Discover Plopul on Lake Beibugeac

In Plopul, lagoon and steppe landscapes typical of the Razim-Sinoe region meet bodies of water and protected habitats. These landscapes are suitable for hiking, nature observation and rural tourism. Lake Beibugeac is located in the village of Plopul and is about four kilometres from the municipality of Murighiol.

Nature and protected areas

Red-breasted geese (Branta ruficollis) overwinter at Lake Beibugeac during their migrations along the Black Sea coast. The species is therefore one of the notable seasonal wildlife observations at the lake. At the same time, the strictly protected Sărături–Murighiol zone lies between Murighiol and Plopu and provides another spatial reference to the wetlands and lagoon landscapes in the surrounding area.

Lake Plopu-Beibugeac covers 170 hectares and is designated as a special avifaunal protection area. The area is managed by S.O.R. Tulcea. Its size, protection status and management are as much part of the lake’s character as its location in the surroundings of Plopul. Between Plopu and Sarinasuf, south of the local DJ 222C road, there is also a lake connected to the Razim Lagoon. Thus, different bodies of water and landscape features coexist on the outskirts of the village, without merging the protected character of Lake Plopu-Beibugeac and the other lake’s connection to the Razim Lagoon into a single statement.

History and culture

The history of the settlement dates back to the 19th century: the present-day village of Plopul was founded by Turks around 1857. A Christian church was built in Plopul in 1874. The two years mark different stages in the settlement’s history and show that the present-day settlement can be understood not only through its landscape but also through its historical development.

The ruins of Cetatea Zaporojenilor were discovered southeast of Plopul on a 75 m-high hill near Lake Razim. The site links the ruins with a prominent elevation and the lake area. The traditional church festival of Plopul is part of the area’s vibrant local customs. It is dedicated to Saint Paraskeva and takes place on 14 October. Thus, alongside the landscape and birdlife, a historical site, a church building and a firmly calendar-established tradition represent the different facets of the settlement.

Routes and waterways

The official terrestrial visitor route D3 leads from Murighiol to Lake Sărături and back. A tourist pass is required to access the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. The route is described as a complete outbound and return journey, while the pass requirement concerns access to the reserve.

Plopul is a starting point for boat trips into the Danube Delta and to Lake Razelm. In addition to the waterways, the village can be reached by road. Thus, the described surroundings include both an official land route and named destinations for boat trips, while the land route complements the connection to Plopul.

Other places for your own travel planning include Topolog, Somova, Periprava, Jurilovca, Mahmudia, Tulcea, Chilia Veche and Uzlina.

To the overarching travel overview: Tulcea.