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{{Short description|Vienna floodplain and protected area}}
{{about|a floodplain in Vienna|other meanings|Lobau (disambiguation)|the Count de Lobau|Georges Mouton}}

{{Infobox forest|name=National Reserve Lobau|photo=20020823 Lobau und Flughafen mit Nordstern.jpg|photo_caption=Lobau (north of the Danube) and [[Vienna International Airport|Vienna Airport in Schwechat]]|map=|coords={{coord|48.183333|N|16.516667|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}|county=|region=[[Donaustadt]], Vienna|country=Austria|area={{convert|22|km2|abbr=on}}|ecosystem=|status=|disturbance=|forest_cover=|species=|indicator_plants=|lesser_flora=|fauna=|embedded={{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1_offname = Untere Lobau
| designation1_date = 16 December 1982
| designation1_number = 273<ref name="RSIS">{{Cite web|title=Untere Lobau|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/273|accessdate=25 April 2018}}</ref>}}}}The Lobau ({{IPA|de|loˈbaʊ̯|-|De-Lobau.ogg}}) is a [[floodplain]] in [[Vienna]], [[Austria]]. Located in the south-east of the city, on the northern bank of the Danube, it is a part of the [[Danube-Auen National Park]]. 

== History ==

=== Before 1870 ===
The Danube meandered through the flat [[Marchfeld]], forming floodplains that constantly changed due to floods. 

==== Battle of Aspern ====
[[File:Anton von Perger - Napoleons Überfahrt aus der Lobau.jpg|thumb|Napoleon crossing the Lobau|left]]
On May 21 and 22, 1809, during the [[Fifth Coalition|War of the Fifth Coalition]], the Lobau was the site of the [[Battle of Aspern]]. To confront the [[Austrian Empire|Austrian troops]] led by [[Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen|Archduke Charles]] stationed north of the Danube, [[Napoleon]] ordered his army to cross the river in the Lobau area near Kaiserebersdorf. The crossing of the Danube was a challenging operation due to the need to cross several wide branches of the river, and the absence of any bridges.

[[File:Return of Napoleon to the Isle of Lobau after the Battle of Essling, 23 May 1809 (by Charles Meynier).jpg|thumb|''[[Napoleon's Return to the Island of Lobau After the Battle of Essling]]'' by [[Charles Meynier]], 1812]]
The Battle of Aspern was Napoleon's first defeat and led to the death of [[Jean Lannes]], one of his most trusted marshals and a key figure in his military campaigns. The fighting took place north of the Lobau on open fields and in nearby villages, particularly [[Aspern]] and [[Essling]]. After the battle, Napoleon retreated with his troops into the Lobau, which at the time was an island between the Danube branches, and set up his headquarters there for several weeks. On the night of July 5, 1809, [[Henri-Gatien Bertrand]] had several bridges built, allowing Napoleon to move 150,000 men to the left bank of the Danube in just a few hours. He then launched an immediate attack on the Austrian army and decisively defeated them at the [[Battle of Wagram]].
[[File:Friedhof der Franzosen Lobau.jpg|thumb|French cemetery]]
Today, locations like Napoleonstraße, monuments at Napoleon's headquarters (near the Panozzalacke), Napoleon's [[Gunpowder magazine|powder magazine]], the French cemetery, the French crossing (south of [[Groß-Enzersdorf]]), and the Lion of Aspern commemorate the battle. In [[Paris]], the Rue de Lobau by the [[Hôtel de Ville, Paris|Hôtel de Ville]] and the [[Avenue de Wagram]], which leads to the [[Arc de Triomphe]], are named in remembrance of the battle and the subsequent victory.

=== Danube regulation ===
Following the [[Vienna Danube regulation|Danube regulation]] in 1870, many of the river's side arms and floodplains in Vienna were filled in or developed, especially on the southern bank. In contrast, the northern bank, farther from the city, faced less urban pressure, allowing the Lobau to remain a preserved area for hunting, forestry, and agriculture, eventually becoming a popular recreational space.

Historically, the Lobau was a royal hunting reserve, frequently visited by [[Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria|Crown Prince Rudolf]]. In 1903, [[Franz Joseph I of Austria|Emperor Franz Joseph I.]] and [[Edward VII|King Edward VII of Britain]] embarked on a hunting trip there. In 1905, the Lobau was designated as a protected area, and in 1918, [[Charles I of Austria|Emperor Charles I.]] gifted the Upper Lobau to the city of Vienna.

