus/weinfranz.at

    Recreation

  • Kinder liegen in der Wiese und versuchen ein Tier darzustellen
    ©LPV/F. Litzelmann

    Education

  • HD_Genuss_X8A2947.tif
    ©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Hauke Dressler

    Regional development