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A weekend in the Jiu Valley

Mining heritage, a forest that changes colour and a themed trail through tunnels — two days in the towns at the foot of the Parâng mountains.

2 days · 7 stops

The Jiu Valley is best understood through its mining past. Day one links the museum in Petroșani with the former mine in Petrila and the scenery nearby; day two heads outdoors, on an easy trail near Vulcan or, in winter, to the ski slopes.

Day 1 — Mining and caves

  1. Mining Museum, Petroșani Museum · Petroșani

    The only museum in Romania dedicated exclusively to coal-mining technology.

  2. Petrila Mine (Planeta Petrila) Historic industrial site · Petrila

    The oldest mine in the Jiu Valley, now turned into an open-air museum.

  3. Two-Coloured Forest optional Natural phenomenon · Petrila

    A hillside that looks cut in two colours, at the Tăia Gorges near Petrila — evergreen spruce on one side, golden beech on the other.

    Best in autumn, while the beech trees change colour (see the place's page).

  4. Bolii Cave optional Cave · Bănița

    A 455 m river cave with electric lighting, on the edge of the Grădiștea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park.

    Length: 455 m

Day 2 — Outdoors

  1. Tunnels Trail Themed trail · Vulcan

    An easy-to-moderate themed trail near Vulcan, leading to the Devil's Cave and Waterfall.

    Length: ~6 km (3–4 hours round trip)

  2. Straja ski resort optional Skiing · Vâlcan Mountains

    Declared a resort in 2002, with the county's largest ski area — about 26 km of slopes.

    In winter: skiing on the Straja slopes.

  3. Parâng ski slopes optional Skiing · Parâng Mountains

    A ski area about 15 km from Petroșani, with a chairlift climbing from 950 to 1,650 m.

    In winter: an alternative for skiing, at Parâng.

Where to eat or stay

Mountain hikes: check the forecast and trail conditions, start early and tell someone your route. Salvamont Hunedoara: 0725 826 668.

The itineraries are indicative and only use the information in the guide. They do not include distances or travel times between stops. Check opening hours and prices before you go.

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