Paddling adventures on the Ráckevei Danube branch

Let's set off along the left bank heading south. After about 3 kilometers, we reach the northern tip of Molnár Island. Turn onto the narrow branch on the left, where the water barely moves under us, revealing the aquatic world. We travel two and a half kilometers through this narrowed channel; meanwhile, we row or paddle under a bridge. Returning to the main branch, we continue a further 3 kilometers down along the left bank. When we leave the boat station, the M0 motorway appears opposite. Before (!) passing under it, pay attention to the far shore! A few dozen meters before the bridge, where a large tree is very close to the water, a tiny entrance appears on our right-hand side. Here we need to cross the river, entering dense reed beds to reach the most atmospheric section of our route. Along the 200-meter-long waterway, trees arch overhead, letting us enjoy the shade in this unique landscape.

At the end of this section, the trail turns almost at a right angle to the left—but we must carefully find a narrow path, just a few meters before the bend, leading off to the right in the opposite direction, where we can turn off to the bird-watching area. I suggest you try to move as quietly as possible: if you're lucky, you can admire birds, protected small fish swimming in the water, turtles, and grass snakes to the soundtrack of croaking frogs. After enjoying the sights, turn back along this dead-end path and continue your journey at the left-hand right angle bend.

We pass under the M0 motorway and observe another face of the landscape: on the right, a small row of tiny holiday homes; on the left, Czuczor Island, an untouched natural area over a kilometer long. If you rely on a map, you'll see that this branch is a dead end—but if traveling by water, this information is false: following the kayak, we can exit to the neighboring branch through a small tunnel.

If you arrive here as a beginner, it’s worth checking your watch. Bear in mind that the return trip will take longer because you have to work against the current. If you are in a hurry, it’s better to turn immediately left and return to the starting point by staying along the left-hand edge (which is actually the right bank). This side is also a good choice because by afternoon, some shade can be expected from the riverside trees.

If you have more time, then from the previous branching turn right to circle the opposite island, which is under nature protection. From the southern tip of the island, a bridge is visible to the south, where occasionally a suburban railway (HÉV) rumbles over. If you make another detour downstream toward the bridge, you can observe the wild riverbank on your right side, untouched by human hands.

Returning, after having almost completely circled the protected little island, at the Y-junction turn right heading north to see the other side of Czuczor Island as well. Under the M0 bridge you return to the main branch, where often paddling back to the starting point under the shade of trees on the west bank is possible.

If you still have the desire and energy, take a short detour north of the rental station, then along the southern side of the small canal turning west from there! Here you can also admire the untouched, wild riverbank. On the other side of the bay are fishing piers. It’s best not to paddle too close to the shore if you don’t want to annoy the anglers.