--- title: Nature reserves in the Attersee-Attergau region url: "https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves.html" description: "Protected areas can pursue different goals: The protection of a site, the protection of endangered habitats and animals, the preservation of unique natural relics or the protection of centuries-old trees." image: "https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/user_upload/attersee-attergau/logos/Attersee_Attergau_Logo_80__gro%E2%94%9C%C6%92.jpg" date: 2025-01-15 modified: 2026-02-03 --- # Nature reserves in the Attersee-Attergau region **Nature reserves, nature parks & European protected areas** ================================================================ Protected areas can pursue different objectives: The protection of a location, the protection of endangered habitats and animals, the preservation of unique natural relics or the protection of centuries-old trees. [continue reading ](javascript:void())**Experience the protected natural jewels in the Attersee-Attergau region!** Discover the Venus Trap among the nature reserves, learn about a special relict - the natural and unspoilt piece of primeval forest shore or explore mysterious moors. **Protected areas at provincial & European level** There are three different national categories of protected areas in Upper Austria: Nature reserves, landscape conservation areas and protected landscape areas. Nature parks are a special form of protected landscape area. In addition to the provincial level, there are also protected areas at European level. Several categories of protected areas in Austria are designated as **European protected areas** with the aim of permanently safeguarding Europe's natural habitats. These are essentially areas in the European Union's Natura 2000 network of protected areas for the protection of biotopes and species. [ ![Picture shows nature reserve Aufhamer Uferwald in Attersee am Attersee.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: TVBAtterseeAttergau") Aufhamer Uferwald Attersee am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430027751/aufhamer-uferwald-natural-protective-area.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: TVBAtterseeAttergau Close copyright [ ![St Hubert"s Chapel in Seewalchen am Attersee: The picture shows a small, traditional building with a pointed roof and wooden elements. It is located in the middle of a wooded area with green vegetation. A person can be seen walking along the path in front of the building.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau") Gerlhammer Moor Seewalchen am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/401617/gerlhamer-moor-nature-reserve.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau Close copyright [ ![The black head rush (Schoenus nigricans) can be found in the Reinthaler Moos in Attersee am Attersee](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: ZoonarGmbH_AlarmyStock") Reinthalermoos Attersee am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430017827/reinthaler-moos-natural-protective-area.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: ZoonarGmbH_AlarmyStock Close copyright [ ![Photo from 2017 shows Moorsee \"Großer Egelsee\" in Steindorf near Seewalchen am Attersee.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Herbert Benedik") Egelsee Seewalchen ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430027671/big-lake-egelsee-steindorf.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Herbert Benedik Close copyright [ ![Egelsee and Egelseemoor - nature reserve in Unterach am Attersee: The picture shows a beautiful, idyllic landscape with a lake, surrounding mountains and a green, wooded valley. In the centre is a wide, green meadow surrounded by coniferous forests. The scenery is peaceful and inviting.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: National Geographic") Hedgehog Lake & Hedgehog Moor Unterach am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/400969/lake-egelsee-and-moor-nature-reserve.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: National Geographic Close copyright [ ![Sweet chestnut forest - nature reserve in Unterach am Attersee: The picture shows an idyllic landscape with wooded hills, a road winding through the countryside and a lake or river stretching out in the background. The vegetation is bathed in the warm autumn colours that make for a picturesque sight.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Michael Süß") Chestnut Forest Unterach am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/400638/sweet-chestnut-forest-integral-nature-reserve.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Michael Süß Close copyright European nature reserve Attersee - Natura 2000 ---------------------------------------------- ### Pearlfish and sea bass An area of over 6000 hectares of Lake Mondsee and Lake Attersee was designated a NATURA 2000 protected area by the EU in 2006. The reasons why this area was declared a European protected area include **pearlfish and sea pigeons**. The pearlfish is a highly endangered carp fish. It is only rarely found in Europe. The **most vital stocks in the whole of Europe** can be found in Lake Attersee and Lake Mondsee. The sea lion is still relatively common in Lake Mondsee and Lake Attersee, but has not been found in Lake Traunsee. Both fish live in deep waters. At the [Weyregg Aquarium](https://www.atterwiki.at/index.php?title=Aquarium_Weyregg "Aquarium Weyregg"), endangered fish such as the pearlfish and the sea lily can be observed, as well as the measures taken in the Mondsee and Attersee European nature reserves. **Where does the pearlfish get its name from?** The pearlfish owes its name to the typical spawning rash of the males. Largely on the head and back, amber-coloured bumps, about the size of a grain of rice, form, which give them their name and look like small pearls. [ More about Natura 20 ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/430027759/europaschutzgebiet-attersee.html) [ ![Aerial view of Weyregg am Attersee](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau/Moritz Ablinger") European nature reserve on Lak --------------------------------- More information ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430027759/european-nature-reserve-attersee.