Dunajské luhy (Panský diel) (Protected Landscape Area)

Bratislava Region

Western Slovakia

Slovakia

Dunajské luhy Protected Area ~ Panský diel [July 2025]

The Dunajské luhy is a large protected area located along the Danube River in southwestern Slovakia. It consists of river branches, wetlands, floodplain forests, and meadows, forming one of the most valuable ecosystems in Central Europe. This area serves as an important refuge for many rare and endangered species of plants and animals, and it is also a key nesting and migration site for waterbirds.

Overview of Dunajské luhy

Location: Dunajské luhy is located in southwestern Slovakia, along the Danube River, stretching from the area near Bratislava down to the town of Komárno. The protected area lies on both banks of the Danube and includes river branches, islands, wetlands, and floodplain forests. It is part of the Podunajská nížina (Danubian Lowland) region. Due to its proximity to Bratislava, it is easily accessible for visitors from the city and surrounding areas.
Area: As a Protected Landscape Area (CHKO) in Slovakia, its officially designated area is about 122.84 km² (GPS)
Panský diel is a specific part of the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area, located near the river branch between the villages of Dobrohošť and Kyselica. This area represents a typical example of floodplain forests and wetland habitats, which are important for the protection of many species of birds, amphibians, and aquatic animals. (GPS)
Panský diel is especially valuable as a nesting site for waterbirds, as well as a refuge for species such as the European beaver and European pond turtle. The area is covered by natural floodplain forests with native tree species like willows and poplars.

The Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area (in Slovak: Chránená krajinná oblasť Dunajské luhy) was officially established in 1998.

Geography and Landscape

Elevation: The area lies in a lowland region, with an average elevation ranging between: 130 to 140 meters above sea level. Due to its flat terrain, the area is prone to seasonal flooding, which is critical for maintaining its wetland ecosystems.
Diverse Landscapes: The Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area features a rich mosaic of diverse natural landscapes shaped by the Danube River and its seasonal floods. These landscapes include:
- Floodplain Forests: Dense forests dominated by willows, poplars, and oaks, providing important habitats for birds, mammals, and insects.
- River Branches and Oxbow Lakes: Abandoned and active river channels that form a network of waterways essential for fish spawning and aquatic life.
- Wetlands and Marshes: Water-saturated areas that serve as breeding grounds for amphibians, reptiles, and waterbirds.
- Alluvial Meadows: Periodically flooded grasslands rich in wildflowers and supporting diverse insect populations.
- Sandy and Gravel Banks: Bare, shifting areas along the river, often used by birds for nesting and by certain plants adapted to dry, nutrient-poor soils.
- Islands and River Islands (called “ostrovy” in Slovak): Created by sediment deposition, offering secluded refuges for wildlife.

Climate

Weather Conditions: The climate of the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area is classified as temperate continental, with warm summers and mild to moderately cold winters. Average annual temperatures range around 10 to 11 °C, with summer temperatures commonly reaching 20 to 25 °C. The area receives approximately 500 to 600 millimetres of precipitation per year, most of it falling during late spring and summer. Seasonal flooding of the Danube River, especially in spring, plays a key role in maintaining the region's wetlands and floodplain forests. The presence of water bodies and dense vegetation helps create a humid microclimate, supporting the rich biodiversity typical of this unique lowland ecosystem.

Flora and Fauna

Flora : The flora of the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area is characterized by a rich variety of plant species typical of floodplain ecosystems. Dominant vegetation includes extensive floodplain forests composed mainly of white willow (Salix alba), black poplar (Populus nigra), and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), which thrive in the moist, nutrient-rich soils. Wetland areas are covered by common reed (Phragmites australis), sedge species (Carex spp.), and various aquatic plants such as yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea) and European white waterlily (Nymphaea alba). Alluvial meadows are home to diverse grasses and flowering plants, including marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), which bloom after seasonal floods.
Fauna: The fauna of the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area is exceptionally diverse, thanks to its mosaic of wetlands, river branches, and floodplain forests. The area serves as an important refuge for many rare and protected species. Among birds, significant species include the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), black stork (Ciconia nigra), grey heron (Ardea cinerea), and various species of ducks, terns, and kingfishers. The floodplains are also inhabited by the European beaver (Castor fiber) and the European otter (Lutra lutra), which are key indicators of clean, healthy water systems. Amphibians such as the European tree frog (Hyla arborea) and various species of newts thrive in the wetland habitats. Notably, the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) finds one of its few remaining Slovak habitats here. The Danube’s waters are rich in fish species, including catfish, pike, and carp, while the diverse insect life includes many rare dragonflies and butterflies, contributing to the area's high biodiversity value.