The Via Danubiana project was launched in 2023, when the MaiMultVerde Association developed 44 kilometers of eco-tourism trail along the Danube in Giurgiu County, covering the section between Slobozia Island – Giurgiu – Gostinu – Lungu Island. This area passes through a series of protected zones and Natura 2000 sites, featuring riverside forests, islands, canals, and sandbanks.
The segment developed by MaiMultVerde allows exploration both on land and water—by bike, on horseback, on foot, or by kayak—and includes camping areas, sports, educational and cultural events.
The next step is to add another 28 kilometers, completing the mapping of the Danube’s entire course through Giurgiu County.
“These natural areas have high potential for sustainable development based on the principles of ecotourism, through specific activities that can benefit eco-service providers, tourists, and local communities alike,” says Loredana Pană, project coordinator at MaiMultVerde.
You can find all the information you need for your Danube journey in the Via Danubiana Guide – Giurgiu County.
Via Danubiana in Giurgiu: A Refuge for Rare Bird Species
For nature lovers, the Via Danubiana trail offers an attractive list of species and is an ideal location for birdwatching and observing the Danube’s rich biodiversity. Along the route lie several protected natural areas, home to more than 300 plant species and a remarkably rich fauna, including key invertebrates, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
Iconic Danube species such as the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), the saker falcon (Falco cherrug), and the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)—all listed as endangered—find here feeding grounds, nesting habitats, and places to rest.
Via Danubiana: Discovering Less-Traveled Areas
Aside from the wild beach in the village of Gostinu—a popular weekend destination for Bucharest locals—and the riverside and port area of Giurgiu city, which hosts several restaurants, the other villages in the county have seen little tourism, especially around their natural and cultural heritage.
From a cultural standpoint, the area includes multiple points of interest that are largely unknown and lack signage. These include the ruins of Mircea the Elder’s fortress in Giurgiu and the network of WWII bunkers in Slobozia. For food lovers, there is potential to revive several local culinary traditions such as the dulangaci pies specific to the Romanian-Bulgarian Danube region, roasted pepper or eggplant salads, and goose sour soup.
This potential for discovery and exploration of lesser-known tourist destinations convinced the MaiMultVerde Association to start mapping and developing the Danube sector that crosses Giurgiu County.
You can also let us know about natural or tourist attractions you’ve discovered along the Danube by emailing us at asociatia@maimultverde.ro.
