1 Delta Biosphere Reserve 2 Srebarna 3 Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Site 4 Rusenski Lom 5 6 Djerdap National Park 7 Gornje Special Nature Reserve 8 Kopački rit Nature Park 9 Lonjsko Polje Nature Park 10 Duna-Dráva National Park 11 Duna-Ipoly National Park 12 Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area 13 Záhorie Protected Landscape Area 14 Donau-Auen National Park 15 Donauauwald Neuburg

Exploring nature along the Danube River

network of protected areas 2 Nature Tourism in Protected Areas

The Danube - a fascinating and diverse groups, reflected in arts, language, food and much This is especially true for Protected Areas along river more. These all raise the fascination for this part of the Danube River, with their invaluable natural . treasures. The situation of tourism along the Flowing through ten countries, the Danube is the Danube is diverse depending on the natural most international river in the world. It hosts a The Danube Protected Areas for their part are landscape and history. huge diversity, in both cultural and natural terms: responsible for preserving the rich natural and The historical heritage, the diversity of ethnic landscape diversity, with some of Europe’s biggest Currently, Danube tourism is mainly focused on and most fascinating floodplain areas: Starting cities and culture, cruising and cycling. Hunting with the water world of the and and fishing is of importance in some areas. the floodplain forests in the Croatian-Serbian- Birdwatching is a main attraction of the Danube Hungarian plains, but also covering the scenic Delta, but yet to develop elsewhere. It is the valleys of the Iron Gates and the Danube Bend as task and challenge of Protected Areas to steer network of protected areas Imprint well as the last free-flowing sections in the Upper tourist activities towards sustainable regional 3 c/o Donau-Auen National Park Danube. development, contributing to protection goals and Schloss Orth, 2304 Orth an der Donau, being implemented with special care whenever Coordination Tourism: Magdalena Wagner Fresh energy and attention operating in ecologically sensitive areas. Phone: +43/2212/3450-18, Fax: +43/2212/3450-17 [email protected] The newly adopted EU Strategy for the Danube www.danubeparks.org Region (EUSDR) wants to boost and coordinate development “to promote culture and tourism, Photos: Kovacs, Newmann/Niederösterreich-Werbung, Wagner, Hoyer, Rosenberger, Leonov Valentin, Kopački rit people to people contacts’’. The challenge is to Nature Park, , Daniel Petrescu, find long-term sustainable development - for Dan Bandacu, Cristian Mititelu, KPNP Rousse Lom, Djerdap inhabitants and for nature. National Park, Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve, Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, Szabó Attila, Horáth Éva, Buchert Eszter, Komlós Attila, László Mészáros, Gábor Kiss, Pál Kézdy, BROZ, Jozef Tomecek, Kern, Günter Heidemeier, Thomas Schneider, Herwig Leinsinger, Kurt Kracher, Siegfried Geißler Layout: Michael Kalb, www.michaelkalb.at Printing: R12, www.R12.at Print run of 15,000. © October 2011. Produced using environmentally-friendly technologies and materials. Errors and omissions excepted. Protected Areas are major players in environmental Nature experience and protection Most Protected Areas offer visitor centres, guided education and sustainability. They have an excursions, and outdoor information points, in increasing number of education programmes and Visiting a Protected Area is a journey into the most order to educate about the value and protection of interpretation infrastructure, offering information precious natural areas in Europe. the area and make it accessible to all. At the same about environmental issues. These educational It is also the goal of the Protected Areas time, it is our task to protect the areas against elements and tasks are also integrated into tourism themselves to lead people towards this fascination negative impacts from tourist overuse, which is offers. for nature, to let them experience and discover the why some rules need to be respected. A general The DANUBEPARKS Network developed a joint natural wealth. While this emotional aspect plays guideline can be found on page 5. position on tourism and environmental education an important role, education about the functioning Our target groups are as diverse as our areas and in 2011. Additionally, an Action Plan has been of the ecosystems, their connection to the river, our tasks: We aim to welcome and inform tourists elaborated to define the role of the Network and and the measures to preserve this natural heritage as well as the local population, with a focus on joint activities in these fields for the future. The for future generations, is always included. children and youth. We work together with 4 strategy can be downloaded on the website, while At the same time, the presence of natural areas, schools and have special programmes for families. this brochure gives an overview on our main goals especially in the surroundings of large towns, Regarding tourism, there is a high number of offers and offers along the Danube. means a high standard of living for the local for individual tourists, but cooperation with tour- inhabitants. Protected Areas are also working to operators, regional tourism initiatives or companies protect the area in order to preserve it for leisure bring more and more groups, too. time use of the surrounding population. As diverse as our target groups and offers may seem, the common goal of these actions and all the members of the DANUBEPARKS Network is the protection of our joint natural heritage – for nature itself and for our future generations. Added value from cooperation • to keep and raise the high quality of offers, by Here are some guidelines to follow when visiting the development of joint quality guidelines and a Protected Area, for specific rules please ask the Tourism and environmental education happen joint training of staff respective visitor centre staff. mostly on a local level, at the destination, and are • To develop innovative offers, with an • All Protected Areas have specific rules the shared responsibility of the Protected Areas international perspective onto the Danube River on strictly protected areas that are not with other regional stakeholders. The cooperation as well as cross-border and transnational tours accessible to the public: Visitor centre staff will within the DANUBEPARKS Network can, be happy to show you where to go to see most however, contribute to higher quality and more • to jointly develop didactic materials and cross- of the area and cause least disturbance. innovative offers, as illustrated by a selection of our border or transnational educational programmes goals: for young people • Do not leave a trace behind you: Take your rubbish out of the Protected Area. Our joint responsibility • Please stay on the marked hiking and cycling The nature and wildlife of the Danube today needs a joint The Protected Areas give space to voice in Europe. The Network of Protected Areas wants to Upon your visit, we will be happy to show you the trails: 5 be this voice. It builds on existing cooperation and creates natural wonders of our Protected Areas and enable endangered species, which has been taken from new framework conditions for continuous and intense col- unforgettable experiences in nature. It is our joint them elsewhere. Human disturbance can cause laboration among the Protected Areas of the Danube and its responsibility however to protect our areas for serious trouble for nature protection. most important tributaries. This Danube-wide cooperation future generations, which is why we need your • Not all water bodies allow boating and strengthens each Protected Area in the fulfilment of its own help. swimming: Please find it out at the visitor tasks. centres. In general, opt for non-motorized boats DANUBEPARKS is a continuous platform – they allow a deeper experience of nature and • for know-how transfer and exchange of experience minimize the impact of your visit. among the Danube Protected Areas

