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Whether you are a nature lover, a rare bird enthusiast, an adventurer or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, the Letea Forest in the Danube Delta always has something to offer for you.
It’s a perfect place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in the midst of nature.
Discover in this article an ideal destination for families, offering many activities suitable for all ages.
How do you get to Letea Forest?
Located in Tulcea county, Letea Forest is situated in the north-east of the Danube Delta, the largest nature reserve in Romania. There are two main ways to get there: by land or by water.
For the first option, you can take a boat from Sulina or Murighiol. The trip takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the starting point. There are regular boat trips throughout the year, but it is advisable to check the timetable and book your tickets in advance, especially in peak season.
You can also rent a private boat if you want more privacy. This option is also recommended if you are going with a group of friends or if you want to explore other areas of the Danube Delta.
As for the overland route, you can drive from Tulcea or Chilia. The road is unpaved and can be difficult, especially in bad weather. It is recommended to opt for a 4×4 vehicle.
If you don’t own a car, or if it is not compatible with such a road, you can take a taxi from Sulina or Murighiol. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes. Once you reach the village of Letea, you can take a safari car to the forest.
Safari cars are the only way to reach the forest, as access by private vehicles is prohibited. The safari car journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Letea Forest map
Theology helps you reach your destination easily. All you need to do is select your destination Letea, Tulcea. From here, the journey to the forest takes around 21 minutes.
Why Letea Forest is a special place
A jewel of Europe: not just a forest, but a spectacular natural treasure, one of the best preserved in Europe, renowned for its biological diversity.
The Letea Forest is not an ordinary deciduous forest, but a tropical deciduous forest, the only one of its kind in Europe.
It is the largest forest in Romania and has developed over time among the sand dunes, providing a lush green refuge for a great diversity of life.
One of the most captivating elements of Letea Forest is the spectacle of the sand dunes. Shaped by the wind, they are in constant motion, creating an exotic and unusual landscape for Europe.
The forest is in a constant battle with the advancing sand, a struggle for survival that emphasises the beauty and fragility of this special place.
👉 Find out more interesting details in the article: Danube Delta: general information and curiosities.
Flora of the letea Forest
Meadow oak, misty oak, white poplar, meadow ash and white lime are just some of the species that make up this unique oasis.
Here you can see the famous ancient oaks, which will impress you with their appearance and rich branches.
The area is a rich combination of Mediterranean, subtropical and Balkan species. This diversity is due to its unique location.
Here you can find the Dobrogea liana, a vine with glossy green leaves and yellow flowers that curls around trees. You can also admire the sand bindweed, a small white flower with a yellow centre that blooms in spring, and the dogbane, a perennial with long green leaves and flower spikes that covers the forest floor.
👉 Admire the beauty of the flora by choosing accommodation in the heart of nature.
Fauna of the Letea Forest
The Delta is home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, with over 5,500 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 45 species of freshwater fish and much more. Rare species such as the pelican, sturgeon and otter can be found here.
The Delta is a paradise for nature lovers and offers fantastic opportunities for bird watching, hiking, fishing and exploring biological diversity.
The biggest attraction when you take a trip to Letea Forest is the wild horses in the Danube Delta.
The horses of Letea are an emblem of this area and are descendants of domestic horses abandoned in the 70s and 80s, which have adapted perfectly to the wild life of this region.
Letea Forest horses are medium-sized, with a brown or black coat, often with white patches on the muzzle and legs.
This is one of the few places where you can see wild horses in Romania. They are hardy and have strong hooves, adapted to the sandy terrain of the grind.
Biologists regularly monitor the wild horse population in Letea to assess their health, numbers and environmental impact.
It is therefore advisable to admire them from a distance and not feed them food that could be harmful to them. If you’re a keen photographer, this is where you’ll be able to take the best pictures of wild horses.
Activities and experiences in Letea Forest
Whether it’s adrenaline, exploration or relaxation, Delta offers a variety of activities.
Boat trips
Boat trips in the Danube Delta are a fantastic way to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of this biosphere reserve.
The Danube Delta is a vast area made up of a maze of canals, lakes, ravines and marshes, and the only way to get to the heart of this wild world is by water. You can admire stunning sunsets and wander through impressive reed forests.
A variety of boat trips are available, ranging from short half-day trips to multi-day adventures that include accommodation in traditional guesthouses or riverside camping. As well as exploring, it’s a great way to relax and enjoy nature. Listen to the sounds of birds, feel the breeze and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
The Danube Delta is beautiful to visit all year round, but spring and autumn are considered the best times for a visit. Summer can be very hot and crowded, and in winter some areas of the Delta can be inaccessible.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen or lotion, a hat, water, insect repellent and a camera. A pair of binoculars will also help you admire the birds.
👉 Experience a boat trip and be enchanted by the beauty of the Delta.
Carriage rides
Carriage rides are a memorable way to explore this unique region.
Unlike boat rides, carriage rides give you a different perspective and so you can get closer to the area’s rich flora and fauna.
You can see wild horses in Letea, wild boar and many species of birds.
Apart from the stunning scenery, horse-drawn carriage rides in the Danube Delta will also give you the opportunity to learn more about local traditions and culture. You can stop at fishing villages or small rural settlements, where you can taste traditional dishes and interact with the people, who will tell you about their life in the Delta.
👉 Discover more unique experiences you can enjoy on holiday!
Bike rides
With well-marked trails and varied terrain, the Letea Forest offers fantastic opportunities for cycling. You can ride among ancient oaks and dwarf elms while admiring the flora and fauna.
You can also explore the village of Letea and its surroundings. You can rent bikes for the duration you want and organise your own tour in the Danube Delta.
Cycling in the Letea Forest will not only give you the feeling of freedom and adventure, but also the opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature.
On top of that, you will have the chance to discover local traditions and culture through interaction with the communities in the surrounding areas.
👉 Rent bikes and explore the wonders of nature at your leisure!
In conclusion, the Letea Forest is a special and unique place worth visiting for its natural beauty, its impressive biodiversity and its authentic and relaxing atmosphere.
A visit to the Letea Forest will certainly be a memorable experience full of pleasant surprises for any nature and adventure lover.
Photo sources: dolphincamping.ro, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, pexels.com, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock
