Retezat National Park

Sun rise over Retezat mountains. Thick Curtains of fog rise and fall, revealing ever changing views for the hiker’s eye to behold: The three peaks of Peleaga (2,509m), Papusa (2,508m) and Custura (2,457m) puncture the clear sky. Below, Lake Bucura reflects the snow-covered peaks like a mirror - and in the distance the beautiful Taul Dintre Brazi Moor still slumbers in the mountain shadows.

Retezat means “split mountain” in Romanian, and according to legend, a giant’s bludgeon once hit the ridge, splitting it into two halves: The “Big Retezat,” with its high granite alpine landscape and the “Little Retezat,” dominated by rounder and softer mountains replete with limestone caves and Alpine meadows. With a wide variety of endangered and endemic plants and spectacular wildlife, - including the bear, the marmot, the viper, the chamois and the wildcat,- Retezat national park is included in the UNESCO network of biosphere reserves.

In the Retezat national park’s surroundings ancient Dacian settlements, medieval orthodox churches and Transylvanian castles make excellent day trips.

Conquer Peleaga Peak and enjoy the view over the surrounding peaks

Watch marmots and chamois play on Alpine meadows

Listen to a flycatcher whistle, or the deep call of an eagle owl