• for the elaboration of joint transnational strategies and concepts, and The DANUBEPARKS Network DANUBEPARKS The • for the implementation of cross-border and transnational revitalization and conservation projects.

The Network was created by signing of the “Declaration of ” in June, 2009. The establishment of the Network and the implementation of the pilot scheme are currently co-financed by the EU Programme for European Territorial Co-operation in South-East Europe (ETC-SEE). Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

At the end of its 2,860 km journey from its source Visitor Centres and Exhibitions Outdoor Guided Excursions (Black Forest, ) to the Black Sea, the Danube has built over 16,000 years one of the The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority T ourists who have limited time can have one- most beautiful deltas in Europe and in the world. (DDBRA) has several Information, Documentation day trips on large modern ships or small private Due to the richness of its landscape and its fauna, and Ecological Education Centres; one is in boats. Those with more time can choose between where birds are the most significant element, the (DDBRA Headquarters) and another itinerary trips of 6-12 days, on modern floating Danube Delta represents special interest from four in the Reserve (in Crisan, Sulina, Murighiol hotels towed along the authorized routes, or stay all points of view - scientific, touristic and even and St. Gheorghe). Visitors and locals can find in hotels and pensions. The passionate ones, economic. The main ecosystems of the Delta are information in exhibitions, leaflets, brochures, who want to discover the beauty of the delta the Danube branches, channels, streams, lakes, etc., concerning the role and importance of the themselves, can hire their own boat. floating reedbeds, floodplains, levees, sands, river reserve, of the DDBRA, the role of visitors and of The DDBRA established 24 authorized tourist meadows, willow forests, Letea and Caraorman the local population in achieving the objectives routes: 15 boat routes and 9 hiking trails. 6 forests. of environmental management of the natural heritage. Tourist access in the Danube Delta is based on Specific tourism programmes are available: access permits issued by the DDBRA in Tulcea or leisure tours; itinerant discovery tourism; Our experts organize environmental education in Visitor Centres. specialized trips and scientific tourism (e.g. programmes for children, combining theoretical ornithologists, specialists, researchers, students); concepts with worksheets, free debates, special youth programmes; rural tourism; experiments and games, as well as the celebration ecotourism; balneary tourism (helio-marine of important environmental events. DDBRA Website cure on the beaches of Sulina, St. Gheorghe); The centres also represent a framework for www.ddbra.ro/en/rules-regarding-tourism.php birdwatching; sport fishing, exploring the Delta in meeting locals, in order to attract and involve www.ddbra.ro/en/tourism-operators.php kayaks; visiting localities; traditional meals. them in the process of adopting decisions of major Train schedule: www.cfr.ro interest for local communities. Access by water transportation www.navrom.x3m.ro Common Central Office of Reservation for Danube Delta and Neighbouring Areas www.e-deltadunarii.ro

Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful Bookings can be done through various travel agencies, through major tour operators, but also by the niche operators, specialized in nature tourism, bird watching, etc. Potential guests can make reservations directly at the accommodation points found in the delta. Srebarna Nature Reserve and Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Site

