National Park Retezat , Transilvania

National Park Retezat - details and images

National Park Retezat is also known as "land with blue eyes, is the largest nature reserve in our country, a natural monument, recognized internationally as a Biosphere Reserve with an area of 20,000 ha, located in the south- west of the county of Hunedoara.

In Retezat glaciatiei traces of old lies, with dozens of glaciers, some of whom were over 10 km, numerous moraine debris and often dressed dwarf juniper forests.

The park was founded in 1935 on the initial area of 100 square miles of former hunting area owned by the Royal House. Chamois were protected even then, to then be hunted, which is why the beginning of last century had been established in areas where grazing was banned.

Park has the status of protected natural area of national and international interest in 1979 and known as Biosphere Reserve. With the establishment of the National Park Retezat to the protection and preservation of natural elements particular physical aspect of geography, flora, fauna, hydrological, geological, paleotologic, spelunking, pedological and landscape.

Starting in 1999, the park has its own administration since 2004 became a member of Pan Parks Foundation and since 2007 is protected as a site proposed for Natura 2000 European ecological network, in order to preserve natural habitats and species of plants and wildlife interest Community.

In 1974 we began building a dam at mouth water (located at the western edge of the park). Grand River did not flow but accumulate enough to fill what he wanted to be done by raising a dam whose construction arocamente to a volume of stone was used three times higher than in the Cheops Pyramid. So it was decided to dig a tunnel from the culvert Rausor 23 kilometers long. For both ends of the tunnel there are now paved roads, roads which have encouraged the emergence of a cottage since the '80s.

Retezat National Park Administration wants to keep it natural environment and to combat any attempt to mechanization Retezat tourism. So there is no cable and no elevator, park a place for trips made ramand step.

Retezat National Park includes two areas, first area has a scientific nature are forbidden any operation, grazing, hunting, fishing, picking fruit, tourism camping. Access is allowed only with authorization from the Commission of Natural Monuments. The second area is less rigurosa because grazing is allowed two months per year.

Flora and fauna are diverse. A third of all plant species existing in Romania are found in Retezat. The nearly 1,200 species of plants make the area to be famous and among botanists. Retezat manifested their interest since the second half of the century XVlll century.

From then until now, Retezat were discovered 90 species of plants unique to the Carpathians, and many of them can be found only here. Also, Retezat is the highest concentration of Pinus cembra, popularly called zambru, a conifer species of pines.

Retezat National Park houses 55 species of mammals (of which 22 are protected by law) and offers good conditions for survival of the most important of Europe's large carnivores (wolves and lynxes). Chamois, deer and rafters are also well protected by mountains. Part of the massive limestone is now used by bears as a winter shelter.

Wild cats are also part of the richness of fauna of the area which recently were added and marmots (20 copies of the alpine marmot in the Austrian Alps in the Park were introduced after an action of the Romanian Academy, in Lake Twins. Now, marmots can meet all of the major glacial valleys and massive boilers). The total number of species of animals that live in National Park is Retezat thousands.

With about 80 lakes, of which 58 were permanent, massive Retezat owns almost 40% of the glacial lakes in Romania. Lakes, fed by melted snow ridge, overlooking the dream.

One of the most spectacular is the path of joy and Zanoaga. Gate Taul, Taul Agata, Florica, Viorica, Ana Lia is COUNTY strings on the southern slope, and "bucket" is formed between Judge and dominated Peleaga Enjoy, spread the glacial lake in Romania (about 9 hectares). The deepest lake is glacial but Zanoaga, 29 meters, there are also records the highest volume of water, nearly 700,000 cubic meters.

The layout of the 58 glacial lakes in buckets standing on the steps of the slopes, in complex or isolated and their concentration in a single massif each year attracts tourists not only admiration but also the attention of scientists.

Lakes and rivers are inhabited by trout and in limestone areas viper makes its presence felt.

30% of tourists who come annually Retezat are foreign. Foreigners say Retezat come for two things: the beauty of landscapes and "wilderness" area. Retezatul attracts like a magnet because it is imposing, spectacular and welcoming.

Retezat National Park came into the race started the New 7 Wonders Foundation to be elected seven natural wonders of the world. The work belongs to the New 7 Wonders Foundation, which managed the same body, two years ago, after a similar campaign, to determine the seven wonders of the modern world (objects created by man).

Access Retezat National Park is accessible from two directions: Depression Hategului Jiu Valley. In Hategului Depression can be reached from Deva, on or from Caransebes DN66, DN68 on. The Jiu Valley is reached from Deva, on DN66, or from Tg.Jiu, all the DN66.

From Petrosani Hateg and there are several access roads in the mountain. Transportation is provided by local private companies in the Petrosani - Lupeni - Uricani - Campu lui Neag.

Information source