Măcin Mountains National Park
About Măcin Mountains National Park
The Măcin Mountains rise in north-western Dobruja, between the Danube and the Niculițel Plateau, and are the oldest mountains in Romania: they formed in the Hercynian orogeny, several hundred million years ago, and erosion has worn them down to rounded ridges and granite crags. The highest peak, Țuțuiatu, is only 467 m, yet from it you can see as far as Galați, Brăila and the arms of the Danube. The national park was declared in 1998, covers about 11,150 ha in two sections, the Pricopan Ridge and the Măcin massif, and is run by Romsilva; it is also part of the Natura 2000 network.
On its slopes the steppe at the foot of the hills mixes with woods of oak, sessile oak, silver lime, manna ash and oriental hornbeam and with the rocky grasslands on the ridges. This is home to the Dobruja spur-thighed tortoise, the four-lined rat snake, the largest snake in the country, and rare plants such as the Dobruja bellflower and the Balkan peony. The mountains lie on the Via Pontica migration corridor, so in autumn tens of thousands of soaring birds pass over them, mostly raptors and white storks.
What you can see
The best-known trail starts in the village of Greci and climbs the Morsu Valley to Țuțuiatu, the largest granite formation in the massif, then descends through the Valea Fagilor (Beech Valley) to the information point at Cetățuia; it is marked with a blue triangle and is 19 km in total. Also from Greci start the Cozluk trail (red dot), the Dealul cu Drum trail (red triangle) and the Poveștile Măcinului (Măcin Tales) themed trail (blue circle), with panels on the habitats. From the town of Măcin, the Pricopan Ridge trail (blue stripe, 14 km) follows the park's most spectacular ridge, among granite blocks peeling “like onion skins” and balancing rocks. For a short walk, the Pietrosul Dobrogean trail (yellow stripe, 7 km) is easy, through Balkan oak woodland. In Greci, the Visitor and Information Centre presents the park's nature and the traditions of the 14 ethnic groups living in the villages below.
Good to know
Summer is very hot, and on the ridges and rocky grasslands there is no shade and no water: set off early in the morning, with at least 2 litres of water per person, a hat and sun cream. The Chediu area is a strictly protected reserve, closed to visitors. There is a fee to walk the trails.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
- The view from Țuțuiatu Peak, 467 m, over the Danube, Brăila, Galați and the main ridge of the Măcin Mountains.
- The granite blocks peeling “like onion skins” and the balancing rocks on the Pricopan Ridge.
- The woods of the Valea Fagilor on the descent from Țuțuiatu towards Cetățuia, in the reserve of Taurian beech, unique in Dobruja.
- Dobruja tortoises, which often cross the paths on warm spring mornings.
- The Visitor and Information Centre in Greci, presenting the park's nature and the traditions of the villages below.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Greci is ~41 km from Brăila (~45 minutes): cross the Danube on the suspension bridge at Brăila (DN2S), then follow the DN22J and DN22D towards Măcin and the local road to Greci. From Galați it is ~50 km (~55 minutes) over the same bridge, from Tulcea ~73 km (~1h20), from Constanța ~155 km (~2h40) and from Bucharest ~260 km (~3h30) via Brăila. The town of Măcin, where the Pricopan Ridge trail starts, is ~15 km from Greci. The Cetățuia information point, at the end of the Țuțuiatu trail, is on the DJ 222A, on the north-eastern side of the massif.
Public transport: the nearest railway stations are in Brăila and Galați; from there local minibuses run to Măcin and Greci, but services are infrequent. Check the timetable beforehand, especially if you plan the Greci–Cetățuia traverse, which ends far from its starting point.
- Where to park
In Greci you park on the village streets, near the Visitor and Information Centre or at the start of the road to the Morsu Valley. For the Pricopan Ridge, leave the car in Măcin. Cars are not allowed on the forest roads inside the park.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the marked trails costs 10 lei per person and is valid for 2 days; a one-year pass costs 60 lei. The presentation at the Visitor and Information Centre costs 10 lei and includes one day's park entry. A guided walk with a park guide costs 250 lei for a group of up to 15 people and must be requested at least 2 days ahead between 15 April and 10 October, or 5 days ahead the rest of the year. The ticket can be paid by text message to 7473 with the word MACIN (1.70 euros + VAT), at the ticket machines in Greci and Cetățuia, at the head office in Tulcea, at the Măcin office or to the rangers. Local residents do not pay on the trails in their own commune. Tourist maps cost 5–11 lei.
