Sfântu Gheorghe - Letea Forest: Nature (1 week)
Access information
Access
Boat
Road
On water
Gear
Footwear
Water
Hat
Sunscreen
Repellent
Modest dress
By boat, 1 week, through nature and landscapes of the Danube Delta, about 477 km: from Sfântu Gheorghe to Letea Forest, 31 stops. Southern arm. Guided tour with binoculars, without disturbing the birds. Romania's first nature reserve (1938): lianas, centuries-old oaks. Visit only on designated trails, with a guide.
How to do the route
Plan a week with 2-3 bases for overnight stays (e.g. Constanța, Tulcea, Sulina). Book boats and ARBDD guides for Letea/Caraorman in advance. Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (ARBDD): follow the local rules and the instructions of the authorities or licensed guides.
Stops on the route
- Sfântu Gheorghe - Southern branch.
- Pădurea Caraorman - Ancient oaks on a mound beside Red Lake. Strictly protected area — stay on the guide's trail.
- Letea - With ARBDD guide.
- Canal Caraorman - Access only with authorised guide.
- Caraorman - Dune forest.
- Zone umede Letea - Near Letea Forest, with rarely seen birds.
- Canalul Mila 23 - Calm water, ideal for kayaking.
- Crișan - Mile 13.
- Mila 23 - Village on the water.
- Maliuc - Reed beds.
- Zone de observare pelicani - Birdwatching.
- Mahmudia - Fishing village on the Danube bank, gateway to wetlands and birds.
- Murighiol - Southern Delta.
- Cetatea Halmyris - Citadel where Epictet and Astion were martyred (290 AD); their relics, discovered in the crypt in 2001.
- Dunavățu de Jos - End of the road.
- Uzlina - Guided tour with binoculars, without disturbing the birds.
- Canal spre Letea - Quiet crossing by water, with guide — no noise or litter left on the bank.
- Canale interioare - Slow, silent navigation on quiet channels.
- Portul Tulcea - Embarkation on classic or fast vessels to Sulina.
- Carcaliu - Traditional village.
- Mănăstirea Cocoș - Forest monastery housing the relics of the Niculițel martyrs.
- Vârful Țuțuiatu - Highest peak of Dobruja, with a panorama over the Danube and Măcin.
- Culmea Pricopanului - Hercynian cliffs and Pontic steppe on the same route.
- Poiana cu stejari - Sub-Mediterranean forest at the foot of the mountain.
- Măcin - Town at the foot of Romania's oldest mountains.
- Slava Cercheza - Beside the lagoon.
- Cetatea Enisala - The only medieval citadel of Dobruja, with a panorama over Lake Razim.
- Sarichioi - Traditional village on the Razim shore.
- Malul lagunei Razim - Salt water and traditional fishing.
- Chilia Veche - Northern branch.
- Pădurea Letea - Romania's first nature reserve (1938): lianes, ancient oaks. Visit only on designated trails, with a guide.