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Domogled - Cerna Valley
National Park
Lost among the mysterious mountains in the southwest of the country, the seductive Cerna Valley reveals its almost surreal beauty at every step, from the picturesque black pines precariously clinging to the high cliffs, to the thousands of multicolored butterflies animating the meadows and to the hamlets scattered over the gentle peaks of the surrounding mountains!
The story of the Cerna is a turbulent one, but so wonderful that words often fail to do it justice. Although it has been constantly fighting with the mountains since its birth, it has nevertheless found a fairly smooth path through them, always seeking the call of the Danube. Squeezed between the precipitous ridges of the Godeanu, Vâlcan, Mehedinți and Cerna mountains, the river is rarely caressed by the sun’s rays, which barely penetrate the lofty cliffs and the lush vegetation on the banks. The epic of the Cerna begins from the stormy gushing stream that tumbles from under the Ciucevele Chicerii and joins the Cernișoara, which in turn gathers the springs from the heights of Godeanu ridge. From here to Băile Herculane, small, turbulent springs rush from the cliffs to the valley below, often forming spectacular waterfalls or canyons.
Domogled – Cerna Valley National Park stretches along the Cerna River valley and the surrounding ridges, belonging to the Godeanu, Vâlcan, Mehedinți and Cerna mountains, with a total area of over 600 square kilometers. A complex and spectacular destination, the Park is an amazing combination of high mountain ridges, narrow canyons, limestone peaks, endless forests, isolated hamlets, idyllic waterfalls and exceptional biodiversity. In this unique natural area there are over 1,100 plant species, some of which are extremely rare and protected. The fauna present is equally rich, with many rare species such as the scorpion, the horned viper, bats, wolves, lynxes or bears, as well as numerous bird species. However, the most fascinating creatures of the park are the millions of butterflies, with almost 1,500 species that enliven the atmosphere.
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There are three main access routes into the interior of the national park, with one road following the valley for much of its length, from north to south (DN67D). This continues over the mountains, eastwards towards Târgu Jiu, while another road crosses the mountains northwards over the Jiu-Cerna Pass (DN67A), although this is impassable for a large distance. Inside the park we find a lot of tourist routes, mostly very well maintained and marked, facilitating access to most attractions. The northern part of the park is dominated by the imposing and massive ridge of the Godeanu Mountains. This is one of the most isolated mountain ranges in Romania, with few trails and an almost non-existent human presence. However, the more daring can brave the ridge route for the chance to admire incredible panoramas over the surrounding valleys and massifs. There are also a few lesser-known trails that climb from the Cerna valley to the ridge, passing through gorgeous places, with glacial valleys and enchanting alpine meadows.
On the other side of the Cerna, the park also includes a small portion of the Vâlcan Mountains, and along the valley we can admire several steep limestone ridges known locally as the Ciucevele Cernei, which create a unique landscape. Other interesting places to visit in the wild north of the national park include the Cernișoarei Gorges and the Cerna Spring, the most powerful karst spring in the country. A few kilometers further south, we discover Valea lui Iovan Lake, one of the largest and most impressive in Romania, with a total area of almost 3 square kilometers and a depth of over 100 meters. Trapped between the forested peaks of the mountains, the lake forms a magnificent natural setting. Although it is not included in the park’s territory, right in the northeastern extremity rises an isolated and spectacular limestone ridge. Since it is somewhat similar to Piatra Craiului or Buila – Vânturarița, Oslea Ridge is designated a nature reserve and walking the hiking trail that follows it, we are rewarded with unique views.
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Continuing the journey south, on the left side of the valley we encounter the Mehedinți Mountains, which accompany us for approximately 50 kilometers and have unique geological characteristics, with sometimes unexpected landscapes. A little further south of Lake Valea lui Iovan and right near Cerna-Sat, we discover the Corcoaia Gorges, short but very spectacular. These were created in the limestone massif by a stream flowing into the Cerna, having several unique characteristics, such as the semi-tunnel that accompanies them a few meters above the water or the superb potholes formed below. On the other side of the peak, with easier access from Gorj County on the Motru Valley, rises the imposing Piatra Cloșani massif, a lonely ridge with a multitude of caves and chasms that run through its bowels, including the Cloșani Cave, a true speleological laboratory in the depths of the earth, with many unique and spectacular characteristics. In addition, in this spectacular natural reserve we can also discover the Motrului Sec Valley, Valea Mare Lake, Cioaca cu Brebenei Cave or the Lazului and Martel caves.
