Discover the Danube GeoTour Introduction When we are talking about natural values VALORISATION OF GEO-HERITAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE and their protection, it is usually misty forests, colourful birds and plants in gorgeous bloom that come to mind. “What is there to love about AND INNOVATIVE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF DANUBE GEOPARKS a wall of rock and silent stones?”, one might ask... For a long time, the significance of abiotic natural assets did not resound with people – but over time, a growing number has spoken out in favour of preserving our geological heritage. Never forget: While you are extremely fortunate to be able to chance upon a living creature of hundreds of years of age (for instance in the form of a Methuselah tree), the rocks building up our planet, the fossils, can tell tales of millions of years if we can make them talk… UNESCO Global Geoparks are unique, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. One of the focal missions of the Geoparks is to raise awareness of the significance of our geological heritage – among tourists INNOVATIVE GEOPRODUCTS WITHIN THE DANUBE REGION – and local communities. A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage in conjunction with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage to raise awareness NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCOVER GEOPARKS and understand key societal issues, such as the sustainable use of our earth’s resources, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing the risks related with natural disasters. The Danube GeoTour is a geo-touristic offer that takes visitors through all 8 Geoparks of the Danube region. Ready to go on an adventure? We offer travel tips, so you can make the most of your experience. Discover the geological, natural and cultural treasures and the numerous leisure activities along one of the largest rivers in Europe! The Danube GeoTour Geoparks are full of surprises. You get the chance to test your courage on the alpine white water, stand in awe and wonder before the world of the once raging volcanos or go on an underground bike or canoe CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH GEOPARKS – NATURE AND CULTURE trip. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the Danube’s largest scenic canyon and the rich mining heritage of our ancestors, try authentic local cuisines, learn about the legends of giants and dragons or listen to the stories fossils have to tell about millions of years old seas and landscapes! 3 TIME TRAVEL IN A GEOLOGICAL WONDERLAND Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark Hungary Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, founded and managed by Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate, is located in western Hungary near Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. The 3,244 km2 territory contains 172 geological formations and, more interestingly for our visitors, an impressive level of geodiversity which is reflected in breath-taking landscapes! 4 5 nly 100 km from Hungary’s capital city, Szent György Hill, etc.) act as chroniclers of there are forested hillsides, wine cellars, once raging volcanoes and offer unforgettable Oexcellent local varieties of traditional panoramas and fascinating ‘geo-stories’ along wines, a pleasant sub-Mediterranean climate the numerous nature trails. After visiting the and popular beaches on the lakeshore awaiting unique “Seas of Stones” of the Káli Basin, go our visitors. Further north, you can find dense to Hegyestű Geological Interpretive Site, a forests, ruins of medieval castles and the tiny partly quarried hill, for enjoying a view of a villages of the Bakony Hills. Balaton Uplands rock face consisting of columnar jointed basalt. National Park and other protected areas conceal Furthermore, you are warmly welcome to visit rare natural treasures. In addition to all these our new interactive exhibition on volcanism! If attractions, the Geopark provides visitors you are a hiker and want to discover our “born- with fantastic opportunities to discover this in-fire” landscape on foot, there are three new or geological wonderland – all year round, be it renewed volcanic nature trails waiting for you Bakony–Balaton on their own initiative or with approved local in the basins mentioned above. geotour guides. If you would like to become a real geotourist UNESCO At the Western Gate of the Geopark, Tapolca in our Geopark, visit the picturesque Tihany Lake Cave Visitor Centre entertains geotourists Peninsula! Partly due to its unique geological with an interactive exhibition named ‘Wonderful heritage, it is also a precious part of the GLOBAL Karst’. An impressive 3D film, National Park and a holder a Geopark Room and special of the European Diploma GEOPARK attractions reveal many aspects AN IMPRESSIVE award. The Lavender House of karst phenomena. The icing Visitor