At the beginning of the 1950s, the Iron Curtain descended over Europe. The Czech part of the Thaya valley became a restricted military area, which no one was allowed to enter.
Dark as this chapter in Europe's history was, nature benefited from the absence of human influence. Here nature could grow almost undisturbed. Endangered animal species, such as the otter, the black stork or the white-tailed eagle, which became increasingly rare elsewhere, found a last refuge here.
Under the expert guidance of national park rangers, visitors learn about bunkers and other silent witnesses of a conflict-ridden past in the neighbouring Národní Park Podyjí. In the Czech village of Čížov, a piece of the Iron Curtain has been preserved as a memorial. The information centre of the national park focuses on the common future of the two protected areas.
On the way back, a detour to the Hardegg observation point offers a wonderful view of Austria's smallest town.
Meeting point: Hardegg, Thaya bridge
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: flat rate € 220
more than 20 persons € 11/person
Can be booked all year round.