Aschach

The Aschach is a river in Upper Austria that flows through the districts of Grieskirchen and Eferding. It begins where the Dürre Aschach and the Faule Aschach join near Niederspaching. The river is part of a larger water system that includes the Trattnach and Innbach, all draining the northern Hausruck region into the Danube. The Aschach is worth visiting for its natural contrasts and conservation efforts. Its steepest section, where it cuts through the Sauwald with a gradient of ten parts per thousand, lies within a Natura 2000 protected area. Restoration projects along the Leitenbach and Sandbach tributaries aim to improve water quality and revive habitats for fish such as barbel, chub and the endangered women’s freshwater pearl mussel. Visitors can walk or cycle along the riverbanks, especially in the unspoilt Sauwald stretch. The renatured sections near Waizenkirchen offer wetland views and birdwatching. Anglers may spot trout upstream and barbel or pike downstream. The river’s name, first recorded in 776 as Aschaha, reflects its ash-lined banks in medieval German.