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Access to Romania's mountains is guaranteed both by custom
and by law. So you can walk or climb just about anywhere you like, both
in winter and summer. The Carpathians provide a relaxing experience you
will never forget.
Top Value for Skiing
In winter skiing is the obvious attraction. The best-known
of a group of resorts is Poiana Brasov, 13 km (8 miles) from the city
of Brasov, with chalet-like hotels and self-catering villas.
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A winter wonderland
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Well-preserved tracks of up to 4,500 m length range from
difficult to easy. Most of the instructors are English, German or
French speakers. Nightlife is intense, with bars, discos, folklore
shows and cabarets.
In the same area of the southern Carpathians there are
Sinaia, established as a winter resort in the 1870s, with ski slopes
and a bobsleigh run; Predeal with 15 pistes and Busteni, also a centre
of alpinism in summer.
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Smaller resorts include Paltinis near Sibiu, Secu, Valiug,
Trei Ape and Crivaia around the Semenic Mountains in the Banat, Durau
near the legendary Mt Ceahlau in the Eastern Carpathians, and Borsa in
Maramures.
The snow season normally lasts from December to March.
Summer Pleasures
During the warm summer the cable-railways in the winter
resorts are put to work for hikers, while other activities, like
riding, tennis, fishing and canoeing, are at home.
In summer, the mountains are yours to explore, campsites
are open, and hiking routes are well-marked.
Wood and Wildflowers
There are oak and beech woods of great beauty on the lower
slopes, with pastures above them, and above the latter the alpine zone
at over 1,700 m (5,576 ft).
The lack of pesticide means that the high meadows produce a
multitude of wildflowers in early summer.
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Up here you are certain to come across shepherds, whose
sheep are kept in pens called "stane", and who produce cheese from the
milk.
Nature reserves and wildlife
Natural Reservations are numerous, protecting 75,000
hectares.
Some, like the Retezat Mountains, have been designated as
national Parks where wildlife includes the rare bearded vulture, red
deer, chamois, marmot, wild boar, lynx and bears.
Wherever you go in the mountains you will find memorable
scenery and a cheerful welcome.
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Wildflowers in profusion clothe the high meadows in
spring and early summer
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For people accustomed to "no entry" signs, Romania's
mountains are a refreshingly new experience that you will want to
return to.
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