ORF Universum Documentaries Season 1 Episode 103 Tales from the Vienna Woods

Tales from the Vienna Woods is an episode from the first season of ORF Universum Documentaries. As the name suggests, the episode takes us through a journey of the Viennese forest, one of the largest contiguous green spaces in Europe, with an area of more than 135,000 hectares.

Throughout the episode, we get to witness the different moods of the forest. Like a beautiful painting, the forest changes its colors with the changing seasons. The lush greenery in summer turns into a riot of colors in autumn, the trees lose their leaves and the forest floor is covered with a colorful carpet of fallen leaves. During winter, the forest is blanketed with snow, and the bare trees stand like silent sentries, guarding the forest floor.

The Vienna Woods are home to a variety of creatures, both big and small. The camera takes us through the shadowy interiors of the forest, where we witness the busy life of its inhabitants. The squirrel, the woodpecker, the jay, and the deer are some of the animals that call the forest their home. The forest also has a rich variety of insects, some of which are uniquely adapted to their environment.

One of the unique features of the Vienna Woods is the presence of underground caves and water sources. The episode takes us on a journey deep into the earth, where we witness the hidden beauty of the underground. The stalactites and stalagmites jutting out from the walls of the caves are like works of art, formed over thousands of years.

Apart from its natural beauty, the Vienna Woods also have a rich history. The woods have played an important role in Austrian history. During the Roman Empire, the forest was used as a hunting ground for the aristocracy. Later, the forest was used as a source of timber for construction, and the wood was transported down the Danube river to Vienna.

The forest also played an important role during the two World Wars. The woods were used as a hiding place for resistance fighters during the Second World War, and the forests also served as a shelter for refugees fleeing the war.

The episode also showcases the different recreational activities that the Vienna Woods offer. The forest is a popular spot for hiking, running, and cycling. It is also a popular spot for picnics and barbecues during summers.

One of the unique recreational activities that the Vienna Woods offer is mushroom picking. The forest has a rich variety of mushrooms, and many locals take to the woods during autumn to pick mushrooms. However, one has to be careful while picking mushrooms, as some species can be poisonous.

As the show draws to a close, we get to witness the stunning sunset over the Vienna Woods. The colors of the sky blend with the dense woods, creating a magical atmosphere. The episode leaves us with a sense of awe and a realization of the importance of preserving nature.

In conclusion, Tales from the Vienna Woods is an episode that takes us on a journey through the lush greenery and the hidden treasures of the Vienna Woods. The episode manages to capture the different moods of the forest, from the riot of colors in autumn to the silent sentinels during winter. It also showcases the rich variety of wildlife that the forest has to offer, as well as the different recreational activities that the forest offers. Ultimately, the episode leaves us with the realization that nature is a treasure that needs to be preserved.