Approximately 75% of the park is covered in forests, mostly consisting of several species of beech, but the park’s stunning symbol is the Banat Black Pine, which can be seen on the highest and most exposed peaks. A rare and mysterious species, it is a Tertiary relic that grows extremely slowly and is very sensitive to forest fires!
A little further into the Mehedinti Mountains we explore some of the most fascinating places in this destination, hidden high behind the ridge. Known locally as crovuri or Upper Meadows (Poienile de Sus), these resemble almost flat caldera, surrounded by limestone conglomerates and fields of lapis lazuli. They are actually sinkholes, and the most impressive include Crovul Mare, Poiana Beletina, Crovul Medved or Poienile Porcului. We reach these charming places by following several hiking trails that start from the Cerna Valley, the most interesting ones passing through Fueroaga Tâmnei, Cheile Țăsnei or Fueroaga Ploștinei, and along the paths we also encounter small caves, canyons or waterfalls. The southern part of these mountains is dominated by the Domogled Massif, a high peak with unique characteristics, declared a mixed nature reserve. We have the chance to explore this amazing place along a challenging trail that starts from Băile Herculane and offers splendid views of the city, the valley and the mountains in the distance.
On the other side of the Cerna Valley and south of the Godeanu Mountains, lie the ridge of the Cerna Mountains, with heights ranging from 1,500-1,800 meters in the north, gradually decreasing to 500 meters in the southern extremity of the park. There is also a route here that follows the main ridge, as well as many others that we can venture on starting from the valley. Several of these pass through the isolated hamlets of the Cerna Mountains, scattered through the meadows on both sides of the peak. From the Cerna Valley, we can climb to Ineleț, Scărișoara, Cracu Mare, Prisăcina or Dobraia. Discovering these isolated but charming villages, we are captivated by the special atmosphere of an authentic corner of the country, usually hidden from the eyes of the modern world. The Via Transilvanica route now also passes here, an incredible travel experience that has already surpassed the country’s borders in popularity.
Just before Lake Prisaca, which was created by the Cerna dam, another hiking trail leads us to the Vânturătoarea Waterfall, a fine ribbon of water with a drop of almost 40 meters, often forming small rainbows when the sun’s rays penetrate through the rocks. The trail continues after the waterfall, climbing to higher peaks, while another short trail along the lakeshore brings us to another splendid waterfall. Following the road by the lake, we reach the point known as 7 Springs, where we can try the healing properties of the thermal springs located right on the banks of the Cerna. The southern limit of the Domogled-Cerna Valley National Park is near the town of Băile Herculane, continuing a little further along the low peaks. From the town, we have the opportunity to explore other fascinating trails to the surrounding ridges. Before continuing towards the emerald waters of the Danube and its majestic gorge, we stop for a few moments of peace and recovery in the Băile Herculane resort, once a symbol of spa tourism in Romania…
Sights and Experiences
Places to See and Things to Do in Domogled - Cerna Valley National Park
The National Park
It is located in southwestern Romania, along the Cerna River Valley and on the slopes of the Vâlcan, Mehedinți (to the west), Godeanu and Cernei (to the east) mountains. The national park, established in 1990, extends over the administrative territory of three counties and a total area of 610 square kilometers. Due to its geographical location and morphological characteristics, this protected area has a special richness of flora and fauna, some species being extremely rare or even endemic. Inside the park there are 11 natural reserves: Domogled, Coronini-Bedina, Iauna-Craiova, Belareca, Ciucevele Cernei, Piatra Cloșani, Vârful lui Stan, Cheile Corcoaiei, Peștera Martel, Peștera Bârzoni and Valea Țesna, to which is added the UNESCO site “Primary and secular beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe“. Here too, there is one of the highest densities of caves in the country, with 900 speleological cavities known to date, of which 9 are over 500 meters long. The Cerna Valley is also characterized by the presence of rows of small limestone peaks that stand out in the landscape. In the northern part are the so-called ciuceve, and in the middle part of the valley appear the so-called geanțuri, which dominate the valley with a 400-500 meter difference in level. In addition to the amazing places mentioned, the national park also includes other attractions, some almost unknown or difficult to explore, such as the Vânturătoarea Waterfall, the Prisăcinei Gorges, the Bedinei Gorges, the Cociului Waterfall, the Feregari Gorges, the Râmnuței Gorges and many others.
