BACKWATERS

The backwaters of this part of the Lobau once traversed the forest in a network of channels, almost delta-like, flooding regularly.

They have been cut off from the river as a result of the straightening of the main channels of the Danube. Consequently, water no longer flows through them, they become choked with reeds and other vegetation, turning to marsh, drying out and eventually becoming woodland.

The level of the water table sinks, further drying out the whole area.

In the past, some of these ribbon lakes were artificially cleared and banks of gravel may be seen heaped along the shoreline.

In recent years measures (re-connection with the main river) have been taken to raise the water table again and partly replenish them.