Southern Carpathians

The Southern Carpathians rise above the Hațeg basin in a wall of high ridges and deep valleys. The Retezat massif has peaks above two thousand metres, with sharp summits and hollows carved by ancient glaciers. Lakes lie in these stone basins, including Bucura, while forests cover the lower slopes. Snow and exposed rock make the upper heights difficult to cross, directing travel toward the valleys and passes that connect Transylvania with the lands to the south.