Wandering the mountains of our country far and wide, I was left with unforgettable memories, I gained a lot of experience and knowledge, I met wonderful people and I discovered the most beautiful places, places that I will describe in this article. Our mountains are by no means among the highest in the world, not even in Europe, but they have some special features and beauties. In the following we will try to describe in a few words the reasons why we placed them in the top of our preferences.

Retezat Mountains- With an area of ​​413 square km, without including here the Piule Massif (Retezatul Mic), the massif is part of the Southern Carpathians - Retezat - Godeanu Group. They are formed mostly of crystalline rocks, having in its component limestone. Their beauty consists in the multitude of glacial lakes, lofty peaks of over 2400 meters, even 2500 m, in a rich hydrography, a diverse flora and fauna with unique species not found elsewhere. The glacial lakes Bucura and Zanoaga are among the most famous, and at the same time lead the supremacy in the top of the deepest and largest in our country of this type. Peaks such as Peleaga 2509 m, Papusa 2508 m, Retezat 2487 m are the superlatives of the massif that attract the mountaineers the most. Glacial valleys Bucura, Stanisoara, Pietrele, Valea Rea are impressive valleys that border graceful lakes and on which water makes its way through coniferous and deciduous forests. As far as the flora of this paradise is concerned, here we can enumerate rare plant species, some protected by law, such as the corner flower, the blood of the warrior, the bear's grapes, the gentian, the zambrul, the mountain peony. The fauna is not to be neglected either, the bear, the wolf, the lynx, the black goat, the mountain rooster are some of the species that can be found in this area. Due to these species, the massif has been declared a National Park since 1935 and has in its composition the Gemini Scientific Reserve, which unfortunately is restricted and can be visited only on the basis of authorization. Indeed, access to this massif is more difficult, but the effort is well worth it. The 25 tourist routes offer the mountaineer satisfaction and relaxation. The routes from Valea Bucurei, Valea Pietrele, Turul Lacurilor, Valea Stanisoarei, Culmea Lolaia - Vf Retezat, Curmatura Bucurei - Vf Peleaga - Vf Papusa are some paths that you must take if you come inRetezat Mountains.

Fagaras mountains- are the highest and among the largest mountains in our country. They are part of the Southern Carpathians - Fagaras Group and have an area of ​​1558 square kilometers. It enjoys the greatest notoriety among lovers of great heights, because the highest peaks in our country can be found here: Moldoveanu Peak 2544 m, Negoiu Peak 2535 m, Vistea Peak 2527 m. But the beauty of these mountains does not it was just that. The glacial lakes that mirror the lofty ridges of this massif, vast glacial valleys, waterfalls, rich vegetation and fauna are some of the jewels of the Fagaras. The Fagaras Mountains are the dream of any mountain enthusiast, especially in winter. Its ridge is a saw blade about 90 km long that the daredevils want to conquer in the white season. The Fagaras Mountains have an impressive network of routes, numbering about 80, being the largest in the Romanian Carpathians. On the valley, the routes offer attractive views where we meet rivers that cross each mountain floor. we meet the glacial lakes Balea, Capra, Caltun, Podu Giurgiului, Iezerul Triunghiular, Urlea, Podragu, Avrig. On the interfluves we have a captivating perspective towards the peaks that frequently exceed 2400 - 2500 meters (Modoveanu 2544 m, Negoiu 2535 m, Vistea 2527 m, Lespezi 2522 m, Cornul Caltunului 2505 m, Vanatarea lui Buteanu 2507 m, Dara 2501 m, Hartopul 2506 m, Musetescu 2495 m, Ucea Mare 2434 m, Galasescu Mare 2470 m, Arpasu Mare 2468 m and Mic 2461 m, Buda 2431 m, Podragu 2462 m etc) and we have portions that test your skills. Custura Saratii, the portion between Negoiu and Laitel, Fereastra Zmeilor - Varful Moldoveanu. As in Retezat, here we can find a diverse flora and fauna. If you choose Fagaras, don't miss the Massif Ridge, Rea Valley, Sambetei Valley, Lespezi Peak, Negoiu Chalet - Negoiu Peak, Vistei Valley, Podragului Valley.

