Dunasziget
Today’s Dunasziget, as its name suggests, was formed by the merger of three Danube island (Duna-sziget) municipalities: It is made up of Cikolasziget, Sérfenyősziget and Doborgazsziget. The town offers fabulous sights for nature lovers, water wanderers and in summer for those who like to go to the beach.
The denkpal fish ladder (denkpáli hallépcső) in the Cikola tributary system is an unusual sight, being the first fish ladder in Hungary to help fish migrate to their spawning grounds since 1998.
The Gazfűi-Duna branch is a perfect choice for beginner water hikers thanks to its calm, slow current, easy terrain. Its wild beaches and crystal clear waters will amuse everyone. The Kis-Zátonyi backwater (Kis-Zátonyi-holtág) is a real holiday and fishing paradise: carp, zander, pike, tench, bream and even grass carp can be caught. On the Gazfűi-Duna branch, on the border of the settlement towards Halászi, not far from the Sragner Dam (Sragner-áteresz), there is an underwater lair, a negative aquarium, through which you can gain insight into the aquatic wildlife.
A relaxing holiday in the Fairy Island Ecopark (Tündérsziget Ökopark)
If we’re in Dunasziget, it is worth visiting the Fairy Island Ecopark (Tündérsziget Ökopark), where the former landscape use of the Szigetköz region is kept alive and presented through the park’s fruit trees, pastures and communal spaces. Their medicinal and spice herb garden is home to more than fifty fragrant plants, including types of mint, St. John’s wort, tarragon, basil and tomatoes as well. There is a beautiful, atmospheric rose garden, herb spiral and a communal garden, with the willow chapel as a focal point of the garden, which also serves as a wedding venue. During our visit, Zoltán Fűzfa, the head of the Trout Circle Association of Dunasziget (dunaszigeti Pisztráng Kör Egyesület), told us about the interesting features of the ecopark and the landscape centre.
A giant beluga sculpture greeted us in the park. We can walk along a barefoot trail, study how an insect hotel is built and meet its inhabitants.
From the observation posts we can peek into nature’s secret workshop. The clean air is provided by a grove forest, exploring it we get to know the typical tree species of the Szigetköz, and even meet grazing sheep.
The ecopark has a marina from which canoeing and kayaking tours depart, and solar-powered boat trips are organised. The solar-powered watercraft is also an environmentally conscious choice, popular with nature photographers and pensioners who are invited to enjoy exciting bird, beaver and wildlife watching. Bike and e-bike rental, and even guided tours are available.
Opening in spring 2023, the park’s five hundred square metre, four-season landscape centre showcases the unique world of Szigetköz through interactive games. The organic kitchen offers cooking demonstration and introduce us to the basics of environmentally responsible housekeeping.
In addition to water hiking and accommodation in the forest lodge, there are many other activities for children: gold panning, archery, felting, leatherworking, and a Microtus minibus, i. e. a rolling classroom are available by prior arrangement.
Written by: Flóra Gondár
Photo: Luca Pomaranski
This article was published in the book “Ízek, kincsek a varázslatos Szigetközből”.
