Mahmudia in the Danube Delta

Mahmudia lies on the left bank of the Sfântu-Gheorghe branch of the Danube and combines the landscape of the Danube Delta with remarkable natural and cultural sites. The Danube Delta World Heritage Site features numerous lakes and marshlands. More than 300 bird species and 45 freshwater fish species are attributed to these waters. The natural landscape therefore ranges from extensive wetlands to individual bodies of water and a fossil cave on the river branch.

Nature

Peștera Tunel is a fossil cave on the right bank of the Sfântu-Gheorghe branch of the Danube, near the landing stage. Inside, there is a single gallery measuring 19.20 metres in length.

Lacul Rotund is one of the lakes around Lacul Gorgova and is rich in wildlife. Cormorants and pygmy cormorants are among the species found there; pelicans, herons and birds of prey are also among the bird species occurring there.

Lacul Cuzmintul Mare is a breeding ground for birds and is covered with water lilies. The breeding ground and the vegetation give the lake two distinct characteristics: its importance for birds and its water surface shaped by water lilies.

The natural sites each focus on different features: Lacul Rotund is notable for its abundance of wildlife and the aforementioned cormorant, pelican, heron and bird-of-prey species, while Lacul Cuzmintul Mare is characterised by its breeding ground and water lilies. Peștera Tunel complements this picture with a fossil cave containing a single gallery.

Activities

A birdwatching excursion into the Danube Delta is offered from Mahmudia. Birdwatching draws on the numerous lakes and marshlands, as well as the bird species mentioned there.

Mountain bike rental for adults and children is also available in Mahmudia for exploring unpaved roads and trails in the surrounding area.

Culture and history

The ruins of the Roman fortress of Salsovia lie on a promontory on the Sfântu-Gheorghe branch of the Danube. There is a birdwatching point near the ruins. Thus, the Roman history of the fortress and a designated birdwatching point are spatially connected at this location.

Mahmudia is home to three Old Believer Lipovan churches. Mahmudia also maintains winter customs from Christmas Eve on 24 December through Epiphany on 6 January. These include Colindatul, Plugușorul, Semănatul, Sorcova, Capra and Ursul. The defined period and the different names make the local tradition visible as a recurring part of the winter season.

Mahmudia is associated with the amateur theatre festival “Salsovia”. The Atelier de papură is regarded as the only workshop in the Danube Delta where reed products with brand value are made. Original patterns and bold colours are characteristic. The colours used include blue, which is used in traditional Russian architecture. Thus, alongside the historical and religious sites, festival and craft traditions also represent the cultural diversity of the place.

Other places: Babadag, Tulcea, Jurilovca, Topolog, Somova, Luncavița, Sarichioi, Partizani

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Tulcea.