Would you live in this secluded and kind of self-sufficient village in the Cernei Mountains of Romania? It's one of the most isolated hamlets in the country.
A hidden gem.
The main accessway is built of four wooden ladders fixed on a vertical limestone cliff and a steep one-hour forest path. There is no car access, no utilities, no shops, and no hospitals - just a school and a church. The village hosts around 15 people according to last statistics from 2011.
Are such communities Isolated in simplicity or left behind?
We believe that happiness is found at grass-root level and that the core of human being relies in nature, simplicity, calmness, connection, purpose, and community.
Somehow, despite all the benefits, overcrowded cities tend to take us away from these core values that makes us human through stress and distractions. We become more and more disconnected from ourselves and from those around us.
Aren't we, modern people, in fact, the ones left behind from life? Find out your own answer to this question by taking this hike.
We followed the path marked with a red triangle. However, the route you have to follow is intuitive. A few meters down path away from the main road you will have to cross a bridge over the Cerna river.
Then, after a steeper ascent, you will be facing the famous 4 wooden ladders secured with metallic nails on the limestone wall. Imagine that you climb up your grandma's attic, watch your steps carefully and you will be up in no time. The views over the Cernei and Mehedinti mountains already start to reward your efforts.
About an hour later, passing some wooden gates and a very nice rest point with a bench, you will reach the first building of the village: the church and the cemetery. This is also the point where the road splits: following the path to the right will lead you to another village: Scărișoara. We followed the path to the left which brought us to Ineleț.
Please close each gate you find along the way, otherwise, the locals might have trouble finding their animals.
Truly said, from the main path you can't see much of the few houses, which are distributed all over the area. But the people here are certainly not left behind: all homes rely on solar panels and there are a few mini hydroelectric power plants ensuring some of the electricity needs, mostly low-consumption appliances.
You will also pass a school that was turned into a first aid point due to the 2020 pandemic.
We saw some signs offering local food and shelter to the tourists but we haven't tested them. However, we bought some local goodies from the self-service tables.
Trail information:
Baile Herculane - DN67D - Ineleț
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Duration: 3h (back and forth) - but plan in some extra time to enjoy
Marking: red triangle
Return: We got back on the same way, but there is a circuit route possible. From Inelet, you can go down on the yellow dot marking, on a path that will take you 3 km downstream from the starting point.
Warning:
On the territory of the Domogled National Park - Valea Cernei lives the horned viper, a venomous protected snake species. Don't go off-trail and pay attention, especially on cliffs and during the months between March and October.
This route is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights.
Prerequisites:
- Park entry tax: 1 Euro/person - can be paid through SMS at 7473 with text "Domogled1". Validity: 30 days.
- Wear proper equipment: hiking boots, and long pants made of a more resistant material, (the sock pulled over the pants, the measure that also helps in the case of ticks).
- Good physical shape
- Take enough water supplies with you.
Start here:
Trail head (20 km away from Baile Herculane)
There is a small parking lot nearby.
We've found that every walk in nature teaches you a lesson. This is not some bucket list hike. This is a lesson about simplicity. About living on a bare minimum. at the frequency of nature and being grateful for what it offers every day. About calmness. About how the modern world often complicates life. About community and survival.
We hope this post was helpful in letting you experience a beautiful weekend hike in the area. Let us know your experience in the comments, and share any tips for your fellow travelers!
Have a mindful journey and please leave no trace!
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