Nature in Bulgaria has a lot to offer you! In addition to the impressive Cape Kaliakra Reserve and the plant-rich Strandzha Nature Park, you should definitely keep the Srebarna Biosphere Reserve in mind.
The biosphere reserve is located 2 km from the Danube and thus near the town of Silistra in northeastern Bulgaria. In total, the reserve covers an impressive 600 hectares of core area and 500 hectares of buffer zone (in case of harmful influences). Due to its uniqueness, the Srebarna Biosphere Reserve was declared a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1983. Generally speaking, it is a reserve with a freshwater lake surrounded by wetlands, riparian forest, wet meadows, and reed beds.
The reserve is known for its crucial protective role for birds as Europe’s most important bird sanctuary. It is home to around 80 migratory bird species that overwinter in the reserve and another 99 bird species that use the biosphere reserve near the Danube during their breeding season. In total, you can discover 233 bird species in the protected area, whose presence may vary depending on the season. Particularly well-known species include the Dalmatian pelican, cormorant, ferruginous duck, red-breasted goose, night heron, and little bittern. The Dalmatian pelican accounts for a full 10% of the global population within the biosphere reserve and is considered the largest bird of its kind in Europe. Protecting this species is especially important, as it is now a rare sight and suffers from the destruction of floodplain areas (such as in Germany). In general, the Dalmatian pelican breeds from Mongolia to southern Europe, occasionally crossing countries like Hungary (though very rarely). Equally important is the ferruginous duck, which is listed on Germany’s Red List of threatened breeding bird species and is in danger of extinction. The red-breasted goose is also classified as endangered. It is therefore clear that the Srebarna Biosphere Reserve makes a decisive contribution to the protection of bird species. For this reason, Lake Srebarna (as part of the reserve) was already declared a bird sanctuary in 1942. The site was then granted the status of a nature reserve in 1948, before later being declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
The Srebarna Biosphere Reserve offers its inhabitants a diverse habitat. This includes open water covering an area of 120 hectares and reed zones covering 400 hectares. In addition, there are also interesting plants that adorn the area and create a natural atmosphere. The area contains poplar stands, grass and wet meadows, wetlands, as well as submerged vegetation, water lilies, and willow species.
Various rules must be followed in the biosphere reserve in order to treat nature respectfully and not endanger the protected area. Hunting and fishing are strictly prohibited. Likewise, you cannot simply wander through the reserve anywhere you like. Please use, for example, the ecological nature trail, which leads you to various observation towers. From there, you can also indulge in your passion for birdwatching. Depending on the season, it is also possible to take part in a boat trip. If you would like to learn more about the reserve and its inhabitants, you can also visit the Natural History Museum, which receives about 15,000 interested visitors each year.
Visiting the biosphere reserve is free of charge, although donations are always welcome. The best time of year to visit varies depending on the individual visitor’s goal. During May to July is the breeding season, when you can encounter a great diversity of species, while from August to October migratory birds pass through the area. The best time of day, however, is always the same! If you want to observe the animals extensively, you should visit the reserve in the early morning or in the evening.
We wish you a pleasant trip to Bulgaria and lots of fun on your exploration tour of the Srebarna Biosphere Reserve. Don’t forget to inform yourself about the country’s toll regulations. You can find more information about the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and see the toll products you will need. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.
