Speaking of beauties: have you ever seen a firefly? You have? Then you will certainly remember the sight. There’s something magical about the way the small glow-worms appear almost out of the blue, peeling out of the dark with their gentle glow. So, it’s hardly surprising that fireflies often appear in legends and myths – and at Donau-Auen National Park! Walking at night through the quiet park of Schloss Orth, bathed in moonlight, is an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer to watch the skittish owls, learn more about bats, or discover the aforementioned magical fireflies, a night walk will show you quite a few things in a new light. And if you don’t want to go home in the evening, surrounded by the wild beauty of the national park, you can pitch your tents at the camp site on the fluvial terrace. Those touring by boat or bike are welcome to stay free of charge for two nights in a row. Another suggestion for cycling fans: follow the Marchfeld Canal cycle route through the gorgeous landscape of the Marchfeld plain. The 61-kilometre route starts in Vienna; it’s a great outing and a feast for the eye – and not just for people who cycle regularly.

An outing to the other side of the Morava

You don’t want the adventure to stop at the border? Then why not take a leap and visit the other side? You could rent a bike in Marchegg and cross into Slovakia via the bicycle bridge in Marchegg or the Freedom Cycling Bridge near Schloss Hof. You’re not a fan of cycling? Then why not take a pleasant train trip from Marchegg to Slovakia, where there’s plenty to see in the Záhorie region. This green region west of Bratislava, the national capital, is famous for its natural assets (it’s a paradise for mushroom hunters, for example), its beautiful woods, water sports and historic sights. How about a detour to the ruins of the old Slavic Devín Castle? It sits proudly atop a high cliff above the confluence of the Danube and the Morava and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Central Europe.