The cabin at the Taia Gorges is a great base for exploring: gorges and caves, the Parâng, Șureanu and Retezat mountains, ski resorts, Petrila’s mining heritage and spectacular roads. Here is what we recommend, from the closest spots to full day trips.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening hours and access conditions before you go.
A protected nature reserve where the Taia stream cuts through white and grey limestone walls. The path follows the water over metal footbridges, past springs flowing straight out of the rock, small grottos and climbing routes of several grades.
A hillside in the Taia valley where half the forest was replanted with spruce about 50 years ago while the other half kept its beech and oak. In autumn the hill splits into a sharp line of green and rust – locals also call it the “Mountain of the Heart”.
The former coal mine, closed in 2015, is now a listed historic monument and cultural venue. Expect guided routes through the industrial buildings, the Mine Rescue Museum, concerts and festivals – the story told in the documentary “Planeta Petrila”.
The only museum in Romania dedicated to the technical history of coal mining, recently restored. A great introduction to the mining history of the area.
A reserve almost 11 km long between the Parâng and Șureanu mountains, with sheer cliffs, cascades and caves. The road continues towards Obârșia Lotrului and the Transalpina; stunning in autumn and in winter, when the cascades freeze.
A cave of about 460 m crossed end to end by an underground river, with a dramatic 20 m entrance arch, wooden walkways and concerts held inside. Easy to combine with the nearby Bănița Gorges.
Above Petroșani, with around 10 ski slopes and one of the longest chairlifts in Romania, rising to about 1,700 m. In summer it is the starting point for hikes along the alpine Parâng ridge.
A 1,621 m mountain pass above the town of Vulcan, with a small ski area, a WWI Heroes’ Cross and a wooden hermitage. Tradition says Trajan’s legions passed this way on their march to Sarmizegetusa.
A resort at 1,440 m above Lupeni, with a gondola, 12 slopes (the longest about 8 km) and night skiing. In summer: zipline, hiking and horse riding.
A national park along the 30+ km gorge between the Vâlcan and Parâng mountains. Lainici Monastery, built in 1817, is the park’s most visited site, with the “Lainici Sphinx” rock formation nearby.
Romania’s best-known alpine park, with dozens of glacial lakes. From Petrila you get there via Uricani and Câmpu lui Neag, passing the Valea de Pești reservoir at the foot of the Retezat.
A Gothic-Renaissance castle begun in 1446 by John Hunyadi and one of the largest castles in Europe. A day trip well worth making.
Romania’s highest road, climbing to 2,145 m at the Urdele Pass. Usually open from June to October; the Rânca resort at 1,600 m is a good base for skiing and hiking.
The Dacian capital at about 1,200 m in the Orăștie Mountains, part of the UNESCO-listed Dacian Fortresses. The last stretch is a mountain road.