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Danube River photo By Frettie Wikimedia
Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Danube River
Danube River is a river that was once a long-standing frontier of the Roman Empire. The river runners through 10 countries being their territories or borders. These countries include Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine before draining into the Black Sea.
River Danube basin is home to fish species such as Zander Huchen, Wels, Catfish, Burbot, Tench and pike. It is as well interesting to know that since ancient times the river has been a traditional trade route in Europe.
Danube River supplies drinking water to millions of people. It is estimated that about 20 million people depend on this river for drinking water. This shows how this river is of importance to the countries surrounding it.
1. It’s the Second Longest River In Europe
The Danube river is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga Which is the longest river in the Europe continent, with an incredible 2,294-mile expanse of water that travels across Western Russia.
However, the Danube River is the longest non-Russian river in Europe. It flows southeast for 1,770 miles and has been a traditional and important trade route in Europe since ancient times. Up to date, 1,501 miles of the river’s length is navigatable, by both river and ocean ships in many parts.
2. The River Flows Through 10 Countries
Danube River photo By Frettie Wikimedia
Danube river is unique since its path flows through 10 countries. The river starts in Germany’s Black Forest and ends up in the Black Sea. Danube river passing through 10 countries makes it unique since no other river in the world runs through as many countries.
This route of the river offers many things to see and do and gives room for plenty of options to choose from if you’re planning on enjoying a river cruise. You will be spoilt for choice with countries since the river passes through many countries such as Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Austria, Croatia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine and Romania which are all accessible from the river’s shores.
3. Germans Sailed their Ships Along the Danube During World War II
Germans sailed their ships along the Danube and sunk them in a bid to avoid capture by the Soviet Union during World War II. This has resulted in visitors visiting the Danube these days to see the sunken warships from the riverbank.
During summer the warships are visible because the water level falls. This history of ships has led to the Danube being nicknamed a graveyard for the old boats. I recommend this place anytime you visit Serbia since is a unique site.
4. It has Been A Historical Hotspot For Artists
Danube region is widely known as one of the most popular Europe cultural landmarks. This river has been a hotspot for artists, from Greek legends to modern novels, folk songs to classical music, this river’s presence is felt in many ways in the artistic world.
One of the most famous examples of this cultural reference is The Blue Danube Waltz composed by an Austrian known as Johann Strauss as well as the river featuring in several modern films.
5. It Supplies Drinking Water to Millions of People
Danube River photo By Frettie Wikimedia
Despite the beautiful nature it displays, this river plays an important role in the countries around it. The river has an immense volume of water and this makes the Danube one of Central Europe’s most vital sources of fresh drinking water.
With some estimation, it shows that about 20 million people depend on the river Danube for their drinking water, particularly residents of the German city Stuttgart. This is one of the most interesting facts about this river.
6. There are Several National Parks Along the Danube Shores
The river has a positive impact on Serbia. Not only are the selection of countries bordering the river beautiful but they as well play host to some truly magical natural settings.
Eight national parks are located along the Danube’s shores such as Naturpark Obere Donau (Germany), Nature protection area Donauleiten (Germany), National park Donau Auen (Austria), National park Duna-Ipoly Nemzeti Park (Hungary), Natural park Kopacki Rit (Croatia), Derdap National park (Serbia), Iron Gate natural park (Romania) and Biosphere Reserve Danube Delta (Romania).
These parks have increased the number of tourists in Serbia since they are the source of attraction. They are perfect if you love to get back to nature during your adventures. This is a must-visit place.
7. The Danube is of Great Economic Importance to the 10 Countries that Borders it
The river Danube flow through 10 countries which makes it unique since no other river in the world that passes through such many countries. The Danube plays a great economic impact on the 10 countries that border it.
The countries use the river for freight transport, the generation of hydroelectricity, industrial and residential water supplies, irrigation, and fishing. These activities undertaken by the countries by use of the river Danube help the countries grow economically which is a positive fact impacted by the Danube.
8. Lepenski Vir, Archaeological Site Located on the Banks of the Danube
One of the interesting facts about this river is that the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir is located on the banks of the Danube in eastern Serbia.
This archaeological site was the centre of one of the most important prehistoric cultures. The remains of religious architecture dating from 6500- 5500 BC are found at the Lepenski Vir site.
9. Home to Many Plants and Animal Species
The Danube River is home to many plants and animal species. This river has about 2000 plants and 5000 animals. The 5000 animals are a total of different animal species, of which there are 40 mammals, 180 birds, 100 fishes, and many reptiles.
This river is well preserved and supports the habitat of different types of species. Common birds which are found in the delta of this river are pelicans, Falcons, Eagles Kingfishers and Swans among others.
10. Acts as Means of Transport
Danube River photo By Frettie Wikimedia
Many people know the Danube as a source of drinking water, a fishing point and a tourist attraction site. However, this river as being acting as means of transport for years which has led to the growth of the economy.
The river links the national capitals of Eastern Europe with each other. This allows trade to occur between the East European countries along the Danube River. For many years, this river and its tributaries have served as important trade routes in Eastern Europe.
