Retezat Peak

Retezat Peak, 2,482 m high, stands in the northern part of the Retezat Mountains, within Retezat National Park, and gives its name to the whole massif. It is the third highest summit in the massif, after Peleaga (2,509 m) and Păpușa (2,508 m), but the best known, thanks to its "cut-off" shape, visible from across the Hațeg Country. The flat top has inspired several folk legends; one, recorded by the park administration, says the peak is a giant whose head was cut off. Below its steep walls lies Ștevia Lake, and from the ridge between Retezat Peak and Poarta Bucurei visitors can look over the Gemenele Scientific Reserve, which is closed to tourists. The park administration recommends two routes. From Cârnic (DJ 667A, from Ohaba de Sub Piatră), the route follows the road marked with a blue stripe to the Pietrele hut, then the blue triangle past Stânișoara Lake to the summit; the out-and-back route takes 10-11 hours, with 1,680 m of ascent. From Râușor (DJ 686, from Râu de Mori), the red stripe climbs the Ștevia valley past Ștevia Lake to the Lolaia saddle and on to the summit in about 4 hours, returning along the Prelucele ridge (red triangle), for a total of 10-11 hours. The stretch between the Lolaia saddle and the summit requires great care, and in winter the climb requires special equipment. Visits to the park are allowed only on marked trails and require the visitor fee.