Țara Hațegului: an escape into nature

Țara Hațegului or Hațeg Country, is an unusual holiday destination in western Romania.

Daniel Onea, 15.10.2026, 14:00

The region draws visitors primarily thanks to its Dinosaur Geopark, the very first geopark of its kind in the country to receive UNESCO recognition. With its mountain scenery, picturesque villages and themed trails, the area offers a relaxing, accessible getaway for all ages.

The spark that makes this destination extraordinary is, without doubt, scientific research. It was here that paleontologists unspooled the fossil remains not only of unique dwarf dinosaur species, adapted to an inland ecosystem over 70 million years ago, but also of the formidable Hatzegopteryx, one of the largest flying pterosaurs ever to take to the skies. Dr Alexandru Andrășanu, a university lecturer and the coordinator of the UNESCO Global Geoparks programme, outlines the close interplay between scientific discovery and local tourism.

Alexandru Andrășanu: “The connection between science and tourism is the most compelling aspect of all, because the geopark grew directly out of scientific discoveries. The dinosaurs here are world-famous and unique precisely because they were dwarf species. The research pioneered by Baron Franz Nopcsa was later carried over by teams from the University of Bucharest alongside national and international partners. Paleontologist Jack Horner, for instance, the scientific advisor on Jurassic Park, visited Țara Hațegului and the Valley of the Dinosaurs. These discoveries, and the fame surrounding them, provided the spark for establishing the geopark. Beyond that, interdisciplinary scientific work was needed to understand how the local community links to the natural environment. Therefore, when a visitor comes to the region today, we can explain how the mountains took shape, why the local architecture looks the way it does or where various local traditions originated. At the heart of everything we do, therefore, is research”.

To help visitors discover the wonders of local nature and history, the region boasts an exceptionally well-organized network of themed trails. Exploration can start right from the heart of town, as Alexandru Andrășanu explains.

Alexandru Andrășanu: “We offer six routes covering the traditional heartland of Țara Hațegului, a historical area encompassing 12 local communities. Of course, the trails stretch beyond Hațeg’s borders, allowing visitors to take in nearby landmarks such as Corvin Castle, the ancient Dacian fortresses, Deva Fortress or the Gold Museum in Brad. Hunedoara County is rich in attractions. Returning to our own area, the most convenient way to explore is by car. Detailed information is available on the geopark website and the ‘Țara Hațegului – Retezat’ ecotourism platform, which spans three protected areas. Visitors also have local guides and visitor centers at their disposal. Our trails start at the Geopark House in Hațeg, where you can tour the permanent exhibition ‘Dragons & Dinosaurs’. The title is a nod to a dinosaur species found nowhere else on Earth, known scientifically as Balaur Bondoc, a Romanian name inspired by local folklore about legendary dragons and serpents”.

One of the most appealing routes takes tourists directly in the footsteps of ancient reptiles. It is a journey in time that successfully blends paleontological heritage with medieval architecture:

Alexandru Andrășanu: “We recommend an adventure in the Dinosaur Valley or the Sibișel Valley. The route starts in Hațeg, passes through Sântămăria-Orlea, home to a beautiful, historic church, and reaches the village of Sânpetru. Two sites have been set up here: the House of Traditions and the House of Dwarf Dinosaurs, which share stories about local customs and the dinosaurs in the Sibișel Valley. This guided exhibition was created jointly with the Sântămăria-Orlea Women’s Association. Continuing the journey, we arrive at another ancient church, dating back to the 14th Century, in the village of Sânpetru, before reaching the Dinosaur Valley itself. This is the first place in Romania where dinosaur bones were discovered. Over a century ago, locals found bones here that they called “giant’s bones.” Later on, Baron Franz Nopcsa provided an exceptional description of them, promoting the discovery globally and bringing fame to the Hațeg Country.”

Beyond its scientific importance, Hațeg Country serves as a gateway to the spectacular landscapes of the alpine zone. The region is an excellent choice for families and visitors seeking tranquillity.

Alexandru Andrășanu: “The trail continues toward the granite field, where we can see boulders carried by glaciers and water from the Retezat Mountains. From here, we can go up the Sibișel Valley towards Mount Retezat. Depending on individual fitness levels, the journey continues through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Retezat National Park, where visitors can be accompanied by park rangers. Our tourists cover all age groups. We are visited particularly by families with children or grandparents accompanied by their grandchildren; they choose to spend a few days here because completing each trail takes about a full day.”

Planning a holiday to this destination is easy thanks to the many digital platforms developed locally. Alexandru Andrășanu provides all the pointers needed to find the logistical details for the trip.

Alexandru Andrășanu: “Information is available primarily at hateggeoparc.ro, as well as on our Facebook and Instagram pages. The Geopark is part of the Țara Hațegului – Retezat ecotourism destination, which also includes the Retezat National Park and the Grădiștea Muncelului-Cioclovina Nature Park. Tourists can also find useful information on the destination’s dedicated platform. Additionally, there are info points in villages and promotional materials produced by the Hunedoara County Tourism Directorate, a well-organised institution. Hunedoara County holds immense potential, and I believe it is set to become a major tourist attraction thanks to its many sites of interest.”

So, whether you are passionate about the planet’s history or mountain hiking, or simply looking for an authentic family holiday destination, Hațeg Country awaits you with countless options. (VP, AMP)