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Danube River South of Bratislava

South – Trnavský kraj, Poddunajsko  >  Slovakia

The Danube river bank and it's surrounding covers a wide range of habitats and specific birding spots. It is very rich in bird species.

Added* by Maximiliana Martiskova
Most recent update 19 január 2025

Description

The Danube river south of Bratislava offers a wide range of birding spots laid out alongside a cycle path. There are 2 main areas – a large river and a small canal lining it on the north, both accessible by foot or bike. In some places, the Danube river is wide and strong with remote islands in the middle of the stream – here is where most of the waterfowl rests undisturbed. You can find most of the gulls and tern species here, together with ducks. The water is calm and the bank is covered in reeds, lined with a few trees here and there. But do not count on finding much shade. Following the cycle path, you can find yourself the best location for birding – bank type differs from sand and mud, to stones and man-made bank.

On the other hand, the narrow canal lining the river on the north is connected by a small number of bridges and is mostly covered with trees on both banks. It's a grassy area with bushes and shrubs on the bank, making it harder to access. The path on the very bank of the canal is mostly not maintained. The water is a slow flowing, almost still stream with Jégmadár, songbirds and beavers around.

If you decide to aim North from the river/canal and stroll into the forests and further, you are likely to find fields with dry shrubs (Lesostep). You will find many birds of prey here just as many songbirds.

Details

Access

The area is located about 15 km south of Bratislava, near the town of Hamuliakovo. You can reach the area by car, if you wish to park right at the river – there are multiple bridge connections from the towns nearby. You can also come by bike, if you wish to cover a larger area of the river – for walking this is a bit too vast, hence I recommend a stationary type of birding. The whole bank may take up to 3-4 hours birding if you bike around. The circular route indicated on the map is about 11,5 km.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Plain , River , Reedbeds , Lake , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Beach

Conditions

Flat , Wet , No shadow

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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