The area where the Danube flows into the Black Sea is home to an abundance of wildlife. The Danube Delta biosphere reserve covers over 5,000 square kilometres, of which 4,000 are a protected nature reserve. Parts of it are still untouched and only accessible by water. Huge alluvial forests and lakes, Europe’s largest reed fields, and picturesque water lilies as far as the eye can see allow the animals there to live undisturbed. You can find the largest pelican colony in Europe here, for example, with 7,000 birds. In 1991, this unique part of the world was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. YOU HAVE TO SEE : Basarbovo Monastery, a cave monastery carved into the rocks close to Ruse, 35 metres above the river. YOU HAVE TO TRY: In the nearby town of Tulcea, you can get fish and mussels that have just come out of the water. It doesn’t get any fresher than this. DANUBE DELTA B IOSPHERE RESERVE Surrounded by green vineyards is Melk, right in the middle of the Wachau wine region. Your first excursion destination is obvious then: visit one of the many wine shops and cellars and try the local Grüner Veltliner. Or would you prefer a Riesling? If you need to line your stomach beforehand, treat yourself to some Kaiserschmarrn with a good apricot jam. Once your belly is full, you can visit Melk Abbey, an icon of baroque architecture. Benedictine monks have lived here for 1,000 years. Don’t miss the impressive library with over 100,000 volumes, which even include works from the 15th century. Then you can chill out a little in the secluded abbey park. YOU HAVE TO SEE : The light-filled marble hall in the monastery with its pink–gold Salzburg marble. YOU HAVE TO TRY: Wonderfully sweet Schaumrollen, a sort of creamhornmade frompuff pastry. You can’t eat them without making a mess – but that’s part of the experience. MELK , WACHAU : D A N U B E 81
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