Biodiversity
One of the defining features of the Domogled – Valea Cernei National Park is the very high level of biodiversity, both in terms of habitats and plant and animal species existing here. This was determined by the special geomorphological aspect of the Cerna River Valley, a very wide gorge with slopes of particular complexity. Forests cover approximately three quarters of the park’s surface, predominantly beech and mixed beech with other species. An emblematic endemic species for the park is the Banat black pine, a tertiary relic that grows extremely slowly and is very sensitive to forest fires. Over 1,100 species of higher plants have been determined in the park, of which more than 60 species are rare or endemic. Among the protected species are the giant’s blood, the mountain bulb, the stinkhorn, the iris or the yellow crocus. The fauna of the region is equally numerous and diverse, with many rare or endemic species, some of which are protected by special laws. Interesting animal species include terrestrial invertebrates (scorpions, beetles), aquatic ones (several species of insects widespread in the Balkans but very rare in Romania live in the springs), and vertebrates (snakes, for example). There is also no shortage of large mammals, including the bear, wolf, fox, lynx, chamois, deer and others. One of the greatest treasures of the park is its butterfly species, being recognized at European level as an extremely scientifically valuable area for the lepidopteran species that live here, with several endemic species also present. It is estimated that there are approximately 1,500 butterfly species in the Domogled – Cerna Valley National Park, which represents almost half of the national total.
Godeanu Mountains
The Godeanu Mountains are a compact mountainous unit, located on the border between the counties of Gorj, Caraș-Severin and Hunedoara. With a total area of approximately 330 square kilometers, these mountains are bordered to the north and west by the Lăpușnicu Mare, Răul Șes and Hidegului valleys, while the eastern and southern limits are represented by the Cernei Valley. The main alpine ridge is unitary and generally runs in the northeast – southwest direction, and other secondary peaks (Gugu, Borăscu, Gârdomanu, Bulzu and others) emerge from it. The highest peak in these mountains is Gugu (2,291 meters), located on a secondary peak to the north, while the peaks of Godeanu and Scărișoara are over 2,000 meters high. Among the defining characteristics of these mountains are the rounded peaks, with large leveling surfaces that form true high plateaus (an excellent example being Mount Borăscu). These mountains are less traveled by tourists and hiking trails, being quite isolated. The relative lack of spectacular mountain landscapes, with dramatic ridges and glacial lakes, is compensated by the large extension of alpine pastures, the steep slopes of several glacial cirques, but also by the presence of numerous isolated sheepfolds. Along the alpine ridge of the Godeanu massif there is also an extremely spectacular alpine tourist trail (red band), with exceptional views and panoramas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Several other trails climb from the Cerna Valley, but these are very long, with a large difference in altitude and the signage is sometimes quite poor.
Oslea Ridge
An isolated and imposing massif in the northwest of the Vâlcan Mountains, the Oslea ridge is a complex natural reserve and occupies an area of approximately 280 hectares. From a geological point of view, the Oslea ridge is presented as a stack of Jurassic limestones, placed on a foundation of crystalline schists. The strata have been turned by tectonic movements to almost vertical, so that their ends appear in the light of day in the form of narrow needles and blades, as well as steep slopes. The meadows that are found on the expanse of the massif present particularly varied and valuable floristic elements, including rare species of orchids, the blood of the mighty, incense and tulichine. Oslea Peak represents the maximum altitude point, having a height of 1,946 meters, and together with the Coada Oslei peak (1,899 meters), dominates the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Piatra Cloșani Massif
The massif is part of the Mehedinti Mountains and is presented as an isolated ridge, oriented northeast – southwest and located between the Motru Mare valleys to the east, Motru Sec to the south and the Pietrii and Scărișoara streams to the west. Piatra Cloșanilor is a wild massif, developed on massive limestones, presenting numerous karst forms. There is a route (blue circle) that runs through this spectacular ridge, but the ascent is quite difficult, and there is also a variant that bypasses the peak at lower altitudes. The main heights of the massif are found in Piatra Mare a Cloșanilor (1,421 meters) and Piatra Mică a Cloșanilor (1,163 meters). The Piatra Cloșani mixed natural reserve occupies an area of over approximately 17 square kilometers and in addition to the landscape and geographical value due to its steep isolated appearance, the massif shelters numerous species of plants and animals, including those of Mediterranean influence. The Piatra Cloșanilor massif also includes the protected Cloșani and Cioaca cu Brebenei caves, as well as other karst landforms.
