Rodna Mountains National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Rodna National Park is located in the Rodna Mountains of northern Romania. The range is part of the larger Eastern Carpathian mountains. The national park encompasses an area of 179.92 square miles (465.99 sq km) making it the largest protected area in the Carpathians mountains.

The range accounts for the longest continuous mountain ridge within the country. It stretches over 31 miles (50 km) from east to west. Pietrosul Rodnei is the highest summit at 7,555.77 feet (2,303 m). Ineu is the second-highest summit with an elevation of 7,477 feet(2,279 m).

The area is also a UNESCO biosphere under the “Man and Biosphere” designation. There is a variety of ecosystems or habitats throughout the park. Habitats include alpine, subalpine, grasslands, mountain hayfields, beech forest, and mountain plateaus.

Rodna displays an abundance and array of natural features that include caves, cirques, crevasses, forests, moraines, mountains, springs, and valleys. Additionally, there is a diverse population of vegetation and wildlife protected within the park boundaries. Some of the popular wildlife predators include brown bears, gray wolves, lynx, and eagles. Other popular wildlife sightings include badger, chamois, deer, and wild pigs.

Some of the species are on the IUCN Red List as well as protected by Romanian law. Rare species include mammalian, reptilian, and amphibian. This is a special place for wildlife as well as providing remarkable landscapes.

Bird-watchers marvel at golden eagle sightings while also keeping eyes open for buzzards, pigeon hawk, sparrow hawk, and the peregrine falcon.

Horseback riding, cycling, and hiking are all common activities used to explore the splendor of the region.

Photos

Things to See

Featured

The variety and abundance of wilderness encounter on display throughout the national park is the highlight. The Rodna Mountain range is the longest in Romania and serves as a backdrop for the majestic landscape throughout the park.

Rodna Massif

Rodna Massif or Mount Rodna is the highest summit in the eastern Carpathians of Romania. The summit reaches a height of 7,556 feet (2,303 m). The glaciers that were previously prevalent across the mountain have melted away creating fretted peaks and several small alpine lakes. Lake Lala is the largest and one of the most picturesque.

Rodna Mountains National Park Trails

There are numerous hiking trails through the national park. Rodna provides trekkers with an abundance of hikes that deliver great escapes into the wilderness.

Big Lala and Little Lala

These glacial lakes may be accessed from various trails ranging from 3-hour to 7-hour hikes. There are different trails that each lead to the same destination of Lake Lala.

Horses Waterfall Trail

locally known as Cascada Cailor, this trek from the Borsa resort takes about 2 hours. It can be accessed with a chairlift and then hike back down which only takes about 20 minutes.

Glacial Cirques Buhaescu

This 6-hour trek gives hikes access to the summit of Buhaescu Mare at a height of 7,404 feet (2,257 m).

Ineu Peak

This hike up to the summit is about a 7-hour journey. This trek up the mountain is usually only attempted during the summer months.

Pietrosul Rodnei Peak Trail

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

Description: This challenging trail leads to the highest peak in the Rodna Mountains, offering panoramic views of the entire range.

The hike is strenuous but rewards with breathtaking scenery, alpine meadows, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife.

Horse's Waterfall (Cascada Cailor)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 400 feet (122 meters)

Description: This scenic trail leads to the highest waterfall in Romania. The path is well-marked and relatively easy, suitable for most hikers.

The waterfall is a stunning sight, especially in spring when the snow melts, making it a must-visit destination in the park.

Iezer Lake Trail

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 10 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: The trail to Iezer Lake, one of the many glacial lakes in the Rodna Mountains, is both challenging and rewarding.

Hikers will pass through diverse landscapes, including dense forests and alpine meadows, before reaching the tranquil lake, a perfect spot for relaxation and nature observation.

Ineu Peak

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 12 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 4,265 feet (1,300 meters)

Description: Ineu Peak offers one of the most challenging hikes in the Rodna Mountains, leading through rugged terrains and steep ascents.

The effort is well worth it, as hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

12 Apostoli Path

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: This unique trail takes hikers through a geological wonder – the 12 Apostoli, a group of weathered rock formations.

The path offers stunning landscapes, dense forests, and the opportunity to explore one of the park’s most intriguing natural attractions.

Pietrosul Rodnei Peak Trail

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

Description: This challenging trail leads to the highest peak in the Rodna Mountains, offering panoramic views of the entire range.

The hike is strenuous but rewards with breathtaking scenery, alpine meadows, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife.

Horse's Waterfall (Cascada Cailor)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 400 feet (122 meters)

Description: This scenic trail leads to the highest waterfall in Romania. The path is well-marked and relatively easy, suitable for most hikers.

The waterfall is a stunning sight, especially in spring when the snow melts, making it a must-visit destination in the park.

Iezer Lake Trail

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 10 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: The trail to Iezer Lake, one of the many glacial lakes in the Rodna Mountains, is both challenging and rewarding.

Hikers will pass through diverse landscapes, including dense forests and alpine meadows, before reaching the tranquil lake, a perfect spot for relaxation and nature observation.

Ineu Peak

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 12 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 4,265 feet (1,300 meters)

Description: Ineu Peak offers one of the most challenging hikes in the Rodna Mountains, leading through rugged terrains and steep ascents.

The effort is well worth it, as hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

12 Apostoli Path

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: This unique trail takes hikers through a geological wonder – the 12 Apostoli, a group of weathered rock formations.

The path offers stunning landscapes, dense forests, and the opportunity to explore one of the park’s most intriguing natural attractions.

Sources

Britannica, Rodna Massif, https://www.britannica.com/place/Rodna-Massif, retrieved June 2020.
Regio, Rodna Mountain National Park, http://www.bistritaturistica.ro/en/tourist-resources/rodna-mountain-national-park, retrieved October 2019.
Radio Romania International, The Rodna Mountains National Park, https://www.rri.ro/en_gb/the_rodna_mountains_national_park-2606369, retrieved June 2020.
Summit Posts, Rodna (Rodnei) Mountains, https://www.summitpost.org/rodna-rodnei-mountains/153956, retrieved October 2019.
Uncover Romania, Rodnei Mountains National Park: Travel into the Carpathian Wilderness, https://www.uncover-romania.com/attractions/nature/rodnei-mountains-national-park/, retrieved October 2019.
UVisit Romania, Rodna National Park, http://www.uvisitromania.com/tourist-attractions/bistrita-nasaud/rodna-national-park-id43, retrieved October 2019.