UNIQUE IN EUROPE  

 THE DANUBE DELTA 

The  Danube River ends her long way through Europe in the Black Sea and creates Europe's biggest wetland area on the border between Romania and Ukraine.  The Delta is huge, unique and a paradise for bird watchers. During communism the Delta was a dumping site for toxic waste from all over Europe, but times and conditions are changing. UN and EU have poured billions of cash into preservation projects, and though some funds have been tracked down to have reached the hands of greedy and corrupt bureaucrats in the region, most of the funds have made caused improvements. 

The delta land itself is literally moving and the square metres of Romanian territory are being altered every day. Fishing and hunting are restricted and so is tourism. However, tourism in controlled shapes is also an opportunity for Romania and the locals in the Delta. 

The natives of the Delta, the Lipoveni People, still have thriving villages in the region, partly living their lives in floating house boats or in makeshift sheds on small islands - like they have done for centuries since they escaped religious harassments in Old Russia. They still proudly use their own language and have their own small churches. The Lipovenis lead a hard and simple life far away from the cellphone world.

Visiting the Delta is a must when in Romania, but it demands time and some good planning. We has had several email letters from disappointed tourists who have been on one-day charter tours from Tulcea, having seen nothing but bushes ,water and a couple of pelicans. The highlight of these tours seem to be a seafood dinner served in some of the hotels in the Delta's more inhabited parts.

The area is so huge that to get into the real Delta you have to spend more than one day on a floating cafeteria. Three or more days will give you the chance, check the local offers and try to get there on your own, get far away from Tulcea and into the small channels and waterways.And bring your best camera.

www.deltadunarii.ro