Southern Carpathians

Natural wonders in Southern Carpathians

Romanian Natural Wonders

Explore the diverse geological landscapes of the Southern Carpathians, from the 2,509-meter Peleaga summit to the deepest glacial lake in Romania, Zănoaga Mare. This collection features the limestone gorges of Cheile Băniței, the extensive cave systems of Ialomiței and Muierilor, and powerful waterfalls like Urlătoarea. The list spans the Făgăraș, Retezat, and Bucegi mountain ranges, highlighting both natural glacial formations and massive engineering projects like the Lake Vidraru reservoir.

Romanian Natural Wonders — Map

A

Lake Vidraru

Lake Vidraru is an artificial reservoir in Romania created in 1965 for hydroelectricity production near the Făgăraș Mountains. It features scenic views, a submerged village, and offers recreational activities such as bungee jumping and boat racing.

Dezidor / CC BY 3.0

B

Bucura Lake

Lake Bucura is a glacier cirque lake, situated in the Retezat Mountains, in Romania.

George Gearîp / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Cheile Băniței

A narrow limestone gorge near Petroșani carved by the Bănița River, featuring winding, overhanging rock walls accessible by walking through the shallow riverbed.

Gabriel / CC BY 2.0

D

Ialomiței Cave

Located at 1,530 meters in the Bucegi Mountains, this cave features a 16th-century monastery built at its entrance and spans 480 meters through several large galleries.

E

Peștera Bolii

A massive natural tunnel cave where the Jupâneasa stream flows through its entire length. It features large galleries historically used for trade and shelter.

Hardsr / Public domain

F

Negoiu Peak

Negoiu Peak is a mountain peak in the Făgăraș Mountains of the Southern Carpathians, located in Sibiu County, Romania, with an elevation of…

Novichok / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Lacul Bolboci

An artificial reservoir located at 1,438 meters altitude in the Bucegi Mountains, created by damming the Ialomița River and surrounded by dense coniferous forests.

George Gearîp / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Cascada Lolaia

A waterfall situated at 1,050 meters in the Retezat National Park, formed by the Nucșoara stream near the Cârnic access point.

I

Cascada Urlătoarea

A 15-meter-high waterfall near the town of Bușteni, formed by the Urlătoarea stream at an altitude of 1,100 meters in the Bucegi Mountains.

J

Șureanu

A 2,059-meter peak in the Șureanu Mountains, part of a vast alpine plateau known for its glacial lake, Iezerul Șureanu, and nearby ski slopes.

K

Pătru's Peak

The highest point of the Șureanu Mountains at 2,130 meters, offering panoramic views across the Southern Carpathians.

L

Peleaga

Peleaga is a mountain in Romania. It is the highest point in the Retezat Mountains with a summit elevation of 2,509 metres above sea level.

M

Woman's Cave (entrance)

Peștera Muierilor, or Peștera Muierii, is an elaborate cave system located in the Baia de Fier commune, Gorj County, Romania.

Dezidor / CC BY 3.0

N

Vârful Retezat

A pyramid-shaped peak reaching 2,482 meters in the Retezat National Park, known for its rugged rocky terrain and views over the park's glacial lakes.

O

Zănoaga Mare Lake

The deepest glacial lake in Romania, reaching a depth of 29 meters, situated at an altitude of 2,010 meters in the Retezat Mountains.

P

Peleaga

Peleaga is a mountain in Romania. It is the highest point in the Retezat Mountains with a summit elevation of 2,509 metres above sea level.

Q

Polovragi Cave

A cave extending over 10 kilometers in the Căpățânii Mountains, featuring rare mineral formations and historical associations with Dacian legends.

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