Spot Local Wildlife On Your Danube River Cruise

The Danube River consists of a variety of ponds, lakes and canals, and runs through ten countries from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea of Romania and Ukraine. As well as plenty of historic sites, the impressive waterway is also home to an abundance of remarkable wildlife. A Danube river cruiseis by far the best way to get a closer peek at these magnificent creatures. Read on and find out what you could discover on your next getaway.

European Pond Turtle

Capable of living for more than 100 years, European Pond Turtles are a truly incredible species to witness. Unlike other turtles, they can often be seen miles away from their wetland home searching for food or a place to nest. A river cruise can certainly bring you up close and personal, as many are frequently found on the banks, nesting to lay their eggs. Don’t forget to take your camera so you can snap these beautifully slimy creatures!

Clouded Yellow Butterfly

While the beautiful and vivid colours of this butterfly stand out, its minute wingspan of less than 50mm make spotting this remarkable creature quite a challenge! It’s best to keep a look out for them during the months of May, July and August where they can be found along the entire stretch of the river.

European Kingfisher

Also known as the Eurasian Kingfisher, this extraordinary animal is one of Europe’s most famous and celebrated birds. Living and breeding throughout the entire region, it can often be observed on the banks of the river and especially in the surrounding forest or woodland areas.

Great White Pelican

Measuring up to over 3.6 metres, this gigantic bird can be found throughout much of Asia and Europe. With a diet rich in fish it can commonly be spotted along the waterways, so it’s important to keep an eye out for this extraordinary bird when relaxing on acruise.

Sturgeon

Valued for its caviar and recognisable by its dark thick skin and enormous length, some experts argue that the species has existed for as long as 200 million years! Although currently under threat due to overfishing in the river, these mighty fish are popular spots in certain areas of the water.

Get Ready to Go

If you’re keen to discover the creatures that call these waterways home, it is recommended to book with a specialist company offering Danube river cruiseexperiences, whether that be on an adult weekend away or a longer trip. A cruise is without doubt the best way to get close and see all the astonishing wildlife on offer.

The beauty of this destination is heightened by all its nature – for anyone exploring near the Danube, keep a look out for the incredible local wildlife nearby waiting just for you!

Author Plate

Perry Mahoney is the Director of GN Holidays, a holiday company specialising in adult weekend breaks, cruises and other excursions for the over 40s. If you're looking to enjoy a Danube river cruise, a getaway with non-stop 60s and 70s sounds or a just an opportunity to bond with some like-minded travellers, GN Holidays will be sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.