=== Development ===
The concept of a [[Danube–Oder Canal|Danube-Oder Canal]] through the Lobau dates back to 1719, with construction commencing in 1939 during the [[Austria within Nazi Germany|Nazi era]]. By the time work was halted, 4.2 kilometers of navigable canal had been completed. The Lobau Oil Harbor was established, including a refinery and large tank storage facilities. The canal split the Lobau into the Upper and Lower Lobau, with the Lower Lobau remaining largely untouched and natural, while the Upper Lobau was developed for agriculture. Forced laborers, primarily Soviet prisoners and Jews, were used in the construction of the refinery, which became a target of [[Oil campaign of World War II|bombing raids]].
[[File:DOE Lobau.jpg|thumb|The oil refinery with the Lobau in the background and the tip of the [[Donauinsel]] in the foreground.|left|179x179px]]
In addition, small areas of the Lobau were used for military exercises. The Lobau Groundwater Works, which provides Vienna with drinking water during peak demand, was also constructed in the area.

=== Conservation ===
The Lobau is a crucial refuge for endangered species and was designated a [[World Network of Biosphere Reserves|UNESCO Biosphere Reserve]] from 1977 to 2016. Since 1978, it has been a [[nature reserve]], with a landscape protection area extending to Aspern, protecting a quarter of [[Donaustadt]].
[[File:Nationalparkhaus.jpg|thumb|National park house]]
In 1983, the Lower Lobau was designated a [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar Wetland]] area. Since 1996, the Lobau has been part of the [[Danube-Auen National Park]], which extends downstream into [[Lower Austria]], creating an ecological corridor with other protected areas. The Lobau is also connected to the Ramsar areas in [[Slovakia]] and the [[Czech Republic]], forming a trilateral cross-border Ramsar area.

== Leisure ==
[[File:Panozzalacke Steg.jpg|thumb|The Panozzalacke]]After [[World War I]], the Lobau became a popular recreational area. [[Trams in Vienna|Tram line]] 317 from [[Kagran]] transported people there, where they could enjoy long hikes and spend relaxing days by the water without encountering large crowds. In the 1920s, [[naturism]], whether officially permitted or not, took off in the Lobau. Along its old river arms, naturist groups established meeting spots that continue to exist to this day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lobau |url=https://www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/Lobau |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at |language=de}}</ref>

The ''Dechantlacke'' and ''Panozzalacke'' are popular swimming spots in the Lobau. A nature trail called ''Obere Lobau'' was established in the national park area. It runs from the park entrance at Saltenstraße to the entrance at Dechantweg. The Lobau is connected by numerous hiking trails, including the long-distance ''Ostösterreichischer Grenzlandweg'' and the [[European long-distance paths|European long-distance trails]] [[E4 European long distance path|E4]] and [[E8 European long distance path|E8]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=Wildbadeplatz Panozzalacke |url=https://www.falter.at/kinder/20230524/wildbadeplatz-panozzalacke |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=FALTER.at |language=de-AT}}</ref>[[File:Lobau near Mühlwasser in Wien-Aspern 2022-08-09 32.jpg|thumb|A trail in the Lobau]]

== Ecology ==
The straightening of the river through the Danube regulation altered the Lobau's hydrology. The formerly flood-prone landscape transitioned into a groundwater-fed wetland, while many of the Danube’s main and side arms became stagnant water bodies, gradually filling with [[sediment]]. The reduction in large-scale [[Flood|flooding]] and natural water flow disrupted ecological connections between the river and its floodplain, leading to a steady decline in groundwater and surface water levels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elisabeth |first=Wiedenegger |date=2024-06-14 |title=Lobau: Wasser und Au |url=https://www.naturschutzbund-wien.at/wp/lobau-wasser-und-au/ |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=Naturschutzbund Wien |language=de}}</ref>

The Lower Lobau has been experiencing rapid [[desiccation]] and [[sedimentation]]. A noticeable drop in water levels can be observed in the receding [[groundwater]] table and the frequent drying out of surface waters. These changes are largely attributed to river regulation efforts and the deepening of the Danube’s [[Stream bed|riverbed]], a process intensified by [[hydropower]] development. Additionally, sediment deposits in floodplain waters, shifts in the Danube’s flow patterns, and inadequate water management have further altered the ecosystem. As water levels decline, the region's [[biodiversity]] is also diminishing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lobau soll leben - Wasser für die Au - Naturschutzbund Österreich |url=https://naturschutzbund.at/neuigkeiten-liste-312/items/lobau-soll-leben-wasser-fuer-die-au.html |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=naturschutzbund.at |language=de}}</ref>

