Baumkronenweg Kopfing

The Baumkronenweg at Kopfing opened in 2005 and runs about a kilometre through the canopy of a mixed forest at heights of up to around twenty metres, on a timber walkway supported on posts and trees, with a tower at one end giving a longer view over the Sauwald hills. It was among the first of its kind in Austria and the intention was educational as much as recreational - the boards deal with canopy ecology, tree growth and forest management. What distinguishes it from most treetop walks is the accommodation: a set of cabins built up in the trees off the walkway, some reached by rope bridges, which can be booked for the night, so you sleep in the canopy with the forest around you. There is also a play area and a barefoot path below.

What you actually see

• A kilometre of canopy walkway - up to twenty metres in mixed forest.
• Treetop cabins - built off the walkway and bookable overnight.
• A view tower - the longer outlook over the Sauwald hills.
• Canopy interpretation - boards on forest ecology along the route.

When to go

April to October; the walkway closes over winter. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Closed for the winter. The walkway is short and mainly of interest with children or for the overnight stay. Cabins book out well ahead in summer. It is entirely outdoors.

Nearby

Schärding and the Inn are west; Passau is over the German border.