Europaschutzgebiet Tal der Kleinen Gusen

Between Hirschbach near Freistadt and Unterweitersdorf, the Kleine Gusen flows unregulated through a valley landscape that is almost completely unspoilt. It is accompanied by alluvial forests of alder and ash and meadows, only rarely by fields. The outer valley slopes are overgrown with oaks, hornbeams and beeches.

The only human intervention in this originally preserved valley took place almost two centuries ago - and has been history again for more than a hundred years: the route of the horse-drawn railway from Gmunden via Linz to Budweis ran through this section of the Gusen Valley. All that remains of the railway line is a hiking trail that leads along the former railway line along the river through forests and across meadows. This trail offers a wonderful opportunity to discover a natural landscape of European importance while getting plenty of exercise in the fresh air. The riverine forest communities that still naturally exist along the Gusen have become extremely rare across the continent. The hazel grouse, the black woodpecker and the mighty, nocturnal eagle owl are grateful for the preservation of their habitat. The otter and the yellow-bellied toad are also at home in the valley of the Kleine Gusen.