Centre interprets HUNGARY on the cake is a boat trip in the LEVEL OF this outstanding natural cave, just beneath the streets of heritage. Entertaining Tapolca. GEODIVERSITY films about lavender and volcanism, an interactive After learning about karst, it is IS REFLECTED IN exhibition and a shop with time to discover other caverns. local products make sure Csodabogyós Cave and BREATH-TAKING you get the full experience Szentgáli-kőlik Cave are perfect of the Eastern Gate of the sites for a caving adventure LANDSCAPES Geopark. After your visit, regardless of the weather enjoy the scenic geosites conditions. Are you above ten years of age? Join along Lóczy Nature Trail. our experienced caving guides! Overall, helmet and headlamp The guided geotours offered by our staff and will be provided by our certified Geopark Partners are popular, as for you. our guides navigate you through our beautiful landscapes in an entertaining and easily diges- The most iconic tible manner. Like geoparks, geotours are not landscapes of just about rocks. In addition to the abiotic and the Geopark are living natural assets, you’ll get a taste of local undoubtedly the history and local ethnographic values — and ones formed by sometimes even local legends and fairy tales. volcanism 8–2.3 Come aboard our Geopark’s “time capsule” and million years ago. embark on a travel through time and space! The remnant hills of the Tapolca Basin (Badacsony, More information: www.geopark.hu Facebook: Bakony.Balaton.Geopark 7 TRAVELLING THROUGH NATURE – INVESTING IN KNOWLEDGE Aspiring Geopark Djerdap Serbia Aspiring Geopark Djerdap is located on the side of the biggest gorge in Europe – the Iron Gates of the Danube River. Djerdap is the Serbian name for the Iron Gates. The gorge connects the Pannonian and the Dacian Basin, passing through the mountain range of the Southern Carpathian Mountains. Aspiring Geopark Djerdap is situated in the Eastern part of the Republic of Serbia along its border with Romania. Right by the Danube River, the aspiring Geopark and its grandiose Iron Gates (Djerdap Gorge) offer a spectacular gorge with unique views. Aspiring Geopark Djerdap covers an area of 1.330 km2 which is larger than the area of Djerdap National Park also located there. 8 9 ome of the main points of interests for the Boljetin River Gorge: In the small and tourists visiting Aspiring Geopark Djerdap extremely beautiful gorge of the Boljetin River, Scan be found in the following places: you can find continuous geological layers. We organise geology study tours on a regular Golubac Fortress: Golubac is a well-restored basis, but are also happy to welcome all visitors medieval fortress situated in a dramatic and interested in our park. amazing landscape offering scenic views over the Danube River. The Danube is extremely Lepenski Vir: In Europe, this is a unique site wide at this point and the whole area, including where natural history meets the history of human its rock formations, have society. The archaeological site been of interest to the human of Lepenski Vir is located on the population for many years. THE IRON banks of the Danube. It used to Get insight into medieval be the center of one of the most times at the fortress! GATES important prehistoric cultures and the remains of religious OFFER A architecture dating from 6500 to ASPIRING 5500 BC can still be found there. SPECTACULAR Take the time to learn all about it GEOPARK at the Museum of Lepenski Vir! GORGE WITH Diana Fortification: Diana is UNIQUE VIEWS situated at the Danube bank Djerdap right by the road to the town of Kladovo. It is considered one of the largest and best-preserved military fortifications in the area. SERBIA Djerdap National Park, Serbia’s biggest National park, is made up of natural wonders, rare phenomena, tradition and rich history as well as numerous cultural and historical monuments. It is a quite special experience to visit Djerdap National Park by travelling through it, and a whole different one to see it from bird’s eye view. ”Veliki Štrbac” is a viewpoint on the highest altitude at 768 m rising above the Danube in its narrowest and deepest part along with ”Mali Štrbac” at 626 m. Walking trails guide you to the most attractive viewpoints. The existing tourist-friendly facilities include museums, marked hiking trails with points of interest, cycling routes, sports/ recreation facilities and public events. Get the full experience of Aspiring Geopark Djerdap! More information: www.geopark.npdjerdap.org Facebook: Geopark Djerdap 11 DISCOVER STORIES OF EARTH AND PEOPLE Hateg Country UNESCO Global Geopark Romania Located in the Southwest of Transylvania, Hateg Country UNESCO Global Geopark was developed and is managed by the University of Bucharest. This area is one of the most iconic areas in Romania. It invites you to discover the wonders and stories of people and the Earth and inspires you to share them with your family and friends.