Danube bend

Geographically described, the Danube bend is approximately 20km long section of the Danube river – close to border with Slovakia – where the river flow changes direction from east to south. In broader sense Danube bend encompasses  the Danube valley from Esztergom to Budapest, and lower part of the Ipoly valley. It stretches from the hills of Börzsöny to the north, and to Pilis to the west, half of the Nógrad Basin to the east and part of Gödölő Hills to the south-east.

The Danube bend is considered as an ecological gem, rich in wildlife and unique mosaic habitat structure. Three distinctive landscape characters can be identified including the river valley and adjacent floodplains, the open field plains and the mid-mountain range. Vegetation in the Danube bend is very diverse. Woodlands cover vast amount of area. The most common tree species are Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea), Hungarian Oak (Quercus frainetto) and Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Former agricultural lands today are once again covered by forests. Old unmanaged orchards also become part of this ‘returning forest’. Small and big open pasture sites are scattered in between the woodland. Hunting for game is permitted in the Danube bend region however strict management and regulations apply. Some of the game includes deer, wild boar, fox, rabbit and pheasant. There are many fish species still present in the Danube, some of which include carp, mullet, pike and bream while other species like the European sturgeon are no longer present due to river deregulation and overfishing practice.

The Danube bend is amongst the most visited areas in Hungary. It is famous both nationally and internationally for its ecological and cultural importance. When it comes to recreational activities cycling is on top of list with things to do – 50km of bicycle routes along the river attracts thousands of people throughout the summer. The mid-mountain range presents great opportunities for day walks. In the summer season the river banks are particularly popular place.

Site Locations

All four study areas are located within the area of Vác. In summary the town is located approximately 35 km north of Budapest on the bank of river Danube. The area has been occupied since roman times. The earliest written mention of Vác dates back to 1074. The town was located at the centre of historic Hungary and war events were always affecting it. Vác was thriving in the middle ages. Different guilds were established. In 1764 the empress Maria Theresa made a personal visit. The only Triumphant Arch in Hungary was erected here in her honor. However suspicious for the gift, the empress did not dare drive through the stone gate but went around instead. The arch still stands today. In 19th century Vác was industrialized and the guilds were replaced by factories. The first railway line in Hungary was opened in 1846 between Vác and Pest. Today most of the factories have closed doors and the city has shifted from industrial towards recreational activities. The biggest industrial facility still in operation is located in the city outskirts to the north and produces building materials such as concrete, cement and aggregates.

Microclimate

Because of its characteristic topography the area has a unique microclimate. Shadow from the mountains together with the river’s close proximity result in damper environment and create conditions for extreme weather. Danube bend region is famous for the highest temperature fluctuation. The coldest temperature ever recorded was -36.6° C in February 1929. June is considered as the wettest month of the year, as in other parts of Hungary. Prevailing winds here come from the north-west, however due to the topography the wind is significantly modified especially at lower altitudes.