Motru Sec Valley
The Motru Sec River flows south of the Piatra Cloșani massif, passing through the village of the same name, to flow into the Motru River. The valley offers superb landscapes, but also some interesting karst phenomena, the best known being the Martel and Lazului caves, protected natural areas located right near the road that accompanies the valley. The Martel Cave is large and complex, with known active galleries and subfossils totaling over 4,000 meters. The most interesting sector of the cave houses a series of special formations, among which the impressive fistular stalactites of almost 1.5 meters long, very rare in the country. In this cave you can see some of the most typical forms of underground corrosion. The Lazului Cave is almost as long as the Martel Cave, being located near the first, on the other bank of the river. This cave probably represents an underground course of the Motru Sec River, which during rainy periods has water, the galleries being flooded. Through its morphology, the cave represents one of the most interesting examples of the genesis of an underground network in a phreatic regime. Access and visiting these caves is difficult, requiring physical effort and special equipment. A tourist route marked with a blue triangle starts from Motru Sec, goes along the valley, then climbs the ridge of the Mehedinți Mountains, then descends towards Cerna Sat, in the Cerna Valley.
Corcoaia Canyon
It is said that once upon a time, in the lands of the Cerna Valley and the surrounding mountains, there was a kind of Hercules in the popular Romanian version, and his name was Iovan Iorgovan. The legends surrounding this mysterious character are spread throughout this space, from Oslea Mountain to the natural bridge at Ponoare, passing through the countless caves in the Cerna Valley. But perhaps the most surprising place where he can be found is in a small, spectacular canyon, hidden near Cerna Sat. Legend has it that in his fight with the dragon, the mythical hero cut off one of its heads, and from its writhings the Corcoaia Gorges were born. The special beauty of this unique place, however, has geological explanations, almost as interesting. First of all, along them a kind of natural semi-tunnel was formed, now located 10-15 meters above the riverbed, which allows tourists to enter the interior of the gorges. At river level, a superb succession of marmites highlights the geological method and stages of the gorges’ formation.
Mehedinți Mountains
The eastern part of the Cerna Valley is occupied by the long ridge of the Mehedinți Mountains, which run mainly in a north-south direction, over a distance of approximately 50 kilometers. The altitudes are generally lower than in the surrounding massifs, with heights ranging between 1,000 and 1,400 meters, except for Vârful lui Stan (1,466 meters) and Piatra Cloșani (1,421 meters). The Mehedinți Mountains have many characteristics that make them special, starting with the extensive limestone surface that gives rise to numerous spectacular karst phenomena (caves, gorges, sinkholes, lapis, poles, sinkholes). The slopes are often steep and fragmented by karst valleys (Țăsnei, Ploștinei, Tâmnei, Jelărăului, Râmnuței and others), many of which are dry and difficult to access. In the central part of the peak, at the heights, there are several unique landforms, known locally as crovuri or Poienile de Sus (Crovul Mare, Poiana Beletina, Crovul Medved, Poienile Porcului and others). These are actually dolines or poles with the appearance of almost flat calderas, surrounded by limestone slopes and fields of lapis lazuli.
Trails in Mehedinți Mountains
A surprisingly large number of tourist routes are arranged in the Mehedinți mountains, exploring fascinating areas of this area characterized by spectacular karst relief. Starting from the north, the first important route (blue triangle) starts from Cerna Sat, crossing the ridge towards the valley and village of Motru Sec (16 km / 7-8 hours). A little further south, from the national road 67D (Arșasca saddle) a route begins that branches off onto Culmea Mazdronea and explores the most interesting ridges and places in these mountains (Vârful lui Stan, Poiana Beletina, Crovul Mare, Pietrele Albe, Poiana Țăsnei). Other exciting routes from the Cerna valley and the Mehedinți plateau ascend towards these. The route from the Cerna valley through the Tâmnei Gorges (red dot) to Crovul Mare or the route to the ridge through the Țăsnei Gorges (blue cross) is noteworthy. Continuing south, hikers can also climb from the valley to the Cociului Waterfall or to the summit in the Şaua Padina valley. Probably the most famous and frequented route in these mountains is, however, the one in the Domogled massif (yellow band), starting from the national road, near Băile Herculane. With numerous variants and offering splendid views of the valley and the town below, it climbs steeply to the Crucea Albă viewpoint (30-40 minutes), after which the most popular variant continues to the Domogledul Mare peak (3.3 km / +970m / 3 hours), and the descent can be done through the Feregari Gorges. It is a long and steep circuit, with some more dangerous sections.
