We continue our journey on DN 3B, following the Borcea branch until we reach Fetești. We then cross the Saligny Bridge at Cernavodă and head toward Hârșova. On the left side, we pass the Balta Mică a Brăilei Natural Park, and before reaching the Brăila–Galați area, we cross the Măcin Mountains National Park.

Isolated from the rest of the country by the wide Danube branches and the limited number of access points, Dobrogea is a region with low population density, except for Constanța and its surrounding area.

Călărași – Fetești – Cernavodă – Hârșova

We begin our journey on this segment with the Borcea branch to the right of the road—a perfect spot for both amateur and professional fishermen. Along the route, there are numerous camping spots as well as small, wild beaches for explorers seeking a quiet place to fish.

We then cross the Danube between Fetești and Cernavodă on the bridge designed by engineer Anghel Saligny, built between 1890 and 1895 to connect Bucharest and Constanța by rail—at the time, the longest bridge in Europe.

Just a few kilometers away, we can make a stop at Capidava, where the fortress of the same name is located. Set on the right bank of the Danube, halfway between Hârșova and Cernavodă, the road connecting the towns passes right alongside the fortress walls.

Hârșova – Brăila – Galați

Next, we arrive in Hârșova, a settlement with over 7,000 years of history, once known in antiquity as Carsium. Must-see attractions include the Carsium Fortress and the Cliffs of Hârșova—a geologically significant area with limestone sediments containing traces of Jurassic life forms.

Puturoasa Thermal Springs – Hârșova

A deposit of sulfurous mesothermal waters lies on the bank of the Danube, 2 km from Hârșova. Due to the high sulfur content, the air has a distinctive smell, leading locals to call the area “Puturoasa” (roughly “The Smelly One”).

The Islands of Brăila

Leaving Hârșova, we head toward Brăila along DJ 222F. On the left side, just outside the town, we find the Balta Mică a Brăilei Natural Park. Located between the Măcin and Vâlciu branches, Brăila’s Small Island consists of a chain of 7 islands, covering a total area of 9,559 hectares.

Next is Brăila’s Great Island (also known as Balta Brăilei), a zone of remarkable biodiversity. It averages 60 km in length and 20 km in width, with a total area of 710 km².

Măcin Mountains National Park

Before reaching the Brăila–Galați area, we pass through the Măcin Mountains National Park, where we recommend spending at least one day. The Măcin Mountains are the oldest in Romania and are notable for their exceptional diversity and the presence of rare and internationally protected species.

The area offers ideal spots for camping, numerous hiking trails, and designated zones for rock climbing.

Brăila

Leaving behind this unique landscape in Romania’s relief, we cross the Danube once again—this time over the newly built bridge connecting Smârdan village to the city of Brăila. This city, with its streets filled with palaces and old houses, recalls its former glory days. Don’t miss the spectacular Danube promenade, from where you can embark on boat rides, or visit the Brăila Fortress, located in the city’s public garden.

Galați

After Brăila, we turn our attention to the final destination of the Dobrogean segment of Via Danubiana. Like Brăila, Galați is a truly remarkable city steeped in history. It features the longest promenade on the Danube’s course in Europe, lined with metal sculptures from the 1970s.

The Lower Prut Floodplain Natural Park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature exploration, with trails available for walking or cycling. There are also boat routes on the Prut River.

The Galați Natural Sciences Museum Complex is another must-see, featuring a botanical garden with thousands of plant species, an aquarium with 800 fish, an astronomical observatory, a sensory garden, and many more attractions spread over more than 14 hectares.