Discover Danube Delta

Why visit Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is one of the most extraordinary wildlife regions in Europe and a deeply atmospheric place to disappear for a few days. The Danube splits into three main channels (Chilia, Sulina, and Sfântu Gheorghe) as it approaches the Black Sea, depositing sediment that has built a slowly expanding mosaic of marshes, lakes, lagoons, and reed islands covering more than 4,000 km². The delta is home to over 320 species of birds (Europe's largest pelican colonies of both Dalmatian and white pelicans, plus glossy ibises, pygmy cormorants, white-tailed eagles, and one of the world's largest concentrations of nesting white storks), 110 fish species, and the highest density of grass snakes in Europe. The little fishing town of Tulcea on the western edge is the practical gateway — from here you take small wooden punts and motorboats deep into the delta to visit traditional Lipovan Russian Old Believer villages (the Lipovans fled here from Russia in the 17th century after the church schism, still speak Old Slavonic, and maintain a unique fishing-based culture). The dramatic 28 August Letea forest, with its wild horses, and the still-functional canal-side village of Mila 23 (the home of Romanian Olympic kayakers) are essential stops. Stay overnight in the floating pensions on the Mila 23 channel for the full experience.