The Țarcu Mountains (Muntii Țarcu): Where the Wind Whispers Ancient Legends +video and views
Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2026 10:02 am
If you are looking for the raw, untamed heart of the Southern Carpathians, look no further than the Țarcu Mountains. Often called the "Guardians of the West," these peaks offer a landscape where the grass is always a vibrant green, the winds are legendary, and the history runs as deep as the glacial valleys.
The Legend: The Giants of the Peaks
Local folklore says that these mountains weren't just shaped by nature, but by the Jidovi—a race of benevolent giants who lived in the Carpathians long before humans. Legend has it that the vast, flat plateaus (the Borăscu surfaces) were actually the giants’ pathways or "threshing floors."
One popular story tells of a giant’s daughter who found "tiny dolls" (humans) and took them home to play with, only to be told by her father to put them back, as these small creatures were destined to inherit the earth after the giants were gone. When you stand on the wide, open ridges of Țarcu, looking at the massive boulders scattered around, it’s easy to imagine they were once the playthings of giants.
The Flora: A Botanical Paradise
The Țarcu Mountains are a sanctuary for rare and beautiful plants. As you climb, you leave behind the thick beech and spruce forests to enter a world of:
The Fauna: The Great Return
Țarcu is famously known as the "Shepherd’s Mountains," but it is also home to the kings of the wild:
Frequently Asked Questions: Exploring the Țarcu Mountains
1. How do I get to the Țarcu Mountains? The most common gateway is the city of Caransebeș. From there, you can drive to Poiana Mărului or Muntele Mic, which serve as the primary base camps for most hiking trails. If you are coming from Timișoara, it is roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive.
2. When is the best time to visit?
4. Can I see the European Bison (Zimbrul)? Yes! The rewilding area is near Armeniș. While the bison roam free in a massive area, local guides offer "Bison Tracking" tours which significantly increase your chances of seeing them safely and respectfully.
5. Are there mountain chalets (cabane) in the area? The infrastructure is more rustic than in the Bucegi or Făgăraș mountains. You can find accommodation in Muntele Mic or Poiana Mărului. On the high ridges, there are weather stations and a few mountain refuges, but they are intended for emergencies rather than comfort.
6. Do I need special equipment? For a day hike in summer, sturdy hiking boots and a windproof jacket are essential—the wind on the Țarcu plateau is famous for its intensity. In winter, professional alpine gear (crampons, ice axe) is required for high-altitude ridges.
Landscape of Țarcu Mountains in Romania featuring European bison grazing on green alpine plateaus, a golden eagle soaring above, and the weather station in the distance under a misty sky.
Local folklore says that these mountains weren't just shaped by nature, but by the Jidovi—a race of benevolent giants who lived in the Carpathians long before humans. Legend has it that the vast, flat plateaus (the Borăscu surfaces) were actually the giants’ pathways or "threshing floors."
One popular story tells of a giant’s daughter who found "tiny dolls" (humans) and took them home to play with, only to be told by her father to put them back, as these small creatures were destined to inherit the earth after the giants were gone. When you stand on the wide, open ridges of Țarcu, looking at the massive boulders scattered around, it’s easy to imagine they were once the playthings of giants.
The Flora: A Botanical Paradise
The Țarcu Mountains are a sanctuary for rare and beautiful plants. As you climb, you leave behind the thick beech and spruce forests to enter a world of:
- The Queen of Flowers: In the limestone area of Fața Fetii, you can find the rare Edelweiss (Floarea de Colț), a protected symbol of mountain purity.
- Alpine Colors: During spring and summer, the meadows are painted with the pink of Mountain Peonies (Smirdar) and the deep blue of Gentians.
- Ancient Guardians: Look for the Swiss Stone Pine (Zâmbrul), a resilient tree that survives at high altitudes, often standing as a solitary sentinel against the fierce winds.
A majestic European Bison (Zimbrul) standing on a green alpine meadow.
Țarcu is famously known as the "Shepherd’s Mountains," but it is also home to the kings of the wild:
- The Return of the Bison: In one of Europe’s most ambitious rewilding projects, the European Bison (Zimbrul) (see more)has been reintroduced in the Armeniș area. Seeing these prehistoric-looking giants roaming free once again is a sight you will never forget.
- The High-Altitude Dwellers: On the rocky ridges, you can often spot the agile Chamois (Capra Neagră), while the skies are patrolled by the Golden Eagle.
- The Large Predators: The deep valleys remain a stronghold for brown bears, wolves, and lynx.
- A Note on Safety: As we always say here at Beautiful Romania, wild animals are unpredictable. Whether you are hoping for a glimpse of a bison or trekking through bear territory, always keep a respectful distance and follow mountain safety protocols.
- Highest Point: Vârful Căleanu 2199 m.
- Best View: The Țarcu Weather Station, which feels like the edge of the world.
- Gateway: Start your journey from Caransebeș or the Poiana Mărului resort.
- Discover the Țarcu Mountains—where every trail tells a story and nature remains truly wild.
Frequently Asked Questions: Exploring the Țarcu Mountains
1. How do I get to the Țarcu Mountains? The most common gateway is the city of Caransebeș. From there, you can drive to Poiana Mărului or Muntele Mic, which serve as the primary base camps for most hiking trails. If you are coming from Timișoara, it is roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive.
2. When is the best time to visit?
- Summer (June–September): Ideal for hiking and seeing the alpine flowers in bloom.
- Winter (December–March): Perfect for ski touring and snowshoeing, but be prepared for extreme winds and low visibility.
- Late Spring: Great for spotting the reintroduced bison near Armeniș.
4. Can I see the European Bison (Zimbrul)? Yes! The rewilding area is near Armeniș. While the bison roam free in a massive area, local guides offer "Bison Tracking" tours which significantly increase your chances of seeing them safely and respectfully.
5. Are there mountain chalets (cabane) in the area? The infrastructure is more rustic than in the Bucegi or Făgăraș mountains. You can find accommodation in Muntele Mic or Poiana Mărului. On the high ridges, there are weather stations and a few mountain refuges, but they are intended for emergencies rather than comfort.
6. Do I need special equipment? For a day hike in summer, sturdy hiking boots and a windproof jacket are essential—the wind on the Țarcu plateau is famous for its intensity. In winter, professional alpine gear (crampons, ice axe) is required for high-altitude ridges.