Paddling along the Vén-Duna and the Sugovica in Baja

At the starting point of our trip, at the end of the steep shore running stone path, on the concrete slipway or next to it on the rocky shore, we can launch our boats. Looking over to the right bank of the Danube, we can see the Veránka Island surrounded by the Rezéti-Duna branch. The island and the branch are located in the vast floodplain forest area of Gemenc. We start paddling southward, with the flow. At departure, begin carefully, avoiding docks fixed to the shore. With sufficient caution and constant attention to boat traffic, cross the river and continue on the right bank.

After 2 km, we paddle past the southern outlet of the Rezéti-Holt-Duna branch on the right, thereby leaving the southern tip of Veránka Island. After another 2 km, we pass stone-built spur dikes protruding from the shore into the water; here expect slight eddies and water backflow behind the dikes. Then we reach the entrance to the Vén-Duna branch.

We paddle through the entrance artificially reinforced with stones and proceed 500-600 meters to an also artificially built stone bottom weir. At moderate or higher water levels, the water accelerates and flows over the weir, allowing easy passage. At low water levels, it is not advisable to attempt crossing as the stones can damage our boats, and there is not enough water in the Vén-Duna branch for paddling. From the stone dam, we can clearly see a small island about 100 meters from us and the sandy shore on its left bank. It is an irresistible spot worth stopping at and lingering a bit, ideal also for picnics. The small island, no longer than 200 meters, divides the Vén-Duna into two parts. We can cross the narrower left branch only at medium or higher water levels; the right branch is generally more passable. The Vén-Duna belongs to the Gemenc floodplain forest, a protected area within the Danube-Drava National Park territory.

Paddling silently, we may encounter representatives of the rich birdlife: grey herons, bitterns, kingfishers, cormorants, and with some luck, even marsh harriers. Large game also appear in considerable numbers, although they are more difficult to spot because they easily hide in the dense aspen and waterfront willow thickets. Continuing from the island, another 3 km of paddling awaits us on the branch before reaching the lower mouth. Upon reaching the main Danube, on the right, just at the mouth, there is a sandy public beach. It is easy to dock at this welcoming shore; it is worth resting here and swimming in the river in good weather. No infrastructure is available near the beach. When approaching and leaving the shore, also consider bathers and those resting on the sand.

Looking from the shore in the direction of the Danube's flow southwards, we can already see the Türr István Bridge in Baja. After 500 m, we reach the structure, where we pass through carefully, taking into account the water traffic signs regulating navigation. After maintaining a safe distance and avoiding the bridge piers, we cross to the left bank of the river. This maneuver should be done quickly and with great caution while continuously observing boat traffic. On the left bank, along the Baja industrial port, we can see cranes and excavators loading barges. We keep a safe distance from docked ships and barges. Leaving the port, still on the left bank, we can see a historically built floating boat mill. Behind it, up on the bank, near the entrance of the Sugovica, stands the Türr István lookout tower. The Sugovica is a left side branch of the Danube, with its northern entrance about 1200 meters from the Türr István Bridge. The Sugovica surrounds the larger Pandúr and the smaller Petőfi Island located in Baja city. The latter island is a popular green area for the fishing capital built on the Sugovica shore.

Turning left, we now paddle along the branch known locally as Sugó. Both banks are steep and sloped. On the left bank is a promenade, at its beginning is a coffee shop shaped like an open shell. About 1.5 km from the mouth, on the right, another branch, the winter harbor arm, opens. Paddling along this and passing docked large boats, we reach the southern tip of Petőfi Island after 800 m. Here we turn left and begin to circle the island. From here, only 1 km of paddling awaits us to the end of our route at the disembarkation point near the foot of the Petőfi Bridge. Next to the bridge's island pier, we can dock on the rocky and sometimes slightly muddy shore. Climbing up the steep, grassy slope, the parking lot can be found about 150 meters beside the restaurant there.