Ranging from Bratislava to Korman in southwestern Slovakia, Zitny Ostrov (Rye Island) is Europe’s biggest river island. It is so big that most tourists are unaware of being on one. It lies between the Danube, and its slower flowing tributary the Little Danube, in the Danubian Plain.

Several rivers flow across it and the dark alluvial soil deposits make it the most fertile land in Slovakia. The island also contains central Europe’s largest reservoir of pristine potable water and it has the warmest and driest climate in Slovakia.

A beautiful area of marshes, natural and man-made lakes and rich agricultural land, the south has been deemed a Protected Landscape. The serene waters of the Little Danube provide excellent recreational boating through the alluvial forests. While on the water, the controversial hydroelectric dam at Gabcikovo may also be visited.

Zitny Ostrov has two main towns, both of which have deep Hungarian influences. DunajskA Streda has a majority Hungarian population, though the only reminder of a significant Jewish minority is a 1991 memorial. There is also signs of Bronze Age settlement here.

In the late 1990s the town centre was rebuilt with distinctive white buildings topped by towers and elaborate tiled roofs. A large thermal park offers year-round swimming in geothermal heated water.

Komarno, Slovakia’s principal port, is located on the Hungarian border — a bridge leads into Hungarian Komarom, which used to be part of Komarno. Here the majority of the population speak Hungarian and the street signs are in two languages.

Europe Place is a large shopping and leisure centre built in a variety of European architectural forms. A native son of Komamo, Franz Lehar, is honoured with a biennial music festival, whilst the annual Komarno Days Festival celebrates Slovak and Hungarian culture.

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