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Holiday at a high altitude

A huge amphitheatre surrounding the Transylvanian plateau, the Carpathians are a mixture of daring peaks and deep valleys, hard rock and dark woods. They cover one third of Romania's area, and are made up of mountain chains, each with its own unique beauties and attractions.

The Eastern Carpathians, divided by valleys, passes and deep hollows - are the largest chain, making up half of the mountain area. Ceahlau Massif rises here, which in folklore was the house of the Dacian God Zamolxis, a legend that stirs even today the imagination of locals who believe their ancestors' souls to be on the peaks hidden among the clouds. The road to Toaca peak, the mountain's highest, starts from the Durau resort and takes the traveller alongside chalets as Izvorul Muntelui, Fantanele and Dochia. The best known resorts from this mountain chain are Durau, Vatra Dornei and Borsa.

Located at the foot of the Rurau-Giumalua Massif, Vatra Dornei is a resort recommended for its mineral water, ski slopes and coastal paths. Situated in Rodna Mountains, in Maramures, Borsa is a recreation resort, but also an important starting point for expeditions into the massif, over 2000 m high.

The Southern Carpathians, the southern group of the Carpathian arc, were known as the Transylvanian Alps' in ancient geographical literature, due to their resemblance to the Alps. This is the highest mountain chain in the Romania. With peaks such as Moldovan (2,544 m) and Negoiu (2,535 m), Fagaras Mountains rise above all the other peaks of Romania. Steep and with spectacular landscapes, they are a true challenge for climbers, but are, however, dangerous for the inexperienced. Here one can expect powerful storms even in the middle of August. Bucegi Massif is another attraction of the Southern Mountains. Prahova Valley stretches at the foot of these mountains. Accessible by car or by train from Bucharest or Brasov, this is the most visited area of Romania.

Known as "the Carpathian Pearl", Sinaia resort is the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. The personality with the most marked effect on this settlement was King Carol I of Romania. In the second half of the 19th century, he ordered the building of Peles Castle, one of the best preserved royal residences of Europe. Sinaia is particularly popular during the winter season, owing to its ski slopes, with different degrees of difficulty. Hotels include: New Montana****, International****, Rowa Dany****, Smart**** and many other three and two-star hotels.

Busteni resort is the main starting point of expeditions into the Bucegi massif.

Predeal resort boasts one of the most appreciated ski slopes - here, the snow lasts more than 100 days per year. Hotels there include: Predeal Comfort Suites*****, Piemonte****, Rowa Dany**** and many other hotels.

Poiana Brasov is located 14 kilometres away from Brasov. It is the most important Romanian mountain resort - at least as far as winter sports are concerned. Located in the Postavarul Massif (1,030 m), it is also known as Poiana Soarelui. Besides modern equipped hotels, villas and restaurants, there are also places that bear the mark of the traditional. Coliba Haiducilor and Sura Dacilor offer specific Romanian dishes. Among the hotels are: Heraldic Club*****, Piatra Mare****, Alpin**** and many others. With an annual average snow layer as deep as 50-60 cm, Poiana Brasov resort has slopes with a high degree of difficulty (Lupului, Ruia and Subteleferic), with an average degree of difficulty (Sulinar and Kantzel) and for beginners (Drumul Rosu and Bradul).

Retezat Mountains, located near Deva, are famous owing to their area of 140,000 acres (54,400 hectares) and were declared national park. The most accessible circuit is the one in the north, leading to Pietrele Chalet. A trip towards the east, beyond the highest peak Peleaga (2,509 m), leads to the Galesu Lake and to the famous Portile Inchise. Their fame derives in part from the various alpine lakes that have already imposed themselves as popular tourist sights. Bucura, the most spectacular alpine lake from the Romanian Carpathians, is located under Peleaga peak and Saua Bucurei. Its maximum depth is of approximately 15 m. At the altitude of 1990 m, you can find Ana Lake, which is pear-shaped and 11.5 m deep.

The Western Carpathians are the smallest mountain chain and hence have the mostly widely spread population. Visiting Ponoru Fortresses is an experience that must not be missed. Caving its way along the mountain, the river formed a huge natural bridge. Pestera Ghetarul Focul Viu (Ghetarul Focul Viu Cave) is famous for the way in which, at a certain moment of the day, the sun lights the inside of the caverns, producing special light effects. The dark depth of Scarisoara represents another gamble with nature accepted by enthusiastic speologists. The most suitable cave for tourists is Pestera Ursilor (Ursilor Cave), the only one entirely illuminated and prepared for visitors. Discovered 20 years ago, it got its name from the skeletons of some very old species of bear that were found here.

Romania at a glance

Attractions

Romanian Carpathians

Durau resort