The Danube-Drava National Park protects one of Central Europe's most important remaining floodplain ecosystems. Where the Drava river meets the mighty Danube in southern Hungary, extensive wetlands, oxbow lakes, and gallery forests support remarkable biodiversity.
A Living River System
Unlike many European rivers constrained by dams and levees, sections of the Drava and Danube within the park retain relatively natural flow patterns. Seasonal flooding creates and maintains a mosaic of habitats - from permanently inundated backwaters to seasonally flooded meadows and ancient willow-poplar forests.
This dynamic landscape provides ideal conditions for wildlife. Fish populations thrive in productive waters, supporting fish-eating birds like cormorants, herons, and the park's most famous resident, the White-tailed Eagle.
White-tailed Eagle Territory
The Danube-Drava region hosts one of Hungary's highest concentrations of breeding White-tailed Eagles. These magnificent birds build enormous stick nests in the tallest riverside trees, returning to the same sites year after year.
Winter brings even more eagles to the area as birds from further north join residents. Fish ponds in and around the park attract concentrations of eagles, especially when ponds are drained for harvesting. Seeing a dozen or more of these impressive raptors in a single day is realistic in winter.
Eagle Watching Tips
Eagles are most active in early morning and late afternoon. They often perch on conspicuous dead trees overlooking water. In winter, check fishpond areas where carp are being harvested - eagles gather for easy pickings.
Herons and Waterbirds
Mixed heron colonies in the floodplain forests contain Grey and Purple Herons, Great White and Little Egrets, Night Herons, and sometimes Spoonbills. These colonial nesters are most active during breeding season from April through July.
Pygmy Cormorants, smaller than their common cousins, breed at scattered sites through the park. The oxbow lakes and quiet backwaters provide ideal hunting grounds for these sociable birds.
Other notable waterbirds include:
- Black Stork - Shy forest nester; often seen feeding in shallow waters
- Ferruginous Duck - Watch for this declining species on quieter pools
- Whiskered Tern - Elegant marsh tern breeding on floating vegetation
- Little Bittern - Secretive but present in extensive reedbeds
Forest Wildlife
The gallery forests lining the rivers support a different community. Black Woodpeckers excavate nest holes that are later used by Stock Doves and various owls. Middle Spotted Woodpeckers favor areas with mature oaks.
Red Deer and Wild Boar roam the forests and are sometimes seen from trails. European Beaver populations have recovered dramatically and their signs - gnawed trees, dams, and lodges - are now common along smaller watercourses.
Best Areas to Explore
Gemenc Forest
The largest continuous floodplain forest in Hungary, Gemenc is accessible partly by forest railway - a delightful way to penetrate otherwise inaccessible habitat. The area is famous for Red Deer and regularly hosts breeding Black Storks.
Drava River Banks
The Drava between Barcs and Dravavolgyi offers excellent riverine habitat. Sand Martin colonies excavate the eroding banks, while Kingfishers hunt from overhanging branches. Otter signs are common for those who look carefully.
Beda-Karapancsa
This section along the Danube includes extensive fishponds attractive to eagles in winter and breeding waterbirds in summer. A network of dyke-top paths provides good access for walking or cycling.
Visiting Information
The park stretches across a large area of southern Hungary, with different sections offering different experiences. No single visit can cover everything, but a few days based in the Pecs or Mohacs area allows exploration of key sites.
Getting There
Mohacs, on the Danube, makes a good base and is accessible by bus from Pecs or Budapest. The Gemenc Forest railway operates from Pororosz station. A car greatly expands options for reaching more remote sections.
The park visitor center in Pecs provides maps, current wildlife information, and details of guided programs. Some areas have restricted access during breeding season, so checking before visiting is advisable.
Last updated: February 2026