Srebarna Nature Reserve and shelters are planned in two locations. 223 bird plant and animal species that are rare on a national species are found in the reserve. Among the rarest and European level. is 18 km west of and 1 km from the bank of birds in Bulgaria to be found here are the Dalmatian Because of its rich biodiversity the Protected Area the river Danube. The lake occupies a large karst Pelican and Great White Heron. is attractive for tourism. The flora includes 109 depression, bounded by bare hills to the east, west In the southwest of the reserve there is the species of algae, 10 mosses, 16 mushrooms, and and south. Museum of Natural History with a rich collection over 300 vascular plants. The greatest richness is The lake is unique, with free floating reed island of stuffed birds and mammals. In the foyer of in the birds - 242 species, 134 of which are nesting. which change the morphology of the water surface the museum there is a video screen that shows Bird watching is the top priority because the birds with their movements. An exceptional sight is the images in real-time of the heart of the reserve - are numerous, attractive and easy to see. Species frozen lake in winter, which contrasts strongly with the colony of Dalmatian Pelican. Telescopes and such as Dalmatian Pelican and Spoonbill raise their the yellow reeds. binoculars are available to help visitors watching chicks here. For many protected bird species this Around the lake there is an eco-trail, gazeboes birds. site is just a stop gap in their migration. There 7 and observation sites. Footpaths follow the are birds that are wintering here, which gives an Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Site boundaries of Protected Areas in the surrounding opportunity for ecotourism in the cold months hills. Information boards and wooden benches can was designed to protect one of the few remaining of the year, too. One of Bulgaria’s biggest Heron be found on the tourist paths. Observation towers Danube wetlands and its unique biodiversity. It colonies and some of the last remaining ancient covers an area of about 6,000 ha. The area Elm, Black Poplar and Valdimski Oak in Bulgaria are can be characterized as one of the ten most located here. Srebarna Nature Reserve representative areas of the country. The main www.riosv-ruse.org conservation values are the natural marshes, Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Site riparian and marshy habitats. This is a habitat for www.kalimok.eu Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful Bulgaria

Rusenski Lom Nature Park is situated in Northeast Along the valley are 70 out of Bulgaria’s 90 Frescoes in the rock cloister of Saint Archangel Bulgaria, along the ­canyon shaped Valley of the species of mammals, with 26 of them being Michael (12-14th century) are one of the heights Rusenski Lom river – the last right tributary of the various species of bats. The high percentage of of Middle Ages Bulgarian art and have been Danube. Its area is 3,408 hectares. rare and protected species of mammals is due to valued among the best works of the Tarnovo the diversity of living conditions and habitats and painting school. In 1979 the cloister was put on the Amazing views burst from all altitudes in Rusenski proves the exclusive conservation significance of UNESCO list for the world cultural heritage. Lom. Within the endless river valley curves are the Park for their preservation. waved as well as the forests, the wild beauty of Guided Excursions rock peaks and the old castles and settlements. Historical monuments are an integral part of Rusenski Lom National Park. They are all over. Nature, the rich cultural and historical heritage The flora of Rusenski Lom numbers 902 species of They create a fascinating atmosphere to feel past favour the development of tourism and recreation higher plants and 13 species of orchids. times and for historical contiguity. There are two in general as well as the special interest tourism 8 Bird species total 192, 174 of them under archaeological preserves in the Park - Ivanovo Rock in the fields of ornithology, speleology, bike- protection – this is the reason why the Lom Churches and the Middle Age town of Cherven. and water tourism, archaeology, religion and river valley has been announced as a significant The cultural and historical image of the Lom river photography. A visitor center of the Nature Park ornithological site; especially interesting for valley would be dull without the rock monasteries. will be opened in spring 2012. scientists are the rock dwelling species: Egyptian Only ruins are left, but they colour the rocks all Vulture, Black Stork, Ruddy Shelduck, White-tailed along the valley and maintain the remembrance Buteo, owls, etc. for the place as famous centre of spirituality, of literature and elite art. They also remind us that Rusenski Lom many grammarians assembled here from all over Nature Park the country and founders were Bulgarian tsars. www.lomea.org Tourist information www.lomovete.org Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful Persina Nature Park Bulgaria

