Danube-Drava National Park

Danube-Drava National Park, known locally as Duna–Dráva Nemzeti Park, is a mesmerizing natural sanctuary located in the southwestern part of Hungary, stretching along the Danube and Drava rivers. Established in 1996, this national park spans approximately 50,000 hectares and showcases a diverse array of ecosystems, from lush floodplain forests to serene wetlands. It is a haven for nature lovers, offering a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of the region.

The Gemenc Area

The Gemenc area, originally designated as a protected landscape in 1977, is one of the crown jewels of Danube-Drava National Park. This vast floodplain forest, the largest in Hungary, extends over 30 kilometers in length and 7 kilometers in width. The landscape is dominated by a dynamic interplay of water and land, where the Danube's seasonal floods shape the environment. Towering willow and poplar trees form dense, almost impenetrable forests, providing a sanctuary for large game such as red deer and wild boar.

Gemenc is also a birdwatcher's paradise, home to a variety of avian species. Grey herons, white-tailed eagles, saker falcons, and lesser spotted eagles all find refuge in this verdant expanse. For a truly unique experience, visitors can hop aboard the Gemenc Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge train that winds through the forest, offering a nostalgic journey into the heart of this natural wonderland.

Béda-Karapancsa

The Béda-Karapancsa region, declared a protected landscape in 1989, is another highlight of the park. This area is divided into two main sections: Béda, located on the right bank of the Danube, and Karapancsa, on the left bank. The region is renowned for its rich flora and fauna. The floodplain meadows are adorned with rare plant species such as the fritillary, Jericho honeysuckle, and clustered bellflower.

The lower Danube section is a critical habitat for white-tailed eagles and black storks, making it one of the most densely populated areas for these majestic birds in Hungary. The forests of Szúnyog-sziget are home to ravens, saker falcons, and white-tailed eagles. The floodplains and oxbow lakes attract large flocks of great egrets, little egrets, and spoonbills, creating a vibrant tapestry of wildlife.

Drava Plain

The Drava Plain, a broad floodplain along the Drava River, is another vital part of the national park. This area is characterized by oxbow lakes and gallery forests, where water chestnut, water soldier, and fairy moss thrive. The Drava River is one of Hungary's richest waters in terms of fish diversity, hosting species such as the sterlet, Petényi's barbel, mudminnow, and weatherfish.

Amphibians and reptiles also find a haven here, with the rare crested newt and species like the dice snake, smooth snake, and European pond turtle making their home in this diverse landscape. The riverbanks are nesting grounds for little ringed plovers and common sandpipers, while the river's cliffs provide nesting sites for kingfishers and bee-eaters. The gallery forests echo with the songs of nightingales, reed warblers, blackcaps, and chiffchaffs.

Barcsi-ősborókás

The Barcsi-ősborókás area, protected since 1974, is a unique landscape in the southern part of Inner Somogy. This region is a mosaic of grasslands, lakes, and marshy meadows. The juniper scrublands, shaped by historical forest clearances and grazing, are named after the common juniper. The sandy grasslands are home to fascinating insects such as the sand beetle, juniper longhorn beetle, and praying mantis. Bird species like the hoopoe and honey buzzard also inhabit this area.

The waterlogged habitats support rare plant species like the royal fern, found exclusively in the Carpathian Basin. These wetlands are vital habitats for waterfowl such as the water rail and mallard. The peat bogs are teeming with dragonflies, pike, and crucian carp, and are nesting grounds for little grebes, purple herons, and black storks.

Lankóci Forest

The Lankóci Forest, located near the village of Gyékényes, is another gem within Danube-Drava National Park. This floodplain forest is home to a variety of protected plant species, including the marsh fritillary, star-of-Bethlehem, daphne, and orchids. The floodplain forests are a habitat for corncrakes, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife found in the park.

Zákány-Őrtilos Area

The Zákány-Őrtilos area, with its unique plant species, offers a glimpse into a cooler microclimate created by the region's ravines. Here, visitors can find rare plants such as the three-leaved anemone, downy hemp-nettle, and mountain fleabane, adding to the botanical diversity of the national park.

Danube-Drava National Park is a testament to the natural beauty and ecological richness of Hungary. Its diverse landscapes and thriving wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with the natural world. Whether you're exploring the dense forests of Gemenc, the vibrant wetlands of Béda-Karapancsa, or the serene floodplains of the Drava, this national park offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.