Full day excursion
12 August 2026
Join us for a full-day excursion to the southern Danube floodplain – Gemenc Region of the Danube-Drava National Park, where cultural heritage, river restoration, floodplain management and nature conservation meet in one of the most remarkable landscapes of Hungary.
The excursion is organized and guided by Enikő Anna Tamás.
Programme
Departure from Baja
Báta Holy Blood Pilgrimage Church and viewpoint – history of the area
Báta Dead Branch restoration site (~ 2km walk on flat terrain, visit to the water retention structure)
Visit to the Black Stork House and lunch break
A ride on the Gemenc Forest Railway – excursion to Malomtelelő Lake
Return to Baja
Excursion Route
The Holy Blood Pilgrimage Church
The excursion begins at the famous pilgrimage church overlooking the Danube floodplain. From this vantage point, participants can enjoy panoramic views while learning about the history of Danube regulation, floodplain transformation and the cultural heritage of Báta.
Image source from Pécsi Egyházmegye website.
Báta Dead Branch Restoration Area
A guided walk presents the restored and non-restored sections of the oxbow lake. The site illustrates the challenges of ecological restoration and the cooperation between local communities, water management authorities, forestry and nature conservation organizations.
Water Retention Structure
One of the key technical highlights of the excursion is the innovative sluice structure that regulates water levels within the floodplain system. The structure was built using the bridge piers of a former railway line.
Restoration works were carried out in frame of the GEF # TF 051 289 project 15 years ago.
Black Stork Visitor Centre
The visitor centre offers an excellent interactive exhibition not only on the famous Black stork (Ciconia nigra) population, but in general the wildlife and habitats of the Gemenc Region and the Danube floodplain.
Image from Fekete Gólyaház website.
Gemenc Forest Railway
In the afternoon, participants will board a special train of the Gemenc Forest Railway for a return journey to Malomtelelő, providing an opportunity to experience one of Europe’s largest floodplain forests.
Image from Greendex website.
Practical Information
- Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing is recommended.
- Please bring a hat or cap, sunscreen, mosquito and tick repellent.
- Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
- Access to the Holy Blood Pilgrimage Church requires climbing 115 steps.
- The church tower offers a magnificent view, but climbing an additional 130 steps is required, as the stairsa are old style wooden stairs, it is not recommended for visitors with vertigo or limited mobility.
Birdlife of the area
The wetlands and forests surrounding the excursion route provide habitat for a rich variety of bird species. Participants with an interest in ornithology may have the chance to observe the following birds during the trip:
- Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
- White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
- Great White Egret (Egretta alba)
- Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
- Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)