Around Devínska Nová Ves you will discover real natural jewels and unique gems of Slovakia. The riparian forests of the Morava river floodplain, thermophilic flora of the Devín forest steppe, rare floral species in the Fialkové údolie valley – unique diversity of nature just a few kilometers from the centre of Bratislava.
Surroundings of Devínska Nová Ves are floristically the richest lands of Slovakia. The Fialková dolina valley on the southern foothills of Devínska Kobyla was declared the natural reserve in 1993 in order to protect critically endangered species of the orchidaceae plants. Its appearance is like a miniature canyon with the area of approximately 20 hectares.
If you appreciate flora, a visit to another important location neighbouring with the Fialková dolina valley is a must. The natural monument Devín forest steppe (Devínska lesostep) is smaller in size but no less interesting.
If you could not name some of the seemingly known trees and bushes while wandering on Devínska Kobyla and you would like to learn it, visit the Dendropark (forest park) on the foothill of Devínska Kobyla. An educational area has been established there with boards that will inform you about some of the original tree and bush species of Devínska Kobyla. The Dendropark stretches out on approximately 150 are on the northern hillside of Devínska Kobyla above the Podhorské residential area in Devínska Nová Ves.
Some of you may prefer to become acquainted with the countryside on the banks of the River Morava. Floodplains of river Morava retained their natural state due to the many years of prohibited entrance (1951 – 1989 Iron curtain). Thanks to this “conservation“ we can admire the remains of the original riverine forests, abandoned meanders and one of the largest wetland meadow complexes in central Europe, included in the list of internationally important wetlands. As for the the birds living on the Morava river floodplain, you will definitely recognize the white stork but some of you may even recognize the less-known species such corncrake that is endangered on the world-wide scale or common cranes migrating in winter. Our biggest rodent - European beaver, whose population is lately doing very well is an integral component of this area too.
If the weather is good and you are in the mood for biking in the countryside, you must make a trip through the educational route Nivou Moravy (Through the Morava floodplain). The route goes from the confluence of the the Danube with the Morava under the Devín Castle up to Moravský Sv. Ján. With the length of 80 km it is one of the longest educational routes in Slovakia and offers a unique experience in the country in all seasons.