“Zur Erinnerung an den Gründer des Naturparks Eichenhain Leo Bieder 1921-1987 und der Eröffnung am 6.9.1979” – this is what is carved on the Leo-Bieder-Gedenkstein Stone that you are standing in front of. A simple stone memorial to a man named Leo Bieder. But what story does this stone tell?
The Leo-Bieder-Gedenkstein Stone is nestled in the Naturpark Eichenhain, a beautiful nature park just north of Vienna. This unassuming stone commemorates a man who fought to preserve this precious natural haven.
Leo Bieder, a dedicated politician and advocate for the environment, spent many years fighting against the construction of a highway that would have cut through the Eichenhain forest. His tireless efforts, which many thought unlikely to succeed, were ultimately victorious. The highway was never built, and the Eichenhain forest remained intact, a testament to Bieder’s perseverance. Today, the park is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers, all enjoying the tranquil beauty that Bieder dedicated his life to protect. The inscription on the stone serves as a lasting reminder of his legacy.