Vârful Retezat, Mountain peak in Retezat National Park, Romania.
Vârful Retezat is a mountain peak in the Retezat-Godeanu Mountains rising to 2,485 meters. Steep rocky slopes and glacial formations from ancient ice create the distinctive structure of this summit and surrounding terrain.
The mountain formed through tectonic movements during the Alpine orogeny that created the steep walls of the Southern Carpathians. This geological process shaped the foundation for the glacial lakes and landscape visible today.
Shepherds in the surrounding valleys practice centuries-old grazing traditions within the national park's designated areas. These methods have shaped how people use the land and what the slopes look like today.
Hiking trails to the summit start from Râușor ski resort and follow red-marked paths through changing terrain. The climb takes 3 to 4 hours and demands decent fitness and proper mountain gear.
This area contains about 38 percent of Romania's glacial lakes and supports over 1,200 plant species across its slopes. Few visitors realize how much of the country's alpine biodiversity concentrates in this single mountain.
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