Steinfeld

Steinfeld is a protected area in Lower Austria covering 11,548.69 hectares entirely on land. It lies inland in the continental ecoregion and was designated a Special Protection Area for birds in December 2001. The site was chosen to safeguard 66 animal species, all birds, that depend on this landscape. Among the protected birds are the great reed warbler, marsh warbler, great crested grebe and black-necked grebe. Visitors may also spot the corncrake, ortolan bunting and little ringed plover. Other notable species include the white stork, European roller and several birds of prey such as the saker falcon, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. The flat terrain and mosaic of meadows, fields and small waterbodies provide ideal feeding and nesting grounds. A network of paths lets walkers explore the open landscape at leisure. From slight rises the views stretch across the wide plain, offering quiet encounters with its rich birdlife.