Pack your rucksack with keksy wafers, a hunk of bread and a slab of creamy goat’s cheese before waving goodbye to all your troubles and setting off to explore the beech forests, bat caves and mineral rich valleys of the Carpathian Mountains. This is one of the most underrated stomping grounds in Europe and an absolute thrill for hikers hoping to catch a glimpse of beavers and otters on forest covered riverbanks, or marmots, deer and chamois making an appearance on higher ground.
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Wilderness walkers and wildlife watchers only speak of the Carpathians in reverential whispers, which is why this mountain range remains one of Europe's best kept secrets.
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Apart from the smaller critters, the Carpathians create an ideal environment for larger predators too and boast sizeable populations of wolves, brown bears and lynx, all of which should only be tracked with an expert and observed from a safe distance or purpose built hide.
Romania and Slovakia promise the very best of the Carpathians with seasonal variations adding a totally unique dimension to a never ending mix of mountain trails and animal encounters. Find out more in our Carpathian Mountains travel guide.
