Rodna Mountains National Park

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.