Nature of the Danube

The Danube – that beautiful and magnificent river that connects and unites – is the pearl of Novi Sad. This second-longest river in Europe and one of the longest rivers in the world, together with the Rhine-Main-Danube canal is a very important route for communication and trade. On its 2850-kilometre journey from the Black Forest in Germany to Constanţa in Romania, the Danube flows through nine countries and through a variety of natural terrains, through mountainous regions and around them, through plains, gorges and marshlands. As a result, the Danube and its surroundings offer a diverse range of natural environments, natural habitats and cultures. It is this natural and cultural diversity – found on and around the river – that has been a catalyst for the development of tourism.

The Danube wends its way around the foot of the Fruška Gora hills and past Novi Sad. Here it is characterised by a tranquil, slow, flatland flow, with numerous meanders. As a result, the Novi Sad section of the Danube features a great number of islands, beautiful beaches and a gradual drop-off in depth from the banks, with no sharp changes. Time spent by this magnificent river is always pleasant, and every season has its charms. The climate and water temperature are interconnected and during spring summer and autumn these and other features of the climate make it possible to spend time outdoors doing a variety of activities. In the four hottest months of June, July, August and September, the water temperature is perfect for bathing and water sports. The snow-covered banks of the river in winter mean that this season also has its charms.
The seasonal climate and preserved natural surroundings on the Novi Sad section of the Danube have given rise to a great variety and abundance of plant and animal life. Its green banks provide habitats for many bird species, and its waters are teeming with fish. Plant life includes considerable stands of birch, willow and other trees, as well as flowering and meadow plants to which the areas around the banks are well suited. There is also an abundance of wetland plant life, especially water lilies. This rich vegetation is a refuge for a great many animals, the most numerous and diverse being bird species. Migrating birds visiting the Danube and surrounding area every year include a great many swallows, storks, swans, ducks, cormorants and woodcocks, while permanent inhabitants include the ubiquitous sparrows, pigeons, ravens and magpies . Besides birds, the riverside regions are also home to roe deer, hares, foxes, hedgehogs, weasels, as well as a great many frogs, snakes and tortoises, and insects too. The waters of the Danube in the Novi Sad section are rich in fish, harbouring all the European species including carp varieties, perch, catfish and pike, as well as crayfish.

This great wealth of preserved natural habitats is due in no small part to the long tradition of environmental protection here. Around Novi Sad and the Danube shores there are a great number of protected areas of varying status. These include the Fruška Gora National Park, the Koviljsko-Petrovaradinski Rit Special Nature Reserve and the Begečka Jama Nature Reserve. The Koviljsko-Petrovaradinski Rit Special Nature Reserve is an extremely important area of the Danube – one of the most important fish spawning grounds, an international IBA (Important Bird Area) and a listed Ramsar wetland.
However you look at it, the Danube and the preserved natural environment in the area around Novi Sad is a true treasure, with many possibilities for the future development of tourism and for the enjoyment of this magnificent and welcoming river.