Persina Nature Park was established in 2000. With Reserve and Persin-iztok Protected Area, located Excursions a total area of 21,762 ha it covers the areas of the on the eastern part of Persin Island; Kaikusha Svishtov- lowlands and part of the Nikopol Protected Area on the south boundary of the park; Special recreation and bird watching points have plateau. Plavala Protected Area, near the town of Nikopol. been built along the river. They offer spectacular views: flooded forests, colourful landscape and The Park aims to conserve and restore the The most precious wealth of the Park is the birds – different species of birds. natural status of the numerous islands, inland more than 210 species. The natural flooded forests marshes and Danube wetlands. There are two of willows and poplars and the marshes along Five kayaks are available for rent as well as a six- island groups – Nikopol island group and Belene the Danube are the only place where rare and seater motor boat, which is used for a special Islands Complex. Part of the complex is Persin often threatened birds such as Spoonbill, Pygmy water route „In the embrace of the Danube“. Island (known also as Belene Island) – the biggest Cormorant, Corncrake, Ferruginous Duck, different It is possible to see many Herons, Cormorants, Bulgarian Danube island, where the first restored species of Herons and Terns are breeding. One of Spoonbills and, in winter, Pelicans and Swans. wetland on the Bulgarian Danube is located. the symbols of the Park is the White-tailed Eagle. There is a specialized route focusing on wetland 9 The most significant ecosystems within the park restoration and bird watching of many rare, Visitor centres are the flooded forests and marshes. To protect threatened and endangered species. This route leads to the restored wetland with inland marshes these habitats several protected areas have been The administrative building with a Visitor Centre on Persin Island (special permit necessary!). designated: Kitka and Milka Reserves, embracing of Persina NP Directorate is situated in Belene. islands of the same name; Persinski blata Maintain The Visitor Centre regularly hosts local, regional, As well as the beautiful wildlife, the Park is national and international events and exhibitions. witness to a rich historical past. Three religious Guests can receive information and advertising communities live here: Catholics, Orthodox and Persina Nature Park materials. Muslims, and each group preserves its way of life www.persina.bg and traditions. Municipality of Belene htttp://obshtina.belene.net Municipality of Svishtov www.svishtov.bg Municipality of Nikopol www.nikopol-bg.com Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds www.bspb.org tourists for links Useful WWF Bulgaria www.wwf.bg Djerdap National Park

It is magnificent to stand on the banks public company, where visitors can be informed the slanting rays of the late sunshine in the of the Danube river about flora, fauna, cultural and historical values Djerdap gorge. The wealth of natural diversity, of the National Park by using pictures, billboard, of excitement and awe before the powers of Nature has given the region rich and diverse information tables and models of historical Mother Nature the creator are the end points on a conditions and many different species. You can monuments. scale to measure what the Djerdap National Park still meet Lynx, Wolf, Jackal, Deer, Roebuck, and Integral part of visiting the Center is also showing does to humans. The unusual blend of traditional Wild Boar. In the waters are many kinds of fish, promotional-tourist footage (total length of 17 min) and modern: the harmony of opposites at the including Catfish which can weigh 100 kg. The about Djerdap National Park. crossroads of east and west. Here in Djerdap you Danube is a European international highway, along will find one of the most beautiful geographical which many bird species pass. What nature has areas in Europe, the longest and the oldest created in Djerdap over the centuries - its forests More than 1,100 plant species have been recorded breakthrough, the greatest archaeological and and sheer cliffs, ridges, gorges and canyons, a in a relatively small area of only 640 ­km2, making natural open-air museum of the old continent – 10 rare living history book of flora and fauna - should it one of the most important parts of Serbia and something that is hard to describe. be preserved for generations to come, for young the Balkan Peninsula. This natural wealth, which Nature and the rich cultural and historical heritage generations to learn about botany. is under the constant diverse pressures of man, favour the development of tourism and recreation should be preserved because it is irreplaceable. Visitor Center in general as well as the special interest tourism An area of 63,608 hectares is decorated with in the fields of ornithology, speleology, bike- Djerdap National Park is the biggest national park fascinating and unique natural monuments which and water tourism, archaeology, religion and in Serbia which is being situated on the territory for centuries have inspired writers, poets and photography. of three Municipalities - Golubac, Majdanpek painters to produce the most beautiful words, and Kladovo. The Visitor Center is the place of poems and pictures. The Roman historian and the headquarters of the “Djerdap National Park” writer Pliny the Elder wrote about watching Djerdap National Park www.npdjerdap.org Tourism Organisation www.serbia.travel Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve Serbia

Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve was Most of them are nesting birds. The following Danube, offer perfect conditions for a variety of established in 2001 and occupies an area of 19,605 species are of special significance: fish. There are 50 freshwater species, including ha on the left bank of the river Danube. It is one of Carp, Catfish, Pike, Pike-Perch and many others, White-tailed Eagle: 16 pairs nest in the area of the last big oases of swampy wood complexes. some of which are on the Serbian red list. this reserve. Together with Kopački rit, it is one There are many different ecosystems: water, of the most compact populations of this kind in Hunting tourism is an extremely important part of pond, swamp, forest, meadow, etc. It is famous Europe. tourism in the reserve, reflecting the traditional link for its flora and fauna. between the people in this area with game and Black Stork: a natural rarity in Serbia. In this Common trees include White Willow, Black hunting. The most significant species is Red Deer; reserve, there are 20-25 nesting pairs, which is a Poplar, White Poplar, as well as the plantations of a trophy from Kozara hunting ground has been the quarter of the national population. various clones of Euro-American poplars. The most world record for many years. beautiful and valuable are stands of Common oak. Heron colonies: during 1999 a few permanent There are about 50 mammal species, from small colonies were recorded which, according to the Excursions rodents, such as mice and voles, to large game, latest facts, have changed nesting sites. 11 • Footpaths with information boards with Red Deer at the top. Wild ducks and wild geese: these species can • birdwatching This area has one of the richest and the most be found mostly in winter and during migrations various bird fauna in the country. Almost 248 when tens of thousands of them are gathered. • Danube cycling route What is the most encouraging is the increase in species have been recorded - over 70% of species • Children’s education that can be found in Serbia. the number of nest pairs of wild ducks. • boat rental The dynamics of the water regime create many meanders, stagnant channels, ponds and lakes • ethno-tourism and, together with periodical flooding of the • Fishing and hunting Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve www.gornjepodunavlje.info Vojvodinasume, State Foresty Administration www.vojvodinasume.rs Institute for Nature Conservation, http://zzps.rs Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful Kopački rit Nature Park

