Leave The City Behind When You Visit Vilkovo

In the Danube Delta marshlands, built out of the river itself, lies the picturesque town of Vilkovo. Situated where the Danube River splits into three as it meets the Black Sea, this town is extraordinary not only for its diverse culture, but also for its integration with the astonishing nature under and around it.

Declared a town in 1775, Vilkovo has been home to Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Slavic cultures over the centuries, each leaving a distinctive culture behind, and contributing to the diversity of this picturesque town. Because so much of the town is waterway, boats are the primary form of transport, and each home has at least one boat moored at its doorstep. Most of these boats are built exactly as the Cossack ‘seagull’ boats were centuries ago, although they are now commonly called ‘herring’ boats as that is what they are primarily used for. There are three churches in Vilkovo, all named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen, sailors and travellers.

Besides the Danube herring, sought after by restaurants throughout Europe, visiting anglers will be delighted with the opportunity to catch wild carp and catfish. The superb fishing in the area naturally means that visitors should sample the array of fish dishes available at the eateries in the town as well. Salted herring is prepared by residents to last throughout the year, and fresh salmon is served as well.

The homes and gardens in Vilkovo are each built on their own island, built up from river sediment. This explains the areas nickname – ‘The Ukrainian Venice’. These are high maintenance homes though, as each year a trench around the house has to be dug out to replace sediment on the island, allow boats access, and prevent flooding. Without the addition of more silt each year, the homes would sink back into the marsh. The sediment is very rich, and the gardens in Vilkovo are magnificent.

Wooden walkways along the channels and waterways provide endless opportunity for visitors to stroll through the town admiring the gardens and scenic views. The waterways were once the only water source, used for drinking, washing cooking and transportation. Although piped water is now available, many still make use of the supply outside their front door. Vilkovo is well known for its strawberries, apples and quince, as well as its viticulture. The local range of wines is produced from the Novak grape, and is said to be somewhat higher in alcohol content than many visitors expect – so sip carefully.

Vilkovo is in the Danube Biosphere Reserve, a wetland that is home to over 950 plant species. The almost 260 species of birds make this a popular bird-watching area, with pelican, spoonbill, cormorant, duck, gees, sea-eagles and many more birds native to the reserve. A boat tour on the Danube Lakes and into the Delta will reveal stunning landscapes of reedbeds, lily-coated lakes and of course the diverse wildlife. The nature of Vilkovo is perforce one that is dictated by the natural rhythms of seasons, weather and water. A peaceful retreat offering insight into a life formed by nature, visitors will not soon forget Vilkovo.

Vilkovo.eu Вилково For additional info about Vilkovo town please visit our website http://www.vilkovo.eu/ where you will find out more about Vilkovo fishing tourism and Вилково wild nature tours and have a look at Vilkovo adverts and classifieds and Вилкове discussion boards Enjoy Vilkovo.