Perhaps you’ve heard of a green lung for Vienna. It’s more than just a park. It is the Norbert-Scheed-Warte. This is a story of vision, nature, and a growing city.
The Norbert-Scheed-Warte area is named after Norbert Scheed. He was a local leader. Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in 2014. He dreamed of a green space for Vienna’s largest district and future generations.
Imagine a space of about 1,000 hectares. That’s what the Norbert-Scheed-Wald offers. It is located in Donaustadt. This area in northeast Vienna needed green spaces. The Norbert-Scheed-Wald will fill that need.
The city approved a plan for the Norbert-Scheed-Wald in April 2015. This plan outlined how this huge project would look. It focuses on creating high-quality recreation areas for people. Existing waterways will become accessible. Bike paths will be improved. New trails will let you explore forests, meadows, and fields.
Getting here is easy. The U2 subway line connects to Aspern Nord station. This provides public transport access. A new guidance system will help you find your way. It will highlight interesting facts about the local plants and animals. It will also share the area’s history.
The Norbert-Scheed-Wald offers something for everyone. You can walk, sit by the water, or have a picnic. You might jog, bike, or ride a horse. Explore nature trails. Watch animals. Even harvest your own food. You can observe farmers at work.
The Norbert-Scheed-Wald is more than recreation. It’s a natural space for learning. New trees and shrubs create habitats for animals. Dry grasslands are protected. Green corridors connect existing green spaces. This expands the habitat for wildlife.
The Norbert-Scheed-Wald is a central part of Vienna’s green spaces. It is a long-term project. Think of the city’s decision in 1905. It protected 6,000 hectares of forest. The Norbert-Scheed-Wald is similar. It is a project for the future.
The city involves the public in the Norbert-Scheed-Wald’s development. Workshops connect different city departments. The Norbert-Scheed-Wald Forum shares information with local stakeholders. Guided walks let stakeholders share their knowledge. A traveling exhibit teaches the public about the area. This exhibit visits different locations in Donaustadt each year since 2017. A guidance system stands permanently in the area. It offers quick facts about the project. School workshops teach children about nature in the Norbert-Scheed-Wald.
The Norbert-Scheed-Wald is an important link. It connects Bisamberg and Lobau. It helps complete the green belt around Vienna. The area between S\u00fc\u00dfenbrunn and Stammersdorf is now the Regionalpark DreiAnger. Donaustadt is growing quickly. But it still has large undeveloped areas. Much of this land is used for farming. The Norbert-Scheed-Wald will protect this.
Interestingly, the Norbert-Scheed-Wald won’t be fully forested. Instead, trees will frame the meadows, fields, and bodies of water. The area is part of the Marchfeld region. Its open spaces are important. Farming will continue here. Around four-fifths of the land is privately owned. Local farmers were initially skeptical of the project. Water plays a key role. Most of the bodies of water are former gravel pits.
The Norbert-Scheed-Warte stands as a testament to a greener future. A space where nature, recreation, and community intertwine. It embodies the vision of Norbert Scheed. It offers a vibrant space for all of Vienna.