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Letea Forest

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Letea Forest, located in the northern part of the Danube Delta, is Romania's oldest natural reserve and Europe's northernmost subtropical-type forest. Spanning approximately 2,825 hectares, the reserve features a unique landscape where dense forest strips alternate with undulating sand dunes. It is botanically significant for its Mediterranean climbing plants, such as Periploca graeca, which wrap around oak trees that are over 500 years old, giving the area a jungle-like appearance. A defining characteristic of Letea is its population of roughly 2,000 wild horses that roam free, embodying the untamed spirit of the delta. Established as a protected area in 1938, the forest is a core zone of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary biodiversity.

Location: Tulcea, Romania
Nearby: Crișan (22 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	0	1	6	11	18	23	25	25	19	13	7	2
Rain mm	41	30	32	31	38	47	39	26	33	43	37	41

📋 Practical info

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Address

Grindul Letea, 827031 Letea, Tulcea

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Hours

08:00-20:00 (access only with authorized guide)

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Entry

5 RON (ARBDD fee) + approx. 50-100 RON for the safari tour

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Website

ddbra.ro

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Transit

Boat (passenger ship or speedboat) from Tulcea to Sulina/Periprava

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Parking

No access by car; boats dock at the Letea pier

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Accessibility

Limited; transport in the forest is usually by horse-drawn carriage or jeep

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Photos

Allowed; telephoto lens strongly recommended for the wild horses

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Best time

May to June, before the heat and mosquitoes in the delta become too intense

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Audio guide

Geography

Coordinates

45.34000, 29.52000

Facts

Oldest reserve in Romania (est. 1938)
Area of approx. 2,825 hectares
Home to ~2,000 wild horses
Northernmost subtropical forest in Europe
Some trees are 500+ years old
Part of UNESCO World Heritage

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vylkove8 km · NEExplore →

Danube Delta11 km · EExplore →

Danube Biosphere Reserve16 km · NEExplore →

Crișan22 km · SWExplore →

Sulina23 km · SEExplore →

Sturgeons27 km · SExplore →

Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve39 km · SWExplore →

Sfântu Gheorghe50 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Letea Forest (1)

Pădurea Letea

Nature reserve in Romania, known for old oaks and rare bird species.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Letea Forest?

The forest is only accessible by boat from Tulcea or Sulina, followed by a safari trip with authorized local off-road vehicles.

Can you really see wild horses there?

Yes, Letea is famous for its population of feral horses. They live freely within the forest and on the surrounding sandy plains.

Why is this forest so special?

It is the northernmost subtropical forest in Europe, featuring lianas and sand dunes that create an almost desert-like landscape.

Is it allowed to explore the forest on your own?

No, as it is a strictly protected reserve, access is only allowed with a certified local guide on designated paths.

Are there many mosquitoes?

Yes, especially in summer and near swampy areas. Strong insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing are highly recommended.

Letea Forest: where is it located?

Letea Forest is located in Tulcea, Romania.

Letea Forest: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Letea Forest: why is it worth visiting?

Letea Forest, located in the northern part of the Danube Delta, is Romania's oldest natural reserve and Europe's northernmost subtropical-type forest.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →