My Romanian Trip » Destinations » Things to do in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania

Things to do in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania

Aerial view of Drobeta-Turnu Severin with the Danube River in the background.

Drobeta-Turnu Severin is a city in southwestern Romania, on the banks of the Danube River. It is the capital of Mehedinți County. Due to its long name, locals often refer to it as “Severin” and others as “Drobeta.”   

The city is renowned for its historical significance, making it a destination of interest for those exploring the region.  

Important landmarks and things to do in Drobeta-Turnu Severin 

Drobeta-Turnu Severin is home to a variety of landmarks and attractions. Most are concentrated in the city centre, so one or two days is sufficient to explore them all. 

The Iron Gates Region Museum with The Castrum of Drobeta and the Trajan Bridge 

This is a vast museum with sections of History, Art, and Natural Sciences. This is the perfect place to learn about the Mehedinți region: its history from ancient times, ethnographic heritage, as well the fauna and flora of these parts. 

Outside the museum building, on the edge of the Danube, you can visit the ruins of the Castrum of Drobeta – a Roman military fortification, built in the early 2nd century AD during Emperor Trajan’s rule.  

In the same spot, you’ll find the ruins of the Trajan Bridge, constructed between 103 and 105 AD, a remarkable engineering success of antiquity. Designed by the Roman architect Apollodorus of Damascus, the bridge stretched over 1,100 meters across the Danube, linking the Roman provinces of Moesia and Dacia.  

A single ticket allows you to visit these three landmarks together. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. 

Do not confuse the Iron Gates Region Museum with the Iron Gates Museum located at the Iron Gates I Power Plant or with the Iron Gates Region Museum Orșova Branch. 

The Fortress of Severin (Cetatea Medievală a Severinului) 

The Fortress of Severin is a 20-minute walk from the Iron Gates Region Museum, also on the Danube’s bank. 

Severin Medieval Fortress was built in the 13th century on the Danube’s northern bank and served as a strategic defensive structure for 300 hundred years until it was destroyed during an Ottoman invasion in the 16th century. 

Today, the fortress has been partially restored to preserve its historical significance. If you plan to visit during summer, try to do it early in the morning, as the area has little shade and a lot of concrete. 

Expect to see the fortress walls, a few torture instruments, some period ceramics and a nice view of the Danube. Informative panels throughout the site provide context about its history.  

Don’t miss the museum shop, which offers authentic Romanian souvenirs. 

Right next to the fortress is one of the few places in town where you can access the Danube’s bank. However, be cautious when crossing the railway tracks. 

The ruins of the medieval Severin Fortress in Drobeta-Turnu Severin.
The medieval Severin Fortress, an important historical site in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, seen from the Danube bank.

The Kinetic Fountain 

The artesian well is centrally located, in the town’s square, right across the street from the Fortress of Severin and the beautiful Palace of Culture Theodor Costescu building. The art installations made of stainless steel were designed by the sculptor Constantin Lucaci in 1979.  

During the day, the fountain may not seem particularly special, but worth seeing after dark. On summer nights, it becomes the most beautiful spot in Severin, thanks to its captivating light shows. The surrounding historical buildings are also illuminated, making the square perfect for an evening promenade. 

The Water Castle (Castelul de apă) 

Built in 1915, the Water Castle was initially designed to serve as part of the city’s water supply system, ensuring access to clean drinking water. No longer needed for its initial purpose, the structure was repurposed to exhibitions, art galleries, and cultural events.  

At 27 meters in height, this is the tallest building in town. The observation deck at the top of the castle offers panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. The building has an elevator to ease the access to the last floor. When you come down from the top, take the stairs and visit the floors. Each of the four floors exhibits art galleries and historic events of the Mehedinți area. On the ground floor, there is a small souvenir shop. 

The best time to visit Severin 

The best time to visit Drobeta-Turnu Severin is during spring and early autumn. From April to early June, the weather is mild, with pleasant temperatures. Similarly, September and early October offer comfortable weather, with cooler days and fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy the city’s sites without the summer crowds. 

Summer, from late June to August, can be a challenging time to visit due to the heat and humidity. Temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), and the combination of high humidity and minimal shade in some outdoor areas, such as the Fortress of Severin, can make sightseeing uncomfortable. Additionally, mosquitoes are particularly active during the warmer months, especially near the riverbanks, so visitors should bring insect repellent if they plan to spend time outdoors in the evenings. 

Another consideration is that the Iron Gates Region Museum, one of the city’s main attractions, is closed on Mondays. Visitors planning a short stay should account for this to avoid missing out on its historical and cultural exhibits. 

Winter, while quieter, is less appealing due to colder weather and limited outdoor activities. However, if your primary focus is visiting indoor landmarks like the Water Castle or enjoying the city’s cultural offerings, this can still be a viable option. Regardless of the season, planning your trip around the weather and opening hours will help you make the most of your visit to Drobeta-Turnu Severin. 

