Established on the 1st May 1998, the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area – PLA encompasses the largest floodplain wetland ecosystem in Slovakia and covers a total area of almost 12,285 hectares. The Slovak stretch of the Danube River is associated by many with the Danube inland delta, a geomorphological rarity and the Dunajské luhy (Danube Floodplains) Protected Landscape Area, as well as with the Gabčíkovo waterworks.
The great diversity of natural conditions and plant communities in the PLA is reflected in its numerous species of fauna. The conditions here are ideal for aquatic and wetland fauna, as well as species typical of deciduous forests and forest-steppe habitats. Insects are the most numerous group, and among the most striking insects of the floodplain forests are the many species of dragonflies, including the green snaketail, which is associated with flowing waters.
The fish fauna is also very rich and, the native common carp, known locally as ‘sazan’ is a focus of conservation efforts. The sterlet is also considered a key species in terms of indicating water quality as well as the rare European mudminnow which appears in smaller, drying areas of wetlands. Additional species such as the huchen – also known as the Danube salmon can be found in the Danube’s main channel. The floodplain forest and wetland environment is also ideal for many species of amphibians.
The floodplains are home to almost all the mammal species typical of deciduous forests such as hedgehogs, martens, foxes, badgers, roe deer, wild boar, and red deer with Bats roosting in old tree hollows. One of Europe’s rarest and shyest mammals, the river otter, is also native to the floodplains. In recent years, the Eurasian beaver has re-established itself here after nearly becoming extinct in Slovakia.
The coins are produced by the Kremnica Mint at their facilities in the town of the same name and designed by artist Karol Ličko. The upper half of the obverse side depicts a Eurasian beaver sitting on a riverbank in the natural setting of a floodplain forest. The lower half shows two species of fish found in the Danube floodplains— the sterlet and the common carp. Shown on the left below the beaver, is the text SLOVENSKO and below, the year of issue, 2025 with the Slovak coat of arms placed near the right rim. The reverse side features a little egret standing among reeds in rippling water, with two kingfishers perched on a branch above its head. The inscription CHRÁNENÁ KRAJINNÁ OBLASŤ (Protected Landscape Area) is placed along the upper left rim with the name. The additional inscription DUNAJSKÉ LUHY (Danube Floodplains) appears along the lower right edge. Shown on the left side, between the egret and the branch, is the coin’s denomination 20 EURO. To the lower right of the egret is the mintmark of the Kremnica Mint which includes the letters MK between two dies and the stylised initials KL of the designer, Karol Ličko. Both BU and proof versions includes the incused edge lettering OCHRANA PRÍRODY A KRAJINY (Nature and countryside conservation) along with a stylised flower separating the start and end of the text.
DenominationMetalWeightDiameterQualityMaximum Mintage20 €URO.925 Silver33.6 Grams40 mm.BU500020 €URO.925 Silver33.6 Grams40 mm.Proof10,300
Available from the 23rd September, each coin is encapsulated and accompanied with a certificate of authenthcity. A custom case branded with the Kremnica Mint’s insignia and is available as a separate item and purchase. For additional information about these coins and others issued by the National Bank of Slovakia, please visit the e-webshop of the Kremnica Mint, official distributors.