Domogled Massif
The massif that gives its name to this national park is located at its southern end, east of the Băile Herculane resort. A limestone peak furrowed by deep and mostly dry karst valleys, Domogled was one of the first protected natural areas in Romania, becoming a landscape and floristic reserve since 1932. In this relatively small area, numerous rare plant species can be found, many with Mediterranean influence and some even endemic. Among these, the Banat black pine, the wild lilac, the Turkish hazel, the dwarf carnation, the mountain iris and others stand out. Today, a mixed reserve with an area of almost 2,400 hectares, the Domogled massif also includes spectacular karst landforms (gorges, caves, lapiezuri, sinkholes, avens). There are several hiking trails that climb to the summit, the most spectacular (yellow band) starting from Băile Herculane and climbing towards Domogledul Mare via Crucea Albă, Drumul Pisicii and Domogledul Mic.
Cerna Mountains
Located on the right side of the Cerna corridor, these mountains present themselves in the form of a main ridge of about 40 kilometers in length, which continues from the Godeanu mountains to the southwest and a shorter secondary ridge in the west (Cornereva). The altitude is higher in the north (1,500-1,800 meters), gradually decreasing towards the south to heights of 500 meters, and the highest point is at the Dobrii peak (1,928 meters). Towards the Cerna valley, the ridges are short and very steep, often being separated by deep valleys with almost vertical walls. There is also a route here that follows the main ridge, as well as many others that climb from the Cerna valley and sometimes pass to the west, most of them passing through the isolated hamlets of the Cornereva commune, scattered on both sides of the ridge.
Trails in Cerna Mountains
The main route in these mountains is the one that follows the main ridge (red band), continuing north over the crest of the Godeanu Mountains, while to the south it descends towards the Cerna Valley. The other routes climb from the Cerna Valley to the ridge, the most popular passing through the hamlets in the middle part of these mountains. Travelers can reach Scărișoara, Ineleț, Cracu Mare, Prisăcina or Dobraia in approximately 1-2 hours, climbing from the valley on very well-signposted routes and without great difficulties. A unique experience is the route that climbs to the hamlet of Ineleț on a series of wooden stairs hanging from a steep cliff. Between these small settlements with households spread along the crest of the Cerna Mountains there are numerous paths, some continuing towards the main ridge. Another interesting route (red cross) here starts from the tail of Lake Prisaca, passing by the magnificent Vânturătoarea waterfall, then continues to Poiana Cicilovete (5 km / +880 m / 4 hours). From the 7 Izvoare Calde area, another route (yellow triangle) starts to the Culmea Mare meadow, while two other routes (red triangle) from Băile Herculane climb steeply to the summit of the Cernei mountains.
Hamlets of Cerna Mountains
Cornereva commune has 40 villages scattered on the peaks of the Cerna mountains, with a total population of approximately 2,700 people, and many of these villages have only a few isolated houses and few inhabitants who still live in this amazing natural setting. Several of these hamlets are located in the eastern part of the massif, inside the national park, representing remarkable rural destinations. If until recently the only way to access these villages were only paths known only to locals, now they are connected to the lower valley by several very well-maintained and signposted hiking trails. One of the most exciting starts towards the lonely church in Ineleț, climbing a series of wooden stairs attached to a steep cliff. The other villages, Scărișoara, Cracu Mare, Dobraia or Prisăcina can be visited by following other fascinating trails. With the passage of the Via Transilvanica here, more and more travelers are discovering this authentic destination, and some locals now offer accommodation or traditional products.
Other Interesting Discoveries
Lesser known places and activities in Domogled - Cerna Valley National Park
Valea lui Iovan Lake
Also known as the Cerna Reservoir, it is located between the peaks of the Godeanu and Mehedinți mountains, in an isolated area of particular beauty. Access to the lake can be made along the national road 66A (unpaved and with very difficult sections), either from the north (on the West Jiu Valley and over the Jiu-Cerna Pass), or from the south on the Cerna Valley (approximately 9 kilometers from Cerna Sat). With impressive dimensions, the reservoir has a surface area of almost 300 hectares and a volume of approximately 124 million cubic meters. Travelers can admire the dam with a height of over 100 meters, but also the wild landscapes around.
Cerna Springs
The Cerna Spring, as it is scientifically known, is located upstream of the tail of Valea lui Iovan Lake, where streams of water emerge from under the Ciuceava Chicerii cliffs. The Cerna Spring is the largest karst spring in the country (it can reach 10 m3/s) and has three main branches, with a variable flow rate, the average being 1.5 – 2 m3/s, while the water temperature is almost constant all year round, around 80C. The Cerna comes partly from streams originating in the glacial calderas in the Godeanu and Retezatul Mic mountains, located at over 2,000 meters, but also from the karst springs at the Cerna Spring. Their source was established precisely in Retezatul Mic, at a distance of over 15 km, being probably the longest hydrological breakthrough known in the country.
