Lake Beleu and the Lower Prut

Lake Beleu is the largest natural lake in Moldova, a shallow body in the Prut floodplain near where the river joins the Danube, and it sits within the Lower Prut Ramsar site, a mosaic of lake, reedbed, floodplain forest and meadow. It is one of the most important bird areas in the country, with pelicans, herons, egrets and glossy ibis, and it connects to the Danube delta system downstream. The lake connects to the Prut through channels that fill and empty with the river, so its size and depth swing considerably between seasons and between years.

What's there

• The lake - the largest natural body of water in Moldova.
• The pelicans - the birds that come up from the Danube delta system.
• The reedbeds - the wetland fringe around the open water.
• The floodplain forest - the woodland along the Prut beside the lake.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the best for birds. Water levels vary with the Prut. Summer is hot and the lake shrinks.

Practical notes

Water levels fluctuate and the lake has shrunk in dry years. Boats and guides must be arranged locally. Mosquitoes are severe in summer.

Nearby

Cahul is north, and the Danube is south.