If until now there was only one Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in Romania included in UNESCO Heritage, soon we will have two: the National Park Porțile de Fier (Iron Gates), covering an area of 120,000 hectares, will receive this status in the upcoming months. UNESCO has given his formal OK and obtaining the title is now a mere formality.

If you have not yet visited it is good to know that within the boundaries of the park there are more than five thousand species living of which 200 species of birds (133 species have protected status). In total, the Iron Gates Natural Park has18 protected reserves:

• Balta Nera -Dunăre , Baziaş, Calinovăţ Island , Râpa cu lăstuni , Divici – Pojejena
• Valea Mare ,  the Water Cave in Valea Polevii, Ostrovul Moldova Veche
• Lake Sviniţa,   Cazanele Mari & Cazanele Mici, Lake Bahna
• Duhovna Hill, Gura Văii – Vârciorova, Faţa Virului, Cracul Crucii
• Vărănic Hill, Valea Oglănicului, Cracul Găioara

Regarding the tourist routes within the park, there are 15 popular ones, more details about them you will find by clicking here. Among our recommendations for the hiking please keep in mind that:

• during spring & autumn you need to watch out for vipers
• do not remain overnight in the park or sleep alongside the tracks, there are wild animals living in the area (bears, wolves)

Some points of interests for your visit to the area:

• Vodiţa Monastery
• Monastery of St. Ana
• Roman Catholic Cathedral of Orşova
• Parish Museum in Eşelniţa
• Mraconia Monastery

For accommodation you can try Baile Herculane resort, Orşova town, the city of Drobeta Turnu Severin and in the nearby villages. From experience do not miss a boat trip to Cazanele Dunării (the trip lasts about 4 hours), a tour of the thermal resort Băile Herculane and at least one trip up the mountains on the marked trails within the park. In the middle of autumn the forest colors will provide you with a real show. And if bad weather already prevents you from going, put the park on the – to do – list for spring 2016.

This post is also available in: Romanian