Solutions in the works

After rockslide: ferry across the Danube “replaces” cycle path

There is still danger in delay along the B33(Bild: DOKU-NÖ)

One week after the devastating rockslide in Aggsbach-Dorf in the Wachau region, many questions remain unanswered. Now the state is looking for solutions.

Above all, the length of the closure - as reported, federal road 33 is impassable - cannot yet be predicted. On site, it is expected to last at least four weeks, but according to geologists, individual pieces of rock are still falling. For safety reasons, it has not even been possible to examine the entire area yet. So it could be months before the road is open to traffic again.

And thus well into the summer season. A serious blow for tourism businesses in the region. Although the B33 is passable from both sides as far as Aggsbach, guests have largely stayed away since then.

Ferry for cycle tourists
Now there should be a lifeline, at least for cycling tourism, which is so important in the Wachau. In addition to better information on detour and safe access to the inns, an unconventional solution is emerging. There could be a ferry across the Danube as a bypass for bikers. It is not yet known who will operate it, perhaps even the Austrian Armed Forces. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner is due to announce further details on Wednesday.