About Gărâna
Gărâna (Wolfsberg in German) is a mountain village in the commune of Brebu Nou, in the Semenic Mountains, above 900 m and about 37 km from Reșița. It was founded in 1828 by German settlers from Bohemia and the Bavarian Forest, known as the Pemi, brought in by the Austrian authorities to populate the mountain area; for generations the villagers lived from forest work. The old houses and the Roman Catholic church still recall their origins.
Today Gărâna is a holiday village, with guesthouses and holiday homes among beech and spruce forests, close to Lake Trei Ape and the Semenic plateau. In winter there is skiing on the Wolfsberg Ski slopes at the edge of the village; in summer Gărâna is known for the Gărâna Jazz Festival, held without a break since 1997 in the Poiana Lupului meadow.
What you can see
The Wolfsberg Ski area has two slopes of 500–700 m, with a drag lift and snowmaking, plus a snowpark for snowboarding and freestyle, suited to beginners and to a day's skiing without a long drive. The “Super Pem” zip line starts at the top of the slope and runs 700 m, with a 60 m drop, down to its foot; alongside are a tubing run, also used in summer, a sledging slope, a ski school and an après-ski bar.
In the village, the Way of the Cross starts by the Roman Catholic church and climbs through forest and clearings to Kasarn Hill, with fourteen stations marked by carved crosses. On the southern edge of the village lies the Poiana Lupului meadow, the stage of the jazz festival, and both the waymarked trail to Semenic Peak and the Via Transilvanica pass through Gărâna.
Good to know
The slopes only run when there is enough snow or when it is cold enough to make artificial snow, so in mild winters the season can start late. The road to the village is a paved mountain road: in winter you need winter tyres.
Information verified on 3 November 2026.
- The ride on the 700 m zip line from the top of the slope to its foot, with a 60 m drop.
- The short slopes with a drag lift and the snowpark at the edge of the village, good for beginners.
- The Gărâna Jazz Festival concerts in the Poiana Lupului meadow, ringed by beech forest, in summer.
- The Way of the Cross, with fourteen stations, climbing from the Roman Catholic church to Kasarn Hill.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Reșița, climb the DJ582 (Transsemenic) via Văliug and the Prislop Pass, ~37 km (~50 minutes); the slope is right at the entrance to the village from Prislop. From Timișoara it is ~155 km (~2 hours 30 minutes). From Caransebeș, take the DN6 (E70) to Slatina-Timiș, then the DJ582 via Brebu Nou, ~45 km (~55 minutes). In winter the mountain road calls for winter tyres.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the village is free. The ski pass, zip line, tubing and equipment hire are paid separately at the foot of the slope; prices may change from one season to the next.
- Rules
On the slopes, keep to the markings and safety rules. On the trails of the Semenic – Caraș Gorge National Park, stay on waymarked paths, with suitable footwear and clothing, as fog on the ridge can cut visibility very quickly. Do not leave rubbish behind and do not feed wild animals.
- Facilities
Accommodation in the village's guesthouses and holiday homes · equipment hire at the foot of the slope · ski school · après-ski · zip line, tubing and sledging · webcams on the slope
Frequently asked questions about Gărâna
How much is a ticket to Gărâna?
Admission to Gărâna is free (ski pass and zip line extra). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Gărâna?
Opening hours at Gărâna: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Gărâna take?
A visit to Gărâna takes about 4½ – 5 hours (a day's skiing or walking).
Can you visit Gărâna with kids?
Yes, Gărâna is suitable for children (easy slopes, tubing and sledging).
How do I get to Gărâna?
Gărâna is located at DJ582 (Transsemenic), at the entrance to the village from the Prislop Pass, Gărâna, Caraș-Severin County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Gărâna?
The best season for Gărâna: All year round (skiing in winter, jazz in summer).
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