The Parâng Massif towers over the former mining heart of Romania, an intricate maze of small villages and communities where nature has been slowly taking back its territory for the last 30 years. A mighty mountain surrounded by mighty mountains, with a local legend saying that this is where Prometheus was exiled by Zeus for over 3000 years (Mount Parangos).
Legend aside, it is an incredible area that is still somewhat of a local secret and much less crowded than the already famous Bucegi Massif.
Hiking in Parâng
Hiking trails are like a 5 star buffet menu – incredible variety and something for everyone, from short walks to 12 hour more challenging trails. The same goes for accommodation – you can pick a 5 star hotel or camp out under a million stars. Like we’ve said before, Romania is one of the few countries still left where camping is free and permitted in the majority of places.
Glacial Lakes of Parâng
If you’ve come all the way here you must see at least a few of the over 40 glacial lakes in the massif. The incredibly beautiful Green Lake or the vast Cinciș Lake both offer spectacular views from above and great camping options once you come down to their shores.
Active vacations in Parâng
Such variety of nature makes for an equal variety in active sports.
If winter is reserved for skying and snowboarding once the snow is gone the mountain opens up to bikers, ATVs, mountain boards, horse riding and paragliding. Fun fact: this range is home to one of Red Bull X-Alps legends, Toma Coconea, who still lives and flies in the area.
June/ July Blossom
Every year, right on the cusp of spring, the mountain goes from white to green to pink in a matter of weeks. It covers in fields of rhododendron as far as the eye can see. It blooms strong and goes away in 12-15 days. While it lasts it looks amazing. There are few such spectacles in nature so easily accessible.
Closest airports are Sibiu and Timișoara but there is no public transport that connects them to the area. So come prepared for a couple of hours of driving on secondary roads, with final stretches mostly on gravel. But we do guarantee it will be worth it 😉
