Semenic-Caraș Gorge National Park

A Wild Corner of the Banat Mountains

Semenic-Caraș Gorge National Park spans 36,214 hectares in the heart of Caraș-Severin County, covering the Anina and Semenic mountain ranges. With elevations ranging from 200 to 1,447 meters (Gozna Peak), the park blends spectacular karst landscapes with ancient forests, offering one of Romania’s best-preserved natural areas.

Landscapes and Natural Attractions

The Caraș Gorge, reaching depths of up to 200 meters and stretching 19 kilometers, is one of the park’s main highlights. Only 10 kilometers are accessible to visitors, revealing imposing limestone cliffs and vegetation adapted to harsh conditions. Nearby, the Gârliște Gorge completes the natural scenery, while the Aven in Poiana Gropii and Comarnic Cave—featuring a 1,750-meter tourist trail—add mystery and beauty to the karst landscape.

The park is also home to Europe’s largest quasi-virgin forest, covering over 5,000 hectares, where trees over 350 years old dominate the ecosystem. This area, along with the park’s natural reserves, makes Semenic-Caraș Gorge a biodiversity refuge.

Access and Exploration

Visitors can enter the park through several towns: Reșița, Iabalcea, Carașova, Anina, Prigor, Crivaia, or Gărâna. Nine marked hiking trails and public roads facilitate access, while the upcoming Reșița-Danube trail (marked with a blue stripe) will connect the park to Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park. For history enthusiasts, the medieval Grăț Fortress, with its defensive walls and moats, offers a glimpse into the region’s past.

Traditions and Local Events

The villages of Carașova and Gărâna keep local culture alive with events celebrating traditional crafts, music, and customs. These festivities complement the natural experience, transforming a visit into an authentic journey through Banat’s heritage.