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau/Moritz Ablinger Close copyright [ ![Attersee aquarium at the music pavilion in Weyregg in Weyregg am Attersee: The picture shows a silvery-coloured fish with a scaly surface moving in a turquoise-coloured underwater area. It appears to be a detailed photograph of an attractive aquarium inhabitant.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Johanna Kiebler") Attersee Aquarium in Weyregg ------------------------------- Pearlfish up close.. ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/201067/aquarium-a-paradise-for-children-in-weyregg.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Johanna Kiebler Close copyright Attersee-Traunsee Nature Park ------------------------------ The special cultural and natural landscape between Lake Attersee and Lake Traunsee was recognised as the third and largest nature park in Upper Austria in 2012. It connects the two lakes with a very varied mountain and valley landscape. For inquisitive nature lovers, knowledgeable experts offer a large number of different nature adventure tours, exploring the world of herbs and plants or life in the forest and water. A treat for body, mind and soul. **Discover this fascinating landscape and the delicious Zwetschkenreich® and experience the Attersee-Traunsee Nature Park with all your senses.** [ Attersee Nature Park ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/top-sightseeing-highlights/nature-park-attersee-traunsee.html) [ ![looking into the Aurach Valley Nature Park](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Clemens Schnaitl") Attersee-Traunsee Nature Park To the plum kingdom! ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430011129/naturepark-attersee-traunsee.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Clemens Schnaitl Close copyright [ ![There is a lot to discover in the barrier-free, interactive and multimedia permanent exhibition.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: NUPAT_Daniela Stockinger") On the runway to the plum kingdom Permanent exhibition in the nature park ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430024014/naturepark-permanent-exhibition.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: NUPAT_Daniela Stockinger Close copyright [ ![Kapelle bei Sternenhimmel](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/d/csm_Gahbergkapelle_Johannes-Horvath_b2435ebb67.jpg "Bild: Johannes Horvath, Sternenhimmel") 1. Star Park in Austria Attersee-Attergau ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430027875/sternenpark-attersee-traunsee-austria-s-1st-dark-sky-park.html) © Open copyright © Bild: Johannes Horvath, Sternenhimmel Close copyright Inside is a standstill, outside is a sigh of relief. Farmland Nature Park -------------------- In addition to the Attersee-Traunsee Nature Park, there has been another nature park since September 2021, which also includes Unterach am Attersee: the **Bauernland Nature Park**. This means that there are now two nature parks in the Attersee-Attergau region. [continue reading ](javascript:void())The nature park in the judicial district of Mondsee covers an area of around 208 km2. It includes the municipalities of Oberhofen am Irrsee, Tiefgraben Zell am Moos, Mondsee, St. Lorenz, Innerschwand am Mondsee, Oberwang and Unterach am Attersee. [ ![Luftaufnahme der Orte im Attersee und im Attergau Region Attersee-Attergau Attersee am Attersee, Berg im Attergau, Frankenmarkt, Nußdorf am Attersee, Schörfling am Attersee, Seewalchen am Attersee, Sankt Georgen im Attergau, Steinbach am Attersee, Straß im Attergau, Unterach am Attersee, Vöcklamarkt Weyregg am Attersee, mit Blick auf den Ort und das Ufer des Attersees](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/c/a/csm_Unterach_am_Attersee_1_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger_4477ad42f3.jpg "Unterach_am_Attersee_1_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger.jpg") Farmland Nature Park Mondsee. Irrsee. Lake Attersee ](https://naturpark-bauernland.at) © Open copyright © Unterach_am_Attersee_1_TVB_Attersee_Attergau_MoritzAblinger.jpg Close copyright [ ![from Schoberstein to Hochlecken, panoramic view of Lake Attersee](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau/Moritz Ablinger") Mountaineering village Steinbach Off to lofty heights! ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/sports-and-health/hiking/nature-reserves/oesterreich-poi/detail/430027848/bergsteigerdorf-steinbach-am-attersee.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau/Moritz Ablinger Close copyright Mountaineering village Steinbach am Attersee -------------------------------------------- Mountaineering villages are an exciting initiative for the protection of the Alps. Steinbach am Attersee is one of the villages recognised as a mountaineering village. These endeavour to promote **gentle Alpine tourism,** the **preservation of unspoilt nature** and **harmony between nature and people**. [continue reading ](javascript:void())29 communities in Austria, South Tyrol, Italy, Germany and Slovenia have so far been awarded the title of Mountaineering Village. One of the required criteria is the absence of ascent aids. The mountaineering villages are the result of a project organised by the Alpine associations. They support the protection of the Alps and sustainable development in the entire Alpine region. What can we do ourselves? Suggestions for the sustainable protection of our unique nature. [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/9/9/csm_2020-06-Wandern-TVB-Attersee-Attergau-Moritz-Ablinger__7__669f5a0c18.jpg "www.moritz-ablinger.com Auswahl_1, Auswahl_2_Attersee") Rules in the nature ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/safe-in-the-water-on-the-mountain-and-on-the-alpine-pasture.html) © Open copyright © www.moritz-ablinger.com Auswahl_1, Auswahl_2_Attersee Close copyright [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/d/e/csm_Atterseebahn_Stern___Hafferl_Verkehrsgesellschaft_m.b.H._0a49e389dc.jpg) Environmentally friendly travel ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/region-/-places/service/sustainable-travel-and-e-mobility.html)