Kopački rit Nature Park is in the centre of the the Bilje-Kopačevo-Kozjak road. Visitors can use may fly over or herons and egrets accompany you, Danube floodplain, in the corner formed by the the parking area for private vehicles and buses, flying by the boat. Danube and one of its five major tributaries, the an equipped reception with an information desk It is also possible to visit Tikveš Castle, where . This is one of the most important alluvial and souvenir shop, a gallery for multimedia many statesmen and famous people lived. floodplains in Europe with an internal delta having presentation, exhibitions and lectures. Accommodation is offered in the bio-ecological distinct morphological and sedimentation features. The international bicycle routes called Pannonian station to visitors that wish to stay longer and a The appearance of the whole area depends on Peace Route and Danube Route lead through multimedia hall with a capacity for 80 persons is regular floods; therefore terrestrial and aquatic Kopački rit, which has become the first centre for available. The Old Elm nature trail is near Tikveš parts change their shape and function according to cycle-tourists in Croatia. An Internet Centre has Castle. the amount of floodwater. been set up inside the Visitor Centre. It is possible The Park offers all-day and half-day birdwatching Kopački rit is one of the most significant to walk on the Mali Sakadaš and Veliki Sakadaš programmes with guides. The abundance of 12 destinations in the continental part of Croatia nature trails from the Visitor Centre, where visitors fish attracts a large number of sport anglers. The with all its beauty and ecological value. Tens of can see information panels about the significance well-known fishing areas are: Vemeljski Dunavac, thousands of birds, lakes and canals filled with of Kopački rit and particular plant and animal Danube river, Podunavlje canals and the area by fish, deer herds, wild boars and marsh pastures in species. Zlatna greda pump station. blossom are only part of the treasures that can be seen and experienced here. Excursions Visitor centres The main attraction is a boat tour through the Special Zoological Reserve. An empire of birds The main entrance to the Nature Park is Mali and fish discover the secrets of the enchanting Sakadaš Visitor Centre situated in an autochthon Kopački rit Nature Park marshland while the boat cuts through the smooth marshy environment by Kopačevo village, on www.kopacki-rit.hr water surface. If you are lucky, a White-tailed Eagle Tourist Board of Osijek-Baranja County www.tzosbarzup.hr Tourist Organisation Baranja www.tzbaranje.hr Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful Lonjsko Polje Nature Park Croatia

Live with the river ornithological reserves. Lonjsko Polje also has a Excursions number of indigenous breeds of domestic animals. Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is one of the biggest The livestock, in great common herds, are left G uided tours for visitors are carried out with and best preserved wetland habitats in Europe. freely to graze for most of the year. Tourism as a educators-guides, who, depending on the Hydrological and geomorphological conditions branch of the economy occupies an increasingly choice of the visitors, can present the following cause great habitat diversity and biodiversity. It is important place in the development of the region. programmes: possible to find over 550 species of plants of damp • White Stork in Čigoć and wetland habitats. There are also rare species, Visitor centres such as Water Clover, which is part of the Nature • Krapje – architectural heritage village Park trademark. The animal world is also extremely The reception of visitors is carried out in the info- • Spoonbill – bird with a spoon education centres at Čigoć no. 26 and Krapje no. diverse and interesting. The most significant thing • Posavina horse is the great number of nesting birds, particularly 16, which are furnished with little souvenir shops wetland birds. White Stork, Spoonbill, a variety of and toilet areas, and via them the visitors to the • Amphibians 13 egrets, White-Tailed Eagles and Lesser-spotted park are channelled in an organised way. In Krapje • Lowland riparian forests there is a new multimedia room for education, Eagles, as well as many migratory birds use the • River great pasture areas to look for food. Two areas workshops and seminars. At these points you within the Park have been designated special will be able to get all the information you need, Educational programmes are carried out purchase the mandatory entrance ticket, fishing interactively, specially designed worksheets to be permits, hire an expert guide (for groups) and buy filled in by visitors. One set of them is designed for Lonjsko Polje Nature Park promotional materials, souvenirs or refreshments. younger and one set for older children and adults. www.pp-lonjsko-polje.hr In the educational centres, special programmes A programme is also laid on for children of pre- Tourist board of the for children and adults have been devised, and school years. - County professional guides are available for help with www.turizam-smz.hr some of these programmes. Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful Duna-Dráva National Park

