A peaceful autumn view of the Danube river at the Serbian-Romanian border near Baziaș.
The Danube first greets Romania with an awe-inspiring spectacle: the Iron Gates (Porțile de Fier). This is not just a gorge; it's a geological masterpiece, a series of canyons and rapids that once posed a formidable challenge to navigation. Here, the Carpathians and the Balkan Mountains pinch the river into a dramatic, narrow passage.
- Legend of Decebalus's Head: High above the swirling waters, carved directly into the rock face, stands the colossal Rock Sculpture of Decebalus, the last king of Dacia. It's the tallest rock sculpture in Europe, a modern tribute to an ancient hero, seemingly guarding the river, just as Decebalus once guarded his kingdom against the Romans. Imagine the stories of his resistance echoing through these cliffs!
- Ada Kaleh, The Sunken Island: Beneath the waves of the Iron Gates reservoir (formed by the hydroelectric dam), lies the ghost of Ada Kaleh, a legendary Turkish island with a mosque, charming bazaars, and a unique multicultural community. Submerged in 1970, its memory lives on in the hearts of those who remember its fragrant fig trees and strong coffee. It’s a poignant reminder of history lost to progress.
- Veliki Strbac & Mali Strbac: These two peaks, part of the Đerdap Gorge on the Serbian side, offer some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Danube. Hiking up to these viewpoints allows you to truly grasp the scale of the Iron Gates.
After escaping the embrace of the Iron Gates, the Danube broadens, flowing through the vast plains of Oltenia and Muntenia. While less dramatic visually, this section holds a different kind of magic, blending serene landscapes with deep historical roots.
- Roman Bridges and Fortifications: Along this stretch, you can trace the faint echoes of the Roman Empire. Trajan's Bridge, though only its pillars remain near Drobeta-Turnu Severin, was once an engineering marvel, connecting Dacia to the Roman Empire. Numerous Roman castra (forts) dot the riverbanks, silent witnesses to centuries of frontier life.
- The Danube's Islands (Insule): The river here is dotted with countless islands, often wild and uninhabited, perfect for birdwatching or a peaceful escape. Some are seasonal, emerging only during low water levels, adding to the Danube’s ever-changing character.
- Legends of the Waters: Locals whisper tales of river spirits, particularly the iele (fairies) who dance on moonlit nights, luring travelers, or of ancient monsters lurking in the deep currents. These stories reflect the power and mystery that the river has held over generations.
The journey culminates in Romania's most spectacular natural wonder: the Danube Delta. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe’s best-preserved wetland, it’s where the Danube, tired after its long journey, fans out into three main arms (Chilia, Sulina, and Sfântu Gheorghe), creating a sprawling labyrinth of canals, lakes, reed beds, and floating islands.
- Bird Paradise: The Delta is a haven for over 300 species of birds, including vast colonies of pelicans, cormorants, and herons. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream, a symphony of squawks, chirps, and the rustle of wings.
- Traditional Fisherman's Life: Life in the Delta is intertwined with the water. Quaint fishing villages like Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe offer a glimpse into a unique culture, where houses are built on stilts and transportation is by boat. You can still hear the old stories of fishermen navigating the intricate waterways, their lives dictated by the river’s rhythm.
- The Point Where Europe Ends: At Sulina, the easternmost point of mainland Europe, the Danube finally embraces the Black Sea. Here, you can stand on a beach where two vast bodies of water meet, a truly humbling experience.
A stunning aerial winter view of the Danube Delta in Romania, where the river meets the Black Sea.
The Danube through Romania is a journey through time and nature. It’s a place where ancient empires clashed, where outlaws sought refuge, and where wild nature reigns supreme. Whether you’re cruising through the dramatic Iron Gates, exploring forgotten Roman ruins, or losing yourself in the timeless beauty of the Delta, the Danube offers an unforgettable adventure.
Have you ever felt the pull of the Danube? Share your stories with us in the comments!
The Legends of the Danube River:
1. The Legend of the "Iron Gates" (Legenda Porților de Fier)
This is perhaps the most dramatic part of the Danube's journey through Romania. Legend says that the river had to fight its way through the Carpathian Mountains. The "Boiling Pots" (Cazanele Dunării) are said to be the place where the river's spirit gets angry because the mountains are trying to squeeze it.
The Myth: Local folklore says that at the bottom of the "Cazane," there are giant whirlpools created by a water dragon (a balaur) that guards the deep caves.
2. The Legend of the Danube and her Two Sisters (Legenda Dunării și a celor două surori)
In German and Central European folklore (at the river's source), the Danube is often personified. Legend has it that the Danube had two sisters: the Inn and the Ilz. They had a race to see who could reach the sea first.
The Myth: The Danube was the wisest and calmest, choosing the longest but most majestic path, eventually "embracing" her sisters and carrying them all the way to the Black Sea. This explains why the Danube becomes so powerful after Passau.
3. The Spirit of Baba Caia (Spiritul stâncii Baba Caia)
Near Coronini, in the Clisura Dunării, a lonely rock rises from the water called Baba Caia. Legend tells of a jealous husband who tied his beautiful wife to this rock as punishment.
The Myth: It is said that the woman's cries can still be heard when the wind (the Coșava) blows through the gorge. It serves as a grim reminder of the river's unforgiving nature.
4. The Giant Otter of the Danube (Vidra uriașă)
In old Romanian stories, the Danube was home to "Vidra de Fier" (The Iron Otter), a creature so large it could capsize boats.
The Myth: This legend was likely a way to explain the dangers of the river's currents. It ties back to the fact that wild animals are unpredictable—even the ones we think we know can hide monstrous secrets in the deep, murky waters of the river.
A beautiful short video wich present The Danube (Fluviul Dunarea):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Journey Along the Romanian Danube
1. What are the "Danube Boilers" (Cazanele Dunării) (see more)? The "Boilers" represent the most spectacular part of the Danube Gorges (Clisura Dunării). Here, the river narrows significantly between limestone cliffs, creating a "boiling" appearance due to the strong underwater currents. It is home to the famous Decebalus Rock Sculpture.
2. Can I see the Decebalus sculpture by car, or do I need a boat? You can see the sculpture from the main road (DN57), but for the full experience, we highly recommend a boat tour. From the water, you can get much closer to the face of Decebalus and also visit the Ponicova Cave and Veterani Cave, which are only accessible by boat.
3. Is the Danube Delta safe for solo travelers? Yes, it is very safe! However, the Delta is a vast labyrinth of water. If you want to explore beyond the main Sulina or Sfântu Gheorghe arms, you should hire a local guide with a boat. Navigating the narrow canals on your own is difficult, and getting lost is easy.
4. When is the best time for birdwatching in the Delta? The best window is between May and mid-June (when migratory birds have arrived and are nesting) or in September (during the autumn migration). Remember, the Delta is a protected biosphere, so please keep a respectful distance from the colonies.
5. Are there mosquitoes along the Danube? Yes, especially in the Delta and near the marshlands during summer evenings. We recommend wearing long sleeves at dusk and using a strong repellent. It’s a small price to pay for the incredible sunset views!
6. Can I swim in the Danube? While locals do swim in certain areas, we advise caution. The Danube has very strong undercurrents and deep spots, even near the shore. Also, keep in mind that wild animals are unpredictable; you might encounter snakes (usually harmless water snakes) or wild boars near the banks in remote areas.
7. How do I reach Sulina, the town at the end of the Danube? Sulina is unique because it is not accessible by car. You must take a passenger ferry or a "fast boat" from the city of Tulcea. The journey takes between 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the type of boat you choose.
