The Iron Gates
IRON GATES (Djerdap Gorge) [QR-178]
Coordinates: ~44°N, 22°E
Character: Danube's most dramatic section - Gorges, cliffs, narrow passages, Roman ruins, massive hydro dam
Iron Gates is where the Danube cuts through the Carpathian Mountains. Sheer cliffs, narrow channel, strong current.
Iron Gates Dam - Massive hydro dam (Serbia/Romania border). Lock takes boats up/down. VHF coordination required.
Roman ruins: Trajan's Tablet carved into cliff face (commemor ating Roman road built along gorge).
Navigation: Strong current, narrow passages, commercial traffic. Stay alert.
Anchoring: Difficult (deep, current). Plan to transit in one day or stop at designated areas.
VIDIN, BULGARIA (brief stop) [QR-179]
Coordinates: 43°59'N, 22°52'E
Character: Bulgarian border town, fortress, brief introduction to Bulgaria (Cyrillic alphabet begins)
Danube River Fish - Lower Danube:
Same species as upper Danube (pike, carp, zander, perch), but catfish get HUGE here.
- Wels Catfish - 2+ meters, 100+ kg specimens caught. Bottom feeders, prehistoric-looking. Excellent eating despite reputation.
- Sterlet sturgeon - Endangered, protected (DO NOT CATCH)
- Carp - Massive in lower Danube
How Serbians/Romanians cook river fish:
- Fish stew (riblja čorba in Serbian)
- Grilled whole over wood fire
- Smoked
- Served with ajvar (red pepper spread), bread, rakija