Calafat grew up as a crossing point to Vidin, and the riverfront is where you see why.
About the place
The oldest surviving written mention of Calafat, from 1424, concerns the customs post here: goods between Wallachia and the Balkans crossed at the ford opposite Vidin. One theory links the town's name to caulking ships with pitch. Until June 2013 the crossing to Bulgaria was by ferry; since then the Calafat–Vidin bridge, almost 2 km long, south of town, has been used.
The riverfront runs along Strada Baba Lupa. In the Debarcader park there are paths and a few gazebos from which you see the Danube, the port with its cranes, the Bulgarian bank with Vidin and, to the south, the bridge. The Debarcader restaurant is next to the gazebo, and closer to the centre is the park with the Independence Monument.
Good to know
- Come at sunset: the sun goes down over the river on the Vidin side.
- In summer you can swim at Bașcov beach on the Danube, about 4 km to the east.
- Baba Vida fortress in Vidin is about 16 km by road, across the bridge; bring your ID.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.