--- title: Sweet Chestnut Forest - Integral nature reserve url: "https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/400638/sweet-chestnut-forest-integral-nature-reserve.html" description: "Sweet chestnut forest - nature reserve since 1989The origins of the sweet chestnut forest in Unterach am Attersee is a mystery. It is possible that it is a cultural relic from the Roman or Carolingian period, when viticulture was once practiced here. Some sources, however, suspect it to be a plantation from the 18th century, which has been cultivated until today. In no other area north of the Alps, except in Unterach am Attersee, does the sweet chestnut reach full maturity. In 1989, 4.8 hectares were designated a nature reserve by decree. Learn more about the sweet chestnut north of the Alps!" date: 2017-02-22 modified: 2026-03-18 --- # Sweet Chestnut Forest - Integral nature reserve Sweet Chestnut Forest - Integral nature reserve ================================================= Unterach am Attersee, Oberösterreich, Österreich ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/204066/628998BCFD2E275119EB50B03A224EB41E09F5A4C13FC91E7E55930166070CF2/edelkastanienwald-mit-seeblick-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/204067/DC5993AD2079E28498C499898C68574B237486BFCA8385167D2514DFE473AA7C/einstieg-edelkastanienwald-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/204068/1FC996AB2D5D2F735DCB6A65478DFB757D383CBDFFED54307CD220412FCD8893/anfang-edelkastanienweg-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) © Open copyright © Michael Süß Close copyright [ ![Sweet chestnut forest - nature reserve in Unterach am Attersee: The picture shows an idyllic landscape with wooded hills, a road winding through the countryside and a lake or river stretching out in the background. The vegetation is bathed in the warm autumn colours that make for a picturesque sight.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204066/628998BCFD2E275119EB50B03A224EB41E09F5A4C13FC91E7E55930166070CF2/edelkastanienwald-mit-seeblick-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg "© Michael Süß") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204066/628998BCFD2E275119EB50B03A224EB41E09F5A4C13FC91E7E55930166070CF2/edelkastanienwald-mit-seeblick-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) © Open copyright © Michael Süß Close copyright [ ![Sweet chestnut forest - nature reserve in Unterach am Attersee: The picture shows a picturesque landscape with forests, meadows and mountains. In the centre is a green area with a few buildings surrounded by autumn-coloured trees. The scenery conveys a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204067/DC5993AD2079E28498C499898C68574B237486BFCA8385167D2514DFE473AA7C/einstieg-edelkastanienwald-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg "© Michael Süß") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204067/DC5993AD2079E28498C499898C68574B237486BFCA8385167D2514DFE473AA7C/einstieg-edelkastanienwald-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) © Open copyright © Michael Süß Close copyright [ ![Sweet chestnut forest - nature reserve in Unterach am Attersee: The picture shows a peaceful, picturesque landscape with dense, colourful forests. There is a green meadow with a path winding through the vegetation and a small building surrounded by tall trees in the centre.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204068/1FC996AB2D5D2F735DCB6A65478DFB757D383CBDFFED54307CD220412FCD8893/anfang-edelkastanienweg-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg "© Michael Süß") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204068/1FC996AB2D5D2F735DCB6A65478DFB757D383CBDFFED54307CD220412FCD8893/anfang-edelkastanienweg-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) © Open copyright © Erich Unteregelsbacher Close copyright [ ![Chestnut forest](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204069/F605305ADB3DE1AF22E21ED1888650F09DAFD5C86FACDC3A8379BEA6CE67A976/jubilaeumsbaum-im-edelkastanienwald-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg "© Erich Unteregelsbacher") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204069/F605305ADB3DE1AF22E21ED1888650F09DAFD5C86FACDC3A8379BEA6CE67A976/jubilaeumsbaum-im-edelkastanienwald-in-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) © Open copyright © Sandra Mayr Close copyright [ ![Jubilee tree sweet chestnut](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204070/E7F183D7277E757AF88D5373CF859BC2A77BFEB9BE85BFE84E7F78D489C7AEF8/jubilaeumsbaum-edelkastanie.jpg "© Sandra Mayr") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204070/E7F183D7277E757AF88D5373CF859BC2A77BFEB9BE85BFE84E7F78D489C7AEF8/jubilaeumsbaum-edelkastanie.jpg) © Open copyright © TVB AtterseeAttergau Suess Close copyright [ ![The Jubilee Lounge at the Jubilee Tree in Unterach am Attersee Edelkastanienwald.