Orșova is a picturesque small town in Mehedinți County, southwestern Romania. It sits on the banks of the Cerna Gulf, where the Cerna River meets the Danube, right at the edge of the Iron Gates Gorge. This region is one of the most scenic and historically rich in Romania. Read further to find out the best things to do in Orșova.
Must-do in Orșova: A cruise to the Danube Cauldrons
A cruise to the Danube Cauldrons is the best way to experience the area’s stunning natural scenery and historical landmarks. As you sail through the narrow gorges of the Danube, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests, making it one of the most scenic sections of the river. The views from the boat offer a unique perspective that’s hard to capture from land.
The cruise takes you past significant landmarks: Tabula Traiana, The Decebalus Rex rock sculpture, the Big and Small Boilers, Mraconia Monastery, Veterani and Ponicova Caves.
This is the standard tour most boat operators offer. If you want to venture further along the gorge to see Ostrov Island or Golubac Fortress, you can discuss this with the operators. They are usually flexible and happy to accommodate special requests.
A trip to the Danube Cauldrons lasts around 2 hours and will likely be the highlight of your day. The cost for a standard tour is typically 70 lei (15 euros) per adult. You’ll find many tour operators in Orșova along the embankment from General Ion Dragalina Park to North Park at the town’s exit.
Read more details here: The Iron Gates, Romania
The Danube embankment and the park
The Orșova embankment offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape along a stretch of about 3.5 km (2.2 miles), from Parc Nord to Complex Sportiv, with a stop at General Ion Dragalina Park. This central park features an island connected by a bridge, providing a vantage point from which you can view the town.
The area is perfect for leisurely walks, especially in the morning and evening, when the sun casts a golden glow over the water, making it ideal for relaxation and photography. The Danube embankment is dotted with pontoons for boats, and locals often fish along the shore. Benches are scattered throughout, offering peaceful spots to rest and enjoy the river views.
However, this pleasant walk also reveals some less charming aspects of Orșova’s riverside. In certain sections, you may notice disruptions to the scenery, such as a supermarket breaking the visual flow, abandoned constructions, and large garbage containers placed in plain sight. Additionally, two sports fields—a tennis court and a football pitch—border the promenade, contrasting with the otherwise picturesque landscape many visitors expect.
Saint Ana Monastery
Saint Ana Monastery is perched on Dealul Moșului hill, overlooking Orșova. You can see it from the town’s Danube cliff, facing the direction of the Cauldrons. The monastery was built between 1936 and 1939, transformed into a restaurant during the communist regime, and returned to its religious purpose in 1990. It is open to visitors from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Built in traditional Romanian Orthodox style, St. Ana is modest and peaceful, with a well-maintained flower garden and beehives. The nuns sell honey, lavender, and religious items in a small shop inside the monastery.
St. Ana Monastery is easily accessible from Orșova’s centre, either by car or on foot.
On foot: the road to the hilltop is paved but lacks sidewalks. If you choose to walk, stay to the side of the road and be cautious of passing cars, especially on the winding curves. The walk from the town centre to the monastery is 3 km and takes about 50 minutes. The final 2 km involves climbing the hill, which can be quite steep and tiring, taking around 30–40 minutes to ascend and about 20 minutes to descend.
By car: the road is in excellent condition and offers easy access by vehicle. However, the winding curves might be challenging for inexperienced drivers or uncomfortable for those prone to motion sickness. The drive takes about 10 minutes or less.
Visitor Center of Iron Gate Natural Park
The Visitor Center of Iron Gate Natural Park is a key facility in Orșova that provides visitors with essential information and educational resources about the park and the surrounding region.
At the Visitor Center, guests can learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and geological features, including the dramatic cliffs, forests, and caves that make the Iron Gates famous. The exhibits cover topics such as the region’s flora and fauna, the unique landscape shaped by the Danube River, and the area’s historical and cultural significance.
While entry to the centre is free, it’s recommended to purchase a guided tour ticket for just 10 lei. The guide will provide deeper insights into the park’s features and history.
The Visitor Center is located along the same road as St. Ana Monastery, on a lower hill nearby. Although it isn’t as elevated as the monastery, it offers an even better view of Orșova, the Cerna Gulf, and the surrounding mountains from the rooftop terrace. The building design is inspired by the Tricule Fortress, now under the Danube, with two of whose three towers remain above water.
