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The largest wetland area on Lake Constance
What makes this area so special?  Its wild habitats make a particular contribution to diversity.  Extensive areas of calm water provide significant spawning grounds for fish, thereby generating a food source for great flocks of aquatic birds.  Many of these are migratory birds, who breed in the far north of Europe and fly south in the autumn.  They are drawn to undisturbed areas of water, where they rest and search for food.  Some head further south; others spend the whole winter here, as the Lake is only entirely frozen over on very rare occasions.  These conditions make Lake Constance the most important winter habitat for aquatic birds in Austria.
 
The banks, with their characteristic reed beds, provide breeding grounds for rare species of birds. Over 300 hectares of water meadows are maintained in near-wild condition as litter meadows, providing a habitat for orchids, rare wildflower species, small animals and meadow birds.  Finally, the estuary lowlands of the New and Old Rhine provide a wide variety of sheltered habitats for numerous species of birds and butterflies.

A central office for the Nature Conservation Zone
On the grounds of its exceptional flora and fauna, the Rhine Delta is a wetland of international significance.  It is much more than that, however: agriculture, tourism, coarse angling and fisheries all have their proper place.  The habitat of many plants and animals will only be maintained if semi-wild cultivation can be undertaken.
 
Semi-wild landscapes not only provide essential habitats for rare species, they also represent a recreational facility for human visitors.  Spaces of this type are becoming increasingly important: people come here to relax, to find peace and refreshment, and to observe the rare flora and fauna.  All these factors mean that increasing demands have been placed on the area over recent decades.
 
In response to these increasing pressures, demand has also arisen for the establishment of a central point of contact for the Nature Conservation Zone – an authority responsible for communication, education and administration.  A place where landowners and farm managers in the area can have their questions answered, and where nature-lovers and schoolchildren can obtain information on the natural environment and landscape of the largest wetland area on Lake Constance

A home for the Rhine Delta
In September 1998 the "Rhine Delta House“ opened under the management of the Rhine Delta Nature Conservation Association.
Here, the visitor can enjoy characteristic habitats "in miniature“, with their associated flora and fauna, in the immediate vicinity of the Rhine Delta House.  Pathways and brief information contained in topographical maps help the visitor to find their way around.
Local guides are happy to welcome you to the Rhine Delta house, where you will find further information and information materials.
 
The Rhine Delta Nature Conservation Association organises exhibitions and guided tours of the nature conservation zone – specially themed visits, specifically for schoolchildren, can be arranged by telephone.

Opening times
Tue – Fri, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Rhine Delta Nature Conservation Association
Im Böschen 25, 6971 Hard
T 05578/74478, F 05578/74478-4

Text/photos: Brochure of the Rhine Delta House
Picture sources: M Grabher, M Granitza, G Stadler,
D Huber, W Niederer, M Roggo, Archiv inatura