The Upper Austrian provincial government has issued a new management plan regulation for the Upper Austrian Kalkalpen National Park.
Now in effect:
Management Plan Ordinance
Protect habitats and allow forests to develop naturally.
New Management Plan Regulation
into effect for the Upper Austrian Limestone Alps National Park
The Upper Austrian provincial government has enacted a new management plan regulation for the Upper Austrian Kalkalpen National Park. This regulation protects valuable habitats and allows forests to develop naturally—while also enabling visitors to enjoy a breathtaking experience of nature.
Protecting rare animal and plant species, allowing for forest wilderness, and preserving biodiversity: these are the core missions of Kalkalpen National Park. The Management Plan Ordinance, last enacted in 1997 upon the park’s establishment, has now been revised and is already in effect. It defines the framework for the natural environment, wildlife management, and visitor management. “Visitor management in the National Park follows clear principles: prohibitions are limited to what is absolutely necessary; instead, we focus on information and raising awareness. In addition, our site managers and rangers on the ground make an important contribution to ensuring considerate behavior in the forest wilderness,” says National Park Director Josef Forstinger.
Good to know for visitors:
- NEW: Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Private drone flights are generally prohibited; exceptions are made only for scientific or national park-related purposes with the approval of the National Park Authority.
- NEW: Canyoning and river diving are not permitted.
- There is still no requirement to stay on the trails, but visitors are asked to use the marked paths. To protect sensitive habitats, entry is prohibited in wetlands and bogs.
- Overnight stays and camping are permitted only in designated areas.
- Climbing is permitted only in designated areas and during authorized hours.
- The Hohe Nock designated as a launch site for paragliders. Flight zones are located in the western and southern parts of the Sengsengebirge; flight restrictions apply to the north and east to protect golden eagles and their nesting sites. If necessary, the National Park Authority may impose additional, temporary restrictions.
- Horseback riding and cycling are permitted only on designated trails.
- To prevent forest fires, fires may only be lit in designated areas in accordance with the currently applicable forest fire safety regulations.
Note: Detailed information and maps of the flight and protection zones are Kalkalpen National Park on the Kalkalpen National Park website.