The picturesque floodplain world of Gemenc is in Visitor centres Walking and Canoe Tours Sárköz. There are several ‚foks‘ (narrow canals), with Qualified Guides used by our ancestors to flood the area, as it The population of Kölked has lived with storks was the basis of their living. The floodplain flora for centuries; White Storks have always had a The secrets of the Duna-Dráva National Park is characterized by riverine scrubs, softwood and secure nesting and feeding place. In the unique (in unfold best when visiting with a qualified guide. hardwood gallery forests. There is Wild Vine and Europe) White Stork Museum, visitors can see On the study paths, visitors can get to know the Summer Snowflake in the area. Important fauna, the lifestyle and migration of White Storks and get habitats of the floodplains and forests and their besides the famous Red Deer herds, include an insight into stork ringing. In the breeding season special flora and fauna during interesting guided Common Kingfisher, White-tailed Eagle, Black this beautiful bird can also be seen nesting in the tours. In summer, visitors can explore the wild Stork and Saker Falcon. Gemenc can be visited surroundings. world of Béda-Karapancsa and Gemenc on canoe freely on the marked paths and study paths. Mohács Historic Memorial Park is near tours. On both the Old Danube in Gemenc and the Outer-Béda, in Béda-Karapancsa the National Béda-Karapancsa has some of the significant Sátorhely. This graveyard for the Battle of Mohács Park Directorate organises canoe tours on fixed 14 habitats of the South Hungarian Danube. It has (1526) is the last resting-place of more than dates, but there is a possibility to take part in these one of Hungary’s largest White-tailed Eagle and 1700 soldiers. Among the mass graves are the programmes on other dates, too (pre-registration is Black Stork populations. Waterfowl rest in the wooden sculptures and gravemarks of King Louis required). undisturbed floodplain woods, beautiful flowers II, Pál Tomori, Dorottya Kanizsai, Sultan Suleiman bloom in its gallery forests, Grey Cattle herds graze and several unknown warriors. In the Memorial in the meadows, and White Water Lilies can be Park there are many symbols that can best be seen. understood with the help of a local guide. The new Duna-Dráva exhibition building - opened in 2011 - gives place National Park Directorate All whole floodplain life is based on the river; for exhibitions in four floors. www.ddnp.hu woods and insects, birds and fish, and even DunaTour humans make this very complex system. www.dunaitura.hu Tourinform Baja http://itthon.hu/tourinform-baja Tourinform Szekszárd http://itthon.hu/tourinform-szekszard Tourinform Mohács

Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful http://itthon.hu/tourinform-mohacs Tourinform Pécs http://itthon.hu/tourinform-pecs Duna-Ipoly National Park Hungary

Duna-Ipoly National Park (designated in 1997) is Important birds include Saker Falcon (Falco mountain a wonderful view unfolds before us from characterised by river valleys, mountains and cherrug), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) an ex-military lookout tower. plain. The most beautiful feature is the Danube- and Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). The Sas Hill Protected Area is in the very heart bend, Hungary’s most frequently visited tourist Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) nest also in the Park, of our capital, with a breathtaking view over the destination. and significant numbers of White-backed Danube. It is a shelter and living museum for the Floral diversity is extremely complex. Many Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) in the older ancient flora and fauna of . Carpathian species reach their south-western Börzsöny Mountain forests. Mammals include borders and the Mediterranean species region Lynx, Otter and Beaver. Excursions stretches this far as well. The unique botanical ‘Plasque Flower’ Forest School The flat surface, low traffic, wonderful natural value is Ferula sadleriana. and Kis-Strázsa Hill Nature Trail values, dense settlements, and the tourist services The Danube-bend is home to rare and endemic of Szentendre Island make this place ideal for snail species. The river has the precious Barbel Esztergom Visitor Centre is an ideal place to bicycle tours. The National Park offers guided 15 (Barbus peloponnesius petenyi). Predatory Bush get to know the National Park for the first time. canoe excursions where you can explore the Crickets (Saga pedo) live in the dry, mountain Upstairs is a permanent exhibition introducing the relatively intact parts of the Szentendre branch of grasslands, with Snake-eyed Skink (Ablepharus- natural treasures of the Pilis Mountains. the Danube. We step ashore at some interesting kitaibeli) in the Pilis and Börzsöny Mountains. The 1.2 km Nature Trail can be explored in an shore-habitats, and with the help of our guides, hour; see the rocks forming the Pilis, Sand Martins you can observe beaver traces or you have the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of Kingfishers Duna-Ipoly nesting in the loess wall and Bee-Eaters shining (Alcedo atthis), Black Storks (Ciconia nigra) and National Park Directorate in their tropical colours, as well as many daytime other rare and protected mammal species of the www.dunaipoly.hu butterflies. The Adonis vernalis field turns the whole hillside yellow in spring. On the peak of the floodplain as well. Sas Hill Protected Area www.sas-hegy.hu Hungarian National Tourist Office www.visit-hungary.com Accommodation: Rácz - www.raczfogado.hu

