Romania's Carpathian Mountains

The Romanian Carpathians contain Europe's largest unfragmented forests outside Russia, harboring the continent's most significant populations of brown bears, wolves, and lynx. These mountains preserve primeval beech and spruce forests that once covered much of Europe. The wilderness provides a glimpse of Europe's past while demonstrating coexistence between humans and large carnivores. The mountains support approximately 6,000 brown bears (60% of Europe's population), 3,000 wolves, and 2,000 lynx. Virgin forests contain trees over 400 years old. Endemic plants thrive in alpine meadows. Traditional shepherding maintains biodiversity-rich grasslands. The forests act as crucial carbon sinks and watershed protection. Conservation faces challenges from illegal logging and development pressure. EU membership brought stronger environmental protections. Ecotourism provides alternatives to resource extraction. Bear watching hides generate income for communities. Traditional practices like transhumance receive support. The Carpathians show that wilderness can survive in modern Europe.

Water Features

Mountain streams, glacial lakes

Ecosystem

This destination features a temperate forest ecosystem.