In the forests of Gemenc along the Rezéti-Duna

At the starting point of our tour, at the bottom of the slipway, we can launch our boats on a concrete and rocky shore section. Opposite, on the right bank of the Danube, we can see Veránka Island and the Sziget Hotel located at the island's northern tip. We begin our journey downstream on the Danube. It is advisable to immediately paddle across the river close to the right bank, which should be done by the shortest and quickest route possible.

Following the shore of Veránka Island and using the Danube’s current, after about 2 km we reach the mouth of the Rezéti-Holt-Duna branch. Here we make a sharp right turn into the side branch’s water. This tour is recommended in this direction because otherwise, we would have to paddle this same 2 km upstream, which would be very tiring considering the strong Danube current. Although the water movement in the Rezéti branch opposes our travel direction, the current is so minimal it is barely noticeable. Therefore, it does not significantly complicate our progress, allowing comfortable travel and enjoyment of the atmosphere in the untouched floodplain forest wilderness. At moderate and low water levels, both banks of the side branch are deep, muddy, and silty; docking and stepping ashore is not possible. During high water or flooding, leaving the side branch or paddling between the trees is not allowed. Since we are touring in a protected area, the National Park permits landing only at designated locations, so it is not worth attempting otherwise.

After paddling 4 kilometers from the mouth, we arrive at the designated docking and resting place called Nyárilegelő. This is also the stop for the narrow gauge train of the Gemenc State Forest Railway that transports visitors. A constructed, metal, stepped disembarkation point facilitates landing, where under shelter with tables and benches we can enjoy our brought snacks.

Continuing, we venture deeper into the vast Gemenc floodplain forest, which has been a protected landscape area since 1977 and part of the then established Danube-Dráva National Park since 1996. This 180 square kilometer forest area is, uniquely in Hungary, almost entirely flooded every year. The groves with willows at lower depths and birch at higher grounds are difficult to access, offering excellent refuge for big game. Gemenc is world-famous for its valuable and beautiful trophy red deer, with rich roe deer and wild boar populations. The birdlife is also abundant, and with a bit of luck, one can spot grey herons, white-tailed eagles, saker falcons, and lesser spotted eagles. It is therefore advisable to move quietly and without noise to have a better chance of observing animals.

From our resting point at Nyárilegelő, after about 7 kilometers paddling on the Rezéti-Holt-Duna lined with floodplain forests, we reach an island. On the right side of the 500-meter-long dry land, in the narrower branch, we can only paddle through with medium or higher water levels. At lower water levels, if we do not want to drag our boats through the sticky mud, we must stay in the wider left branch.

After bypassing the island, only 650 meters remain from the Rezéti-Duna until we reach the upper, inflow mouth of the side branch. Here, looking up to the right at the island’s tip, we find the docking point of the Veránka Island Hotel, where we can take a short break as well. Then we only need to cross the Danube again and dock at the starting point of our tour: the slipway in front of Rév Csárda.