Parang Mountains
& Transalpina Road
Seemingly floating above the clouds and gently sloping into the wooded hills beneath!
According to old legends, the mythical hero Prometheus himself was chained in Parâng Mountains, and after the giants that are believed to have inhabited its peaks, the Dacian god Zalmoxis was supposed to have ruled from this mountain! With infinite twisting bends and a rollercoaster of abrupt ups and downs, the stunning Transalpina road over the mountains unravels scenic landscapes and epic emotions. It evokes the raw thrill of exploration and discovery, by crossing ridges and valleys, while sometimes touching the clouds!
The Parâng Mountains are revealed in all their majesty and wilderness without any secrets. The barren ridges that are visible from afar actually guard a natural heaven with crystal clear glacial lakes, deep evergreen forests and enchanting river valleys that are teeming with wildlife. The main ridge of Parâng connects its highest peaks from east to west, along the border of Vâlcea, Gorj and Hunedoara counties, in southwestern Romania.
One of the unique wild destinations of Romania, the stone giant of Parâng holds many old stories and legends. Although impressive through its massive size and wilderness, it has been conquered long ago, with pathways and roads that reach into its heart. Along with a wealth of diverse plant species, there are also habitats for wild bears, wolves, mountain goats among others. With the arrival of spring, herds of sheep start their ascension towards the mountain sheepfolds, descending again before winter sets in.
Representing an ancient shepherding trail, Transalpina mountain road was not paved until the First World War, considered strategically important. There is always something special about driving through the high roads in the mountains, and the Carpathians of Romania have plenty of fascinating journeys to offer. Reaching the highest altitude for a road in the country, the Transalpina, also known as the “King’s Road”, truly is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences in the country. The road crosses the Carpathian Mountains, connecting the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. More precisely, it links the towns of Novaci in Gorj County with Sebeș in Alba County, for a total length of about 130 km, filled with countless emotions.
Sights of Parang Mountains
What to See in Parang Mountains
Parang Hiking Trails
The most popular and interesting hiking path is the Parang Ridge Trail, connecting the highest peaks of these mountains, with a total length of about 40 kilometers. It is a multi-day hike that takes at least 18-20 hours to complete from any direction, between the higher ski chairlift of Parang ski resort close to Petrosani and the eastern mountain pass known as Curmatura Oltetului. Along the way, travelers pass through some breathtaking landscapes and are rewarded with unforgettable panoramas. About midway through, the trail reaches the highest peak of Parangul Mare (2519 meters), after having conquered several other peaks above 2000 meters. It also crosses the Transalpina Road and hikers can start shorter adventures.
Transalpina MOuntain Road
Transalpina is among the most beautiful and memorable high mountain roads in Europe. Starting from the south, the road begins in the town of Novaci, famous for its sheepherding tradition. It begins to ascend quickly in a series of tight turns and bends that require some driving skills. After about 18 km, it reaches the mountain resort of Rânca. The road starts ascending abruptly towards the conical Păpușa Peak, reaching its highest altitude in Urdele Pass, at 2132 meters. Panoramas are opening up everywhere, with deep glacial valleys and distant wooded ridges, with sheep herds and donkeys that welcome us along the way. This section of the road is truly challenging, with a series of tight upwards and downwards hairpin bends that are deemed to make any driver anxious. Crossing several high alpine ridges, it begins to descend again towards the Lotru River Valley, where it intersects another road that crosses the mountains from east to west. First, the Transalpina follows the lush valley of Lotru River, surrounded by tall ridges from all sides and offering a few options for accommodation. It then starts to ascend again, first peacefully between the dense pine forests, but quickly begins to twist as it reaches new heights. The lake of Oașa is an essential stop along the way, an artificial lake surrounded by marvelous landscapes and the starting point for several hiking routes. Oașa Monastery can also be found on the other side of the lake, a spiritual oasis in the middle of nature. Located on a valley between the mountains of Șureanu and Cindrel, it was founded around the wooden church that was moved here after the construction of the Oașa dam and lake. Today, it also features a beautiful new church and is renowned for its intellectual monk community. Further along towards the end of the journey, the smaller artificial lake of Tăul Bistra offers a new exceptional opportunity for admiring spectacular scenery. Descending from the mountains in a few kilometers, the views begin to widen and the first villages start to appear along the valley. Transalpina Mountain Road truly is an existential experience, more than just a feast for the eyes. We can certainly get to feel the grand design of nature and the spirit of the wilderness during a trip along this special route.
