Refugiu Baleia
The place
Disused cabin ("cabană") installed at 1410 m in Retezat National Park (Southern Carpathians, Romania). Located at the heart of the famous Retezat massif, one of the most iconic in the Romanian Carpathians, Romania's first national park, created in 1935, and a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve site since 1979. Classic access: asphalt road from the DN 66 (E79) through the village of Pui, then towards Hobița on the DJ 667, followed by a forest road marked with a red band. Major starting point for hikes toward Refugiul Stâna de Râu (1563 m) and Refugiul Salvamont Poiana Pelegii (1633 m) — an 18 km, 7-8 hour route through Culmea Cozma, Saua Gorova and Cleanțul Cozmei (1800 m). Exceptional mineral setting of the Retezat: primary beech and fir forests (UNESCO "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians" 2007), subalpine meadows, glacial lakes (the Retezat has 80 lakes including the famous Bucura), iconic wildlife: brown bear (significant population), grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, Carpathian chamois, golden eagle.
Getting there
From DN 66 via Pui → Hobița (DJ 667), then forest road with red band markers. Base for Refugiul Stâna de Râu / Poiana Pelegii.
The setting
Retezat NP (Southern Carpathians), UNESCO MAB 1979, Romania's first NP (1935).