=== Water ===
The [[Oxbow lake|oxbow lakes]] and [[Pond|ponds]] occasionally dry out completely. These standing or slow-flowing bodies of water support diverse plant communities, some of whom are highly endangered. Many of these species have adapted to the changes in water levels. During particularly dry years, the receding water creates extensive [[Mudflat|mudflats]], which are subsequently colonized by specialized plant and animal species.
[[File:Lobau in Wien-Aspern 2022-08-09 24.jpg|thumb|A pond in the Lobau]]
Endangered [[Aquatic plant|aquatic plants]] in the region include [[Hottonia palustris|water violet]] (''Hottonia palustris''), various [[pondweed]] species (''Potamogeton spp.''), [[Water caltrop|water chestnut]] (''Trapa natans''), [[Ranunculus|water crowfoot]] (''Ranunculus aquatilis''), and the carnivorous [[Utricularia|bladderwort]] (''Utricularia''). Plants adapted to temporarily dry shorelines include [[Eleocharis|spikerush]] (''Eleocharis''), [[Limosella|mudwort]] (''Limosella''), [[Bidens|beggarticks]] (''Bidens''), and [[Schoenoplectus|club-rush]] (''Schoenoplectus'').<ref>{{Cite web |title=Die Lebensräume |url=https://www.donauauen.at/wissen/natur-wissenschaft/die-lebensraeume |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=www.donauauen.at |language=de}}</ref>
[[File:Josefsteg Lobau 2022-08-09 04.jpg|thumb|The Josefsteg]]
The Josefsteg is a 135-meter-long pedestrian bridge in Vienna's Lobau area, spanning the Schröderwasser. It is surrounded by a sea of [[Phragmites australis|common reed]] (''Phragmites australis''). The bridge was rebuilt in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-04 |title=Der neue Josefsteg – ein Mittel der Politik – Lobaumuseum |url=https://www.lobaumuseum.wien/cms/der-neue-josefsteg-ein-mittel-der-politik/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-02-26 |language=de}}</ref>

=== Fauna ===

==== Softwood riparian forests ====
On newly deposited [[sand]] or [[gravel]], influenced by the type of substrate and its proximity to the river, an initial plant cover establishes itself. This process marks the onset of typical c[[wetland]] [[Ecological succession|succession]]. The succession typically begins with [[Herbaceous plant|herbaceous vegetation]], followed by the growth of [[willow]] shrubs, and ultimately leads to the development of [[wetland]] forest trees, resulting in the formation of [[softwood]] [[Riparian forest|riparian forests]]. 

These forests are primarily composed of light-demanding [[Deciduous|deciduous trees]], such as [[Willow|willows]] (''Salix spp.'') and [[Populus|poplars]] (''Populus spp.''), which require open, unshaded areas to thrive. Common species include [[Salix alba|white willow]] (''Salix alba''), [[crack willow]] (''Salix fragilis''), [[Fraxinus excelsior|European ash]] (''Fraxinus excelsior''), [[Populus nigra|black poplar]] (''Populus nigra''), and [[Populus alba|white poplar]] (''Populus alba'').
[[File:Lobau11.jpg|thumb|left|A poplar]]

==== Hardwood riparian forests ====
If an area is no longer subject to periodic flooding by the river, different tree species may gradually establish themselves on the mature wetland soils over several generations. Although flooding becomes less frequent, the area remains influenced by the river, with its ecological characteristics strongly affected by fluctuations in groundwater levels driven by the Danube's high and low water events.

Typical tree species in these forests include the [[Ulmus laevis|fluttering elm]] (''Ulmus laevis''), [[Ulmus minor|field elm]] (''Ulmus minor''), ash (''Fraxinus excelsior''), [[Tilia cordata|small-leaved lime]] (''Tilia cordata''), [[Quercus robur|pedunculate oak]] (''Quercus robur''), and white poplar (''Populus alba''). These habitats support a variety of specialized species, including beetles and their larvae, which live in the decaying wood of trees and shrubs. The [[Tree stump|tree stumps]] and dead trees are particularly important for bird life.

==== Dry gravel terraces (Heißländen) ====
[[File:Lobau Heißlände.jpg|thumb|Heißländer]]Heißländen are [[savanna]]-like habitats that develop on thick gravel deposits in the Lobau. Trees grow only where the soil layer is deep enough and retains sufficient moisture. These areas are relatively common in the Lobau but can be extremely dry in some locations.

The floodplains feature distinctive steppe-like dry gravel terraces known as ''Heißländen''. These areas, formed on deep gravel deposits, have limited water availability, allowing only drought-tolerant plants to thrive. Typical species found here include [[Crataegus|hawthorn]] (''Crataegus''), [[Hippophae rhamnoides|sea buckthorn]] (''Hippophae rhamnoides''), various [[Orchid|orchids]], [[Berberis|barberry]] (''Berberis'')'','' and [[Feathergrass|feather grass]]. [[Lichen|Lichens]] and [[Moss|mosses]], which can withstand dry conditions, are also common. The [[praying mantis]], an insect native to extremely dry environments, is another notable species found in these habitats.

