The Danube, which is the second longest river in Europe, has its springs in the Black Forest Mountains in Germany and before reaching Tulcea (Romania) it branches off onto three arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe, through which it empties into the Black Sea. The three arms the most important delta in Europe (5,050 sq.km., out of which 4,340 on Romanian territory). | 
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The Danube, which is the second longest river in Europe, has its springs in the Black Forest Mountains in Germany and before reaching Tulcea (Romania) it branches off onto three arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe, through which it empties into the Black Sea. The three arms the most important delta in Europe (5,050 sq.km., out of which 4,340 on Romanian territory).
The Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta) is Europe'w largest wetlands reserve, covering 2,681 square kilometers (1,676 square miles), with a sprawling, watery wilderness that stretches from the Ulkrainian border to a series of lakes north of the Black Sea resorts. It is Europe's youngest land-more than 43.7 square meters (47 square yards) are added each year by normal silting action. As it approaches its delta, the great Danube divides into three channels. The northernmost brach forms the border with Ukraine, the middle arm leads to the busy port of Sulina, and the southernmost arm meanders gently toward the little port of Sfantu Gheorghe. From these channels, countless canals widen into treefringed lakes, reed islands, and pools covered with water lilies; there are sand dunes and pockets of lush forest.
An exotic landscape with over 1,200 species of trees and plants, with the richest ornithological fauna on the continent (more than 300 species, among which unique colonies of pelicans) and ichthyological fauna (with around 100 species, from the Danube herrings to the sturgeons which produce the precious caviar).
More than 80% of the delta area is water. Over 300 bird species visit the area, 70 of them from as from as far away as China and India. The delta is a natural stopover for migratory birds, but the most characteristic bird is the common pelican, the featured star of this bird-watchers' paradise. Fishing provides most of the area's inhabitants, many of whom are of Ukrainian origin, with a livelihood. One of the most common sights is a long line of fishing boats strung together to be towed by motorboat to remote fishing grounds. Smaller communities, such as Independenta of the southern arm and Crisan on the middle arm, rent out the services of a fisherman and his boat to foreigners. The waters here are particularly rich in catfish, perch, carp, and daviar- bearing sturgeon.
Tourism, which boasts original attractions specific to the season, is greatly favoured by the picturesque landscape. In 1990 UNESCO included the Danube Delta, Romania(s youngest form of relief, threatened by "the progress of industrialisatiuon", amongst the biosphere reserves.
Tulcea 277 km (172 mi) northeast of Bucharest. The main town of the Danube Delta, Tulcea is the gateway to the splendors of the region. Built on seven hills and influenced by Turkish styles, this former market town is now an important sea and river port, as well as the center of the Romanian fish industry. The Muzeul Deltei Dunarii (Danube Delta Museum) provides a good introduction to the flora, fauna, and way of life of the communities in the area.
| Last update: 1999, September 15 | |||||||||
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