Equestrian tourism in Măcinului Mountains, the most ancient mountain formation from Romania

Being 7 to 467 m high, these mountains offer unique steppe landscapes, made up of  rocky formations with various geomorphic shapes and calcareous conglomerates with strange shapes sculptured by the time, that combines in a spectacular way with the green color of forests of holms, oaks and beeches. In the Măcinului Mountain National Park coexist 24 priority habitats, of which one is considered the sole in the world– the Beech forest from Dobrogea (Fagus taurica), from the Beeches Valley.

The climate of these mountains determined a specific variety of eco-systems that interferes between them: Pontic-sub-Mediterranean, central European and Asian, making in this way possible that over 50% of the species of Romania’s flora and fauna are found there.

Over 1700 species of plants (of which 72 being protected), 181 species of birds (of which 37 protected at international level), 47 mammals species, 1436 species of insects (of which 900 species of butterflies), but also a large variety of  reptile and amphibians make up a remarkable bio-diversity. Of the rare species of plants and animals that can be found in the habitats of Măciunului Mountains, we outline:  Dobrogea Hawk (being fast disappearing), Dobrogea turtle, wild cat, stone marten, and of the plants: sleigh bells of Dobrogea or stone flags.

The tourism in the area is not sufficiently promoted, although the place has amazing attractions for the people loving wild nature, beautiful and spectacular landscapes. All these wonders can be admired also as an equestrian, the equestrian tourism being more and more appreciated. A horse-riding circuit through the Măcinului Mountains National Park, can be made on a route starting from the Park Paddock and continues on the Arsu Valley, Șaua Mare Peak, Arheuziu Peak, Archizel Peak, Lifnte Peak, Pietrele Albe Peak, Mangina Peak, Puturoasa Valley and back to Paddock.

If you reach the Măcin Mountains, you should not miss Iacobdeal Lake, an anthropic lake of a rare beauty, with a shape of a boiler, similar to a glacial lake, of the emerald color surrounded by granite polished walls. No running water is flowing in it, and the lake is not flowing in Danube. It seems like it is supplied from underground waters, that is why the inhabitants also call it “La fântâna” (At the Well).

Source: www.parcmacin.ro