Ornithology hiking path

Short description

The ornothology path is a nature trail dealing with the habitats of birds. On about 30 displays along the approx. 2 km long trail most different topics from birds occurring in Austria are dealt with. Examples of such topics are bird flight and bird migration, endangered species and their protection, reproduction – from the egg to the baby bird, different bird families etc.

From the over-sized nesting box children have a great view to hikers passing by. And looking for birds with the sight pipe gives an impression of the habitats of domestic birds. The enormous ear trumpet collects the sounds of the forest. For children, the ornithology path offers playing stations for balancing and slides, but also a large nest to climb in.

The nature trail is self-explanatory. Those who prefer having a guided tour will get a very good impression of domestic birds from a nature and landscape guide.

Point of departure

The ornithology path at Gutau has meanwhile existed for about 15 years and has become an established part of the hiking tourism facilities offered by the community. The major elements are a show room in the local centre and a circular footpath with information boards and stops for listening. As a result of the weather the stations in the open air are partly in a very poor condition and need repair. There are also ideas for a re-design of the stations in accordance with experiential learning as well as an extension of the offer.

Targets and target groups

The new design and new components are aimed at the following goals:

- Playful communication of knowhow and information about the birds living in our home country (especially in the Upper Austrian region of the Mühlviertel)
- Visitors deal with and experience the landscape where they hike.
- Creation of attractive offers for the regional hiking tourism
- Attraction “walkable bird’s nest”

Project implementation and measures

New design with attractive stops (film, bird’s nest/slide…)

Erfahrung

Already in the first summer after the opening of the re-designed ornithology path (June 2009) more than 2500 guests had visited the trail. The expected figures have thus been exceeded by more than 50% already in the first year. Also local suppliers, innkeepers and other enterprises at Gutau confirm that the economy has gained momentum due to the ornithology path.