Hotel Regatta - www.hotelregatta.hu tourists for links Useful Hotel Grante - www.hotel.grante.hu Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area

Over 12,000 ha of floodplain forests, forest Danube floodplain exhibitions BROZ (Regional Association for Nature steppes, meandering river side branches and Conservation and Sustainable Development), as a lowland meadows begin right in . Two interactive travelling exhibitions have nature conservation NGO, also deals largely with Dunajské luhy is visited by many people from the been prepared – one telling the story of Danube the management of selected areas in Dunajské city and the region as well as many foreign tourists. floodplain dynamics and birds living here and the luhy. second focused on the secret life of the recently There is a cycling route along the Danube giving endangered tiny rodent, the root vole, which access to the most valuable places in the heart of is represented here by its relict and endemic the biggest inland delta in Europe. This river-branch subspecies of the Danubian lowland. system is an important bird migration corridor and water bird wintering place, attracting many These exhibitions are mostly shown in different BROZ - Regional Association birdwatchers. The Danube and its side branches visitor centres, schools, universities, museums for Nature Conservation and are used for canoeing, kayaking, swimming and and administrations of protected areas. If you wish Sustainable Development 16 fishing. to visit or host either of these exhibitions please contact BROZ ([email protected]). www.broz.sk There are many nature reserves here. The The Bratislava Culture Protected Landscape Area is divided into five parts; Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area is and Information Centre the last one is Veľký Lél island near Komárno. This administered and managed by the State Nature www.bkis.sk island is leased long-term by BROZ, and examples Conservancy (The Administration of the Protected of conservation management such as traditional Landscape Area with offices in Bratislava, Ecotrips www.ekovylety.sk meadow grazing by cattle and horses or native tree Dunajská Streda and Komárno). Tips for trips in the Danube region planting can be seen here. tourists for links Useful www.tipnavylet.webnode.sk Guided walks and environment education www.rangers.sk Bird monitoring and observations www.watching.sk, www.birding.sk Centre of Environmental Education www.sazp.sk/SEV/dropie Zlatý Hucul horse riding club www.zlatyhucul.sk Záhorie Protected Landscape Area Slovakia

The most valuable part of Záhorie region is a of floodplain forests, oxbows and floodplain Great Value of Záhorie 27,500 ha Protected Landscape Area (PLA) meadows and xerothermal forest steppes on the between the river and the Small slopes of the Small Carpathians. There are tourist information centres in Devínska Nová Ves (north of Devín), Holíč and Skalica. Carpathians. There are many ecosystems in a Various species of birds, amphibians and mammals Guides from local tourist information centres will small area: submerged alder swamp woods in can be observed here from many trails crossing the guide you through the beautiful historical centre interdunal depressions, extremely dry tops of sand area. The geomorphological gateway to the region of Skalica. Near the village Kopčany you can find dunes in the central parts of the lowland, a mixture from Bratislava is Devín castle, at the confluence the only remaining Great Moravian Building – of the Morava and Danube. The central part of the St. Margaret’s Church. area is covered mostly by oak-pine forest and is famous as a mushroom paradise. Záhorie Protected Landscape Area is administered and managed by the State Nature Conservancy (in State Nature Conservancy The slopes of the Small Carpathians provide many Malacky). BROZ (Regional Association for Nature of the Slovak Republic tourist trails starting in almost every village with Conservation and Sustainable Development), as a 17 www.sopsr.sk wonderful views of the whole Záhorie region. nature conservation NGO, has implemented many Regional guide nature conservation projects and activities here as www.ezahorie.sk well. Devínska Nová Ves Tourist information centre www.tikdnv.sk Holíč Tourist information centre

www.en.holic.sk tourists for links Useful Skalica Tourist information centre www.skalica.sk Ecotrips www.ekovylety.sk Donau-Auen National Park Austria

