Development of a concept for visitor guidance (2026)

Client: Nature and GEOpark Eisenwurzen

The Salza is one of the most natural wild rivers in the Eastern Alps. Boat tourism on the Salza has increased significantly in recent years. If one takes into account people's current and medium-term leisure behavior, then this trend is upward. The gravel banks, which serve as essential habitats for the sandpiper and spawning areas for grayling and brown trout, are particularly affected by the increase in boat tourism.

The aim of this project was to develop a concept for the sustainable management of tourism along the Salza River within the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark. As a first step, current visitor usage was assessed. Based on the objectives outlined in the Nature and Geopark's management plan, an evaluation was conducted to determine whether current usage of the Salza allows for the achievement of these objectives, and if so, what the maximum permissible level of boat tourism would be. Where necessary, proposals for visitor management were developed. The project was embedded in the INTERREG project “Danube GeoTour Plus – Boosting opportunities for more inclusive, valuable, and balanced Geopark Communities”, which aims to develop and further expand sustainable tourist offerings for the Danube GeoTour together with the population in participatory processes.