- Rules
Walk only on the marked trails; the park boundaries are marked with a red square on a white background. The Chediu area is a strictly protected reserve, with no access. Camping is allowed only at the marked sites along the trails, with the administration's approval; fires on the ground are banned, and for cooking only primus-type stoves may be used, on a stand at least 80 cm above the ground. Do not pick plants, do not take tortoises or other animals home and do not leave litter. Wear hiking shoes and bring enough water and sun protection; in summer avoid the midday hours.
- Facilities
Visitor and Information Centre in Greci and information point at Cetățuia · ticket machines in Greci and Cetățuia · marked trails, with themed panels on the interpretation trails · marked camping sites, with approval · 10 cycling routes and one horse-riding trail · no reliable water sources on the ridges
Frequently asked questions about Măcin Mountains National Park
- How much is a ticket to Măcin Mountains National Park?
- A ticket to Măcin Mountains National Park costs 10 lei (valid 2 days, on the trails). Entry to the marked trails costs 10 lei per person and is valid for 2 days; a one-year pass costs 60 lei. The presentation at the Visitor and Information Centre costs 10 lei and includes one day's park entry. A guided walk with a park guide costs 250 lei for a group of up to 15 people and must be requested at least 2 days ahead between 15 April and 10 October, or 5 days ahead the rest of the year. The ticket can be paid by text message to 7473 with the word MACIN (1.70 euros + VAT), at the ticket machines in Greci and Cetățuia, at the head office in Tulcea, at the Măcin office or to the rangers. Local residents do not pay on the trails in their own commune. Tourist maps cost 5–11 lei.
- What are the opening hours of Măcin Mountains National Park?
- Opening hours at Măcin Mountains National Park: daily open 24 hours. The marked trails are open at any time, with an entry ticket. The Visitor and Information Centre in Greci opens during the tourist season, 15 April – 15 October: Tuesday–Friday 8:00–16:00, Saturday–Sunday 9:00–15:00, closed on Mondays; the last group enters at least 30 minutes before closing. The centre is closed on 15 August. Out of season it can only be visited on written request sent to the park administration 2 days in advance (5 days for weekends).
- How long does a visit to Măcin Mountains National Park take?
- A visit to Măcin Mountains National Park takes about 3½ – 4 hours (Greci–Țuțuiatu and back).
- Can you visit Măcin Mountains National Park with kids?
- Yes, Măcin Mountains National Park is suitable for children (Pietrosul Dobrogean, an easy trail).
- Where can I park at Măcin Mountains National Park?
- There is free parking at Măcin Mountains National Park (on the street in Greci). In Greci you park on the village streets, near the Visitor and Information Centre or at the start of the road to the Morsu Valley. For the Pricopan Ridge, leave the car in Măcin. Cars are not allowed on the forest roads inside the park.
- How do I get to Măcin Mountains National Park?
- Măcin Mountains National Park is located at Strada Carabalu 48, the park's Visitor and Information Centre, Greci, Tulcea County. By car: Greci is ~41 km from Brăila (~45 minutes): cross the Danube on the suspension bridge at Brăila (DN2S), then follow the DN22J and DN22D towards Măcin and the local road to Greci. From Galați it is ~50 km (~55 minutes) over the same bridge, from Tulcea ~73 km (~1h20), from Constanța ~155 km (~2h40) and from Bucharest ~260 km (~3h30) via Brăila. The town of Măcin, where the Pricopan Ridge trail starts, is ~15 km from Greci. The Cetățuia information point, at the end of the Țuțuiatu trail, is on the DJ 222A, on the north-eastern side of the massif. Public transport: the nearest railway stations are in Brăila and Galați; from there local minibuses run to Măcin and Greci, but services are infrequent. Check the timetable beforehand, especially if you plan the Greci–Cetățuia traverse, which ends far from its starting point.
- When is the best time to visit Măcin Mountains National Park?
- The best season for Măcin Mountains National Park: April – October (in summer, only early morning).
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