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204071/518DDAA0CBD7A3DE4177FCBAA76F466CDCAED222DD2F8DFB00D45FC41DEC7165/jubilaeums-lounge.jpg "© TVB AtterseeAttergau Suess") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204071/518DDAA0CBD7A3DE4177FCBAA76F466CDCAED222DD2F8DFB00D45FC41DEC7165/jubilaeums-lounge.jpg) © Open copyright © Erich Unteregelsbacher Close copyright [ ![Chestnut forest](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204072/CE929E64BE844041E458D0C1931AFAC0BCB19241FB20563CC1C8DEAA51C93D3C/kastanienwald.jpg "© Erich Unteregelsbacher") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204072/CE929E64BE844041E458D0C1931AFAC0BCB19241FB20563CC1C8DEAA51C93D3C/kastanienwald.jpg) © Open copyright © Gudrun Loindl Close copyright [ ![Sweet chestnut forest - nature reserve in Unterach am Attersee: The picture shows a signpost board with directions and distance information for various hiking destinations. The board is yellow and mounted on a tree surrounded by colourful autumn leaves. The display contains information such as "Brückelstube", "Hochplettspit", "Edelkastanienwald" and "Höhenweg".](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204073/63318C346D8B5D45890867D79F33CDA526EADABC3BD95593986F330CD5E4E44E/wegschilder-edelkastanienwald-unterach-am-attersee.jpg "© Gudrun Loindl") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204073/63318C346D8B5D45890867D79F33CDA526EADABC3BD95593986F330CD5E4E44E/wegschilder-edelkastanienwald-unterach-am-attersee.jpg) © Open copyright © Hofauer Monika Close copyright [ ![Winter picture of the anniversary tree on Kastanienweg in Unterach am Attersee.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204063/778C1CD6DF334920914301CA3EFFABE7561F8537705ECD2205025F7E6FF15038/winterwanderung-kastanienwald.jpg "© Hofauer Monika") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204063/778C1CD6DF334920914301CA3EFFABE7561F8537705ECD2205025F7E6FF15038/winterwanderung-kastanienwald.jpg) © Open copyright © Hofauer Monika Close copyright [ ![Seating by the anniversary tree in the chestnut forest.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204064/148D926C983A194C838C6F92251191AD783A5521E334D6F3A762CEBBCB5D45B3/winterwanderung-kastanienwald.jpg "© Hofauer Monika") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204064/148D926C983A194C838C6F92251191AD783A5521E334D6F3A762CEBBCB5D45B3/winterwanderung-kastanienwald.jpg) © Open copyright © Hofauer Monika Close copyright [ ![Winter landscape near the anniversary tree on Kastanienweg in Unterach am Attersee.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/204065/9091D226A43E64C491042F7CB8D3B9525210DE4D70CE88EEC5C19C8CB56A8D4A/winterwanderung-kastanienwald.jpg "© Hofauer Monika") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/204065/9091D226A43E64C491042F7CB8D3B9525210DE4D70CE88EEC5C19C8CB56A8D4A/winterwanderung-kastanienwald.jpg) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. pets allowed Kastanienwald 3 4866 Unterach am Attersee [ open in Google Maps ](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kastanienwald%203%2C%204866%20Unterach%20am%20Attersee "Link will open in a new window") [ Open in Apple Maps ](https://maps.apple.com/place?address=Kastanienwald%203%2C%204866%20Unterach%20am%20Attersee "Link will open in a new window") ![](https://static.ecmaps.de/staticmap.jpg?experience=webarchitektur-meta&lat=47.810013062079136&lon=13.490567207336426&width=991&height=450&project=ttg-basemap&zoom=2000&server=meta.tourdata.at) **Sweet chestnut forest - nature reserve since 1989** The origins of the sweet chestnut forest in Unterach am Attersee is a mystery. It is possible that it is a cultural relic from the Roman or Carolingian period, when viticulture was once practiced here. Some sources, however, suspect it to be a plantation from the 18th century, which has been cultivated until today. In no other area north of the Alps, except in Unterach am Attersee, does the sweet chestnut reach full maturity. In 1989, 4.8 hectares were designated a nature reserve by decree. Learn more about the sweet chestnut north of the Alps! #### **DISCOVER the protected natural jewel chestnut forest** Forest nature trail Edelkastanienweg The easy circular trail leads from the center of Unterach am Attersee, up to the kindergarten, passing on the right along a meadow path to the sweet chestnut forest. In the forest there is the possibility to hike further to the Hochplettspitz or to the Egelsee. Further information [HERE](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/100030/edelkastanienwald-in-unterach-am-attersee.html). Chestnut Festival Unterach On the third weekend in October, everything in Unterach revolves around the noble chestnut. At the chestnut festival Unterach restaurateurs and associations present delicacies around the chestnut. From chestnut sauteed to chestnuts wrapped in bacon to sweet chestnuts and banana chestnut pancakes - many culinary delicacies can be conjured up from this noble chestnut. More information [HERE](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430003479/kastanienfest-in-unterach-am-attersee.html). Jubilee tree Emperor