In Germany, between Immendingen and Möhringen or near Fridingen, the Danube sinks into the riverbed in several places. This means that during summer, the riverbed doesn’t contain any water and the river flows underground to Aachtopf for 60 hours. The biggest sinkhole place is located near Immendingen. The reason for the sinking are the stratums formed during Jura. Over the years, the limestone has developed many rifts and cavities where the water of the Danube can disappear.
More information: Wikipedia - Danube Sinkhole
(Image: Danube-Sinkhole; source Drombalan - own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
In the Austrian national park „Donauauen“, visitors have the opportunity to learn about a rare and endangered bird called kingfisher. It needs of course a naturally wet habitat for hunting as well as river banksides consisting of sand and clay for breeding given by the river. Its plumage shimmers in bright colors – just like a gemstone.
More information: Wikipedia - Common kingfisher
(Image: The Kingfisher; source: Pixabay)
The beaver is the largest rodent on the European continent and can be unmistakably recognized by its scaly tail. Beaver families live on riversides, therefore building special dens from twigs, leafs and mud. Because of its fur, its scent and people believing it to be fish, beavers were hunted extensively, thus leading to near extinction of the beaver. It wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that systematic protection and repopulation made for the beaver to be a native resident in Germany and Austria again.
More information: Wikipedia - Eurasian beaver
(Image: European beaver; source: Pixabay)
The country of Croatia offers the oldest national park of south eastern Europe: The National Park Plitvic Lakes. The varying climatic influences and the vast differences in altitude within the protected areas cause an extremely diverse flora and fauna. As a setting for the “Winnetou” movies, featuring several waterfall and lakes scenes, the national park is particularly famous in Germany.
More information: Wikipedia - Plitvice Lakes National Park
(Image: National Park Plitvicer Lakes; source: Pixabay)
Pelicans are member of the species of water birds. Except for Antarctica, they can be found on every continent. The biggest pelican colony of Europe is located in the Danube Delta. Pelicans can particularly be recognised for their extendable gular pouch on their lower mandible.
More information: Wikipedia - Danube Delta
(Image: Pelicans; source: Pixabay)
The rocks of Belogradchik are a unique rock formation. Streching out for 15 km in width and 30 km in length in the western Balkans of Bulgaria, this magnificent natural phenomena was shaped by rain and wind over more than 200 million years. Rock columns 200 meters tall form a natural fortress which had already been used as defense in ancient times.
More information: Wikipedia - Belogradchik Fortress
(Image: Belogradchik Rocks; source: Bertram Wegemer)
