Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Info

The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve occupies a large part of the Tulcea County, in the historical province of Dobrogea. There are information and ecological education centres in Tulcea, Chilia Veche, Crişan, Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe and Murighiol.

Camping is allowed only in the authorized areas, especially arranged.

Entrance fee: Yes.

Oficial site here.

Discover

The Danube Delta, the wildest wetland area in Europe and the only delta in the world declared a biosphere reserve, is a true natural biodiversity museum.

With a surface area of 3446 km² (in Romania), the Danube Delta is formed where the Danube meets the Black Sea. This area is truly unique since it has the largest and the most compact reed surface in the world.

The Delta which hosts up to 23 natural ecosystems, is a mosaic of channels, lakes, reed, sand dunes, Mediterranean vegetation and oak woods and is a true sanctuary for the over 4000 fauna species. The Danube Delta is also an important stopover for millions of migratory birds. Among these over 300 bird species are the red-breasted goose (50% of world’s population), the small cormorant, the Dalmatian pelican (the largest pelican colony in Europe), egret, swan, crane.

Also considered a fishermen’s paradise, Danube Delta has a large variety of fish species, both saltwater and freshwater fish (beluga, Danube sturgeon, starry sturgeon, pontic shad, zander, crucian carp, northern pike, tench fish) but remember that you will need a fishing permit in the reserve.

Even though it excels in biodiversity, Danube Delta’s authenticity and simplicity can truly be discovered by getting in touch with the communities which live amid the waters in full harmony with the nature. There are 25 communities where people of different ethnicities live in harmony (Romanians, Ukrainians, Russians, Lipovans, Tatars). In many of the traditional fisherman villages (Mila 23, Crişan, Letea or Caraorman) you can admire the houses with their specific architecture (thatched roofs, white walls and blue painted windows and doors), the traditional Ukrainian or Lipovans folklore costumes and you can taste the local food which is of course, fish-based dish.

The only city of the Delta, Sulina, is located right where the Danube meets the Black Sea, and can only be reached by boat. If you are in Sulina, you can visit the Marine Cemetery, the Old Lighthouse, the churches or you can just take a relaxing walk on the beach.

With tens of thousands of tourists a year from all the world, the Danube Delta is a very sought-after place for fishing and bird watching. You can also capture many unique pictures while taking one of the many photography tours offered around the area.

Did you know?

Danube Delta is Europe’s youngest land, 40 m² being born each year.

Conservation facts

Due to its important biodiversity, the Danube Delta was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1991. Danube Delta is also protected by the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands which is an important international wetland.