Schmida

The Schmida is a left tributary of the Danube in northern Lower Austria. It flows through the Schmidatal, a broad valley of fields and vineyards. The river’s name comes from the Old High German word for smith, recalling its former use to power hammer forges. The Schmida has shaped the region’s history and economy. In 864 it was first recorded as Smidaha, and on Josephinische Landesaufnahme maps it appears as Schmiedabach. A waterfall near Kühnring once marked its upper course, though today its sources are gathered into a single artificial pond. The river winds past Eggenburg, turns south near Roseldorf, and passes through villages such as Sitzendorf, Frauendorf and Ziersdorf before reaching the Tullnerfeld. Walkers find a quiet corridor of willows and poplars along the canalised banks. Where the river bends at Roseldorf a new retention basin holds floodwater and creates wet meadows for birds. Signs of beaver and otter appear near the mouth, though water quality remains poor. The path follows the channel past orchards and fields, offering views of the Wagram ridge in the distance.