The power plant was the first large-scale hydroelectric project on the Austrian Danube after the Second World War.
It is integrated into the Nibelungengau, a section of the Danube Valley named after the legendary Nibelungenlied.
The facility utilizes Kaplan turbines, which are specifically designed for low-head, high-flow conditions typical of the Danube.
A specialized fish ladder was installed to assist migratory species in overcoming the height differential caused by the dam.
The power station provides enough electricity to supply roughly 270,000 households annually.
The architecture reflects the industrial design trends of the late 1950s.
It operates as part of a chain of power plants along the Danube to maximize energy yield from the river's flow.
The Besucherkraftwerk Ybbs-Persenbeug is the oldest run-of-river power plant on the Austrian Danube, operational since 1959. It serves as a functional hydroelectric station and a specialized visitor center focusing on renewable energy and water management. The facility features a permanent exhibition detailing the history of the dam's construction and its integration into the local river ecosystem. Visitors gain access to technical areas, including views of the turbines and the lock systems for inland navigation. The plant is a key infrastructure project that significantly altered the water level and topography of the Nibelungengau region. Educational exhibits explain the physics of hydroelectric power generation and the biological impact on fish migration. The site includes a modern visitor pavilion designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Verbund's energy production portfolio.
The pedestrian path on the dam crest, offering a panoramic view of the river reservoir and the turbine halls.
Bring binoculars for spotting birdlife and local fauna around the river dam and fish bypass.
Check the official website for guided tour availability, as some technical areas are only accessible via group tours.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Danube cycling path, which passes directly by the facility.
Do not attempt to walk onto the restricted operational maintenance decks without authorized supervision.
Visits are usually by appointment or scheduled group tours; check the website for seasonal availability.
Closed-toe, flat walking shoes are required for safety when touring technical areas.