How to get to Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Mehedinți County 

By air 

The nearest airport is Craiova International Airport, approximately 110 km away. From the airport, you can take a train, or bus, or rent a car to reach Drobeta-Turnu Severin. 

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, about 350 km away, is another option for international travellers, though it requires a longer onward journey by train, car, or bus. 

By car 

Drobeta-Turnu Severin is easily accessible by car, as it lies along the European route E70. From Bucharest, the drive takes approximately 4-5 hours (around 350 km or 217 miles).  

By train 

Drobeta-Turnu Severin is on the Bucharest – Timișoara route. The trains on this route are all InterRegio and InterRegio Night, operated by CFR or Astra Trans Carpatic. Even if the distance from Bucharest is only 323 km (200 miles), the train ride takes between 6 and 7 hours.  

By bus 

There are no direct buses from Bucharest to Drobeta-Turnu Severin, except from the Henry Coandă Airport in Otopeni, the main airport around Bucharest. Craiova, Timișoara, and Râmnicu Vâlcea also connect the city by bus. Follow this link to find the most convenient routes.  

How to get around in Drobeta-Turnu Severin

Drobeta occupies a small area and is walkable. The first thing you need to know as a tourist is that the main attractions are easy to explore on foot.

Local public transportation 

Even if there are no trams, trolleys, or metro in this city, the local bus network connects key areas, including the city centre, train station, and surrounding neighbourhoods. 

In 2025, one trip cost 5 lei (around 1 euro) and can be purchased via the TPU Drobeta mobile app. Through the app, you can also plan your trip and see the bus schedule.  

Private transport options 

Taxis are the primary option for on-demand transportation within the city. They can be hailed on the street or ordered through the phone or their app. 

Uber and Bolt, although popular services in the main cities of Romania, are not yet available in Drobeta at the time of writing this article. However, both companies are constantly expanding, and it is worth checking their apps for updates or availability if you plan to visit in the future. 

Driving can be a great choice for those who want to visit the nearby attractions. If you don’t have a car, you can try a local rental company. The city’s roads are generally well-maintained but crowded. Parking can be an issue around those places, especially in the city centre.  

Drobeta Turnu Severin has around 9 km of bicycle trail, making it bike-friendly by Romanian standards. In the city centre, at the kinetic water fountain, there is KM 0 for Via Transilvanica, a 1428 km (887 mi) hiking trail that many prefer to traverse by bicycle.  

How’s Drobeta overall 

Drobeta-Turnu Severin is a small city with a straightforward layout of parallel and perpendicular streets, making it easy to navigate. Despite its size, traffic can feel heavy at times due to the number of cars on the roads.  

The city has two commercial centers, and plenty of green spaces, including several parks and a nearby forest. While Drobeta offers a few civic centres and recreational areas, it lacks a proper promenade along the Danube, which can be disappointing.  

The local economy struggles, with limited industrial activity and fewer job opportunities.  

One-day trips: what else to visit around Drobeta 

If you’re staying in Drobeta-Turnu Severin for a longer time, here are some great one-day trip ideas. Unfortunately for those without a car or the option to rent one, driving is the most convenient way to reach these destinations. 

Orșova and the Iron Gates Region 

Located about a 35-minute drive from Drobeta, Orșova is the gateway to the stunning Iron Gates Natural Park. A boat trip along the Danube offers breathtaking views of the dramatic Cazanele Dunării (Danube Gorges). 

Read more:

Iron Gates 1 Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station 

Between Orșova and Drobeta-Turnu Severin lies Porțile de Fier 1 (Iron Gates 1), the fourth-largest hydroelectric power station in Europe. This impressive engineering feat offers guided tours showcasing its significance. 

Tismana Monastery 

One of Romania’s oldest monasteries, Tismana is set in a peaceful mountain landscape, about an hour’s drive from Băile Herculane. With its Byzantine-style architecture and scenic surroundings, it’s a perfect retreat. 

Târgu Jiu 

Roughly an hour and a half from Drobeta, Târgu Jiu is home to the renowned works of Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. The Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncuși, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features must-see masterpieces like the Endless Column, Table of Silence, and Gate of the Kiss

Băile Herculane 

Less than an hour away, Băile Herculane is a historic spa town famous for its thermal springs. A popular retreat with a long history, the place has been undergoing revitalization after years of neglect. Spend the day soaking in thermal baths or exploring the charming town and surrounding mountains. 

Kladovo in Serbia 

Situated along the Danube, just a 40-minute drive from Drobeta, Kladovo is a popular spot for dining among locals. You can reach Serbia via the Iron Gates Dam, which also serves as a bridge between the two countries. Keep in mind that Serbia is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so depending on your nationality, you may need specific travel documents. 

Hiking: Crucea lui Sfântul Petru Trail 

This 6 km trail starts about a 20-minute drive from Drobeta and is a challenging route that takes around three hours to complete. Be cautious, as vipers can sometimes be found along the path. 

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

Posted

in

by

Last time modified

Tags:

Landmarks