Discover Murighiol: Nature, Danube Delta routes and culture

Murighiol can be explored through three themes: protected wetlands and birdlife, routes through the Danube Delta landscape, and cultural and historical sites in the commune. The named places and routes each offer a different focus.

Landscape and birdlife

Sărăturile Murighiol lies between Murighiol and Plopu and is designated as a strictly protected part of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Its protected features include a mixed bird colony on the lake’s islands. South of Murighiol village is a very shallow, saline wetland with dense vegetation that serves as a refuge for waterbirds. The chloride-sulphate lake has no fish and is rich in phyto- and zooplankton; it provides an important breeding site for many bird species. Together, these descriptions paint a picture of a wetland, a bird colony and a breeding area, without equating these distinct features.

Routes for nature and culture enthusiasts

Two visitor routes start and end in Murighiol, but follow different itineraries. Visitor Route 5 runs along the Dranov Canal, Gura Portiței and the Dunavăț Canal. Route 7 goes via Uzlina, Lake Uzlina, Lake Isac and the Gârla Perivolovca.

Visitor Route D3 is a walking route from Murighiol to Lake Sărături and back. Another option is “Traseu 6 lacuri”: the route follows the Uzlina Canal to Lake Uzlina, passing reed beds and white and yellow water lilies. Birds can be observed in the described area of reed beds and water lilies. “Traseu 8 lacuri” also offers birdwatching opportunities and follows the Litcov Canal to traditional fishermen’s huts. The route offers a glimpse into the way of life of traditional fishermen. Boat trips through the lake area of Lakes Isac, Isacel and Uzlina are also available from Murighiol. When planning your trip, you can choose between a named walking route, a route with information about plants and birds, or a boat trip through the lake area.

Cultural history in Murighiol

The Casa Satului in Murighiol commune features traditionally furnished Ukrainian, Romanian and Turko-Tatar rooms. Their furnishings include authentic objects donated by residents of the commune. The different rooms give tangible expression to the commune’s cultural diversity.

The partly restored Halmyris site includes an early Christian basilica with a crypt of the martyrs Epictetus and Astion. Cetatea Halmyris is located 2.5 km east of Murighiol village. The Roman fortress went through several phases of development up to the first quarter of the 7th century. Halmyris Monastery in Murighiol is also associated with the martyrs: the relics of Epictetus and Astion were found there. The monastery’s patronal feast is held annually on 8 July in Murighiol; check the date before your trip.

Getting around by road and water

County road DJ 229M connects Murighiol with the Murighiol landing. Another route is DJ 222C, which connects Murighiol commune with Tulcea; 19.5 km of this road run through the commune’s administrative area. The Murighiol area can also be reached by water on the Danube from and to Tulcea. These details distinguish the connection to the landing from the road and water connections between the commune area and Tulcea.

The Murighiol Tourist Information Centre serves Romanian and foreign tourists and is a starting point for getting to know and exploring the area. You can include it in your plans as another point of reference alongside the named routes and places.

Fish in local cuisine

Fish is part of Murighiol’s culinary tradition. Romanians, Ukrainians and Muslims, including Turks and Tatars, prepare it baked, fried, salted or marinated. Soups and fish soups, stews, jellied dishes and oven-baked dishes are also among the traditional preparations. This adds a culinary perspective on the commune to its nature and culture themes.

Discover more destinations: Chilia Veche, Topolog, Băltenii De Sus, Beştepe, Tulcea, Crișan, Letea, Sarichioi

Back to the main travel overview: Tulcea.