Devin Castle and National Nature Reserve Devinska Kobyla

Devin Castle and National Nature Reserve Devinska Kobyla

This excursion is an excellent study case for landscape ecologists, showcasing how ecological restoration activities can be successfully integrated into a historically and geologically rich landscape.

The Devin Castle and Devínska Kobyla Nature Reserve Tour offers a captivating journey blending history, ecology, and geology. It starts with a picturesque cruise along the Danube River, offering beautiful views of Bratislava’s landmarks, such as Bratislava Castle and the Petržalka district. The tour then reaches Devin Castle, an impressive 12th-century fortress with panoramic views of the surrounding area, once a critical defensive site and now an archaeological museum.

The tour proceeds with a walk through the Devínska Kobyla Nature Reserve, a diverse landscape of rare flora and fauna. The 3.5 km Educational Trail reveals the region’s unique plant and animal life, including thermophilic plant communities adapted to the warm microclimates.  One of the trail’s highlights is the Sandberg fossil site, a globally significant paleontological site that reveals remnants of a prehistoric sea from 16 million years ago.

Ecologically, the landscape has transformed over time, from oak-hornbeam forests to current mixed environments of forests and meadows. BROZ NGO has played a vital role in restoring biodiversity by reintroducing grazing to maintain meadow ecosystems, which had declined due to historical deforestation and agricultural practices.

The ridge of Devínska Kobyla also offers spectacular views of the Morava River, marking the border between Slovakia and Austria. This area was once restricted due to the Iron Curtain, which cut off access from 1951 until 1989.