Nera Gorges-Beusnita National Park | National Parks Assc

Nera Gorges-Beusnita Overview

Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park, known locally as Parcul Național Cheile Nerei-Beușnița, is a protected area located in Caraș-Severin County, southwestern Romania.

Established in 2000, the park encompasses approximately 142 square miles (367.58 square kilometers) in the southern part of the Anina Mountains, a subgroup of the Banat Mountains. The park stretches along the middle course of the Nera River and the upper reaches of the Beu River, offering a diverse array of natural landscapes.

The terrain of Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park is characterized by a remarkable variety of geological features, including towering mountain peaks, deep cirques, crevasses, expansive caves, winding valleys, dramatic canyons, and cascading waterfalls.

One of the park’s most striking features is the Nera Gorge, which extends over 20 kilometers, making it one of the longest gorges in Romania. This gorge presents a luminous landscape with cliffs, hills, and valleys that captivate visitors.

The park also boasts several notable waterfalls, such as the Beușnița Waterfall, a series of cascades culminating in a five-meter-high fall adorned with lush moss and lichens, and the Văioaga Waterfall, easily accessible and renowned for its picturesque beauty.

Additionally, the park is home to unique blue lakes like Ochiul Beiului, a three-meter-deep lake fed by a karst spring, known for its constant turquoise color and the fact that it never freezes, even in winter.

The park’s diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife. Mammals such as brown bears, deer, roe deer, gray wolves, wild boars, European otters, lynxes, wildcats, pine martens, and badgers inhabit the forests and mountains.

Bird enthusiasts can observe species like the golden eagle, lesser spotted eagle, common kingfisher, hazel grouse, hen harrier, Eurasian eagle-owl, short-toed snake eagle, red-breasted flycatcher, European honey buzzard, and the colorful European roller.

Reptiles and amphibians, including the common adder, green lizard, smooth snake, fire salamander, alpine newt, common toad, and yellow-bellied toad, are also present within the park’s boundaries.

Visitors to Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park can engage in various recreational activities. Hiking is particularly popular, with trails leading through the Nera Gorge, past crystal-clear lakes, and through tunnels carved into stone. One such trail is an 8-9 hour hike that traverses the entire protected area, offering views of pristine lakes and natural rock formations.

The park’s waterways provide opportunities for kayaking and rafting, especially during late spring and early summer when water levels are favorable. Photography enthusiasts will find ample subjects in the park’s scenic landscapes, diverse flora, and abundant wildlife. Camping is permitted in designated areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.

Conservation efforts within Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park have been focused on preserving its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The park enjoys an extraordinary wealth of flora, a land of diversity and uniqueness, and a wild side maintained due to difficult access in the area.

The park’s management has implemented measures to protect endangered species and their habitats, monitor wildlife populations, and promote sustainable tourism practices. These efforts have contributed to the preservation of the park’s natural beauty and ecological integrity, ensuring that it remains a pristine environment for future generations to enjoy.

Park Map

Nera Gorges-Beusnita National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

In addition to its diverse mammalian and reptilian fauna, Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting a variety of notable avian species.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars high above the park’s landscapes. With a wingspan reaching over two meters, it hunts mammals and birds, showcasing impressive aerial agility.

Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina)
This medium-sized eagle favors mixed forests and open areas within the park. It feeds on small mammals, amphibians, and insects, often seen gliding gracefully in search of prey.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Recognizable by its vibrant blue and orange plumage, the common kingfisher frequents the park’s waterways. It hunts fish by diving from perches, requiring clean, clear waters for successful foraging.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the world’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and prominent ear tufts. Nocturnal by nature, it preys on a variety of animals, from small mammals to other birds.

Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
Specializing in hunting reptiles, particularly snakes, this eagle is often seen soaring over open areas of the park. It has a distinctive pale underside and piercing yellow eyes.

Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)
A small passerine bird, the red-breasted flycatcher is noted for the male’s orange-red throat patch during the breeding season. It inhabits deciduous forests, feeding on insects caught in flight.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Despite its name, this raptor primarily feeds on the larvae of wasps and bees. It can be identified by its long tail and subtle plumage differences from other buzzards.

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
This woodpecker species favors mature forests, where it thrives among deciduous and mixed woodlands. Unlike its more drumming relatives, the Grey-headed Woodpecker is known for its softer tapping and distinctive, flute-like calls. It primarily feeds on ants and other insects, using its strong bill to probe into tree bark and fallen logs.

Popular

Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park, located in southwestern Romania, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish species.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The brown bear is the largest terrestrial carnivore in Europe, recognized by its robust build and thick fur. In the park, these bears inhabit dense forests and are a symbol of the region’s wild nature.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Gray wolves are social predators known for their pack behavior and adaptability. Within the park, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling herbivore populations.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This semi-aquatic mammal thrives in the park’s clean rivers and streams. European otters are agile swimmers, feeding primarily on fish, and serve as indicators of healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Lynx (Lynx lynx)
The elusive lynx, with its distinctive tufted ears and spotted coat, roams the park’s remote forested areas. As solitary hunters, they primarily prey on deer and smaller mammals.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars are common in the park, recognized by their sturdy bodies and coarse bristles. They forage in diverse habitats, from woodlands to grasslands, and have a varied diet that includes roots, fruits, and small animals.

Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
Resembling domestic cats but more robust, wildcats inhabit the park’s forests. They are solitary and nocturnal, preying on rodents and birds.

