Exchange at the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark
From April 29 to May 3, 2026, a group from the UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb visited the Steirische Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark in Austria. The excursion took place as part of the EU-funded Interreg project “Danube GeoTour Plus” and served to facilitate professional exchange, networking, and the exploration of regional offerings and innovative approaches in sustainable tourism.
The group included students from the Rottenburg University of Applied Forestry and a group from BruderhausDiakonie—both partners of the Geopark in the Interreg project. The aim of the exchange was not only to get to know the region and its geological features, but above all to engage in conversation with local residents and stakeholders.
Geology, Nature, and Local Encountersnungen
Following a welcome from the project partners from the Styrian Eisenwurzen region, the program included numerous excursions and meetings. Visits included the GeoRama in Gams with its impressive exhibition on the region’s geological history, the spectacular Wasserlochklamm gorge in Palfau, and the HochQuellenWasser Museum in Wildalpen, which focuses on the history of Vienna’s water supply and the geological principles of spring protection. Additionally, discussions took place on topics such as vacancy rates, depopulation, and potential future prospects for rural regions. The “Weg der unSINNE” in Altenmarkt, an interactive nature trail, as well as a visit to a regional Maypole festival, also offered exciting insights into the culture and daily life of the region.
Interreg Project Aims to Boost Sustainable Tourism
The trip took place as part of the Interreg project “Danube GeoTour Plus.” This transnational cooperation project in the Danube region aims to strengthen sustainable tourism in geoparks and jointly develop innovative offerings. Among other things, it focuses on inclusive geo-experiences, the involvement of vulnerable groups, and new digital solutions for visitor management.
The UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb is also currently working on its own app, which is being developed as part of the project and is intended to enable digital experiences in the geopark in the future. In the future, it could be used, for example, during hikes or excursions.
The group stayed in the former school building in Hieflau, which was converted into modern vacation apartments as part of a project to combat vacancy rates.
Further informationen: Natur- und Geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen
