Page 17 - somogy megye 2022

The River Dráva,

Europe’s Amazon

River Dráva is one of the last rivers with a natural coastline
in Europe. Its surroundings are an integral part of the Dan-
ube-Dráva National Park, a great natural treasure of our
country and Somogyland. Its special habitats are home to
plant and animal communities that do not live anywhere

else in Hungary. The fact that nearly 150 plant associations
and more than 100 protected plant species are found in

this protected area shows the diversity of the flora. At the
Dráva Gate Exhibition Centre in Drávaszentes, in addition
to the native animal species, we can get a glimpse into the
life of the animals living in the wild. In the building opened
in 2008, the presentation of the natural values of the River
Dráva is a real experience. There are several educational

trails in the wider area: the Borókás and Csomoros Island
Educational Trails in Barcs, as well as the Basa Garden
and the Mérus Forest Educational Trail in Babócsa. In
addition to admiring the natural values, the river is also

a great place for the more confident swimmers. Th e wa-
ter of the River Dráva is perfectly suitable for swimming,
however, the only designated open-water swimming place
in its Hungarian section is found in Barcs. The free beach

with its park is suitable for sports, cooking, and camping,

and offers pleasant recreation to those who like the water

of rivers. The lovers of nature can easily reach Kis-Bók,
the fishing paradise of the river, which is rich in fi sh, and

also known as the island of tranquillity and located east of

Barcs, either on two wheels or on foot. Those who look for

a little more active recreation can take an oar and partici-
pate in one of the regularly organized water tours from
Őrtilos to Szentborbás.

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