Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇷🇴 Drobeta-Turnu Severin
🇷🇸 Kladovo
Coordinates
44.63°N, 22.60°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Romanian/Serbian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Drobeta (RON, RSD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Remote, river hazards
About Drobeta-Turnu Severin & Kladovo
Crossing an Engineering Monument
To cross the border between Drobeta-Turnu Severin in Romania and Kladovo in Serbia is to drive across the top of a monumental feat of 20th-century engineering: the Iron Gates I Hydroelectric Power Station. The road is laid directly onto the crest of the massive dam that spans the Danube River, making this one of the most unique and impressive border crossings in the world. This is not merely a bridge; it is a journey over a structure that tamed Europe’s second-longest river, fundamentally altering the landscape and creating a powerful symbol of collaboration between two nations. The experience is a fascinating blend of industrial might, ancient history, and the natural beauty of the Danube gorge.
Operational Details
This is a major international checkpoint, connecting Romania’s Mehedinți County with Serbia’s Bor District. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is open to all passenger cars and commercial freight. Its reliability and capacity make it the primary crossing point in the Iron Gates region, a vital link for both commerce and tourism. The feeling of driving between the giant turbine halls, with the vast reservoir on one side and the free-flowing Danube on the other, is unlike any other border crossing.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
A Layered History
The history of this location is layered and profound. Just downstream from the modern dam are the remains of one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world: Trajan’s Bridge. Built by the Roman Emperor Trajan around 105 AD to facilitate the conquest of Dacia, it was the first permanent bridge to span the lower Danube. For over a thousand years, it was the longest arch bridge in the world. Today, you can see the ruins of the bridge’s entrance pillars on both the Romanian and Serbian banks, a humbling reminder of Roman ambition. The construction of the dam in the 20th century also had a significant historical impact. The rising waters of the reservoir submerged the historic island of Ada Kaleh, a Turkish-inhabited exclave that had for centuries been a unique cultural enclave, famous for its Turkish coffee and relaxed lifestyle. The island’s inhabitants were relocated before it disappeared beneath the waves.
Border Procedure on the Dam
The border crossing procedure takes place directly on the dam structure. As Serbia is a non-EU country, you will pass through full customs and immigration checkpoints. The layout is unique. You will first stop at the exit checkpoint of the country you are leaving (either Romania or Serbia), which is located on that country’s respective end of the dam. After being cleared, you will drive across the crest of the dam. The actual border line is marked in the middle. You will then arrive at the entry checkpoint of the destination country at the other end of the dam. Passports are required for all travelers, along with vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card). While the process is generally efficient, be aware that photography on the dam itself may be restricted due to its status as critical infrastructure.
Regional Attractions
The area is rich in attractions. On the Romanian side, Drobeta-Turnu Severin is home to a significant archaeological park where you can see the pillar of Trajan’s Bridge, the remains of the Roman fort, and a medieval fortress. The city also has a fascinating museum dedicated to the Iron Gates region. Upstream from the dam, the Danube gorge unfolds, with the famous rock sculpture of the Dacian king Decebalus. On the Serbian side, the town of Kladovo has a local museum and a pleasant riverside promenade. The main attraction is the Đerdap National Park, which encompasses the gorge. A short drive from Kladovo is the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, a Mesolithic settlement that is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The crossing is part of the main road network connecting the region. You will need the Romanian `rovinietă` vignette, which can be purchased online. Serbia uses a toll system for its main motorways, but the roads in this immediate area are generally toll-free. The official currencies are the Romanian Leu (RON) and the Serbian Dinar (RSD). You will find currency exchange offices and petrol stations in both Drobeta-Turnu Severin and Kladovo. Given the industrial and strategic nature of the crossing, it is always wise to follow all posted signs and instructions from the border officials carefully.
Final Considerations
The Iron Gates I crossing is far more than a simple point of transit. It is a destination in itself, a place where ancient history, 20th-century ambition, and the enduring power of the Danube River converge. It offers a reliable and continuously open passage between Romania and Serbia, but its true value lies in the unique experience of driving over the dam. It is a journey that connects you not only to two nations but also to the immense historical and technological forces that have shaped this spectacular corner of Europe.