Retezat National Park

Romania’s oldest national park has exceptionally beautiful scenery of high, bare mountains (20 more than 2,000m according to some, 60 according to others), cliffs and rocky drama, and more than 80 glacially-gouged lakes.

A very rough, rocky landscape once above the tree line: soft this isn’t. That said, there is also Europe's largest single area (it is claimed) of pristine mixed forest. The highes peak, Vf. Peleaga, tops out at 2,509m.

It boasts a lot of good hiking trails and several well-placed refuges, so you can make superb day walks as well as multi-dayers.

This can be strenuous walking with changeable weather. Come prepared.

Dogs:sheepdogs are fierce and can attack, in numbers. Walk in a group, keep away from flocks, close up if they approach, carry/pick up a stick if near a flock. Walk steadily, don’t run.

Keep your wits about you in the forests: it really is easy to get lost, as few trails are waymarked; you could become painfully aware of just how empty the area is!

Bradt’s Transylvania is the guidebook, packed with valuable information, although little detail on walking routes. Find relevant books on Amazon.

This page is at an early stage of development. Please help us by recommending your best walks, making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Transylvania walk page.