The mountainous region of Banat is a land which impresses with its diversity and the picturesque of the sceneries, with its numerous gorges and caves majestically dug in stone, its rich forests with their clearings and crystalline brooks. Along the trails you will discover tempestuous cascades, lakes mirroring the blue of the sky, rare flower species and the Banat black pine (Banatica Pinus nigra), the 'alpinist of these mountains'. At the foot of the massifs, on the delightful Cerna Valley, there lies a wonderland - that of the hamlets cut off from the world, where life follows its course, away from the bustle of the cities.

In Cerna and MehedinÅ£i Mountains nature’s spectacle reveals itself generously. From the belvedere points you will be able to admire the greatness of the surrounding crests, while on the alpine meadows you will fully enjoy the fresh air and the calmness of the heights. As you travel the paths of the massifs you will learn the legend of Iovan Iorgovan along with other stories told by shepherds, you will find the best rocks for climbing and fascinating places to set camp. The sensation of freedom given by the mountain and the magical colors of the sunset will help you detach from everyday life and enjoy a relaxing vacation.

 

 

The Domogled - Valea Cernei National Park

Surrounded by the crests of Godeanu, Vâlcan and MehedinÅ£i Mountains, the Domogled Park is an impressive natural environment protected by law, one of the first reservations in Romania. The fauna and flora are extremely varied and rich in rare species. Among them we can name the Turkish hazel, the Cerastium banaticum, the snake's head fritillary, the Nigritella rubra and the Banatica Pinus nigra, an endemic species which develops on abrupt rocks. In what concerns the fauna, it is represented especially by mammals: the brown bear, the lynx, the chamois or the martens – that live seclusively in the heart of the mountain. Domogled excels in its butterfly fauna, one of the most numerous in Europe.

The indisputable value of this area is due to the karst relief, which is scientifically important nationally and internationally. The harmonious mix of hard rock with the crude green of the vegetation is a rare phenomenon and a superb natural painting. Mountain lovers can enjoy the attractions of the natural park by following the marked trails. The first point where you have to stop in order to admire the panorama of the entire Cerna Valley is Crucea Alba (The White Cross). The legends say that two young men who had both fallen in love with the same girl raced on their horses on the trails of the mountain, as the winner was to receive the woman’s hand in marriage. The first one who got up marked his victory with a few gunshots, which happened to bring about his death, as his horse, scared of the gunshots, threw him in a pit. In the honor of the young man, the girl raised this cross, now seen as a symbol of love. 

 

Nearby there is The Outlaws’ Grotto (or The Thieves’ Cave), a place where the vestiges of the primitive civilizations who took refuge here were found - ceramic fragments, tools and stone weapons. The cave has a generous ground surface and consists of several rooms whose ceilings are decorated with stalagmite formations. The grotto is of scientific interest thanks to its fauna, which is unique in Europe. Knowing its location, the Romans built the famous 'Thermae Herculi ad Mediam', one of the few Roman thermae preserved until today.

The curiosities of the Domogled National Park are represented by the thermal caves, unique in Romania and extremely rare in the world. The environment conditions are similar to tropical ones (35-45°C in the air), which favored the development of a special fauna. One of the caves is the Steam Grotto, a natural sauna with greenish walls which exhale hot vapors smelling like sulphur. If you get close, you can hear the interior boiling of the rocks and the sound of steam under pressure. This phenomenon is also present in Adam’s Cave (PeÅŸtera lui Adam), which has gelatinous stalactites and where one of the permanent bat colonies in Europe lives. The grotto is not set up for tourists, so one can’t have access inside. death, as his horse, scared of the gunshots, threw him in a pit. In the honor of the young man, the girl raised this cross, now seen as a symbol of love. 

 

 

In the north of the park, in Cerna village, the view opens over the spectacular Corcoaiei Gorges, a grandiose natural monument. On the rocky walls you will see numerous forms created by the unsuspected force of the water. For the villagers here, the origin of the gorges is entirely different; it is said that the brave Iovan Iorgovan fought with a seven-headed dragon to get his lover back and save the villagers. The last battle between the two took place at the current location of the reservation. According to legends, Corcoaiei Gorges were split open by Iovan’s sword in the attempt to kill the dragon hidden between the rocks.

