The AGS Globe: The Carpathian Mountains: Europe’s Last Great Wilderness
The American Geographical Society's Weekly Newsletter for July 1, 2025
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The Carpathian Mountains: Europe’s Last Great Wilderness
When we think of the wildest places on Earth, our minds often jump to landscapes like the Amazon rainforest of South America, or the savannas of East Africa. Europe, famous for cities such as Paris, Rome, Berlin, and London, is often not thought of as a hub of biodiversity. However, lush landscapes with high varieties of animal and plant life exist all over the world. In the heart of Central and Southeast Europe, one of the largest uninterrupted wilderness areas on the continent stretches across seven countries! The soaring peaks of the Carpathian Mountains are home to Europe’s most pristine forests, its largest predators, and one-third of its plant species.
Shimmering lakes and alpine meadows adorn the Carpathian Mountains, one of the richest cultural and ecological landscapes in Europe. The mountains reach from the Western Carpathians in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland, clockwise through the Eastern Carpathians in Ukraine and Romania, to the Southern Carpathians in Romania and Serbia. More than half of the range lies within Romania. While Romania might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Europe’s wildest places, it is home to the second-largest area of old-growth forests in Europe after Russia, totaling 618,000 acres (250,000 ha).
Boasting two-thirds of the European Union’s old-growth forests, the Southern Carpathians - particularly the Fǎgǎraș Mountains - are some of the most biodiverse and vital habitats in Europe. As their name implies, old-growth forests are dominated by ancient native trees, which have been allowed to grow relatively undisturbed by human activity. Romania alone is home to more than 23,000 square miles (6 million ha) of forest. The Carpathians are made up of sweeping valleys and soaring mountains, lined with rivers and surrounded by expansive forests. This unique landscape provides a sanctuary for wildlife, making it a critical area for conservation.
The Carpathians are more than just scenic landscapes out of a fairy tale, they are vital ecosystems, teeming with vibrant life. The Carpathians are a natural sanctuary for many species, with over 2,000 types of plants and 200 species of animals. The mountains provide a habitat for one-third of the continent’s carnivores, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes. Outside of Russia, Romania has the largest population of wild brown bears in Europe, with as many as 13,000 roaming the Carpathians. This region serves as a crucial watershed, feeding major rivers of Central Europe like the Danube and Dniester. Over 30% of Europe’s plant species are nourished by its waters. This environment is a reminder that Europe is still wild and its diversity should be protected.
But Romania’s forests haven’t escaped environmental destruction and devastation. Illegal logging, big game hunting, and habitat fragmentation continue to threaten the region. The Romanian environment minister is currently lobbying the European Union to lift the protective status of brown bears, arguing the overpopulation of bears threatens communities. That’s why there are groups like Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) working to restore and protect Romania’s wild heart. The FCC’s project is the largest conservation and restoration initiative in Europe, with over 4.5 million trees planted and over 108 square miles (28,000 ha) of forest protected.
This project aims to establish a 1,000 square mile (250,000 ha) wilderness reserve. Romania is hoping to strike a delicate balance with ecotourism. They want to promote their wilderness and draw investment to the region, while protecting it from over-tourism and pollution. Responsible tourism is essential to protect the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations.
The Carpathians may not be Europe’s most famous mountain range, but, in terms of wilderness, they are among its final frontiers. By encouraging a culture of sustainability, these mountains can continue to thrive as natural and cultural heritage sites.
Sources:
Henley, J. (2025, April 16). Romania Says it May Have Twice as Many Bears as Was Thought. The Guardian.
European Environment Agency. Carpathian Mountains – General. Climate-ADAPT.
Dunford, J. (2023, October 22). ‘A Yellowstone for Europe’: Romania’s Ambition for a Vast New Wilderness Reserve. The Guardian.
Lerwill, B. (2023, September 8). Bears, Wolves, and Rewilding in Romania’s Southern Carpathian Mountains. National Geographic.
Foundation Conservation Carpathia. Carpathia.
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