Franz Josef Emperor's jubilee and government anniversaries offered occasions for numerous honors and namings. In Unterach, on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Josef on August 18, 1908, it was decided to honor him by planting a jubilee tree. Today the jubilee chestnut tree is a popular resting place equipped with table and benches. Vine growing on the slope It is believed that the Romans already tried to grow grapes on the southern slope of the chestnut forest. It is assumed that the chestnut trees were planted to see if the climatic conditions were suitable for wine. Wine was grown here for a relatively long time. Today, in memory of this time and the special climatic conditions, some vines have been planted again at the edge of the forest. **PROTECTED PLANTS IN THE CHESTNUT FOREST Several hundred years old sweet chestnut trees & ensure their continuity** The sweet chestnut forest is a noble deciduous forest in a protected forest edge location north of the village of Unterach am Attersee. Besides beech, hornbeam and oak, the sweet chestnut thrives, especially at the edges. However, the tree species is found sporadically in the area between Unterach and Misling. Magnificent sweet chestnut trees thrive here on an area of about four and a half hectares; the oldest are 200 to 300 years old. The aim of the nature reserve is to secure the sweet chestnut forest for the future by selectively releasing the young plants. PS: By the way, the sweet chestnut and the horse chestnut, which is much more widespread in Upper Austria, are not related to each other. The sweet chestnut is a beech plant. **Sources & further information:** State of Upper Austria https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/69172.htm Land Upper Austria protected areas: https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/92726.htm [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Sweet Chestnut Forest - Integral nature reserve** Kastanienwald 3 4866 Unterach am Attersee Phone [ +43 7666 7719 - 50 ](tel:+437666771950) E-Mail [info.unterach@attersee.at](#mailto) Web [attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at "New window") https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at --- **You can also visit us on** [ Facebook ](https://de-de.facebook.com/attersee) [ YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/user/tvbattersee#p/a) [ Wikipedia ](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unterach_am_Attersee)--- **Contact person** Tourismusverband Attersee-Attergau Hauptstraße 9 4866 Unterach am Attersee Phone [ +43 7666 7719 - 50 ](tel:+437666771950) E-Mail [info.unterach@attersee.at](#mailto) Web [attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at "New window") --- **Legal contact information** Tourismusverband Attersee-Attergau Attergaustraße 55 AT-4880 St. Georgen im Attergau info@attersee.at https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at --- **We speak the following languages** German [ Opening hours ](#ttgCollapseOeffnungszeiten) ------------------------------------------------ From spring to late autumn accessible - open to the public - Can only be viewed from outside [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Accessibility / arrival**From Salzburg via the A1 - Mondsee exit From Vienna/Linz via the A1 - St. Georgen exit, Attersee via Nußdorf to Unterach From the west - Bad Ischl-Weißenbach-Unterach **Train:** From Salzburg or Linz/Vienna to Vöcklamarkt. Linz/Vienna to Vöcklamarkt, continue with the Atterseebahn to Attersee, continue by bus to Unterach **Airplane:** From Salzburg via the A1 - Mondsee exit From Vienna/Linz via the A1 - St. Georgen exit [ Prices ](#ttgCollapsePreise) -------------------------------- - Free entry [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- - All weather - Suitable for groups - Suitable for schools - Suitable for kids (3 - 14 Year) - Suitable for kids (all ages) - Pets allowed - Suitable for teenagers - Suitable for seniors - Suitable for single travelers - Suitable for friends - Suitable for couples - Suitable for children **Season**- Spring - Summer - Autumn [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. [ Discover more ](#ttgCollapseMeineEmpfehlungen) -------------------------------------------------- [ © Open copyright © Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/237220/21BC7E9F3EF393962DA44F77B8E8E0209404ACDCA70DEDDD51A3441EDF677644/2020-11-kastanienwald-tvb-attersee-attergau-5.jpg "2020-11-Kastanienwald TVB Attersee-Attergau (5) (© Copyright: TVB Attersee-Attergau)") Nature Trail - Sweet Chestnut Forest ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/100030/nature-trail-sweet-chestnut-forest.html) [To the website](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at "New window") powered by [TOURDATA](https://www.tourdata.at "New window") [ ![TOURDATA Logo](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/templates/global/images/Logo-Tourdata.png "TOURDATA Logo") ](https://www.tourdata.at "New window")