Voineasa – Vidra & Munții Lotrului

On the Lotru Valley, between Vâlcea and the high crests of the Parâng, Voineasa was long the best-kept secret of the Southern Carpathians: a valley resort of fir-scented air and quiet, serving as the gateway to one of the country's most spectacular alpine landscapes — the Vidra lake and dam, set high in the Lotru Mountains, at the edge of the famous Transalpina.

Why it's worth it From Voineasa, the road climbs through forests up to Vidra, where the reservoir mirrors the bare ridges. From here begins the highest branch of the Transalpina, the alpine road that crosses the Parâng at over 2,000 metres. The Lotru Mountains hide other glacial and reservoir lakes too — a country of waters and uplands where civilisation feels far away.

When to go Summer (June–September) is the only safe window for the Transalpina, which closes at altitude in winter. Autumn colours the forests on the slopes, and winter turns Vidra into a ski area. Because weather above 1,800 metres shifts abruptly, check the mountain forecast and note the Salvamont rescue contacts.

What to do The Lotru uplands invite long hikes to the glacial lakes and viewpoints over the Parâng and Căpățânii ranges. Explore the options on the trails hub and the sights on the list of attractions, then the ideas for experiences and themed itineraries that link Vidra with Rânca and the Transalpina.

Skiing In winter, the runs are concentrated in the Transalpina Ski Resort at Vidra, one of the highest in the country, with slopes above the lake and a long season. For fuller stays, the neighbouring Parâng, Rânca and Transalpina area rounds out the map of this part of the mountains.

Getting there & where to sleep Voineasa is reached from Brezoi, on the DN7A along the Lotru Valley; from there, the road up to Vidra and the Transalpina calls for good conditions. Check the state of play on the mountain roads page and on the map. For your stay, choose between hotels and guesthouses, with mountain cuisine at local restaurants.

Practical note: the Transalpina closes at the first serious snowfall — confirm that the high section is open before you set off.