Szigetköz is the name of the largest island in the country surrounded by the Big and the Moson Danube. It was built by the alluvial deposit of the river water so it is no wonder it is also called “the gift of the Danube”. Its rich fauna and flora awaits all lovers of nature.
On the flood plains of the Danube, a nearly unbroken range of forest stretches from Dunakiliti to Dunaremete. Visitors wandering from island to island can find versions of poplars, willows and also different kinds of alder and oaks. In Ásványráró, the oldest native tree of the region can be found. This black poplar has genetic and also aesthetic value together with the Calvary near it.
The forests following the meanderings of the Danube have grass fields and bushes which are extremely rich in plants. You can find cornel, dewberry and flowers such as snowdrops, lily of the valley, and violet blooming in abundance; just adding to the beauty of the local nature. Wild garlic with its distinguished aroma and several kinds of buttercups and pansies are also to be found. .
The increasingly endangered hemerocallis can be found in its native habitat and fly and bee orchids belonging to the class of wild orchids are other rarities of the area.
The fauna of the area is also extremely varied. It hosts numerous species of insects, 54 species of fish, 200-220 species of birds and more than 40 species of mammals. A lot of them are increasingly endangered.
Herons nest here; there are a great number of spoonbills and also rare black storks. The high-stands are popular destinations for the hikers. Of the endangered mammals, pine-martens, otters and voles are typical. Re-introduced in 1991 after 100 years of extinction beavers are now found in all bigger branches of the river in ever increasing numbers.
Szigetköz is rich in game such as roes, deer, wild pigs. They may also be hunted at particular times of the year
Those who prefer a more active vacation may travel along the branches of the Danube surrounded by beautiful forests which may hold unforgettable experiences, especially for kayakers.
Beside the branches of the Danube, several artificial lakes promising successful fishing make the vicinity of Szigetköz a real paradise for fishermen. An international cycle path goes through Szigetköz but the dykes and the by-roads are also ideal for cvclists due to low circulation of traffic.
The water storage lake and the damming plant are 2km from Dunakiliti, at the 1842 river km of the Danube.
The most important part of Bõs-Nagymaros is its controversial power station which is one of the biggest investments of recent decades. Together with the barrage, it has a significant role in supplying water for the Danube branches in Szigetköz.
The power station is open to the public and there is no admission fee. It is a unique experience to watch the water rippling underneath and falling from the rocks of the barrage while you stand on the bridge of the damming plant.
The fish pass of Denkpáli is also a major destination for those studying the species of fish of Szigetköz.
This fish pass makes it possible for numerous migratory fis (some coming as far as 400km upstream to enter the water system of Szigetköz. Its construction has been an important development in re-establishing the connection between the Danube and the branches of Szigetköz after installing the dam barrage at Bõs (Slovakia). Studies initiated in 1998 show that 32 species of fish exist in its channel.
The northern area of Lipót is bordered by a 70-acre mort lake with roses on the surface and on the shore a gravel path with roofed resting places are to be found for hikers comfort, safety and convenience.
The road to Darnózseli is flanked with a line of chestnut trees which provide shadows and character along the route.
Lipót’s main touristic attraction is the newly renovated and extended thermal and scheme pools. The six pools are filled with water from 2000m deep and of 65 °C. This esteemed thermal water containing iodine and sulphide and not only serves as a means of entertainment but also of curing various diseases both by drinking and inhaling.
Lébény lies at the meeting of two regions: Hanság and the Moson Plain. The village’s main attraction is the Saint Jacob Parish Church built in the 13th century which is one of the most significant architectural attractions in Hungary of Romanesque style.
In the village museum of Lébény, the ancient tools used in farming and animal breeding are exhibited. The lakes near the village are excellent opportunities for fishermen or hikers.
All the sights of Hédervár are linked to the Hédervár family who gave their name to the village.
The most distinguished building here is the three-storey castle. It has three corner-towers and combines several artistic styles. There is a park around the castle, in which some very rare plants can be found among others.
In front of the church building, an enormous oak tree which is thought to be 1000 years old can also be found. The village people are even inclined to see the tracks of the halter which belonged to King Árpád’s horse. That is why it is called Árpád-tree. The oak is actually 700 years old and 710cm in perimeter and 230cm in diameter.
It used to reach as high as 14m, these days unfortunately it has only one branch. Next to the tree, there is the tomb of Charles Khuen-Héderváry and his family’s.
