A Fisherman’s Paradise – Vilkovo

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.

One of the town’s main industries is of course fishing. The Danube herring caught in Vilkovo are sought after as a delicacy by restaurants from Paris to Moscow, and sturgeon caught in the Black Sea as well as salmon form the backbone of the fishing industry. Sport anglers will enjoy the giant carp and catfish that can be caught while visiting Vilkovo. All this fresh fish means that the restaurants of the town offer delicious fish dishes, showcasing the diverse cuisine of the area.

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 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.