Glacial Lakes of Parang
Ajungem la majoritatea căldărilor glaciare urmând trasee de drumeție destul de accesibile. În funcție de momentul zilei și de anotimp, aceste lacuri încântătoare își schimbă nuanțele de la albastru turcoaz la verde smarald, în timp ce primele zile ale verii aduc o explozie de culoare, odată cu înflorirea rododendronului. Cele mai importante lacuri spre care ne putem aventura includ Gâlcescu, Zănoaga Mare, Roșiile, Mândra, Slivei sau Mija, existând și multe altele mai mici. Acestea și alte minuni ale naturii pot fi descoperite de-a lungul unor trasee ce explorează sălbăticia și dezvăluie numeroase peisaje ce adesea ne copleșesc.
Parang Ski Resorts
Having discovered these superb works of art, we can continue exploring the town of Târgu Jiu and its surrounding area, which also features several other interesting attractions, like the Museum of History, the Museum of Art, the St. Voivode Church, the St. Apostles Church, the Traditional Architecture Museum of Curtișoara or the Constantin Brâncuși Memorial House in the village of Hobița.
Oltet Valley and Muierii Cave
The incredibly wild Olteț Gorges can be found north of the Polovragi village and while quite short at just over 1 kilometer, it is actually one of the narrowest canyons in Europe. The walls of the two mountains are just a few meters apart, while the river can only be heard beneath the road. The idyllic valley continues all the way up into the mountains, revealing splendid scenery along the way and finally reaching the small Petrimanu Lake hidden between the ridges. A short way into the gorges, the fascinating Polovragi Cave opens up on the right and invites us to discover its treasures. The cave is a spectacular 10 km long labyrinth of tunnels and galleries created by the river over millions of years, only a short part of them included in the tourist experience. Inside, we can discover its marvelous geological formations, including domes, stalactites, stalagmites, columns and basins, but also traces of its previous inhabitants. Both the gorges and the cave are natural reservations, protecting the unique landscapes, as well as the great diversity of vegetal and animal species. The nearby valley of Galbenu also features a small gorge area, where the impressive Muierii Cave can be explored. It was the first cave in Romania with artificial lighting and is also famous for the prehistoric human skull that was discovered within. It was dated to about 35.000 years ago and proved to have nord-African origins, completely changing entire migration theories. It was also inhabited by cave bears and their skeletons can still be seen today, while medieval people used it as a shelter and refuge during perilous times. The 1 km long tourist itinerary also reveals its geological marvels, including unbelievable formations that were given suggestive surnames.
Jiet and Lotru Valleys
The wild Jieț Gorges can be reached from the town of Petroșani and all along its 5 kilometers, we can discover narrow canyons, small waterfalls and sometimes even wildlife. During some cold winter days, the valley becomes an almost ethereal destination, with the rock walls being covered in glistening waterfalls of ice. Further along, this road intersects Transalpina at Obârșia Lotrului and continues along the lush valley of the Lotru River. After a few kilometers, it reaches the large Vidra Lake, created through a dam in the middle of the mountains. Surrounded by the evergreen woods, the lake has a length of about 9 km and the road follows its bends for most of it. There is also a new ski domain on the right ridge, offering an exciting ski slope and amazing panoramas of the lake.
Best Experiences of Targu Jiu
What to do in Targu Jiu
Places to stay in Targu Jiu
Best Accommodation in Targu Jiu
9.3 Rating from 606 Reviews!
Located in the center of the Rânca Mountain Resort, along the Transalpina Road, this amazing lodge offers excellent rooms with private bathrooms, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge and great views of the mountains!
8.7 Rating from 202 Reviews!
Located in the middle of Parâng Mountains in a charming valley, this superb inn is the perfect stop along the Transalpina Road. Surrounded by mountains from all sides, it features perfect rooms with all facilities and a delicious restaurant!
9.5 Rating from 334 Reviews!
Located along the amazing alpine road, this lodge features unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains. It offers great rooms with perfect amenities, including private bathrooms, a shared kitchen and barbeque facilities!
Places to Eat in Targu Jiu
Best Restaurants in Targu Jiu
- Trattoria da Vittoria – Located right in central square of Targu Jiu, this stylish restaurant offers international cuisine at high standards and a cozy atmosphere.
- Casa Vera Restaurant – A 2 minutes walk from the city center, this highly reviewed restaurant offers an extensive menu with exceptional recipes.
- Hanul Domnesc – One of the old restaurants of Targu Jiu, it is famous for its delicious traditional Romanian food and welcoming ambiance.