Piatra Craiului- if you look at a map, at first sight it says nothing, it has an area of ​​only 106 square km and a height of only 2238 m. But, after stepping on its land for the first time, you fall in love with it. Formations carved in limestone, routes where your adrenaline rises, caves, rough ridges, corner flowers, black goats that acrobatically walk on rocks, climbing walls for climbers, you can find them all in this labyrinth called Piatra Craiului. They are part of the Curvature Carpathians from the Bucegi Group. There are about 30 trails, many of them with a high degree of difficulty, recommended for well-initiated mountaineers in the mountains. If you cross the ridge in both summer and winter, you have every chance of believing that you are in heaven. In summer you can often find fang flowers, black goats, rugged portions, slippery and sharp that tests your physical and moral ability, and of course enchanting views. In winter I have no words to describe it, I limit myself to one - divine. Other attractive routes are those on the Great Grohotis, where we meet Stanciului Cave and Cerdacul Stanciului, Brana Caprelor, Padina Hotarului, La Zaplaz - La Lanturi. All the routes from 1500 m upwards are a challenge for any mountaineer, so don't stop thinking, but before you make sure he learns your lesson, don't come unprepared.

Bucegi mountains- We all know them, probably the most walked in our country. If you ruin a question in the online environment, you are immediately assailed with a series of answers, some useful, others ironic, everyone is good at Bucegi. They are also part of the Curvature Carpathians, also of the Bucegi Group. You're probably wondering why we include them here. I once motivated this decision and, if you want to unravel this mystery, browse the Geomorphology of Romania written by Fr. Dr. Docent Grigore Posea. They have an area of ​​300 square km and a vast network of tourist routes, about 70, shorter or longer. They are made of limestone and frozen, so we have a chance to find caves, interesting limestone formations, gorges and some waterfalls. Ialomicioarei Cave, Moara Dracului Waterfall, Caraiman Waterfall, Vanturis Waterfalls, Tatarului Gorges, Zanoagei Gorges. They have a number of great trails, many of them being in the valleys. Gaura Valley, Cerbului Valley, Malaiestilor Valley, Jepilor Mici Valley, Ialomita Valley to which can be added those on the peaks, such as, La Prepeleag - Bucsoiu - Omu, Batrana - Doamnele - Omu, Lucacila - Tataru - Bucsa. At one time we placed him in third place, but exploring Craiul more, Bucegiul dropped one place.

Rodna Mountains- I'm the pearl of the Orientals. With a composition of crystalline rocks mixed with limestone, these mountains have some superlatives that position them in leading places in our top. They have a development slightly similar to that of Fagaras, but with a smaller surface and with altitudes exceeding at least 2300 m (Pietrosul Rodnei Peak). But they can boast of the waterfall that has the largest waterfall - Horse Waterfall. They can also boast a few caves (Spring of Tausoarelor, Zalion's Gutter, Milk Cave). We also find glacial lakes here, but few compared to mountains such as Fagaras or Retezat. Izvorul Bistritei Lake, Iezer Lake, Lala Lakes are in great demand by tourists and mountaineers. Pietrosul Rodna Peak is among the most attractive objectives, to which is added Ineu Peak. There are some beautiful trails that you can access and it is well worth taking a walk. The route that climbs through the Lala Reserve, one of the most beautiful in the country, where you find two lakes and a waterfall, rare species, naturally grown, such as Zambru, a thematic route through which you can study the flora and fauna of the area, you can climb on the second peak in height - Ineu Peak. You can cross the ridge between the Old Saddle and the Gajei Saddle in any season, and for that you have to be skilled. The peaks of Rebra, Cormaia, Galatiului, Gargalau, Ineu, Ineut can be found on the route marked with a red stripe. Another route is the one that leaves Borsa and connects with the ridge. Pass by Iezer Lake, which resembles the outline of Romania, climb the highest peak of the massif and continue on Buhaescu Peaks and you can also see Buhaescu Lakes.

