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.

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.

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