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  • Travel and preserve
    Fantastic forest wilderness
    ... almost on your doorstep
  • Travel and preserve
    Magical places, centuries-old trees
    ... once-in-a-lifetime-experiences
  • Travel and preserve
    Experience forest wilderness
    in Fagaras Mountains
    Discover primary forests (almost) on your doorstep.
  • Paradise Forest of Domogled National Park
    ... explore ancient forests and farmland
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Primary forest in Romania?

Did you know that there are still primary or “virgin” forests in Europe? Yes, they really do still exist here - and not just in the Amazon or in Canada.

The largest remnants of the once large wild forest landscapes in the EU have survived in Scandinavia, the Carpathians and the Balkans.
A very significant proportion of these can be found in Romania.

These are truly wild forests of fantastic beauty and biodiversity.

And they are closer than many people probably think.

So you can experience them for yourself, and by visiting (and talking about them) you can even contribute to their protection...

Must know

Why are our last primary forests so important?

Natural forests are particularly valuable ecosystems. They are of central importance for our human world, as they fulfill essential ecosystem functions without which our civilization is threatened by the impacts of the intensifying climate and nature crisis: Natural forests are more resilient to climate extremes, harbor more biodiversity - they are home to many almost extinct species that cannot survive in monotonous commercial forests - and they store more water and carbon than non-natural tree plantations and intensively managed forests.

Interesting facts

How do primary and old-growth forests differ from managed forests?

The forest appearance of primary and old growth forests differs significantly from managed forests and plantations.

How can you recognize primary and old-growth forests?

Where and how can you experience them?

How to find Romania’s primary forests?

Romania's primary and old growth forests have not yet been accurately and comprehensively officially mapped.
Scientists and nature conservation organizations estimate that there are still around 500,000 ha of them left - but less than one quarter of them is sufficiently protected.
Tourism can help to raise awareness of these precious forests and thus contribute to their protection.
Therefore, we explored some areas in Romania and tested trails into the primary forests.
Here, we tell you where you can experience primeval forests for yourself... 

Fagaras Mountains

Romania's Primary Forests Hot-Spot

The Fagaras Mountains Natura 2000 site is home to the largest and most valuable cluster of primary and old growth forests in Romania.
Here you can find some truly untouched and pristine valleys – some of them even without a single path. 

In other valleys, marked hiking trails lead safely into the fascinating forest wilderness - a landscape that no longer exists in the "West" of Europe (apart from Scandinavia) in this size and untouched state.

We have tested the following hikes and would like to recommend them to you:

Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park and UNESCO Site

World Heritage Beech Forests

Romania's largest national park, the Domogled-Cerna Valley National Park, is also partially designated as a "component part" of the transnational, serial UNESCO World Heritage Site for the protection of Europe's primeval and ancient beech forests.
This means that the wonderful natural landscape is under the protection of humanity.

We think this is more than justified.
The landscape is incredibly beautiful.

You can discover it for yourselves...