The Carpathians, a mountain coronet, named by the ancient people "Corona Montium" hide in the center a high plateau of 400-600 m which is surrounded by several depressions with their own characteristics. Being characterized as a fortress it contains peaks that higher than 2500 m, while in the exterior they are surrounded by hills, that are divided by the depressions. Their peaks are usually rounded, and the 300 depressions and lots of valleys make the communication easier between extra-carpathians regions. Although we talk about the Carpathians in general, they are still divided in 3 big regions: The Eastern, The Southern and the Western Mountains.

The Eastern Carpathians start from the northern border and last until Brasov's Depression having 3 types of massives that are different from eachother by age and shape; in the western part there are the volcanic mountains such as Oas, Gutai (1443) and Tibles (1835), then a few higher like Caliman (with its peak Pietrosu-2100m), Gurghiu-1776, Harghita-1800m; the other ones are made by crystaline schists like Rodna, Suhard, Hasmasu Mare, Bistritei(1859m), Ceahlau-1907 and those from the eastearn part are made by grit rocks: Stanisoara-1539m, Ciucas-1954m. Ciucas Mountain is placed near the valley of Teleajan, at north of Cheia resort, offering scenic views and good relaxation. Another characteristic of the Eastern Carpathians is that they are surrounded by numerous depressions and valleys that divide seriously this region. The biggest are Maramures, Dornei, Giurgeului and Ciucului Depressions.

Called "Transylvania's Alpes", the Southern Carpathians are the highest from all the Romanian mountains, streching along Prahova Valley and reaching Timis-Cerna passage. Although made of crystalline schits they are less divided by valleys and the conglomerates and limestones transform them in a more attractive touristic place. There can be found lots of valleys that date from the glacier perioad and also glacier lakes that are an important touristic landmark. The most important mountains of this region are: Bucegi, Fagaras, Piatra-Craiului and Retezat-Godeanu. Bucegi Massif is an unforgettable display of the nature's spendors, offering an overwhelming impression when its kingdom is visited. They are outlined especially in Busteni resort, where we can find the Caraiman, with its monumental Cross built in honour of heroes who fought in the World War I, but also peaks with mysterious forms and figures: Piatra Arsa, Babele (The Old Women), Furnica,the Omu Peak and the Sphinx. Fagaras Mountain(2500m) is the highest and also the wildest from the Carpathians. The routes are difficult and long, cottages are rare and during the summer there can be found snow on its peaks. Inspite of the difficulties, the lanscape is wonderful and amazing as well. The attractions are the glacier lakes such as: Bilea, Podragu and Urlea. Retezat Mountain is not so high as Fagaras, but it still has its charm. It is placed near Deva and Petrosani towns. The attractions are: Bucura and Galesu Lakes, Peleaga and Retezat Peaks and the astonishing narrow passage from Close Gates. Piatra Craiului is the perfect place for nature admirers. It is made of white limestone and visible from big distance, these characteristics giving him the name that he has. The main attraction is The Big Grohotis a giant slope, covered by hugh stones.

The Western Carpathians are made of Apuseni Mountains and Banat Mountains, streching between Mures valley in the south and Somes Valley in the north. The wealth of these mountains can't be seen at the exterior, while inside it was traversed by lots of rivers, being a real underground gallery. The most important landmark is Bihor Mountains with their highest peak Curcubata(1850); they are made of limestone components that are specific for the Padis-Scarisoara-Batrana Plateau. The Metaliferi Mountains are rich in non-ferrous minerals and have a complex geologycal structure( crystalline and voulcanic). The most important touristic attraction is The Bears Cave; museum and necropole the cave doesn't stop amazing the non-experimented eye of the traveler, as well as the documented eye of the scientist. It was accidentally discovered in 1975, during an explosion in the marble quarry. It impresses through its dimensions( about 1,5 km), agglomeration and variety of the karstic formations as well as through its density, unique in Eastern Europe, of fossil residuals of the cave bear. The picturesque of the Apuseni Mountains is even greater because of its vegetation, its beech forests but also because of his valuable historical monuments that can be found in the region.

National Parks and Rezervations throught the Charpatians

The Retezat Mountains, the rockiest mountain massif of the country on the western side of the Southern Carpathians. First National Park in Romania (1935) covering some 13,000 hectares, unique by its one hundred permanent and temporary glacial lakes and over three hundred flower species (a genetic center unique in the world). Access: the town of Hateg. The highest peak, Peleaga, is 2,509 meters high. More than 80 glacial lakes spot the area, including Bucura, Zanoaga, Taul Negru, Galesul. The area has expanded to 54,400 hectares today. The space is declared a reservation of the Biosphere. The plants are represented by 300 species (out of which 14 are endemic) and the fauna, rich also, has between black goats remarkable individuals which ask for protection measures. The Apuseni Mountains, generic name of the Carpathians on the western side of the country are rich in underground glaciers, more than twenty falls. cataracts, some 40 shaft pits and avens, 15 gorges and narrow passes, fossil deposits, botanical and dendrological reservations. Access: the towns of Campeni and Abrud.

The Ceahlau Massif, solitary in the Eastern Carpathians, surrounded by water courses and dam lakes. Complex reservation (some 4,000 hectares), 2,000 flower species (a quarter of the country's anthophyite flora), rare fauna, fossil limestone, the Duruitoarea falls. Access: the Durau health and winter sports resort. It is considered a sacred mountain. It is said that it used to be the home of Zamolxe, the God of Dacs, the ancestors of Romanian people. The summit of Ceahlau is named Toaca (1904 m). In 1971, an area of 17,200 ha in these mountains was declared a National Park. Many rare plants and animals are found here, as well as interesting rock formations (Dochia, Cusma Dorobantului, etc.), giving rise to exciting legends. Among the plants - the Lion foot, Papucul Doamnei - Lady's shoe (Cypripedium calceolus), Sangele voinicului - Warrior's blood (Nigritella rubra), the Buffalo - Zimbrul (Larix decidua). The animal world includes such rarities as the cliff butterfly (a bird that could be found also in Cheile Sugaului and in Cheile Bicazului), the aquila (Aquila chrysaeltus) and the cocosul de munte - mountain cock. The deer, the black goat and the bear are also around. Ciucas and Apuseni.

The Bucegi Mountains, on the eastern side of the Southern Carpathians, traditional area of Romanian tourism. Reservations Arinisul, Sf.Ana, the Steep Caraiman (some 7,000 hectares): the Bucegi Plateau (Babele, Sfinx), narrow passes, karst formations, endemic flora, protected fauna. Access: towns and resorts of Sinaia and Busteni.

The Pietrosul Mare Massif, part of the Rodna Mountains has a natural reservation covering some 5,900 hectares (scientific reservation, 750 hectares) with rare species of flora and fauna, basins and glacial lakes. Access: the town of Borsa.