For long isolated, Romania's Carpathians offer some of the finest walking in Europe. There are well waymarked paths, adequate maps and a good network of mountain huts. More than just beautiful landscapes, Europe's wildest mountains offer a chance to discover a European scene that has now disappeared further west. There is a remarkable wealth of wildlife, the region being one of the last European strongholds of the wolf and bear. The Mountains of Romania is a complete guide to exploring the Carpathian mountains. It includes: both remote and more popular areas, such as Poiana Brasov; detailed descriptions of main bases and ranges; over 40 colour maps and colour photographs; information on language, local sights and attractions, travel issues, skiing, mountain biking and walking. The author, James Roberts, was an enthusiastic walker and explorer from an early age. As a leading authority on walking in Romania, he guided walking groups there for several years. Sadly, although quite young, he died while The Mountains of Romania was in the final stages of preparation.
Chapter One: The Mountains of Romania
- How to use this book
- Accommodation
- Backpacking in Romania
- Organised walking holidays in Romania
- Getting to Romania
- Entry into Romania
- Getting to the mountains
- Money in Romania
- When to go
- Where to go
- Outdoor equipment in Romania
- Photography
- Walking maps
- Waymarking of mountain paths
- International long-distance footpaths
- What to take with you
- Climbing
- Cycling
- Mountain Biking
- Skiing
- Narrow-gauge forest railways
- Food and drink
- Flora and fauna
- A word of warning
Chapter Two: The Bucegi Massif
- Itinerary through the Bucegi massif
Chapter Three: East of the Prahova
- The Piatra Mare massif
- The Gârbova and Baiului
- The Ciucas massif
Chapter Four: The Mountains around Braşov
- Across the Postavaru massif
Chapter Five: The Piatra Craiului and Iezer-Pǎpuşa Massifs
- The Piatra Craiului
- The Iezer-Pǎpuşa massif
Chapter Six: The Fǎgǎraş Chain
- Itinerary along the Fǎgǎraş ridge
- The Cozia massif
Chapter Seven: From the Olt to the Jiu
- The Cindrel massif
- The Latoriţei ridge
- The Parâng massif
- The Şureanu massif
- The Cǎpǎţân massif
- The Lotru massif
Chapter Eight: The Retezat Mountains
- The Vâlcan massif
- The Retezat
- The Ţarcu massif
Chapter Nine: The Mountains of Banat
- Itinerary
Chapter Ten: The Mountains of Maramureş
- The Gutâi mountains
- The Rodna mountains
Chapter Eleven: The Apuseni Mountains
- The Gilǎu massif
- The Trascǎu
- The Bihor-Vlǎdeasa region
Chapter Twelve: The Eastern Carpathians
- The Suhard massif
- The Bârgǎu massif
- The Rarǎu-Giumalǎu massif
- The Cǎliman massif
- The Ceahlǎu massif
- The Hǎşmǎş massif and Lacu Roşu
- The Harghita massif
- The Munţii Ciucului
- The Bodoc massif
- The Vrancea massif and Penteleu
Chapter Thirteen: The Monasteries of Bucovina
- Itinerary
Appendices
Appendix A: Accommodation
Appendix B: Useful words/phrases in the Romanian language
Appendix C: Select Bibliography
Appendix D: Ski resorts – technical information
Appendix E: Mountain rescue
Appendix F: Useful names and addresses
Appendix G: Romania’s 8000 ft (2438 m) summits
Appendix H: Flowers and wildlife of the Romanian mountains
List of Maps
Map key
Romania: areas covered in this guide
Map 1: The Bucegi
Map 2: Postǎvaru and Piatra Mare
Map 3: The Fitifoi, Diham and Gârbova
Map 4: The Ciucaş
Map 5: The Piatra Craiului
Map 6: Iezer-Pǎpuşa
Map 7: The Fǎgǎrǎş
Map 8: The Fǎgǎrǎş – Bâlea Lac area in detail
Map 9: The Fǎgǎrǎş – the Negoiu area in detail
Map 10: The Cozia
Map 11: The Cindrel
Map 12: The Parâng
Map 13: The Vâlcan
Map 14: The Retezat
Map 15: The Central Retezat in detail
Map 16: The Semenic Massif
Map 17: The Rodna Massif
Map 18: The Trascǎu
Map 19: The Bihor and Vlǎdeasa Mountains
Map 20: The Rarǎu-Giumalǎu Mountains
Map 21: The Cǎliman Mountains
Map 22: The Ceahlǎu Mountains
Map 23: The Hǎşmaş Massif
Map 24: Lacu Roşu area in detail
Map 25: The Harghita Mountains
Map 26: The Bodoc Massif
Map 27: The Vrancea Mountains and Penteleu
James Roberts finished work on his guide to Romania just before his untimely death in 2002. Since the revolution he had spent more than half of every year in Romania and had travelled throughout the country. An experienced solo backpacker here, as well as in the Himalaya, the Atlas and other areas, he worked as a leader of mountain-walking and wildlife groups. Married to Elena, a Romanian, James spoke the language and had an unrivalled knowledge of the country, having explored every massif solo on foot. With his detailed knowledge of the human and natural history of the country, he was an expert interpreter of the Romanian scene.