Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park

Parcul Național Cheile Nerei-Beușnița

A stunning karst wilderness of gorges, waterfalls and impossibly turquoise lakes, including the famous Ochiul Beiului and Beușnița falls. It is one of Romania's most beautiful national parks, ideal for hiking and photography.

Things to do

• Ochiul Beiului — Hike to this small but astonishingly turquoise karst lake fed by underground springs, a highlight of the park.
• Beușnița Waterfall — Continue past Ochiul Beiului to reach the moss-draped tiered waterfall cascading over travertine formations.
• Nera Gorges (Cheile Nerei) — Trek the dramatic 20-plus kilometre gorge trail along the Nera River, one of Romania's longest and wildest limestone canyons.
• Lacul Dracului (Devil's Lake) — Visit this deep karst lake tucked at the base of a cliff, reachable via a scenic gorge path with tunnels and bridges.
• La Cârșia Rolului viewpoints — Follow the gorge route through carved-out passages and cable-assisted sections for panoramic canyon views.
• Bigăr area exploration — Base yourself near Bozovici or Șopotu Nou to explore springs, caves and the surrounding karst plateau.
• Photography at Cascada Beușnița — Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots of the layered falls, best in spring when water flow is highest.

Food to try

• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, slow-cooked and served with polenta and sour cream in local guesthouses.
• Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână — Cornmeal polenta served with local sheep or cow cheese and sour cream, a staple mountain meal.
• Tochitură bănățeană — A hearty Banat-style pork stew with sausage, topped with a fried egg and cheese, served with polenta.
• Țuică and pălincă — Strong homemade plum brandy offered by hosts as a welcome drink throughout the Banat region.
• Brânză de burduf — Tangy sheep cheese matured in bark or skin, sold by shepherds and at village markets near the park.
• Gomboți (plum dumplings) — Sweet potato-dough dumplings filled with whole plums and rolled in buttery breadcrumbs, a beloved regional dessert.

Local customs & good to know

• Start early and carry water — Trails to Beușnița are long with limited facilities, so bring supplies and begin hikes in the morning.
• Wear proper footwear for wet rock — The travertine and gorge paths are slippery near waterfalls and river crossings, so grippy hiking boots are essential.
• Respect the protected wilderness — Stay on marked trails, carry out all trash, and avoid disturbing the fragile karst formations and turquoise pools.
• Base in nearby villages — Sasca Montană, Șopotu Nou and Bozovici offer pensiuni (guesthouses) with home-cooked meals and access points to the park.

Nearby

• Bigăr Waterfall — 22 km
• Semenic Mountains — 37 km
• Băile Herculane — 57 km
• Danube Gorges (Cazanele Dunării) — 59 km