Hotels in Donau-Auen National Park, Austria
Donau-Auen National Park stretches along the Danube River east of Vienna, Austria, with a continental climate that brings warm summers (around 77°F/25°C) perfect for canoeing through the floodplain's side channels, and cold winters (down to 28°F/-2°C) ideal for cross-country skiing on frozen meadows. This protected area is famous for its untouched floodplain forests and abundant wildlife, like beavers and white-tailed eagles, so you can hike the 30-mile Danube Trail in spring to see wildflowers or join a guided birdwatching tour in autumn to spot migrating cranes. For a unique experience, rent a bike and pedal along the 22-mile cycling path from Vienna to the park's main entrance at Orth an der Donau, then explore the visitor center's interactive exhibits about the river's ecology.