Lake Somova is part of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and has the advantages of varied bird life, good fishing as well as road access to Bucharest and many tourist attractions. Inland from Somova the rolling hills and woodland are good walking country.

Somova is a traditional fishing village with a population of 2500. Many residents make their living from fishing and farming. Younger people are increasingly commuting to Tulcea which is 12km away. There are a number of bars and small shops.

The village has it’s own Council headed by an elected Mayor. There is also a school, playing field and a small orphanage which has made great progress in recent years.

Somova has been designated as an area for touristic development and is receiving aid under the EU ‘Sapard’ scheme. The first priority, new water pipes, is now nearing completion.

A new lakeside hotel and restaurant is being built a short walk away from the new houses advertised on this site. This will be the first commercial development at the public area by the lake.

Just outside Somova is a new 5 star holiday park owned by British investors. Visitors so far have included members of the British Royal family.

Closer to Tulcea is a lakeside restaurant at the Europolis Hotel, which also has a pleasure boat to Saun Monastery.

Some residents are now becoming aware of the possibilities from tourism. A winemaker and basketmaker are offering their produce for sale at reasonable prices. Fishermen are becoming aware that they can enhance their incomes and protect their way of life by rowing tourists onto the lake.

The weather is very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Temperatures during the autumn and spring can vary but are generally comfortable, with rain a possibility.
 

Somova is a good place to visit now, especially if you enjoy angling, walking, bird watching or nature. It’s future is likely to be as a busy tourist resort.

Lake Somova, just before the Danube splits into separate tributaries, is fed by underwater springs. It’s water is fresh, still and much of it is covered with reed and vegetation, making it an ideal place for fish to breed and lay eggs.

In the spring and autumn the fish can easily reach the lake via channels from the river.

Pelicans can be seen from spring until autumn, and are best viewed from the rowing boat of a local fisherman. The main flock usually disperses early in the morning and re-groups and disperses again throughout the day.

In the winter months the lake freezes over and the locals walk or ride horses over the surface. This is the season for ice fishing. The birds group together and maintain an ice free area for catching fish by constantly swimming in a circle.