The ecotourism route should be created around the main protected natural heritage sites that have the highest tourist attractiveness.

The first step in determining ecotourist routes is to locate each protected natural area on the map. This was done using the Natura 2000 Network Viewer (EEA, 2012), as well as specialized GIS software. Subsequently, the access points to the protected natural areas have been identified so they could be entered in Google Maps or GIS software and to create a route to link between the areas using the best roads.

Given the fact that the main route could not cover all the sites of interest, the analysis included a variety of secondary sites located close to the main activities in order to prepare a richer ecotourism offer. Thus, both in the Bulgarian and the Romanian part of the route, detours and secondary (alternative) connections in the route have been developed.

The tourism route is a linear structure that has a specific area of inclusion and influence. As a side range, it covers the entire territories of the included protected areas and protected sites.

Proposed route versions for the territory of Romania

The proposed ecotourism routes are as follows:

Main route

Ciupercenii-Desa – Danube River at the Garla-Mare-Maglavit – Blahnita – Vanju Mare – Zelezni Vrata Nature Park – Mehedinti Plateau Geology Park – Domogled National Park – Cerna River valley – Jiu River corridor – Oltet River valley – Radomir Forest – Estuary of the Olt River, where it flows into the Danube – Comana Nature Park – Iezerul Calarasi Reserve – Borca Branch – Danube Cliffs – Forest and valley of Canaraua Fetii-Iortmac – Dumbraveni-Urluia River valley-Vederoasa Lake – Murfatlar Fountain – Dobrudzha Gorges – Danube Delta – Tasaul Lake-Corbu – Siutghiol Lake – Agigea sea dunes – Techirghiol Lake – Seaside area at Cape Tuzla- Costinesti-Douazeci si Trei August – Cap Aurora – Underwater sulphur springs in Mangalia – Hadjieni Forest-Cotul Vaii – Vama Veche-2 Mai.

Starting west and heading east, the route begins at the Calafat-Vidin border checkpoint, from where tourists can enter Ciupercenii-Desa protected area, taking DN55A. The connection to the Danube – Garla-Mare-Maglavit is made taking E79 and then, DN56A. Afterwards, tourists either follow DN56C to get to Blahnita, or continue on DN56A to get to Vanju Mare, and then the route may go back to the Danube at Garla-Mare-Maglavit to continue to Blahnita, or they could connect directly using DJ606. Then take DN56A to Zelezni Vrata Nature Park, then E70, passing through Drobeta-Turnu Severin, direction Svinita. Tourists then cross the Mehedinti Plateau Geology Park following DN67 from Drobeta-Turnu Severin and then DJ670, crossing Isverna, Ponoarele, and Baia de Arama. From Baia de Arama, they travel to Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, following DN67D through Obirsia-Closani and Godeanu. From Baia de Arama, tourists follow DJ671B and DN67A to Strehaia, then take E70 and follow the Jiu River corridor, crossing Filiasi to Craiova. From Craiova, they take DN65 and travel to Bals, in the northern part of the Oltet River valley. From the Oltet River valley, the Radomir Forest may be reached either by returning from Bals to Craiova and following DN6 to the Radomir Forest, or by crossing Grozavesti and Dragiceni, or by taking DN64 and crossing Dragiceni. From the Radomir Forest, tourists could go back to Jiu River corridor, following DN6 from Caracal to Leu, and then DJ604 and DJ551A to Bratovoesti. From there, they travel along the Jiu River corridor to Bechet, where they can enter Bulgaria at Oryahovo. From Bechet, route continues to the Olt River estuary where it flows into the Danube following DN54A to Corabia and DN54 to Turnu Magurele, where tourists can also connect to enter Bulgaria. From Turnu Magurele, they can reach Comana Nature Park or DN52 to Alexandria and from there, taking DN6 to Stalpu and from there, taking DJ411 to Comana or DN51A along the Danube to Zimnicea, then DN5C to Giurgiu where they can connect to enter Bulgaria at Ruse. From Giurgiu, tourists follow DN5 to Uzunu, from where they enter Comana, taking DJ603. From Comana, they reach (Iezerul) Calarasi Lake, taking A2 to Calarasi and then DN3 or DJ412 to Prundu, taking DN41 to Oltenita and continuing to Calarasi on DN31 or DN3. From Calarasi, tourists can continue on DN3B along Borca Canal and to Borca, or cross the Danube at Calarasi-Silistra border checkpoint. From Silistra, they can then enter the country taking DN3 and reach the Danube Cliffs, the Forest and valley of Canaraua Fetii – Iortmac and Dumbraveni – Urluia River valley – Vederoasa Lake, passing through Adamclisi, and then by the Murfatlar Fountain. After that from Murfatlar, they take DN22C, DJ228, DN2A and DJ222 to the Dobrudzha Gorges. From Murfatlar, tourists can also enter the Danube Cliffs through Cernavoda on A2 and then follow DJ223, DJ224, DJ225 and DJ226. From Dobrudzha Gorges, they can go to the Danube Delta (the part in the territory of Constanta County) taking DJ222 to Gradina, then DJ226B, DJ226A and DJ226 to Istria and Sinoe. From Istria, they travel to Tasaul Lake – Corbu on DJ226, crossing Corbu. Then the route continues through Navodari, Mamaia – Selo, enter taking E87 and travel by the shore of Siutghiol Lake. Further on, passing through Constanta, tourists take DN39 and DN39A to reach the Agigea sea dunes. They continue to Eforie Nord (North) on DN39 and pass by Techirghiol Lake and then to Mangalia, the road goes along the Black Sea coast and by the seaside natural areas: the Seaside area at Cape Tuzla, Costinesti-Douazeci si Trei August, Cap Aurora and Underwater sulphur springs in Mangalia. Between Mangalia and the Vama Veche Nature Site – 2 Mai, the road turns to the Hadjieni Forest – Cotul Vaii, crossing Albesti and Cotul Vaii. Then, tourists go back to DN39 and follow the road to Vama Veche – 2 Mai, where they can enter Bulgaria via the Vama Veche – Durankulak border checkpoint.

 

Proposed route versions for the territory of Bulgaria

Version 1

A main route connecting the priority ecotourism sites, following first-class and second-class roads, where possible. In Bulgaria, the route starts from the Danube Bridge II in the city of Vidin, crosses the sites of Magura, Belogradchik Rocks, Western Balkan Mountains, Vratsa Balkan Nature Park, Karlukovo karst, protected areas in the river valleys of Iskar, Vit, Karaboaz, Nikopol Plateau, Persina Nature Park, and Svishtov Forest. The route goes south along the Yantra River and protected natural sites in its valley, reaches the city of Veliko Tarnovo and Tvardishka Mountains, then closes a circle and heads north again. The route crosses Rusenski Lom and after the city of Ruse, follows the Danube River to the city of Silistra, including many of the most significant Danube wetlands. In Dobrudzha, the route exits the Danube River range and heads southeast through the Suhata River, the Batova River valley to reach the Black Sea coast at the Golden Sands Nature Park. In the last section, the route follows the Black Sea coast, including all coastal areas of conservation importance to the north of Varna. It leaves the territory of Bulgaria at Durankulak border checkpoint.

Version 2

This version is similar to the previous one with the following differences:

The main route is shorter and follows first-class roads (green line).

There are several circular detours (yellow line) – Belogradchik, Kozloduy, Oryahovo and the Iskar River, Veliko Tarnovo, Rusenski Lom, Garvan Marsh, Suha River, Kaliakra.

Version 3

Route that follows the Danube River as a transport corridor and makes detours to selected Danubian wetlands and other protected areas.

Version 4 – Optimized after consultation with stakeholders

After analyzing the alternatives and receiving the opinion and comments of stakeholders during the round tables held, the team revised their suggestion and proposed a fourth version of the route that combines the benefits of the previous ones.

