In the track of captain Cousteau
Discover the greatest land delta of Europe! Rye Island is a river island in south-western Slovakia, extending from Bratislava to Komárno. It lies between the Danube, its tributary Little Danube and Váh. The island is a major part of the Danubian Flat. It is the biggest river island in Europe, with an area of 1,886 km², being 84 km long and 15 to 30 km wide. The island is the most important reservoir of drinking water in Europe and an agricultural region.
Its fauna is characteristic and UNIQUE. This was declared by Jacques Cousteau, the famous oceanographer, when he studied the autochtonous species of the branch water of Dunajský Klátov. His film later created a sensation. Rye Island is the home of the world`s greatest freshwater sponge colony.
The water lily was an emblem of the region. It is protected today. The white water lily, the Nymphaea alba, was the most common and most beautiful. According to legend the FAIRY LILY is actually a cousin of the fairies. The locals often thought they heard the fairies singing. While Ilona Tündér was splashing about in the water, a lad lay in wait and stole her clothes. In a rage, the fairies abandoned the island. Their niece, Rózsika, however, has stayed with us in the shape of a water lily.