Retezat National Park

Description:

Where is it located?

Retezat National Park is located in the Carpatii Meridionali (Hunedoara County), has an area of 54,400 ha (1935) and an altitude between 800 and 2509 m. It includes approximately 40 passes of 2200 m peaks, exceeding 2350 m. The protection zone occupies the  central massif. The first integral protection zone is scientific (11,466 ha). The authorities have prohibited any exploitation (mining, grazing, hunting, fishing, fruit gathering, travel camping). The second area is less rigorous, grazing is allowed 2 months per year for small herds. The access is allowed only with authorization from the Commission of Natural Monuments, on certain routes and territories. The Park is declared a Biosphere Reserve.

Why is it absolutely fantastic?

In its interior there are 20 peaks over 2000 m and over 80 glacial lakes, including Lake Bucura, which is the largest glacial lake in the country. The park is famous for the diversity of flora and fauna, including 1190 species of higher plants, 90 endemic taxons, 130 rare or vulnerable plants , 50 mammal species, 168 bird species, 9 species of reptiles, 5 amphibian species . 

Since 1999, Retezat National Park has its own administration, in the month of September 2004 Retezat National Park became a member of PAN Parks Foundation and since 2007 is protected as a proposed sit for the European ecological network Natura 2000, to conserve natural habitats and species of wildlife of interest.

How to get to the park? 

Access to Retezat National Park is accessible from two directions: Hateg Depression and Valea Jiului. The  Hateg Depression can be reached from Deva on DN66 or from Caransebes, on DN 68. Valea Jiului is reached from Deva, on DN66, or from Targu Jiu, following the same route- DN66. 
From Hateg and Petrosani there are many ways to access the massive. Transportation is provided by local private firms in the Petrosani - Lupeni - Uricani - Campu lui Neag.