Northern Bald Ibis

Burghausen in Bavaria has been a location of the Waldrapp project since 2004.

The Waldrapp is a migratory bird that was native to Central Europe until the 17th century, when it disappeared due to overhunting. Today it is one of the most endangered bird species in the world. As part of an EU project (LIFE+ Biodiversity) with partners from Austria, Italy and Germany, the Waldrapp is to be reintroduced to Europe.

In 2004, Waldrapp were guests in Burghausen for the first time as part of the State Garden Show.

Since 2007, young Waldrapp have been led from Burghausen to their wintering area in Tuscany. Since 2011, these birds have been flying independently from Tuscany back to their breeding area in Burghausen in the spring.

Since 2012, Waldrapp have also been breeding successfully in Burghausen and passing on the migration tradition to their young birds without human help.

Burghausen is therefore the first place in the world where a population of independently migrating Waldrapp exists again after more than 350 years.

The Waldrappes breed in nesting niches on the castle wall by the powder tower. In the wall from the powder tower down to the Salzach, there is a gate after about 100 m, through which you can get to the nesting niches on the southeast side of the wall and observe the Waldrappes.

Visiting hours are daily from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Waldrappes are in Burghausen from April to the beginning of August.

Free tours are also possible by arrangement.