Pine Marten (Martes martes)
This agile mammal is known for its arboreal lifestyle, often seen leaping between trees. Pine martens have a varied diet, including small mammals, birds, and fruits, contributing to seed dispersal within the forest.

Common Adder (Vipera berus)
The common adder is a venomous snake found in the park’s diverse habitats. Identifiable by the distinctive zigzag pattern along its back, it plays a role in controlling rodent populations.

Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis)
With its vibrant green coloration, the green lizard is a striking reptile commonly seen basking in sunny areas of the park. It feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
This amphibian is notable for its black body adorned with bright yellow spots or stripes. Preferring moist, wooded areas, fire salamanders are primarily nocturnal and feed on insects and worms.

Birds

In addition to its diverse mammalian and reptilian fauna, Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting a variety of notable avian species.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars high above the park’s landscapes. With a wingspan reaching over two meters, it hunts mammals and birds, showcasing impressive aerial agility.

Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina)
This medium-sized eagle favors mixed forests and open areas within the park. It feeds on small mammals, amphibians, and insects, often seen gliding gracefully in search of prey.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Recognizable by its vibrant blue and orange plumage, the common kingfisher frequents the park’s waterways. It hunts fish by diving from perches, requiring clean, clear waters for successful foraging.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the world’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and prominent ear tufts. Nocturnal by nature, it preys on a variety of animals, from small mammals to other birds.

Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
Specializing in hunting reptiles, particularly snakes, this eagle is often seen soaring over open areas of the park. It has a distinctive pale underside and piercing yellow eyes.

Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)
A small passerine bird, the red-breasted flycatcher is noted for the male’s orange-red throat patch during the breeding season. It inhabits deciduous forests, feeding on insects caught in flight.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Despite its name, this raptor primarily feeds on the larvae of wasps and bees. It can be identified by its long tail and subtle plumage differences from other buzzards.

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
This woodpecker species favors mature forests, where it thrives among deciduous and mixed woodlands. Unlike its more drumming relatives, the Grey-headed Woodpecker is known for its softer tapping and distinctive, flute-like calls. It primarily feeds on ants and other insects, using its strong bill to probe into tree bark and fallen logs.

Popular

Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park, located in southwestern Romania, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish species.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The brown bear is the largest terrestrial carnivore in Europe, recognized by its robust build and thick fur. In the park, these bears inhabit dense forests and are a symbol of the region’s wild nature.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Gray wolves are social predators known for their pack behavior and adaptability. Within the park, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling herbivore populations.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This semi-aquatic mammal thrives in the park’s clean rivers and streams. European otters are agile swimmers, feeding primarily on fish, and serve as indicators of healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Lynx (Lynx lynx)
The elusive lynx, with its distinctive tufted ears and spotted coat, roams the park’s remote forested areas. As solitary hunters, they primarily prey on deer and smaller mammals.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars are common in the park, recognized by their sturdy bodies and coarse bristles. They forage in diverse habitats, from woodlands to grasslands, and have a varied diet that includes roots, fruits, and small animals.

Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
Resembling domestic cats but more robust, wildcats inhabit the park’s forests. They are solitary and nocturnal, preying on rodents and birds.

Pine Marten (Martes martes)
This agile mammal is known for its arboreal lifestyle, often seen leaping between trees. Pine martens have a varied diet, including small mammals, birds, and fruits, contributing to seed dispersal within the forest.

Common Adder (Vipera berus)
The common adder is a venomous snake found in the park’s diverse habitats. Identifiable by the distinctive zigzag pattern along its back, it plays a role in controlling rodent populations.

Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis)
With its vibrant green coloration, the green lizard is a striking reptile commonly seen basking in sunny areas of the park. It feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
This amphibian is notable for its black body adorned with bright yellow spots or stripes. Preferring moist, wooded areas, fire salamanders are primarily nocturnal and feed on insects and worms.

Birds

In addition to its diverse mammalian and reptilian fauna, Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting a variety of notable avian species.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars high above the park’s landscapes. With a wingspan reaching over two meters, it hunts mammals and birds, showcasing impressive aerial agility.

Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina)
This medium-sized eagle favors mixed forests and open areas within the park. It feeds on small mammals, amphibians, and insects, often seen gliding gracefully in search of prey.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Recognizable by its vibrant blue and orange plumage, the common kingfisher frequents the park’s waterways. It hunts fish by diving from perches, requiring clean, clear waters for successful foraging.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the world’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and prominent ear tufts. Nocturnal by nature, it preys on a variety of animals, from small mammals to other birds.

Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
Specializing in hunting reptiles, particularly snakes, this eagle is often seen soaring over open areas of the park. It has a distinctive pale underside and piercing yellow eyes.

Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)
A small passerine bird, the red-breasted flycatcher is noted for the male’s orange-red throat patch during the breeding season. It inhabits deciduous forests, feeding on insects caught in flight.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Despite its name, this raptor primarily feeds on the larvae of wasps and bees. It can be identified by its long tail and subtle plumage differences from other buzzards.

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
This woodpecker species favors mature forests, where it thrives among deciduous and mixed woodlands. Unlike its more drumming relatives, the Grey-headed Woodpecker is known for its softer tapping and distinctive, flute-like calls. It primarily feeds on ants and other insects, using its strong bill to probe into tree bark and fallen logs.

Share your clicks with us

Related National Parks More Romania

Nera Gorges-Beusnita National Park

Calimani National Park

Nera Gorges-Beusnita National Park

Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park

Nera Gorges-Beusnita National Park

Cozia National Park

Nera Gorges-Beusnita National Park

Defileul Jiului National Park