© Foundation Conservation Carpathia & OAK Foundation | Mihai Caţan
Carpathian mountains
Our mountain eco-tourism experiences take place within the untamed landscapes of the Romanian Southern Carpathians, and are generally focused around the majestic Făgăraș Mountains.
Stretching across 2,000 square kilometres, the Făgăraș Mountains are the most impressive mountain range in Romania.
These peaks are home to some of Europe’s most pristine ecosystems, providing a sanctuary for abundant wildlife, including brown bears, wolves and lynx. In recent years, these habitats have become threatened by clear-felling and unsustainable development. Fortunately, the Făgăraș Mountains are still largely intact. These mountains are a treasure trove of biodiversity and represent the kind of natural heritage that should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Poet Lucian Blaga, stunned by their beauty, wrote, “God, please stop the clock with which you measure eternity,” acknowledging their grandeur. Emmanuel de Martonne, the French scientist, likened these peaks to the Transylvanian Alps, noting their striking similarity to the iconic European range.
Spanning over 70 kilometres, the main ridge forms an imposing spine, boasting eight peaks surpassing 2500 metres and numerous others within the 2400–2500 m range. Sculpted by Pleistocene glaciers, these mountains showcase U-shaped valleys and rugged crests, remnants of their glacial past.
Făgăraș Mountains
The Făgăraș Mountains also boast Romania’s largest continuous alpine habitat, with 75% still cloaked in spruce and deciduous forests. This habitat serves as a sanctuary for 66 endemic species and 107 EU-listed rare plant and animal species, playing a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Iconic species like bears, wolves, lynx, chamois, red deer, and, more recently, bison thrive in these landscapes, reliant on the health of their habitats. Moreover, the rivers and mountains contribute vital ecosystem services, including climate regulation and flood management, underscoring their ecological significance.
Visitors to the Făgăraș Mountains can experience first-hand the stunning beauty and diverse ecology of this region. Whether hiking through its rugged terrain, observing wildlife in its natural habitat, or simply soaking in the tranquillity of its forests, the Făgăraș Mountains offer a deep connection to nature and insight into the ecosystem supporting these landscapes.
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