National Parks in Romania

There are 14 national parks in Romania that mostly vary in size. However, steep slopes of the Carpathians, beautiful green meadows, waterfalls and rich flora and fauna can be found in almost all of them. So, if you’re up for a hike accompanied by panoramas of mountain tops and glacier lakes, as well as rafting on rivers, you should definitely consider visiting. Besides the natural attractions, the national parks comprise Roman castra and monasteries, so you will find interesting cultural heritage as well. 

Here is a list of all the 14 national parks in Romania together with a map of Romanian national parks for easier navigation!

Buila Vanturarita National Park

This national park was established to protect the flora and fauna of the Buila Vânturarița Massif, which is a part of the Căpățânii Mountains in the Southern Carpathians. Its pointy skyline and plenty of karst relief are what distinguish it from the rest of the mountains. The highest peak is Vânturariţa Mare. The park stretches on the area of Costești, Bărbătești, and Băile Olănești localities.  You can choose one of them as access points to visit the park. There, you can go on hikes to mountain peaks and caves, such as The Cave of Bats and Bear’s Cave. Furthermore, as a resting site, you can search for many monasteries and hermitages along the way.

Calimani National Park

Călimani National Park was established to protect the most impressive volcanic complex of the Romanian Carpathians. The highest peak of the Romanian volcanic chain is Pietrosu Peak. Together with smaller ones like Retitis Peak, it offers magnificent views of the forested mountains. So, the best way to explore it is by hiking. One hiking trail starts in Neagra Sarului and takes you to the most interesting site – 12 Apostles. It’s the unusually shaped volcanic karst formations caused by erosion processes. Some of the activities available in the park include mountain biking and equestrian tours, while the access points include Gura Haitii, Dorna Candrenilor and Neagra Sarului.

Ceahlau National Park

Ceahlău National Park was established to protect Ceahlău Mountain, also known as the Olympus of Romania. The park is surrounded by Bistrita River and man-made Bicaz lake on the east, and by the Bicaz River to the south. The best way to explore it is by hiking to the rock formations Dochia and Cusma Dorobantului, then continuing to the Duruitoarea waterfall. The Dochia rocks, however, are associated with the legend of an old woman with sheep who, having taken off the layers of clothes over time, turned to stone. Besides the legends, the park offers a rich diversity of flora – 2000 flower species. 

Cheile Bicazului – Hasmas National Park

This national park protects Hășmaș Mountain, situated in the Eastern Carpathians mountain chain, as well as several nature reserves. The Hășmaș Mountains are ideal for hiking to the Hășmașu Mare peak. Another protected area is the Bicaz Gorge which separates two Romanian historical regions: Moldavia and Transylvania. This gorge formed by the Bicaz River has a twisty road going through and gives a spectacular view of the Ceahlau Mountains. As you go up the road, you will see one of the most difficult climbing sites in the country. Another important sight in the park is The Red Lake which naturally formed after a landslide.

Nera Gorges – Beusnita National Park

Cheile Nerei – Beușnița National Park is situated in the southwest of the country, in the Anina Mountains and protects the middle course of the Nera river that created its gorges. This remote park preserved its waterfalls, gorges and lakes, as well as the biodiversity of amphibians and birds. The best way to see the gorges is by hiking, although the whole trail takes 2 days, or go kayaking on the river. However, the shallow lake Ochiul Beiului is the most popular site, as well as the Beușnița Waterfalls in its vicinity. The last thing on the list includes the popular cave lake called Devil’s Lake. To enter the park, you will need to pay an admission fee of less than 1 leu.

Cozia National Park

Cozia National Park was established to protect the Cozia Mountain, Eastern Căpățânii Mountains and southeastern Lotru Mountains. It mainly comprises beech and spruce forests with steep slopes. So, it is one of the best hiking places due to the most amazing scenic views. The diversity of flora and fauna includes chamois, wildcat and many bird species. Besides the natural attractions, important cultural heritage is found here, as well. Such monuments are the 2000 years old Roman Arutela and Pretoria castrums. However, the best way is to hike from Turnu Monastery to another one on the way – Stanisoara Monastery and continue up to the Gardului Waterfall. 

