Mountains

These mountains are the least spoiled in Europe, with ancient woods, alpine pastures and soil formations, for example in the Rarau Mountain range. Few people are aware that the Carpathians offer limitless opportunities for exploring, from hiking and climbing to cycling, horse riding and tranquil walks.

A third of Romania's surface is covered by mountains, with the Carpathians traversing its centre and surrounding Transylvania.
The glacial cirques or corries, canyons, caves and deep woods are part of the specific beauty of the Romanian Carpathians. There is a wide variety of landscape as a result of the different geological patterns. This has given rise to mountains and shallow areas, gorges and valleys, diversity of vegetation and animal life, and a multitude of mineral and thermal springs.

With its close to 11,000 caves, many of which are vast underground palaces, Romania is ranked third in Europe. They are to be found in the Transylvanian part of the Carpathians and Apuseni Mountains (in the middle of Transylvania). There are large caves, rivers and waterfalls, such as Topolnita and Cetatile Ponorului. Some have multiple levels, with rich and beautiful natural structures, for example Closani, Pojarul Politei and Ursilor (Bear's) Caves. Cuciulat Cave and Adam's Cave are amongst those with rare mineral formations and mural paintings.

Their fauna is still complete. Not surprisingly, the highest concentration of large carnivores in Europe is found in the Romanian Carpathians. Half of Europe's bear population, over a third of its wolves and 35% of lynx roam these forests and their number is growing! These animals and many more inhabit the numerous national parks and reserves, for example: Bucegi Nature Reserve; Retezat National Park; and the Apuseni Mountains.