Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

The Danube Delta (Delta Dunării) is the second-largest river delta in Europe, of which the largest part lies in Romania, in Tulcea County, in the historical region of Dobrogea, and the other, smaller part lies in the territory of Ukraine. It is also the best-preserved river delta in Europe and a protected nature reserve listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2008, the Danube Delta was also chosen as one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders of Romania’ in a competition organized by the newspaper Evenimentul Zilei.

From its spring in the Black Forest in Germany, the Danube River travels for 2,850 kilometers through 10 countries before it mouths into the Black Sea, but before it does, it splits into numerous smaller and larger branches, with wetlands, lakes, and islands which together make up the Danube Delta.

Why Visit The Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is one of the most unique places to visit in Romania, and even in Europe, because of its gigantic size and diverse ecosystems. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy the calm and peace of one of the most remote places you can imagine while enjoying the views of the beautiful and diverse nature. The delta is also the habitat of around 300 bird species, including eagles, white pelicans, egrets, and falcons, making it a paradise for bird watching. Wild horses, bovines, red deer, and other wild animals also roam around freely in this nature preserve.

How To Visit The Danube Delta

As you can imagine, the only way to explore the Danube Delta is by boat. There are plenty of private companies offering boat trips in the Danube Delta, from a few hours to full-day trips, or even multiple days while staying overnight in one of the remote villages.

Two things to definitely pack for your trip are sun lotion and mosquito spray. There are plenty of mosquitos surrounding the calm waters but with mosquite spray they mostly stay away, and mostly you don’t have a problem when them when your boat is moving. On the other hand, the wind might feel cool on a boat, but the sun is still very strong in the summer months, so also don’t forget to use sun lotion.

Book Your Trip

Weather & Climate

The Danube Delta is Europe’s largest and best-preserved wetland, a vast, flat landscape of river channels, reed beds, and floating forests. Because the area is almost entirely at sea level and surrounded by water, the climate is highly influenced by the Danube’s flow and the nearby Black Sea, resulting in a humid, temperate environment that is distinct from Romania’s mountainous regions.

Summer (June-August): This is the season of peak life in the Delta. Temperatures are warm, averaging 25°C to 30°C, and the humidity can be high. It is the perfect time for boat tours, birdwatching, and enjoying the unique experience of the floating villages. Because the Delta is vast and open, you will experience plenty of sun, so shade and sun protection are essential for any day on the water.

Spring and Autumn: These are perhaps the most comfortable times to visit. Spring (April–May) is a brilliant time for bird migration, with mild temperatures of 15°C to 20°C. October is calm and golden, with temperatures around 13°C to 18°C, offering peaceful conditions for photography and slower-paced exploration of the channels.

Winter (December-March): The Delta enters a period of quiet hibernation. Temperatures usually settle between -2°C and 5°C. While the main rivers rarely freeze solid, the smaller channels and lakes can ice over, creating a stark, hauntingly beautiful landscape. Road access to certain ports is maintained, but winter travel in the Delta is largely about the atmosphere and observing the wintering bird populations from the village harbors.

Things To Do

Top Attractions

View all Attractions

Where To Stay

Tulcea is the largest city in the Danube Delta and the most popular hub from where to explore the nature reserve. Here you’ll find the most accommodations, restaurants, and boats offering tours to the Danube Delta. Other villages to stay that are reacheable overland are Murighiol, Nufăru and Mahmudia.

You can also stay in the remote villages inside the nature reserve, like Mila 23, Crișan, Sulina, or Sfântu Gheorghe, which are only reacheable by boat. This is a great way to fully enjoy nature and wake up by the sound of birds!

Search Hotels