Whispering willows line the Salzach River. This is Itzlinger Au a hidden green heart beating within Salzburg’s urban pulse. It’s a small floodplain forest a remnant of a much grander auwald belt. This 12.5-hectare haven lies on the river’s left bank. It’s nestled between the mouth of the Glankanal and the imposing Westautobahn. Itzlinger Au is officially protected. Its designation as a Geschützter Landschaftsteil came in 1998.
Its unique ecosystem thrives. Lush vegetation teems with life. Ancient trees and fallen logs provide habitats. Rare black poplars stand tall. Birds find refuge here. Buntspecht Kleiber and Sumpfmeise all nest within the trees. Even a rare beetle the Scharlachkäfer protected under the EU’s FFH-Richtlinie makes its home here. The Itzlinger Au offers more than just ecological significance. Its aesthetic beauty enhances the surrounding landscape. People cherish it as a recreational space. It scores highly in landscape aesthetics ecological value and species protection. Six distinct biotope types have been categorized in this small area.
The Itzlinger Au is easily accessible. A towpath runs along the Salzach River. Footpaths traverse the northern part of the forest. You can access it from the towpath or west of the Salzburgarena. But the southern section south of the Glankanal’s mouth lacks marked paths. Remember Itzlinger Au has also been known as the Lieferinger Au. This is due to its proximity to the Liefering district. It’s important to note that this protected area isn’t identical to any former auwald areas with that same name. The Glanspitz the area where the Glankanal meets the Salzach is also part of Itzlinger Au. Renovated in 2013 it’s now a modern recreational zone. A playground a football pitch and even a table tennis table are found here. A nearby information panel celebrates the Pfenningerbach. This is a newly created stream important for fish migration in the Salzach. It’s named after Peter Pfenninger the last professional fisherman of Liefering.
So here we are at Itzlinger Au a testament to the beauty of nature surviving amidst urban sprawl. A vital green lung for the city offering peace solace and a glimpse into Salzburg’s rich natural history. It’s a place to breathe deeply to appreciate nature’s resilience and to feel a connection to the history and life of the Salzach River. Remember its story as you walk through its tranquil paths.