Visit Vilkovo – The Ukrainian Venice
Vilkovo, known as the Ukrainian Venice, is in the Danube Delta marshlands, situated exactly where the Danube River splits into three before entering the Black Sea. This fascinating area not only brings a diverse heritage to life, it offers insight into an extraordinary way of life.
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.
The Danube herring is considered a delicacy in restaurants throughout Europe, and fishing for this and other species is one of the major industries of Vilkovo. The Danube delta and the Black Sea provide wonderful fishing for anglers on vacation, including giant carp and catfish fishing. Naturally, fish forms a large part of the cuisine in the area, and you would be wise to try the fish dishes at the local restaurants and cafs.
Perhaps most fascinating to see in Vilkovo is the houses. Homes are built on islands that have been built up out of the marshland using the river sediment. Each island has a home and a garden – often very fertile because the silt and sediment is used as fertiliser. Each year, the homeowners have to repair and restore their islands, digging sediment out of a trench around the island to prevent the islands from sinking back into the marsh. The trenches also provide access for boats, and help protect the homes from flooding.
Wooden walkways traverse the waterways and channels, providing lovely walks for visitors to the town, past the extraordinary homes and gardens of Vilkovo. The fertile sediment has led to Vilkovo gaining fame for its fruit, particularly strawberries, apples and quince. The town is also known for its local range of wines produced from Novak grapes. Visitors beware though, it is a higher concentration of alcohol than you may be used to.
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.
