Retezat Mountains

The Retezat Mountains (Template:Lang-ro, Template:Lang-hu) are one of the highest massifs in Romania, being part of the Southern Carpathians. The highest peak is Peleaga (Vârful Peleaga), at an altitude of 2509 metres. Other important peaks are Păpuşa (Varful Păpuşa) and Retezat Peak (Vârful Retezat).

Geography

The Retezat Mountains have many glacial lakes, including the largest glacial lake in Romania, Bucura Lake (Lacul Bucura), which covers 8.9 ha and is situated at an altitude of 2030 metres. The area also contains the Retezat National Park, Romania's first national park.

Access

South Retezat Region

The southern approaches to the Retezat extend from the Jiu Valley city of Vulcan on the east end of the valley to Câmpuşel on the west end of the valley. Although there are several points of entry into the Retezat Mountains from the towns of Vulcan, Lupeni, Uricani, Câmpul lui Neag, and points in between, direct access to the National Park begins in the Cheile Buţii area (approximately 35 km west of Petroşani) and extends west to Câmpuşel.

North Retezat Region

The Retezat Mountains and Retezat National Park are accessible from the North by way of Romania's Route 66 (DN-66) and/or by way of train, which runs alongside Route 66, from Petroşani to the southeast or Simeria to the North. From Route 66, there are several gateways into the Retezat Mountains. Almost all the villages along the highway, from Ohaba de sub Piatra, just outside of Haţeg, to Merisor, just outside of Petroşani, have access roads that run south into the Retezat Mountains.