The Visitor Center welcomes guests daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Iron Gates Region Museum, Orșova section
The Iron Gates Museum in Orșova focuses on the local history of the town and its surrounding region, offering insights into Orșova’s development over time, from ancient history to modern days. Though the museum is small and modest—perhaps less than a town with such a rich history deserves—it remains highly interesting.
One of the main highlights of the Orșova section is its detailed exploration of the Iron Gates hydroelectric project, a monumental engineering achievement that significantly transformed the region. The museum provides context on how the dam, completed in the 1970s, led to the relocation of Old Orșova and several nearby villages.
The Catholic Catedral of Orșova
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, located on Decebal Street just 200 meters from the Iron Gates Museum, was built between 1972 and 1976 to serve the Catholic community — Germans, Czechs, and Hungarians.
Visiting the cathedral is an important thing to do in Orșova as a tourist, as it stands out for its bold, contemporary architecture. Designed by architect Hans Fackelmann, it features a unique blend of modernist and minimalist influences.
Iron Gate I hydroelectric power station
The Iron Gate I Hydroelectric Power Station is situated on the Danube River, 23 km upstream from Orșova. Shared by Romania and Serbia, it is the largest hydropower station on the Danube.
Tours of the facility provide an overview of the plant’s history, construction, and importance to the region. The Iron Gates Museum also tells the story of the hydro plant’s impact, featuring displays on the local flora and fauna, as well as artefacts uncovered from archaeological sites submerged when the dam was built.
The Romanian side of the plant is easily accessible by car. If you are in Orșova without a vehicle, you can ask locals for private transportation services to take you there.
Also read: How to get to Orșova, Iron Gates Natural Park, Romania
One-day trips: what else to visit around Orșova
Two days are more than enough to explore Orșova. If you’re staying longer, consider extending your visit to nearby attractions. Here are some great one-day trip options when you’re in Orșova.
Băile Herculane, a historic spa town about 30 minutes away, famous for its thermal springs. This town has been a retreat for relaxation since Roman times. Though neglected for decades, revitalization efforts are now starting to show. Spend a day enjoying the thermal baths or exploring the picturesque town and surrounding mountains.
Drobeta-Turnu Severin, a city with deep historical roots along the Danube River. Visit the remains of the famous Roman bridge constructed by Emperor Trajan and the medieval Severin Fortress. The Iron Gates Museum in Drobeta is a must-see, offering fascinating exhibits on ancient history and the dam’s construction.
Tekija in Serbia, a small village along the Danube, just a 50-minute drive from Orșova. Visit Tekija to experience the other side of the Iron Gates gorge. The Iron Gates Dam also serves as a bridge between Romania and Serbia. Keep in mind Serbia isn’t part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so depending on your citizenship, you may need to carry certain travel documents.
Moldova Veche and Ostrov Island, a small town on the Danube gorge and its small island. This small town along the Danube Gorge offers scenic views and a unique experience. To reach Moldova Veche, drive along the stunning Danube Gorge, where the journey itself is part of the adventure. While there, take a boat trip to explore Ostrov Island and its surroundings.
How’s Orșova overall
Despite its natural beauty, Orșova faces significant economic challenges. The town is relatively poor, with limited job opportunities, especially for younger generations. Local public transportation is virtually nonexistent, making mobility challenging for both residents and tourists. Visiting this area is more comfortable by car.
Although Orșova has incredible tourism potential, it hasn’t fully capitalized on it. The local economy and attractions are not as tourist-oriented as they could be, resulting in missed opportunities to draw more visitors. Development efforts are mostly driven by locals and small entrepreneurs, but progress is slow without enough public administration support. Also, expect to see plenty of stray dogs and cats around town.
The natural beauty here is stunning, but human efforts have fallen short in transforming this town into a true tourist destination.
Accommodation options in Orșova
Whether you’re looking for a hotel, a guesthouse, or a short-term rental, aim for something with a river view. There are plenty of guesthouses (pensiuni) along the Danube embankment that offer beautiful views. You could also extend your search to nearby Eșelnița village. In 2024, a double room costs around 160-250 lei (30-50 euros).
Since the town stretches about 3-4 km along the Danube shore, there’s no need to limit your search to the town centre. No matter where you stay, you’ll be within a convenient distance of everything.
