TARCU (2190 m)

Mountain Tarcu belongs to the Carpathians. Tarcu is one of the most interesting mountains of the Carpathian massif. It is interesting because it is infinitely wooded and green, like all of the Carpathian mountains.

From Belgrade to the foothill of the mountain Tarcu, you must drive about 240 km, which is about 4.5 hours of drive. The road takes you to the town of Vrsac, then to the border crossing Vatin. At the border, be sure to buy a vignette for 3 euros, it is valid for the next 7 days. If the traffic police catches you without a vignette, the penalty is 800 euros! And respect the speed limit, Romanians are very rigorous here!

After you enter Romania, follow the signs to the cities Resica and Caran-Sebes. Resica is the first city you will pass, the next one is Caran-Sebes. In Caran-Sebes, follow the sign that says “Muntele Mic”. Muntele Mic is a mountain which is located opposite of Tarcu. The same asphalt road leads to Tarcu and Muntele Mic, only Tarcu is the first stop. If, from the starting point for Tarcu, you continue to drive along the main road, you will soon come to the foothill of Muntele Mic. To the top of Muntele Mic, you will need about 40 minutes.

From Caran-Sebes, to the starting point of the ascent to Tarcu, it takes less than a half an hour of drive. The starting point is right next to the main road, many cars are parked there:

You start at 1400 a.s.l. It takes 3.5 to 4 hours of walk to the top. The ascent is not difficult. In the first hour, trail leads you through a pine forest. Then you will come to a meadow with a small lake and a weather station, which sometimes serves for the reception of hikers who want to sleep at the foothill of the mountain. The trail is excellently marked with characteristic red-white markings and piled stones. You simply can not miss the way to the top. While you hiking, you can also see a weather station at the top of Tarcu.

From this beautiful oasis, on the way to the top, you will enjoy in breathtaking views! You will clearly see the neighbor peak Muntele Mic and the huge Carpathian massif.

Muntele Mic

And on the top, you will be in Paradise! Everything is green, as long as the view reaches! You will see Retezat, Godeanu, Peleaga and many Carpathian peaks that are above 2000 m. Fantastic!

Tarcu

Retezat

It is impossible to express all the beauty of Tarcu with these photos, that feeling must be experienced in person. Although I tried to put the best photos from this mountain, I realized that they can not transfer the unique feeling of the Carpathians.

June 2016.