Ciucevele Cernei
They are located on either side of the Cernișoara and Cerna valleys, in the northwestern extremity of the Vâlcan mountains. The Ciucevele represent a series of limestone peaks and ridges that have been declared a complex natural reserve. They have heights of around 900 meters and dominate the Cerna riverbed through steep slopes of approximately 400-500 meters, giving the landscape a special charm. In their area, there are also lapis lazuli, caves and wild gorges formed by the small streams that separate these ciucevele. Starting from north to south, the ciucevele of Sărbii, Sturu, Mare, Neagră, Frasinului, Chicerii, Văcăriei and other smaller ones are chained.
Cernișoara Gorges
It is a short section of gorges, located on the Cerna River, in its upper section (known as Cernișoara). After approximately 10 km from its sources, located at over 2,000 meters altitude in the Godeanu Mountains, the Cernișoara joins the Cerna Spring and becomes the Cerna River. Before this point, the waters of the Cernișoara also cross a short section of gorges, extremely spectacular and wild.
Primary and secular beech forests
Part of the UNESCO world natural heritage, this fascinating site comprises valuable beech forests from 12 European countries. In Romania there is approximately a quarter of these areas of protected virgin and semi-virgin forests, and the national park Domogled – Valea Cernei houses the largest proportion, arranged in three main areas, Domogled – Coronini – Bedina, Iauna – Craiova and Ciucevele Cernei. The primary and secular beech forests here (almost 100 square kilometers) have a high degree of naturalness, an exceptional diversity and a unique altitudinal development (approximately between 160 and 1600 meters).
Cloșani Cave
It is one of the most valuable caves in the country due to the wealth of unique and spectacular formations inside. Located at 433 meters altitude and having a total length of approximately 1,100 meters, it is a warm cave (11.3 degrees C), very humid and devoid of air currents. It can only be visited by tourists with special approval and accompanied by a guide, being reserved for scientific studies of biospeleology, mineralogy, geology, chemistry, geophysics, etc. It consists of two main galleries, the Matei Ghica Gallery and the Water Gallery or the Laboratories Gallery. The first is named after the one who discovered it in 1959, at that time being considered the most important speleological discovery at the national level, even possessing unique formations at the world level. It is characterized by many as the most interesting cave in the country, due to the wealth and variety of formations, crystallography and biospeleology.
Cioaca cu Brebenei Cave
Declared a natural monument due to the special beauty of the speleological formations and scientific value, it is located near the Cloșani cave, but on the other side of the Cornetul Satului slope. It is a small cave, approximately 85 meters long, and the entrance is made through a vertical chasm of about 6 meters, followed by a sloping section, which leads to a larger room. The last portion of the cave is made up of a descending gallery, and here are the most impressive speleological formations, including an impressive interweaving of delictites, which gives it a unique characteristic among the caves in the country.
Prisaca lake
The reservoir was built on the Cerna River 7 kilometers north of Băile Herculane. With a length of about 4 kilometers and located in a beautiful area of the valley, it creates a delightful landscape. On its western shore, a splendid waterfall can be discovered along a short trail (Cascada Fecioara Maria).
7 Springs
While most of the thermal springs in the area were captured and developed in the Băile Herculane resort, a few kilometers to the north there is another area where the special properties of the waters here can be discovered. Developed in a rudimentary way since Roman times, they are still popular today, being used for their exceptional curative properties.
Accommodation Recommendations
The best lodging options along the Cerna Valley
Rating 9.0 from 147 reviews!
Located just north of Lake Prisaca, where several hiking trails begin, the guesthouse is surrounded by mountains, offering excellent rooms, a restaurant, bar, lounge and parking!
Cerna Valley, 37
Rating 9.5 from 86 reviews!
Located in the middle of the Cerna Valley, this unique accommodation unit has excellent reviews and a superb location in the middle of nature. It offers comfortable rooms, a lounge and a garden!
Cerna Valley, DN67D km. 81
Rating 9.3 from 415 reviews!
This superb hotel is located in Baile Herculane, in the southern part of the National Park. It impresses with its architecture and design, offering exceptional rooms and a restaurant!
Cernei St., 1, Băile Herculane