Mureș Floodplain Natural Park

Mureș Floodplain Natural Park spreads across a large area along the Mureș River, featuring meadows, woodlands, and around 40 river islands between Arad and the Hungarian border. The terrain showcases varied habitats shaped by the river's presence and periodic inundation.

The natural park was established by the Romanian government in 2005 and received Ramsar site designation in 2006, recognizing its international importance for wetland conservation. This protected status marked a turning point for preserving the floodplain ecosystem.

Three monasteries including Hodoș-Bodrog and Bezdin sit within the park boundaries, reflecting different religious traditions in the area. Visitors can see how these sacred places have shaped local spiritual life over centuries.

The Ceala Forest Visitor Center provides accommodation and organizes guided canoe trips and bicycle tours through the park. Plan to bring suitable clothing for wet conditions and protection against insects when exploring the floodplain.

The park follows a natural flood rhythm with major inundations occurring roughly every three years, causing habitats to shift between dry and waterlogged states. This cyclical pattern has shaped specialized plant and animal communities adapted to these fluctuating conditions.