A Living History
These are not "wild" horses in the prehistoric sense, but "feral" horses—descendants of animals abandoned or escaped over centuries.
- The Tatar Legacy: Some say their ancestors were left behind by Tatars hundreds of years ago.
- The 1980s Crisis: Many were released during the communist era when collective farms were closed and people could no longer afford to keep them. Left to their own devices, they reverted to their natural instincts, forming social harems and adapting to the harsh, salty environment of the Delta.
Wild horses galloping across the sand dunes of Letea Forest, Romania.
Letea is the northernmost subtropical forest in Europe. Here, the horses roam among 700-year-old oaks draped in Greek silk vines (Liana grecească). The contrast between the powerful, free-roaming horses and the silver-grey sand dunes creates a scene that feels like a dream.
Where and How to See Them
Letea is a strictly protected area, so you cannot wander freely.
- Guided Boat Tours from Sulina or Tulcea: This is the most common way to reach the village of Letea.
- Local Safari Jeeps: From Letea village, authorized local guides take you in specially equipped vehicles to the edges of the protected forest and the sand dunes where the horses often graze.
- The Watering Holes: In the heat of the summer, the horses gather near the few freshwater springs, offering the best chance for a close (but safe) observation.
A Note on Conservation and SafetyWhile they are beautiful, it is vital to remember that wild animals are unpredictable.
- Maintain Distance: These are not domestic horses. They can be protective of their foals and aggressive toward intruders. Never try to pet or feed them.
- Respect the Environment: Letea is a delicate ecosystem. Stay on the designated paths provided by your guide to avoid damaging the rare flora and the sand dunes.
- The "Letea Wild" Project: Organizations work hard to balance the horses' presence with the protection of the ancient forest. Supporting local, responsible tourism helps this cause.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Wild Horses of Letea
1. Are they truly "wild" horses?
Biologically, they are feral horses. This means they are descendants of domestic horses (abandoned over decades or centuries) that have returned to a wild state. They live, breed, and survive without any human intervention, forming a complex social structure similar to that of the Mustangs in America.
2. How many horses live in the Letea area?
The population fluctuates, but it is estimated that there are between 2,000 and 3,000 horses roaming the wider area of the northern Danube Delta. In the strictly protected Letea Forest, their numbers are monitored to prevent them from overgrazing the rare flora.
3. Can I take a photo with them?
Yes, but only from a distance. As we always remind visitors to Beautiful Romania, these horses are not used to humans. Attempting to get a "selfie" or approaching a stallion or a mare with a foal can be dangerous. They can kick or bite if they feel cornered. Use a zoom lens for the best and safest shots.
4. Is it true they are damaging the forest?
There is a delicate balance. The horses eat the bark of the rare oaks and the young sprouts of the Greek silk vines. To protect both the 700-year-old forest and the horses, local NGOs and authorities have installed fences in certain areas and provide hay during extremely harsh winters.
5. Why are some horses "marked" or have their front legs tied?
Occasionally, you might see horses near the village of Letea that are "shackled" (prizonieri). This is a traditional but controversial practice by local villagers to keep their own semi-free horses from wandering too deep into the protected forest. However, the truly wild herds are free and unmarked.
6. What is the best time of year to visit Letea?
Late spring (May-June) is magical because the forest is lush, the lianas are green, and you can often see newborn foals. Autumn (September-October) is also great for milder temperatures and golden light on the sand dunes.
