Glodeni District: Discover nature along the Prut

Glodeni District is closely connected with the landscape of the Prut and the Pădurea Domnească Nature Reserve. The protected area stretches for 40 kilometres along the river and across Glodeni and Fălești districts. Its ecological profile includes 47 mammal species, 15 reptile and amphibian species, and 159 bird species. Floodplains, wetlands, old river channels and striking natural formations give the region its distinctive natural character.

Prut Floodplain and Birdlife

Țara Bâtlanilor is a forested wetland in the oak forest of the Prut floodplain. It lies 3 kilometres from the village of Balatina and 0.8 kilometres from the Prut riverbed. The colony is seasonal: birds stay there from late March until the first third of October. During the breeding season, access is severely restricted because of the strict protection measures, so as not to disturb the birds. If you are planning a trip focused on birdlife, take this access restriction into account.

About 1,000 breeding pairs are reported for the colony. A total of 332 nests were counted, of which 271 were occupied. The breeding behaviour also makes the site remarkable: three species of waterbirds nest in trees here—Grey Herons, Little Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons. The seasonal presence of the birds and the restriction during the breeding season are two distinct points to bear in mind when planning.

Natural Landmarks and Bodies of Water

Stânca Mare lies south of Cobani. The rock formation is over 1,000 metres long, 100 metres wide and 40 metres high. In Cheile Butești is the Uriașul reef, measuring over 2,000 metres long, 125 metres wide and 40 metres high. Both descriptions give a height of 40 metres; the stated length and width differ. These specific dimensions make it possible to distinguish between the two natural landmarks.

The region’s bodies of water also differ in area and shape. The relict lake La Fontal covers 24.2 hectares and is the largest body of water in the Pădurea Domnească Nature Reserve. The old Prut channel Potcoava covers 9.1 hectares. It is an average of 1.9 metres deep, reaching 3.8 metres at its deepest points. Thus, a relict lake and a former river channel stand side by side as distinct features of the wetland landscape.

Culture and Accommodation in Cobani

In Cobani, a wooden church adds a cultural dimension to the nature-focused attractions. It is a protected cultural heritage site and reflects the region’s cultural identity. The village is also home to the “La Fontal” eco-tourism guesthouse: it is located in Cobani, in Glodeni District, and offers 12 beds in two cabins. As the first stop in the northern region, it is close to the natural landmarks “Suta de Movile”, “Stânca Mare” and “Cheile Butești”.

For accommodation planning, this guesthouse is a specific point of reference in the district; its capacity and the division between two cabins give a precise idea of what it offers. Tourist route N12 runs from Chișinău via Glodeni, Cobani and Butești, returning to Chișinău. For Glodeni, the route also lists a classified agrotourism accommodation. The return to Chișinău makes the route’s starting and ending point clear.

Discover more destinations: Glodeni, Leova District, Chisinau, Straseni, Causeni, Sîngerei District, Ștefan Vodă District, Edineț District.

For the main travel overview: Moldova.