Parang Mountains- located in the Southern Carpathians, have an area of ​​726 square km. The Parang Massif is a massif formed of Mesozoic crystalline schists and Jurassic and Cretaceous limestones, having many similarities with the Retezat and Fagaras Mountains. Unfortunately, in the massif we do not find many marked routes or mountain huts, except those at his feet. Even so, we have some spectacular routes where we can find high ridges with altitudes exceeding 2400 and 2500 m, the highest Parangul Mare (2519 m), glacial lakes (Lake Mandra, Calcescu, Rosiile, Zanoaga Mare, Mija), a flora and fauna similar to the other massifs listed above. The crest of the massif is a route that you can go in any season, and from which you have unforgettable views. It runs for a distance of 40 km and passes over high peaks such as Parangul Mare, Gemanarea, Stoienita, Carja, the longest part of the ridge with altitudes of over 2400 meters. Also from the ridge you can see the Lakes of Zanoaga Mare, Gheresul, Mandra, Carja. Another important route worth exploring is the one that climbs the Rosiile Valley in the Parang Ridge. You meet Zanoaga Stanei Lakes, Rosiile Lake, Lung Lake and Mandra Lake. The route that starts from Obarsia Lotrului to Calcescu Lake or the one that climbs from Groapa Seaca Pass to the ridge in Piatra Taiata Saddle on Mount Gauri, on which we have the chance to find the famous corner flower. On the territory of the Parang Mountains we also find the beautiful Gorges of Jiet, of Oltet, and those of Galbena where the Muierii Cave is located. Another important route worth exploring is the one that climbs the Rosiile Valley in the Parang Ridge. You meet Zanoaga Stanei Lakes, Rosiile Lake, Lung Lake and Mandra Lake. The route that starts from Obarsia Lotrului to Calcescu Lake or the one that climbs from Groapa Seaca Pass to the ridge in Piatra Taiata Saddle on Mount Gauri, on which we have the chance to find the famous corner flower. On the territory of the Parang Mountains we also find the beautiful Gorges of Jiet, of Oltet, and those of Galbena where the Muierii Cave is located. Another important route worth exploring is the one that climbs the Rosiile Valley in the Parang Ridge. You meet Zanoaga Stanei Lakes, Rosiile Lake, Lung Lake and Mandra Lake. The route that starts from Obarsia Lotrului to Calcescu Lake or the one that climbs from Groapa Seaca Pass to the ridge in Piatra Taiata Saddle on Mount Gauri, on which we have the chance to find the famous corner flower. On the territory of the Parang Mountains we also find the beautiful Gorges of Jiet, of Oltet, and those of Galbena where the Muierii Cave is located. which we have the chance to find the famous corner flower. On the territory of the Parang Mountains we also find the beautiful Gorges of Jiet, of Oltet, and of Galbena where the Muierii Cave is located. which we have the chance to find the famous corner flower. On the territory of the Parang Mountains we also find the beautiful Gorges of Jiet, of Oltet, and those of Galbena where the Muierii Cave is located.

    The list can go on, Ceahlau Mountains, Rarau & Giumalau Mountains, Ciucas Mountains, Caliman Mountains, Apuseni Massifs as Bihor and Vladeasa, Godeanu Mountains, Tarcu Mountains, Cindrel Mountains, Iezer & Papusa Mountains, Maramures Mountains also occupy an important place among the most beautiful and visited mountains in our country.

Bibliography

1. Posea G., Geomorphology of Romania, year 2005, Publishing House of the Romania of Tomorrow Foundation Bucharest.
2. Fratu I., Beleaua A., Fratu O., Pe Custurile Fagarasene, year 1991, Bucharest Publishing House for Tourism.
3. Cristea Em., Dumitru N., Bucegii - Tourism and mountaineering, 1964, Bucharest Union of Physical Culture and Sport Publishing House
4. Munteanu VA, Pop GO, Vezeanu C., Piatra Craiului National Park - Thematic guide of the visiting routes , 2015, ARS Docendi Publishing House, University of Bucharest.
5. Popescu N., Parang Mountains - Muntii Nostri Collection, year 1986, Sport - Turism Publishing House Bucharest
6. Popescu N., Retezat Mountains - Muntii Nostri Collection, year 1982, Sport - Turism Publishing House Bucharest
7. Buta I., Buta Ana A., Rodna Mountains - Tourist Guide, Our Mountains Collection 1979, Sport-Turism Publishing House