Mehedinți County

Romania, Europe

Mehedinți County is a STATE in Romania, Europe.

Mehedinți County, in southwestern Romania, is a hidden gem where the mighty Danube meets the Carpathians. The Iron Gates gorge, with its towering cliffs and swirling waters, is Europe’s most spectacular river canyon. Base yourself in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, a lively city where Trajan’s Bridge ruins and the 13th-century Severin Fortress whisper tales of Roman legions and medieval battles. Sail through the Danube’s narrow defile to glimpse the 55-metre rock sculpture of Decebalus. For nature lovers, Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park offers hikes through primeval beech forests, limestone gorges, and thermal springs at Baia de Aramă. Explore the 14th-century Vodița Monastery and the famous Cazanele Mari and Mici with their karstic wonders. Sample local wines on the Oltina hills, savour smoked trout fresh from the river, and unwind at riverside beaches. Whether cruising the Danube, following the Via Transilvanica trail, or delving into folk traditions, Mehedinți rewards the curious traveller with authentic Romanian culture and dramatic landscapes.

Best time to visit Mehedinți County

April to October offers the best weather. May–June and September are ideal: pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), blooming wildflowers, and fewer tourists. July–August can be hot (up to 35°C) but perfect for Danube cruises and beach activities; book ahead as accommodation fills up. Spring and early autumn are excellent for hiking and photography. Winters are cold (often below 0°C) with occasional snow, but Christmas markets bring cheer.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
7 to 18°C, crisp

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Mid

Autumn colours; fewer tourists.

Know before you go

Getting there

CRA

Craiova International Airport

International

120 km away

OTP

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport

International

350 km away

TSR

Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport

International

280 km away

BEG

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

International

200 km away

BBU

Bucharest Băneasa Airport

Domestic

300 km away

Getting around

"Renting a car is the best way to explore, giving access to remote villages and scenic drives along the Danube. Buses and maxi-taxis (shared vans) connect major towns cheaply but can be infrequent. Drobeta-Turnu Severin has a local bus network and metered taxis; rides are inexpensive. Trains link Drobeta to Bucharest and Timișoara, but schedules can be slow. Cycling is growing in popularity, especially near the river. For Danube cruises, many operators run from the town harbour."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, patchy in rural areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at kiosks and shops from $2

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime, but be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and road conditions in remote parts.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime, but be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and road conditions in remote parts.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Mehedinți is a safe destination with low violent crime. Common sense precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and lock car doors. Road conditions vary—main highways are good, but rural roads can be narrow and damaged. Watch for livestock and horse-drawn carts. In natural areas, stay on marked trails and carry water. The Danube’s currents are strong; swim only in designated areas."

Entry and health

Health information

"Routine vaccinations are recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is advisable in rural areas. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease can occur in forested regions, so use insect repellent and check for ticks after hikes. Medical facilities in Drobeta-Turnu Severin are adequate for basic care, but serious cases may require transfer to Craiova or Bucharest. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are widely available; bring any personal medications."

Culture

Local customs

"Romanians are warm and hospitable. A handshake and ‘Bună ziua’ (Good day) is customary. When entering churches or monasteries, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). Remove shoes when entering a home. Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants. Learning a few phrases like ‘Mulțumesc’ (Thank you) goes a long way. Photography is usually fine, but ask permission before snapping people. Respect nature: no picking of protected plants."
Romanian (official)HungarianRomaniGermanUkrainianRomanian

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-8 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-8

Hotels

$30-60 | budget hotels range $30-60/night

Local transport

$0.5-1 | local bus ride ~$0.5-1

Cost notes

Accommodation and food are very affordable; prices are lower in rural areas.

Timezone

Europe/Bucharest
Local time 20:15

More facts

Population

250,000

ISO code

RO-26

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Mehedinti County, Vrata

Major HubHistoric CityHikingNatureCulturalOff the Beaten Path