Thrill-seekers will find rock climbing tracks in the Corcoaiei Gorges or in the Veregari Valley; furthermore, on the rivers in Cerna Valley you can practice kayaking and the slopes are favorable for paragliding. If you like hikes and unexpected experiences, we recommend you discover the villages and the people on Cerna Valley. In IneleÅ£, ScÓ‘riÅŸoara and PrisÓ‘cina you will come to know the customs of these places, you will see traditional households and meet peasants ready to share their rural stories. From the height of the hills the panorama is downright impressive and deserves to be fully admired.  

 

The Beauties of the Mehedinţi Mountains

Situated along the Cerna River, MehedinÅ£i Mountains harmoniously combine wild valleys, limestone cliffs, beech forests and canyons bathed in cascades. The first attraction revealed to the tourists is VânturÓ‘toarea Waterfall, with an immense discharge and a majestic vertical fall.  A narrow footpath leads right behind the water spring, from where you can see water falling in a soft rain from the rock. Nearby, on the right shore of the Cerna, there are the Å¢âÅŸei Gorges, a spectacular defile dug in limestone. Although short, the gorges stand out through the wilderness of the area and the multitude of rocky formations. The road from under the imposing walls narrows and enlarges many times, revealing either bright clearings or small cascades and black pines. On exiting the gorges you will see Moara Dracilor (The Devils’ Mill), accessible to those who want to visit it.

 

 

In the north of the massif you will find one of the most surprising caves in Romania. It is said that once, Piatra Mare was a splendid garden with delicate flowers, stately trees and crystalline rivers. It was the home of a well known wizard who learned that a dragon wanted to take hold of his land. To defend his territory, the old man covered the dragon with a stone vault called Piatra Mica (The Small Stone). All the flowers turned into stone, remaining hidden in CloÅŸani Cave. The two galleries in the grotto are homes to amazing limestone formations: waves, columns, lacy stalagmites and stalactites, colored or translucid crystalictites. Over 70 species of microscopic animals and a particular species of bats were discovered here. Due to its scientific importance, CloÅŸani Cave has been declared a national reservation and can be visited with the approval of the Spelaeology Research Institute.

Another attraction of the MehedinÅ£i Mountains is represented by its cenotes or Cerna’s upper glades (Poienile de sus ale Cernei). They are very wide, covered by grass and surrounded by limestone crests, shaped like stadiums. In the glades you will see free horses grazing and shepherds leading their flocks. In autumn, the reddish nuances of the scattered trees and the views opening over the Cerna Valley create an idyllic, fairy-tale like atmosphere. Don’t miss the spectacular sceneries of the Hurcu, ÅžuÅŸcu or Domogled slopes and the greatness of nature from under Stan’s Peak (Vârful lui Stan) - 1466 meters.

 

 

Explore the Domogled - Valea Cernei Park and the Mehedinţi Mountains

The Domogled Park and the Mehedinţi Mountains can be discovered by following the trails which start from Bӑile Herculane resort or from Baia de Aramӑ, Izverna, Cloşani, Motru. On Cerna Valley there are numerous housing facilities, but you can choose the tent option and enjoy the splendor of nature. We recommend a few routes which mark the main tourist attractions of this area.

 

 

BÓ‘ile Herculane - The Bridge Across Cerna (km 10) - VanturÓ‘toarea Waterfall Route (1 h)

BÓ‘ile Herculane - Grota Haiducilor (The Outlaws’ Grotto) - Grota cu Aburi (The Steam Grotto) - Foisorul Imparatesei (The Emperess’ Gazebo) - Foisorul Galben (The Yellow Gazebo) - Munk Spring - Foisorul Verde (The Green Gazebo) - Diana Spring Route (1 ½ - 2 hrs.)

Cerna Valley - Å¢âsnei Gorges - Å¢âsnei Glade - Balta Cerbului Glade Route (4 hrs.)

Cerna Valley - Timna Valley - Crovu Mare - Bruscan Saddle - Izverna commune Route (4-5 hrs)

Cerna Valley - Poiana Mare - Crovu Mare - Porcului Glades - Plostina Glade - Å¢âsnei Valley - Å¢âsnei Bridge Route (5½ - 6½ hrs., not recommended during winter)

Cerna Sat - Corcoaiei Gorges - The Dam at Cerna Sat Route.

 

In the MehedinÅ£i Mountains and on the Cerna Valley, nature has created amazing, breathtaking sceneries. Either if you wish to explore the impressive gorges or you want to cool by the noisy waterfalls, conquer the heights or discover mysterious caves, the mountainous Banat offers an unexpected experience. Visit this area and you will enjoy a pleasant vacation, where you will relax and recharge your energy batteries. 

[An article written by Andreea Bertea]