== Wildlife ==
The Lobau supports a diverse range of flora and fauna due to its dynamic floodplain ecosystem. Seasonal flooding and varied habitats, including wetlands, forests, and river arms, create favorable conditions for numerous species.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fauna |url=https://www.donauauen.at/wissen/natur-wissenschaft/fauna |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=www.donauauen.at |language=de}}</ref>
[[File:Biber (Castor fiber) in der Lobau in Wien - panoramio.jpg|thumb|A Eurasian beaver]]

=== Mammals ===
The Lobau provides habitat for over 30 species of [[mammals]]. One of the most notable is the [[Eurasian beaver]] (''Castor fiber''), which was reintroduced in the 1970s after having been extirpated from Austria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurasian Beaver |url=https://www.donauauen.at/en/facts/nature-science/fauna-engl/eurasian-beaver |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=www.donauauen.at |language=en}}</ref> Other mammals found in the area include [[wild boar]] (''Sus scrofa''), [[European otter]] (''Lutra lutra''), [[roe deer]] (''Capreolus capreolus''), [[Eurasian water shrew]] (''Neomys fodiens''), [[red fox]] (''Vulpes vulpes''), and [[European hare]] (''Lepus europaeus''). Several bat species also inhabit the region, such as the [[common noctule]] (''Nyctalus noctula''), Natterer's bat (''Myotis nattereri''), and [[Daubenton's bat]] (''Myotis daubentonii'').

=== Reptiles and amphibians ===
The wetlands and forests of the Lobau provide a suitable habitat for a variety of [[reptiles]] and [[amphibians]]. Among the reptiles found in the area are the [[European pond turtle]] (''Emys orbicularis''), [[Common slow worm|slow worm]] (''Anguis fragilis''), [[Aesculapian snake]] (''Zamenis longissimus''), [[dice snake]] (''Natrix tessellata''), [[grass snake]] (''Natrix natrix''), and [[smooth snake]] (''Coronella austriaca''). Amphibians in the region include the [[European tree frog]] (''Hyla arborea''), [[agile frog]] (''Rana dalmatina''), European [[fire-bellied toad]] (''Bombina bombina''), and [[Danube crested newt]] (''Triturus dobrogicus'').

=== Fish ===
The waterways of the Lobau also support diverse [[fish]] species, such as the [[European bitterling]] (''Rhodeus amarus''), [[common carp]] (''Cyprinus carpio''), [[pigo]] (''Rutilus pigus''), and [[European mudminnow]] (''Umbra krameri'').

=== Birds ===
The Lobau serves as a key stopover and wintering site for [[Bird migration|migratory birds]]. Fish-eating species include the [[great cormorant]] (''Phalacrocorax carbo''), [[grey heron]] (''Ardea cinerea''), and [[common kingfisher]] (''Alcedo atthis''). [[Bird of prey|Birds of prey]] found in the area include the [[red kite]] (''Milvus milvus''), [[white-tailed eagle]] (''Haliaeetus albicilla''), and [[European honey buzzard]] (''Pernis apivorus''). Other notable species include the [[middle spotted woodpecker]] (''Dendrocoptes medius'') and the [[sand martin]] (''Riparia riparia'').
[[File:Amata phegea Kopula Lobau 20220606.jpg|thumb|Two [[Nine-spotted moth|nine-spotted moths]]]]

=== Invertebrates ===
The Lobau is home to a wide range of [[Invertebrate|invertebrates]], including [[Mollusca|mollusks]], [[Crustacean|crustaceans]], [[Arachnid|arachnids]], and [[Insect|insects]]. Mollusks found in the area include the [[duck mussel]] (''Anodonta anatina''), [[great pond snail]] (''Lymnaea stagnalis''), and [[Viviparus contectus|Lister’s river snail]] (''Viviparus contectus''). The [[Astacus astacus|noble crayfish]] (''Astacus astacus'') represents the region’s crustaceans, while arachnids include the zebra spider (''Salticus scenicus'') and the [[tarantula wolf spider]] (''Lycosa singoriensis'').

The [[insect]] population is particularly diverse, featuring species such as the [[Dragonfly|dragonflies]] [[Ophiogomphus cecilia|green snaketail]] ''(Ophiogomphus cecilia)'' and [[Epitheca bimaculata|Eurasian baskettail]] (''Epitheca bimaculata)'', the [[Zerynthia polyxena|southern festoon butterfly]] (''Zerynthia polyxena)'', the [[European mantis]] (''Mantis religiosa''), the [[water strider]] (''Gerridae''), and the [[stag beetle]] (''Lucanidae'').

== References ==
{{reflist}}{{commons category|Lobau}}

{{Districts of Donaustadt}}

[[Category:Donaustadt]]
[[Category:Biosphere reserves of Austria]]
[[Category:Landforms of Vienna]]
[[Category:Oil campaign of World War II]]
[[Category:Floodplains of Europe]]
[[Category:Ramsar sites in Austria]]
[[Category:Nude beaches]]