Senné ponds
The National Nature Reserve Senianske Fishponds is located between the villages of Senné and Iňačovce to the west and Blatná Polianka to the east.
The site is part of the Senianske Fishponds system, which—together with surrounding meadows and wetlands—was designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) within the European Natura 2000 network.
The SPA Senianske Fishponds lies on one of the most important bird migration routes in Central Europe and is home to the largest system of fishponds surrounded by well-preserved meadows and wetlands.
This makes it one of the most significant ornithological sites in Central Europe. Since the beginning of ornithological monitoring, a record-breaking 295 bird species have been recorded in the area and its surroundings.
Nesting has been confirmed in 125 species. The flagship species of the site is the Eurasian spoonbill, which nests here in its only regular breeding site in Slovakia.
Other rare residents include the common crane, white-tailed eagle, Eurasian coot, great bittern, little egret and many more. During spring and autumn migration, thousands of ducks, geese, gulls and grebes stop at the site.
In addition to birds, other animal species such as the Eurasian beaver, golden jackal, European polecat, and stoat inhabit the area.
The main fish species farmed in the ponds are carp, grass carp, bighead carp, catfish, pike and others.
The area’s flora is equally unique – 291 plant species have been identified, 22 of which are classified as endangered, rare or vulnerable.
The village of Senné is also home to the AVES Centre – an environmental education and information facility open to the general public, school groups and organized excursions.
It also serves as a field station and base with accommodation for ornithologists and volunteers who come to monitor birdlife and, more importantly, assist with habitat protection and meadow and wetland management during volunteer camps and field work.
The AVES Centre features a bike rental with a NabiBajk PowerBox6 charging station that supports various types of e-bike batteries, enabling visitors to explore the area in a modern and eco-friendly way.
It also includes an eco-farm focused on Hungarian Grey Cattle breeding. Extensive grazing by these animals helps improve nesting conditions for birds in the surrounding wet meadows.
Bird Paradise Educational Trail
The trail starts in the village of Senné and follows the western bank of the Čierna Voda river along the fishpond system to the village of Iňačovce.
It is part of the SPA Senianske Fishponds and leads visitors directly into the National Nature Reserve of the same name.
The bird paradise invites tourists into a world of rare birds, fish, wet meadows and wetlands.
Starting point: Iňačovce or Senné
Length: 15 km
Hiking time: approx. 4 hours
Difficulty: easy trail
Accessibility: all year round
Educational Trail Stops:
• 1. History of the village Iňačovce
• 2. Educational trail map
• 3. Landscape architecture
• 4. National Nature Reserve Senianske Fishponds
• 5. Birds of the ponds and wet meadows
• 6. Fish and aquaculture
• 7. Special Protection Area Senianske Fishponds
• 8. Meadows and their significance
• 9. Village of Senné
• 10. Birds of the SPA Senianske Fishponds
New Features Along the Trail:
• Gateway to the Bird Paradise – symbolically opens the path into the landscape
• Singing bird audio board
• Wooden bridge over the wetland
• Birdwatching hides
• Kukaň – a unique land art installation
• Interactive educational board
• Wooden natural amplifier that enhances the sounds of nature and creates a space for rest or contemplation
Virtual Experiences:
Virtual tour of the educational trail: https://tour.kosiceregion.com/
3D video of the Senianske Fishponds area: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pidEHopwYqc
Interesting bird species can be observed at the Senianske Fishponds throughout the year.
However, the best time for birdwatching is from March to November.
