About Periprava
Periprava is a village in C.A. Rosetti commune, on the bank of the Chilia arm, the northernmost arm of the Danube, opposite the Ukrainian town of Vâlcov (Vylkove). It has 167 inhabitants (2021 census), mostly Lipovan Russians, and it is the terminus of passenger navigation on the river: the Navrom Delta line Tulcea – Periprava stops here.
The village is also known for the forced-labour colony that operated next to it under the communist regime, Facility 0830 Periprava, where political and ordinary prisoners were held. Prisoners died of hunger, cold, lack of drinking water and medical care, and in work accidents; those who died in the colony between 1957 and 1968 were buried in the village cemetery, in graves with no marker on the surface.
In 2013 and again from 2015 to 2019, the Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes and the Memory of the Romanian Exile (IICCMER) carried out six archaeological campaigns in the cemetery and exhumed the remains of 51 people, most probably political prisoners, to be identified through DNA tests. The colony's former commander, Ioan Ficior, was definitively sentenced in 2017 to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity.
What you can see
The village is best seen from the landing stage: low houses on the bank of the Chilia, fishing boats and, across the water, the town of Vâlcov on the Ukrainian bank. In the village stands the Lipovans' Old Rite church.
The village cemetery and the ruins of the former colony within the village's territory are places of remembrance, not ordinary attractions: visit them with discretion and respect.
To the south, a few kilometres away, begins the Letea Forest; the dune area is about 6 km away along the DC3 local road. The forest can be visited only on the approved routes, with an accredited guide, and since May 2026 no vehicle may enter the strictly protected part (ARBDD Decision no. 139 of 26 May 2026).
Good to know
Periprava is the end of the line: the ship leaves Tulcea in the afternoon, and the return sailing from Periprava leaves early in the morning, at 06:00, so a visit means a night in the village. The Reserve Administration's access permit is compulsory, and in summer the mosquitoes are thick in the evening.
Information verified on 30 October 2026.
- The bank of the Chilia arm, with the landing stage, fishing boats and the town of Vâlcov on the opposite bank.
- The Lipovans' Old Rite church.
- The village cemetery, where the graves of prisoners from the labour colony were found, and the ruins of the former colony.
- The DC3 local road south to the dune area of the Letea Forest.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: there is no road to Periprava from the mainland: drive to Tulcea, ~290 km from Bucharest (A2 to Cernavodă, then the DN22 via Hârșova, ~4 hours) or ~125 km from Constanța (DN22, ~2 hours), and continue by water. The village is about 100 km from Tulcea and about 32 km from Sulina; on land, a road links it with C.A. Rosetti, Cardon and Letea.
Public transport: train or coach to Tulcea, then the Navrom Delta ship from the River Station, along the Chilia arm via Chilia Veche. From Sulina, ARBDD has a water route (route 13) through the Cardon canal, Periprava and Musura Bay.
- Where to park
Periprava cannot be reached by car from the mainland. Leave the car in Tulcea, in the paid car parks at the harbour (River Station).
- Fees & discounts
The village itself is free, but anyone entering the delta needs the ARBDD permit: 5 lei/day, 15 lei/week, 30 lei until the end of the year; free for pupils, students, pensioners, people with disabilities and locals; sold at permise.ddbra.ro. Navrom Delta 2026, adult, one way: Tulcea – Periprava 76 lei on the classic ship (86 lei on the semi-fast one); children under 7 and pupils travel free, pensioners get 50% off.
- Rules
Carry the ARBDD permit and your ID; they are checked on the water. The Chilia arm is the border with Ukraine: stay on the Romanian side of the water. This is a lived-in village: do not walk into yards, and ask before photographing people. The cemetery and the site of the former colony call for respectful behaviour. Enter the Lipovan church quietly and modestly dressed, with no photos during the service. The Letea Forest can be visited only on the approved routes, with an accredited guide; no vehicle may enter the strictly protected part (ARBDD Decision no. 139/2026). Drones need ARBDD authorisation.
Frequently asked questions about Periprava
How much is a ticket to Periprava?
A ticket to Periprava costs 5 lei/day (ARBDD permit; the village is free). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Periprava?
Opening hours at Periprava: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Periprava take?
A visit to Periprava takes about 2½ – 3 hours (2–3 hours; ideally one night).
Can you visit Periprava with kids?
Yes, Periprava is suitable for children (life jacket, mosquito spray).
Where can I park at Periprava?
There is paid parking at Periprava (only in Tulcea; no road to the village). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Periprava?
Periprava is located at The Navrom landing stage on the Chilia arm, Periprava, Tulcea County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Periprava?
The best season for Periprava: May – September (May–September, more frequent sailings).
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