Chránený areál Dropie
While wandering through the Podunajsko region, you can also stop in the village of Zemianska Olča, which, in addition to cultural and historical monuments, will captivate you with a nature reserve designated under the name Chránený areál Dropie. This "cultural steppe" environment has become the main wintering site for the great bustard in Slovakia.
You can find the protected natural area in the Lower Žitný ostrov in the cadastral area of the village of Zemianska Olča. This place is the primary home of a very rare steppe bird, the great bustard, which, outside of Slovakia, resides only in the European part of Russia, Spain, Hungary, and Ukraine. During your visit to this habitat, you might manage to catch a glimpse of our largest and most beautiful gallinaceous bird.
In the area, you can enjoy a walk through a unique natural environment. You will recharge with positive energy and see showcase model-type gardens also referred to as the "Prírodná ukážková záhrada". Their distinguishing feature is mainly pollard willows, which are perfectly cared for here. The Náučný chodník Príbeh krajiny educational trail leads through the area. It includes 6 stops, with 3 interactive ones located directly in the area and the remaining ones in the surrounding villages. On the information boards, you will learn more information about this protected part of the Podunajská rovina.
The water bubbling in the pond also has a soothing effect on the human soul. The attentive eye of a nature lover will not miss even a fragment of the floodplain forest. When visiting the protected area, you can stop by the Informačné centrum dropa fúzatého, relax in a gazebo with a reed roof, or rest in a covered seating area. There is also a fireplace. For children, a playground, a willow labyrinth, a rope course, a sensory path, and an observation tower are prepared. The youngest children will enjoy the multifunctional playground. You can also take home a souvenir in the form of a photo from the children's photo observation hut. Domestic animals living in the farmyard are mainly used to manage the grassland habitats of the area.
Set off to explore the beauties of Zemianska Olča. Perhaps from accommodation near Chránený areál Dropie, you will discover other interesting places as well. In the center of the village, there is a Reformed church, the Kúria Adolfa Holczera manor house, and a cemetery chapel. During summer days, you can refresh your heated bodies in the pools of the thermal park Veľký Meder Thermal Corvinus. It is also possible to reach the last floating mill in Slovakia, Vodný mlyn Kolárovo, by bicycle. In case of worse weather, you can go swimming in the indoor swimming pool in Komárno or visit the unique Galéria Limes.
To enjoy your stay to the fullest and not have to worry about how to get home safely, we recommend booking accommodation in Zemianska Olča. You can choose from beautiful wooden houses in Zemianska Olča, which fit perfectly into the local natural scenery. For a smaller group of people, accommodation in apartments may be more affordable. It always depends on what type of accommodation you choose for your temporary stay.
