Danube Journey - Through Slovakia and Hungary
Through Slovakia and Hungary
Through Slovakia and Hungary.
Slovakia and Hungary both possess unique mixes of cultures, traditions, and histories. Although distinct, the two central European countries share traits beyond their common border. Both are landlocked, both have been touched dramatically by migration, regional turmoil, and change through time, and both have risen from the ashes of war to be successful modern standouts on the global stage.
Each nation traces its lineage to prehistoric times, and each experienced significant development throughout Europe’s historic periods, notably the Roman Empire, the Migration Period, the Middle Ages, and the Modern Era. This includes influxes of people through the centuries that dramatically influenced each country’s unique cultural composition.
In the 20th century, both countries were members of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until its collapse during the First World War. Today’s Slovakia became a component of Czechoslovakia after World War I. After a series of upheavals throughout World War II and then the Cold War, Slovakia detached from Czechoslovakia in 1993 through the nonviolent “Velvet Revolution,” officially becoming the Slovak Republic. Hungary experienced similar political vicissitudes throughout the 20th century and was incorporated into the communist Eastern Bloc after World War II. Hungary aligned itself with nations of western Europe after the Soviet collapse of 1991.
The Danube River corridor has been a nexus of activity and development throughout the histories of both Slovakia and Hungary. The waterway, the second longest in Europe at 1,771 miles, has also served to bring both nations together through the ages. Since the first human habitation in the region, the Danube has been a natural route of migration and transportation as well as a fertile ribbon along which to settle and cultivate society. Both Bratislava and Budapest, the capital and largest city of Slovakia and Hungary, respectively, lie on the banks of the Danube.
This route traverses Slovakia and Hungary along the Danube, stitching together cities, towns, and endless vistas of both countries. It ends with an exploration of southwestern Hungary. Aviators will bask in the myriad views for which both nations are renowned, and they will gain an appreciation for the rich history and centuries of development of the two nations along the course of the route.
Total Legs: 6 Total Distance: 292 Total Time(125kts): 2 hours 20 minutes
Leg 1
Malacky to Vajnory
Leg Distance: 38.62 Approximate time at 125kts: 19 minutes.
Malacky(LZMC) to Malacky(MALA)
Distance: 4.1NM Bearing: 289° 2 minutes
After taking to the Slovakian sky from Malacky Air Base, set a course to the northwest. Fly over the low hills of the Little Carpathians, a mountain range situated to the southeast of the air base. Sight Road 503 to the southwest and converge with and follow it to the city of Malacky. The city lies on the banks of the Malina River, a tributary of the Morava River, which is a tributary to the Danube. A regional hub of commerce, Malacky has a rich history and boasts a number of historic buildings, including notable churches and synagogues.
Malacky(MALA) to Morava River(MARC)
Distance: 6.96NM Bearing: 270° 3 minutes
Over Malacky, adjust course slightly to the south to get into a west-northwest heading. For visual reference, fly on a course equidistant from the village of Gajary to the north and Jakubov to the south. Sight and fly to the Morava River. Named after Moravia, a historic Czech region, the Morava River defines the border of Slovakia and Austria in this part of Europe.
Morava River(MARC) to Zahorska Ves(ZAHO)
Distance: 3.57NM Bearing: 186° 2 minutes
Turn onto a south-southwest heading and follow the Morava River to the village of Záhorská Ves, the westernmost settlement in Slovakia. A sharp bend in the Morava on the western periphery of the village is the westernmost point of land in the country.