Nera–Beușnița Gorges
A national park of wild gorges, turquoise lakes, and hidden waterfalls.
<p>The Nera–Beușnița Gorges form the wildest national park in southwestern Romania. 37,000 hectares of gorges, beech forests, turquoise lakes, hidden waterfalls, roads you only take if you really want to get up there. No train station, no cable car, no ticket gate — just trails, markings, and paths walked by people a hundred years before.</p><p>Four star spots: Beușnița Waterfall (15 m, emerald water, mossy frame), Devil's Lake (a karst lake with black water, entered through a narrow tunnel), Bei's Eye (a small turquoise pool, fairy-tale perfect), and the Nera Gorges proper (8 km of limestone defile). The full route takes 2 days — done well, with a tent or cabin.</p><p>Our tip: start from Sasca Montană or Șopotu Nou (southern entries). Bring plenty of water, GPS doesn't catch everywhere, a printed map helps. No swimming in the lakes (cold-cold-cold, plus protected). Best in May-June for waterfalls, September-October for foliage.</p><p>Stays: rustic guesthouses in Sasca, Cărbunari, Șopotu Nou. Good local food, reasonable prices. Far from cities — which is the point.</p>
