Discover the Untamed Beauty of Retezat National Park

• HelloSalut
  [sah-LOOT]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-DEH-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-MESK]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-ZAHTS muh]
• How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [cheh my fahch?]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too?]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-BEETZ eng-leh-ZAH?]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-TELL-eg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush doh-REE suh vad meh-NYOOL, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-NUHNK KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-ROHK]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush doh-REE suh PLUH-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-ZHOO-tohr]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sună la poliție!
  [SOO-nuh lah poh-LEE-tsee-eh]
• Call a doctor!Sună un doctor!
  [SOO-nuh oon DOHK-tohr]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pyehr-DOOT]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-NAHV]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush doh-REE suh KOOM-puhr]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doh-ahr muh ooit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht KOS-tuh?]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [es-teh prah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [poo-TEHTS suh ska-DEHTS pretz-OOL]

• What time is it?Cât este ceasul?
  [kaht YES-teh chah-SOOL]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [es-teh oh-rah OO-noo]
• Half past (10)Zece și jumătate
  [zeh-cheh shee zhoo-MAH-tah-teh]
• MorningDimineață
  [dee-mee-neh-TSAH]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ah-mee-ah-ZAH]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-AH-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeah-ree]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ahs-TUHZ]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-YNEH]
• 1Unu
  [OO-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Patru
  [PAH-troo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheench]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [ohpt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-uh]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/una...?
  [OON-deh YES-teh OO-noohl/OO-nah]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [KA-reh YES-teh ah-DREH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-TEHTS suh-mee ah-RAH-tsuht (peh har-TAH)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kaND YES-teh oor-MAH-toh-rool (OW-toh-booze)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (către ....)
  [oon bee-LET (kuh-treh ....)]

The Retezat Mountains were home to the ancient Dacian tribes long before the Roman conquest of Dacia in 106 AD. Archaeological findings, such as tools and pottery, suggest that these tribes used the area for shelter, hunting, and spiritual rituals. The Dacians revered the mountains, often associating them with their deities and using them as a sanctuary against invaders.

After the Roman Empire conquered Dacia, they recognized the strategic importance of the Retezat Mountains. Fortifications and roads were constructed to secure their hold on the region. Ruins of Roman watchtowers and camps can still be found in and around the park, highlighting the region's significance in ancient military strategy.

During the Middle Ages, the Retezat Mountains became a refuge for communities seeking to escape the turmoil of the Hungarian and Ottoman invasions. The rugged terrain provided natural defense, while legends and folklore from this period, such as the tales of hidden treasures and haunted forests, continue to captivate visitors today. Remnants of medieval settlements and churches offer a glimpse into the life of those who once sought refuge in these mountains.

The 19th century marked the beginning of scientific exploration in the Retezat Mountains. Naturalists and geologists from across Europe came to study the unique flora, fauna, and geological formations. These explorations led to the discovery of rare plant species and the documentation of the region's rich biodiversity, laying the groundwork for future conservation efforts.

Retezat National Park was established in 1935, making it Romania's first national park. Its creation was driven by the efforts of botanist Alexandru Borza and Emil Racoviță, a renowned biologist. The park was founded to protect the area's unique ecosystems, including over 1,190 plant species, many of which are endemic. Today, the park covers over 38,000 hectares and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Following the fall of communism in Romania in 1989, Retezat National Park has seen renewed efforts in conservation and sustainable tourism. International collaborations and funding have helped to enhance the park's infrastructure and research capabilities. Modern conservation initiatives focus on preserving the park's biodiversity, promoting eco-friendly tourism, and engaging local communities in sustainable practices.

Retezat National Park is located in Hunedoara County, Romania. The nearest major city is Timișoara, which has an international airport (Traian Vuia International Airport). From Timișoara, you can rent a car or take a bus to the town of Hațeg, the gateway to the park. The drive typically takes around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Simeria and then a local bus to Hațeg.

Within Retezat National Park, the primary mode of transportation is hiking. The park has an extensive network of well-marked trails. For those preferring not to hike, local taxis or private shuttles can be arranged from Hațeg to various trailheads. Renting a car is advisable for more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore surrounding areas.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in nearby towns like Hațeg, but it's advisable to carry cash for use within the park and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Hațeg, and it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into the park.

Retezat National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time. Avoid hiking alone, especially in less frequented areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Carry a first aid kit and be aware of the nearest shelters and ranger stations within the park. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Hațeg.

Fashion: Do wear appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots and weather-appropriate clothing. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops on trails. Religion: Do respect local customs if visiting nearby religious sites, such as monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer seats to elderly passengers on buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bună ziua' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Retezat National Park like a local, visit during the off-peak season for a more serene experience. Engage with local guides who can offer in-depth knowledge of the park's flora and fauna. Don't miss visiting the famous glacial lakes, such as Bucura and Zănoaga, and consider staying in a mountain hut (cabana) for an authentic experience. Also, try local dishes like 'ciorbă de burtă' (tripe soup) and 'papanasi' (a type of doughnut).