Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇷🇴 Romania 🇷🇸 Serbia
Nearest Cities
🇷🇴 Kusjak, 🇷🇸 Kusjak
Coordinates
45.20°N, 20.95°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
~1000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Romanian/Serbian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Kusjak (RON, RSD)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps, limited assistance
Safety Information
Remote, rural hazards
Emergency Contacts
🇷🇴 112 🇷🇸 112/192
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇷🇴 Kusjak, 🇷🇸 Kusjak
The Second Gate of the Danube
The border crossing between Serbia and Romania at the Đerdap II (Iron Gates II) Hydroelectric Power Station is a journey over the second of the two great dams that tame the Danube River. While its upstream sibling, Đerdap I, is larger and more famous, this crossing has its own unique character. Located further downstream where the river has widened after exiting the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, it feels less like a passage through a narrow chasm and more like a bridge across a vast, placid lake. The crossing connects the Serbian village of Kusjak with the Romanian village of Ostrovu Mare and offers a fascinating perspective on the immense scale of human intervention on this mighty river. It is a monument to engineering, a place where the border itself is defined by a structure built for power and navigation.
Operational Details
This is a major international checkpoint, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is open to both passenger cars and commercial freight. Its continuous operation and capacity make it a reliable and important link for southern and eastern Serbia and southwestern Romania. The road is built directly on the crest of the dam, providing a unique driving experience as you pass between the two nations, with the massive expanse of the reservoir stretching out on one side and the regulated flow of the Danube on the other. It is a testament to the joint Yugoslav-Romanian engineering project that was completed in the 1980s, a symbol of a different era of cross-border collaboration.
A Modern History
The history of this crossing is relatively recent, tied entirely to the construction of the dam. The Đerdap II project was conceived as a partner to the larger Đerdap I dam upstream. Its primary purpose was to further harness the hydroelectric potential of the Danube and to improve navigation on this final stretch before the river flows out across the Wallachian Plain. Unlike the area around Đerdap I, which is steeped in ancient Roman history with sites like Trajan’s Bridge, this region is more defined by its agricultural and industrial character. The construction of the dam created the large reservoir and the island of Ostrovu Mare (“Great Island”) on the Romanian side, transforming the local geography and creating new ecosystems, while also providing a new, permanent link between the two countries.
Border Crossing Procedure on the Dam
The border crossing procedure takes place on the dam structure itself. As Serbia is a non-EU country, you will undergo full customs and immigration checks. The process is sequential and takes place at opposite ends of the dam. You will first stop at the exit checkpoint of the country you are leaving (either Kusjak in Serbia or the checkpoint near Ostrovu Mare in Romania). Here, border police will inspect your passport and vehicle documents (registration and international insurance, or Green Card). After being cleared, you will drive across the top of the dam. The official border line is marked at the midpoint. You will then arrive at the entry checkpoint of the destination country for their inspection. Due to the strategic importance of the dam, photography may be restricted, so it is best to be mindful of any posted signs and to follow the instructions of the officials. The crossing is generally efficient, with separate lanes for cars and trucks to manage the flow of traffic.
The Surrounding Region and its Attractions
The surrounding region offers a different kind of appeal than the dramatic gorges upstream. On the Romanian side, the crossing provides access to the Oltenia region. The nearest major city is Drobeta-Turnu Severin, located upstream, but the crossing is a key entry point for those heading towards the regional capital of Craiova. The area around Ostrovu Mare is largely agricultural. On the Serbian side, the crossing is near the town of Negotin, the center of a historic wine-producing region. The Negotin area is famous for its unique stone wine cellars, known as `pivnice` or `pimnice`, particularly in the villages of Rajac and Rogljevo. These fascinating, semi-subterranean village complexes, some dating back to the 18th century, were built solely for wine production and storage and are a unique cultural and historical attraction, currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. The crossing also provides a gateway to eastern Serbia and the city of Zaječar, home to the Felix Romuliana archaeological site, a late Roman imperial palace and another UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The crossing is part of the main road network connecting the two regions. 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 necessary services like petrol stations and currency exchange in the nearby towns of Negotin in Serbia and Gogoșu or Drobeta-Turnu Severin in Romania. It is always wise to ensure you have sufficient fuel and any necessary local currency before crossing.
Final Considerations
The Đerdap II border crossing offers a unique and impressive transit experience. While it may lack the ancient historical context of its upstream counterpart, it is a powerful monument to modern engineering and international cooperation. Its 24/7 operation makes it a reliable and practical choice for travel between eastern Serbia and southwestern Romania. It is a journey that provides a sense of the immense scale of the Danube and the human effort taken to harness its power, a functional and memorable passage that serves as a gateway to the unique cultural and historical treasures of the Negotin valley and beyond.