loop trail around jauerling summit
reactivation for tourism in the nature reserve at the highest elevation along the danube (a) . 2011 – 2015
the nature reserve jauerling, located on the like named summit, is the highest elevation along the danube with at 922 m.a.s.l. up until now, the experiences offered to visitors of the park have not been particularly specific.
the numerous remarkable settings, cultural features and rare attributes are now orchestrated in a touristic-scenic way and can be experienced through new décor elements: simple interventions that can be found along the trail invite one to playfully discover the area during the short hike along the plateau, passing through the clearing stauferlichtung, the meadow jahnwiese, the summit and the nature reserve house.
adhering the strong forestry cultivation of the jauerling, the stack of wood becomes the design concept in terms of size and shape for all structural elements. when combined with a metal substructure, the stacked cubic meters made out of local spruce wood are arranged in the form of convertible objects with a high recognition value, which can partly be modified by their users.
a long table presents the clearing above the top station in a new way. acting as a water and barbecue table, and furthermore offering possibilities to play, the table gives numerous hikers a spacious possibility to rest. they are also offered an overlook as well as information on the region. resulting from a simple addition that springs forth out of the inherent topography, a space is created, which can then also be used for outdoor celebrations.
a hung down summit ring emphasizes the highest point of the jauerling plateau. a plain clearing overlooking the spruce treetops in combination with the inscribed tourism information make this a special location.
divans mark the view overlooking the historic wachau landscape. on top of being ordinary benches affording a view, they offer cross-cultural possibilities for spending time there, for playing and for ways of reinterpreting. individual wood elements can be pulled out and playfully present special features of the surrounding landscape.
the new terrace with a panoramic view by the nature reserve house, which is a restaurant with a spectacular view of the danube, sets the final focus: the terrace, used for restaurant purposes, is extended by wood stringers guiding the eye towards the danube valley. designed to capture the sun, a long bench offers panoramic views from high above, looking down on the river meandering throughout the hills of the wachau landscape.