The main route (red line), similar to Version 1, connects priority sites for ecotourism in the entire CBC area, following first-class and second-class roads, where possible. In Bulgaria, the route starts from the Danube Bridge II at Vidin, crosses the sites of Magura, Belogradchik Rocks – Venets, Western Balkan Mountains, Vratsa Balkan Nature Park, Karlukovo Karst, Vit River, Nikopol Plateau, Persina Nature Park and Vardim Island. The route makes a detour from the Danube River to reach Rusenski Lom Nature Park, and after Ruse follows the Danube River to the city of Silistra, including many of the most significant Danubian wetlands. In Dobrudzha, the route exits the Danube River range and heads southeast through the Suhata River, the Batova River valley to reach the Black Sea coast at the Golden Sands Nature Park. In the last section, the route follows the Black Sea coast, including all coastal areas of conservation importance to the north of Varna. It leaves the territory of Bulgaria at Durankulak border checkpoint

As additional branches (yellow line), several sections have been defined, so as to include more sites in the area:

  • A section along the Danube River between Vidin and Gulyantsi, which includes the sites of Archar, Orsoya breeding-ponds, Tsibar, Zlatiyata, Kozloduy and Karaboaz. The section allows for a transport connection at Oryahovo and closure of the sub-route circle.
  • Short detours to explore the approaches to Vratsa Balkan Nature Park and access to the Bozhi most site.
  • Circular detour at the city of Pleven to visit the Studenets area and the related observation sites.
  • Detour at the city of Veliko Turnovo to visit the areas of Yantra and Tarnovo Highlands.

The route is complemented by an alternative river route with vessels covering the entire border section of the Danube River, which can be utilized in full or in part. In many places, these three elements of the proposed route version may be connected.

 

In a cross-border aspect, ecotourism development is based on the attractiveness of leading and popular sites, but also leads to the development of secondary or less popular sites.

The cross-border route connects priority sites for ecotourism in the entire CBC area, following first-class and second-class roads, where possible.

In Bulgaria, the route starts at the Danube Bridge II at the city of Vidin, follows the main road E79 to the village of Dunavtsi, where it crosses Vidin Park; At the road fork to the city of Gramada, the route returns to the main road E79 near the village of Dunavtsi, where it goes west to the site Magura Cave, continues to the city of Belogradchik and the site Belogradchik Rocks – Venets; After Belogradchik, the route runs through the vast protected area Western Balkan Mountains – Fore-Balkan on a scenic road with possible turns to Chuprene and Chiprovtsi; After the city of Montana, the route goes back to the main road E79 to the city of Vratsa and the approaches to Vratsa Balkan Nature Park. From Vratsa, the route turns to site Bozhi most – Ponor, and continues east to the vast area of Karlukovo karst. After the city of Cherven bryag the route reaches the main road E83 and goes to the city of Pleven. There are several possible options to reach Studenets site, the main of which is through the village of Sadovets. After the city of Pleven, the route passes through the Vit River and reaches the city of Gulyantsi. Here, the main route turns east and crosses the Nikopol Plateau, Persina Nature Park and Vardim Island. West of Gulyantsi, there is a side circle, passing through the sites of Karaboaz, Ostrov steppe – Ostrov Marsh, Kozloduy, Zlatia, Tsibar, and Orsoya – Archar, thus making it possible to close the regional cycle. In the east, the main route turns from the Danube River after the Vadim site at the Studena River to reach the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. After Ruse, it constantly follows the Danube River to Silistra, including many of the most prominent Danube wetlands. In Dobrudzha, the route exits the Danube River range and heads southeast through the Suha River, the Batova River valley to reach the Black Sea coast at the Golden Sands Nature Park. In the last part, the route follows the Black Sea coast, including all coastal areas of nature conservation importance north of Varna. The route exits Bulgaria at Durankulak border checkpoint.