Defileul Jiului National Park 

Defileul Jiului or Jiu River Gorge National Park is situated along the gorge of the Jiu River between the Vâlcan and the Parâng Mountains. The river Jiu cuts through the whole park that mostly comprises beech and oak forests, as well as alpine meadows in higher altitudes. Its varied flora and fauna include animals like chamois, bear and lynx, as well as endangered bat species. You can explore it by car on a meandering road or hop on a train going through tunnels and bridges. Besides, you can opt for cycling, horse riding, fishing and rafting. Along the road, you can visit two monasteries with their rich history, called Vişină and Lainici Monastery. But, to enter the park you need to pay an admission fee which costs 5 lei. 

Danube Delta National Park

The Danube Delta National Park protects the second largest delta in Europe, a smaller part of which is situated in Ukraine. It is a surprisingly preserved wetland area formed where the River Danube flows into the Black Sea. The river splits at Tulcea into 3 arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe. This third largest biodiversity in the world comprises 300 bird species like pelicans, erons, storks and 160 fish species. Therefore, it is a perfect spot for birdwatching and lake excursions. Also, to protect the area, it is best to explore it with organized tours, which will also provide you all you can learn about the ecosystems. 

Domogled – Valea Cernei National Park

Domogled – Cerna Valley National Park is situated in the southwestern part of the country, close to the border with Serbia. It stretches over the area from Retezat–Godeanu Mountains. It offers amazing landscapes with mountainous terrain and waterfalls. In Cerna Mountains, one of the activities includes hiking to the Arjana mountain top that is 1511 metres high. Another trail includes the spectacular 80 metres long Vanturatoarea Waterfall as its trail end. Besides hiking, the activities that are available here include rafting, rock climbing, bird-watching and balneotherapy. 

Macin Mountains National Park

Munții Măcinului National Park protects Măcin Mountains that are bounded by Danube and Taița rivers and Casimcea Plateau. This mountain range is home to rich flora and fauna, as well as endangered species like the spur-thighed tortoise. Its relatively low terrain in some parts even has steppes which are ideal staging points for migratory birds and therefore – birdwatching. What’s more, the low terrain even allows trail running that takes place annually in spring. If you want to go on your own, try out the Pricopan Heights trail on the Pricopan Massif. Besides the interesting rock formations, it’s the one with the best views of the surrounding depressions and cities.

Rodnei Mountains National Park

Munții Rodnei National Park is situated in Rodna Mountains, which are the biggest protected area of the Carpathian Mountains. It was declared a biosphere reserve due to the importance of its flora and fauna. Besides, it comprises relief including caves, forests, springs, valleys and many mountain peaks that exceed the height of 2000 metres. Here, visitors can opt for many hiking trails of different lengths to mountain tops or glacial lakes. One of them is Lala Mare glacial lake, which is close to the Ineu peak. The park also offers activities like horseback riding and cycling. 

Piatra Craiului National Park 

This park was established to protect Piatra Craiului or Kings Rock Mountains. It is situated close to the city of Bran, known for Dracula’s castle. The park is protected due to one of the biggest biodiversity of wildlife in the country. The best way to explore it is by hiking. The most skilled ones go for the 25 kilometres long main ridge – the longest one in Romania. The best access point is Zarnesti, accessible by car and by train. Moreover, there are trailheads and tourist accommodation available in charming surrounding villages Magura and Pestera. 

Retezat National Park

Retezat National park is the oldest and the most beautiful national park in Romania. It is situated in the western part of the Southern Carpathians and due to its great biodiversity, it is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. No surprise, since it comprises one of the last of Europe’s primeval forests. It is ideal for hiking to high mountain tops or around 80 glacial lakes, Bukura being the largest and the deepest one. Meanwhile, Retezat peak and the highest one – Peleaga Peak offer the most amazing panoramas, a view of mountain tops and glacial lakes. Access points include the cities Carnic and Rausor and Campusel to the south.

Semenic – Cheile Carasului National Park

Situated in the southwestern part of Romania, in the Anina and Semenic Mountains, this national park has rich vegetation and biodiversity. It includes very deep and steep gorges of the Caraș River where 500 caves, including the ones you can visit, are found. The second main feature of the park is Nera River’s Springs, one the biggest areas of virgin beech forests in Europe. As for the activities, you can go hiking or cycling and rent a boat in Văliug and Trei Ape lakes. Besides, the surrounding agro-hotels, as well as enduro trails, make it a great recreational place. You can access it from Semenic, Crivaia and Trei Ape resorts.

Map of national parks in Romania