Defileul Jiului

The Jiu Gorge is one of the most spectacular defiles in Romania, a wild valley through which the Jiu River carves its way between the Parang and Valcan Mountains, connecting Petrosani in the Petrosani Basin with the Targu Jiu area. Declared a national park, the gorge impresses with its steep walls covered in ancient forests, the swift waters of the Jiu and its remarkable biodiversity, sheltering numerous species of plants and animals, some of them rare. The road and railway that cross the gorge are notable engineering achievements in themselves, with tunnels and viaducts threading along the narrow valley.

The landscape blends the power of the water with the quiet of the forests and offers memorable views at every bend. The area is valued for hiking and for contact with wild nature. Practical note: the gorge can be travelled by car, but stops at the viewpoints are worthwhile; for hiking routes, find out about the marked trails and the rules of the national park.