In Romania, running west to east, the route starts at the Calafat-Vidin border crossing, from where tourists can enter the Ciupercenii-Desa protected area using DN55A. The connection with Danube – Garla-Mare-Maglavit is made on E79 and then on DN56A. After that, they can either follow DN56C to reach Blahnita or continue on DN56A to reach Vanju Mare and then the route can go back to Danube at Garla Mare – Maglavit to continue to Blahnita, or they can make a direct connection via DJ606. The Zelezni Vrata Nature Park can be reached by taking DN56A, then E70, passing through Drobeta-Turnu Severin, direction Svinita. Then tourists cross the Mehedinti Plateau Geology Park following DN67 from Drobeta-Turnu Severin and then DJ670, passing through Isverna, Ponoarele and Baia de Arama. From Baia de Arama, they travel to Domogled- Valea Cernei National Park, following DN67D through Obarsia-Closani and Godeanu. From Baia de Arama, tourists follow DJ671B and DN67A to Strehaia, then enter via E70 and the Jiu River corridor, crossing Filiasi to Craiova. From Craiova, they enter via DN65 and travel to Bals, in the northern part of the Oltet River Valley. From Oltet River valley to Radomir Forest tourists can either get back from Bals to Craiova and follow DN6 to Radomir Forest, or cross Grozavesti and Dragiceni, or travel on DN64 and pass through Caracal. From Radomir Forest, they can enter the Jiu River corridor again to Bechet, and then from Caracal to Leu via DN 6 and then DJ604 and DJ551A to Bratovoesti. From there, tourists travel along the Jiu River corridor to Bechet, where they can enter Bulgaria at Oryahovo. From Bechet, they continue to the Estuary of the Olt River, where it flows into the Danube, following DN54A to Corabia and DN54 to Turnu Magurele, where they can also enter Bulgaria. From Turnu Magurele, tourists can reach Comana Nature Park or taking DN52 to Alexandria and from there DN6 to Stalpo and from there via DJ411 to Comana or along the Danube via DN51A to Zimnica, then DN5C to Giurgiu, making the connection to Bulgaria at Ruse. From Giurgiu, route continues on DN5 to Uzunu, from where they enter Comana on DJ603. They get from Comana to (Iezerul) Calarasi Lake, taking A2 and then DN3 or DJ412 to Prundu by getting to Oltenita via DN41 and continuing to Calarasi on DN31 or DN3. From Calarasi, tourists can continue on DN3B along the Borca Canal and to Borca, or cross the Danube through the Calarasi – Silistra border checkpoint. From Silistra, tourists can then enter the country via DN3 and reach the Danube Cliffs, the forest and valley of Canaraua Fetii – Iortmac and Dumbraveni – Urluia River valley – Vederoasa Lake, passing through Adamclisi and then by Murfatlar Fountain. From Murfatlar, they then take DN22C, DJ228, DN2A and DJ222 to Dobrudzha Gorges. Also, from Mourflatar they can go back to the Danube Cliffs via Cernavoda on A2 and then follow DJ223, DJ224, DJ225 and DJ226. From Dobrudzha Gorges, tourists can reach the Danube Delta (the part in Constanta County) on DJ222 to Gradina, DJ226B, DJ226A and DJ226 to Istria and Sinoe. From Istria, they travel to Tasaul Lake – Corbu via DJ226, crossing Corbu. Then the route continues through Navodari, Mamaia – Selo, enter taking E87 and travel by the shore of Siutghiol Lake. Further on, passing through Constanta, tourists take DN39 and DN39A to reach the Agigea sea dunes. They continue to Eforie Nord (North) on DN39 and pass by Techirghiol Lake and then to Mangalia, the road goes along the Black Sea coast and by the seaside natural areas: the Seaside area at Cape Tuzla, Costinesti-Douazeci si Trei August, Cap Aurora and Underwater sulphur springs in Mangalia. Between Mangalia and the Vama Veche Nature Site – 2 Mai, the road turns to the Hadjieni Forest – Cotul Vaii, crossing Albesti and Cotul Vaii. Then, tourists go back to DN39 and follow the road to Vama Veche – 2 Mai, where they can enter Bulgaria via the Vama Veche – Durankulak border checkpoint.