Donau-Auen National Park is located between Visitor Centres Guided tours in the National Park Vienna and Bratislava. It covers 93 km², protecting This fascinating wetland landscape can be important riverine wetlands. The Donau-Auen National Park Visitor Centre in Orth is the first stop on the journey of discovery experienced on land and water. You can go on a The Danube is still free flowing and is the lifeline in the Danube wetlands. On a hands-on guided guided walk with a ranger, but the best way to of the park. The interplay of the river and its tour through the ‘DonAUräume’ exhibit, National explore is a tour with a ranger in a canoe or rubber environment means that the wetlands landscape Park rangers explain how both the wetland forests dinghy on the Danube or a side arm. Different is constantly being renewed. Biodiversity is and the National Park have come about. Animal topics are available, depending on season, enormous, with over 800 vascular plant species, species native to the wetlands can be observed weather, water levels and interests. The Danube more than 30 mammalian, 100 breeding bird, 60 close up from the Schlossinsel (‘Castle Island’) cycle path also makes its way through the National fish, 13 amphibian and eight reptilian species, not grounds. The main attraction is the underwater Park. to mention the countless terrestrial and aquatic observatory, a window to the underwater world of There are events focussing on special topics, insects as well as invertebrates. 18 a former Danube river branch. workshops and programmes for school classes. The founding of the National Park in 1996 put The wien-lobAU National Park House (Vienna) Also, there are special adventures for our young the area under lasting protection. The riparian offers information, the ton AU multimedia visitors, who can spend several days in camps, forests remain sheltered from commercial use in exhibition and many wetland-related recreational encountering fascinating animals and plants. order to allow the ecosystem to develop as freely activities. as possible. Innovative river restoration projects maintain and improve the Danube’s dynamics. Further information points are Eckartsau Castle (landscape garden), the Au-Terrasse lookout Donau-Auen National Park The National Park is embedded in a cultural in Stopfenreuth (views of the Danube), and www.donauauen.at landscape: Vienna, Eckartsau Castle, Imperial the Kulturfabrik Hainburg (Danube wetlands blog.donauauen.at Festival Palace Hof, Hainburg medieval city, panorama). www.facebook.com/donauauen Carnuntum Archaeological Park. Austrian National Forests Operations www.schlosseckartsau.at wien-lobAU National Park House www.nph-lobau.wien.at Donau NÖ Tourism, Auland-Carnuntum

Useful links for tourists tourists for links Useful regional offices www.aulandcarnuntum.com Vienna Tourism www.wien.info Donauauwald Neuburg Ingolstadt Germany

The well signed Danube cycling trail is the most Ingolstadt seems to be an open-air museum of understandable and pleasant way with the help of obvious connection for all nature lovers between German fortress architecture. Outstanding sights movies, animations and computer models. the old Bavarian cultural towns of Neuburg and in the old town, attractive leisure offers such as The Donaupavillon is at Ingolstadt barrage. It has Ingolstadt. It leads through the Protected Area the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, and an extraordinary informative temporary exhibitions regarding the “Donauauwald Neuburg Ingolstadt”, where one of assembly of museums provide for an unforgettable Danube and its floodplains. the biggest nature protection projects in Germany, visit. the dynamization of the Danube floodplains, has Guided Excursions recently been implemented. Apart from the nature Visitor centres experience, visitors can find additional tourist E xcursions with certified guides are offered T he Auenzentrum Neuburg is in Grünau Castle, highlights in this region. between Neuburg and Ingolstadt, including in the former hunting grounds of Bavarian kings ornithological hikes, culinary nature tours, and Indulge in culinary and cultural highlights in the and dukes in the Danube Floodplains. It consists cycling tours to the highlights of the revitalization holiday region of Neuburg: of a research institute, floodplain forum and project. The programme is constantly updated 19 Schrobenhausen asparagus and potatoes from floodplain information centre. Find out about the to suit the needs of visitors. The main gateways Donaumoos; magnificent castles such as Neuburg whole Danube River, the importance of floodplain to the area are the Auenzentrum in Grünau an der Donau with the Bavarian state gallery and ecosystems, flood protection and revitalization Castle in the west and the Donaupavillon at the Flemish baroque painting. of rivers and floodplains. The Danube cycling trail Ingolstadt barrage in the east. All tours can be goes past, carrying 30,000 tourists every year. booked in tourist information centres of Neuburg and Ingolstadt, at the Auenzentrum Neuburg, and Donauauwald Neuburg online. Ingolstadt Renaturalisation measures in the Danube www.donauauen.de floodplains, the functioning of the Danube Nearby are Altmühltal Nature Park, Donaumoos www.auenzentrum-neuburg.de with its floodplains and forests as well as flood wetlands and visitor centre, and Weltenburg protection measures are explained in an easily monastery at the Danube break-through. City of Ingolstadt www.ingolstadt-tourismus.de City of Neuburg www.neuburg-tourismus.de County of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen www.neuburg-donau.de/tourismus tourists for links Useful 1 Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve 2 Srebarna Nature Reserve 3 Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Site 4 Rusenski Lom Nature Park 5 Persina Nature Park 6 Djerdap National Park 7 Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve 8 Kopački rit Nature Park 9 Lonjsko Polje Nature Park 10 Duna-Dráva National Park 11 Duna-Ipoly National Park 12 Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area 13 Záhorie Protected Landscape Area 14 Donau-Auen National Park 15 Donauauwald Neuburg Ingolstadt

c/o Donau-Auen National Park Schloss Orth, 2304 Orth an der Donau, Austria [email protected], www.danubeparks.org network of protected areas