The Danube Delta: the back story

About The Danube Delta: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Bucharest Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

After nearly 3,000 kilometres, the Danube splits into three arms and spreads into a vast maze of channels, lakes, reed beds and forests before reaching the Black Sea. The Danube Delta is Europe’s best-preserved great delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for birds.

A delta of channels

Between Tulcea and the sea, the Danube divides into the Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe arms. Between them lie thousands of channels, lakes and one of the largest reed beds in the world, protected as a biosphere reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

Birds

More than 300 species of birds live in or pass through the delta, including great white and Dalmatian pelicans, herons, cormorants and egrets. Spring and early summer are the best seasons to see them.

The Danube Delta is home to Europe’s largest colony of pelicans.

Villages

Fishing villages such as Sulina, Crișan, Mila 23 and Sfântu Gheorghe are reached only by water, and their guesthouses serve fish soup and grilled fish.

How to visit

Tulcea, the gateway, is about four to five hours from Bucharest by car. From there, boats run to the villages, and local guides take small boats into the narrow channels.

Our advice: allow at least two nights; a day trip from Bucharest is too rushed. Stay in a village guesthouse, go out on the water at dawn, and bring insect repellent and binoculars.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Danube Delta: the back story before you go.