Enisala: Fortress, Lakes and Dobruja

Enisala first draws attention to Enisala Fortress. It lies two kilometres from the settlement on a limestone hill overlooking Lakes Razim and Babadag. In the second half of the 14th century, Enisala Fortress was built for military purposes.

History and Culture

In the immediate vicinity of Enisala are the ruins of the medieval fortress Ruinele Cetăţii Medievale Enisala and the Biserica Sfânta Treime church. The Ruinele Turris Sălcioara ruins and Parcul Central park are also located in the surrounding area. The Biserica Sfântul Gheorghe church is likewise situated near Enisala.

In the village centre, the circular tour also leads to the preserved traditional farmstead, which is intended to serve as a small museum of the village in Dobruja, before continuing to Enisala Fortress. Since 27 October 2025, the Enisala traditional farmstead has been closed for restoration work; the restoration project is running from 2024 to 2027.

In recent years, the “Enisala – Unitate la Cetate” festival was held in August at the foot of Enisala Fortress. Tens of thousands of people from Tulcea County and tourists attended.

Landscape and Nature

The Enisala nature reserve covers 57 hectares and lies within the administrative territory of Comuna Sarichioi. The Dealul Sinis Petcu and Dealul Işlic hills are located nearby. The island of Insula Popina lies in the wider regional surroundings of Enisala.

For planning purposes, the places mentioned can be mentally arranged according to their different spatial classifications. Individual cultural sites, landscape features and the broader regional surroundings remain identifiable as different components of the destination.

When checking a hotel for Enisala, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer pages. The question of accommodation thus stands alongside the decision of whether individual cultural sites, natural features or the circular tour should be the focus of the day. The information on cultural sites, natural features and the circular tour describes different aspects of the day: With its scope and timeframe, the circular tour is a programme in its own right, while the places mentioned are located at different spatial levels. This distinction can help prevent the accommodation question from being conflated with the selection of individual sights or with the itinerary of the circular tour. For planning purposes, therefore, location, sightseeing sequence and travel duration remain separate considerations.

Getting There and Circular Tour

Enisala can be reached from the E87 between Tulcea and Babadag via the DJ 223A. The Sarichioi–Enisala–Jurilovca–Babadag circular tour passes through Enisala; in the village centre, it includes a visit to the preserved traditional farmstead as a small museum of the village in Dobruja, followed by a visit to Enisala Fortress.

The circular tour covers 130 kilometres and takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, including sightseeing, breaks and, where applicable, a lunch break. The route length and approximate timeframe thus define a separate day programme alongside individual visits.

For the broader travel overview: Comuna Sarichioi.