Unseen Romania

Dobrudja and the Danube Delta

Exotic Romanian Destinations 

Coming face to face with the “untouched” nature is something more and more of us are looking for nowadays. Getting away is starting to become the number 1 objective especially for those whose lives rarely let them have a break.

If you recognize yourself in the description above, then this article may provide you with a solution. If you think you need a vacation from the daily hassles, then we have the perfect place for you.

The Danube Delta Location

  The Danube Delta is situated in the South – Eastern part of Romania in Tulcea County, having the Dobrogea (Dobrudja) Plateau in the South, the Ukrainian border in the North and the Black Sea in the East. Most of its surface is located on Romanian territory, but the Northern part is positioned in Ukraine.

After transiting approximately 2860 kilometers from its place of origin in Germany, the Danube flows into the Black Sea through 3 arms – Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe –  and thus forms the Danube Delta. The area is thought to be so valuable that in 1998 it was established as a Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Program on Man and the Biosphere.

Nature at it's best

The Danube Delta is a land that is dominated by the rivers, channels and lakes. It only has a few surfaces on land, represented by sand banks. Once you enter this exotic land you will inevitably be amazed by its extensive fauna and by the multitude species of plants and trees. Here you will find a wide variety of species of fish and also over 300 of sorts of birds which made the delta so famous everywhere. The land also hosts swans, wild ducks and geese, herons, egrets, eastern flossy ibis, coots, white tailed eagles, hawks, storks and flamingo birds. The Danube Delta also offers a shelter to reptiles and mammals like the wild boar, the fox, the otter, the mink, the ermine etc.

The Danube Delta is famous all over the world by people passionate about fishing, hunting and bird watching. There is no better place to undertake these activities than in this land full of such diversity. However, hunting and fishing in the zone are conducted under the strict supervision of specific Romanian laws.

Life in the Danube Delta

The nature in the Danube Delta remained intact partly due to the local inhabitants’ way of life. The density of the population is low as compared to other regions, probably because of the tougher living conditions. Those who choose not to leave this place and continue living here remained untouched by the hazards of the modern life. Most of them engage in activities such as farming or fishing.

Tulcea, a center of development

The most important settlement in the Danube Delta is Tulcea, often named “the gateway to the Delta”. The town is built on 7 hillocks of the Tulcea Hills and is an important industrial center. It is most known for its naval construction industry, reed exploitation and the famous wines that are produced here.  While you are in town you can take the opportunity of visiting the Danube Delta Museum where you can get yourself prepared for the wonderful plants and creatures you will find in the delta.

The museum hosts approximately 65.000 pieces, including impressive botanic, entomology, ornithology or mineralogy collections.  If you are a fan of museums, you can also try going to the Ethnographic Museum or the Archeology Museum. A visit to the latter helps paint a vivid picture of the history of this Romanian region.

Another cultural objective in town is the Arts Museum. It is hosted by an impressive building which holds 7 collections: painting, sculpture, icons, graphics, engraved plaques, decorative art and oriental decorative art. For the most spiritual of you, the must-sees of the city are “Saint Nicholas” Cathedral, the Azzizzie Mosque, the Greek Church, “Saint Gheorghe” Church, the “Celic” or “Cocos” Monasteries to only name a few. Also, you will not regret taking the time to visit the Pasalelor Palace – a construction from the 19^th century, the Monument of Independence and the Civic Square which is currently undergoing a process of full restoration. Also, local inhabitants are waiting impatiently for the opening of a modern shopping location – Coral Plaza Mall – in this ancient city which will emphasize the blending of the old with the new.

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