The Treskovac peak, Natural Park Portile de Fier – Romania

• The Balkans
• Hiking
• One-day
• Spring 2024

The Trescovat Peak is located in the nature park of the Iron Gates (Portile de Fier) in Romania. It also offers a spectacular viewpoint above the Djerdap gorge, the longest gorge on the Danube. The Trescovat Peak is a stone formation that attracts attention with its special appearance and volcanic rocks that form an impressive rock wall. With its 755 meters, Treskovac is one of the highest peaks of the Portile de Fier (Iron Gates) natural park.

On this tour, we are expecting:

• the ascent to Treskovac, the roof of the Djerdap Gorge and the mythical mountain of the inhabitants of the ancient Lepenski Vir

• driving along the fascinating Đerdap-Danube motorway, where the Danube fights with the mountains

• passing through Serbian villages in Romania, guardians of the old Serbian language

• view from the Romanian side of the proud Golubac fortress in Serbia

• spectacular view from the top of Treskovac on the most attractive parts of the Djerdap Gorge

• getting to know the history, legends, customs and geography of the region

Additional notes:

• Equipment for the Treskovac mountain tour: Deep hiking boots with Vibram soles, backpack, layered clothing, adapted to the weather conditions, we recommend hiking poles, bring enough water and food (snacks, sandwiches, fruit).
• Information about a hiking trail:
  • Length: 12 km
  • Total ascend/descend: 660 m
  • Category: easy-moderate
  • Duration: about 6 to 7 hours with breaks
• Za realizaciju ture neophodno je minimum 25 prijavljenih.
• Price is for members of "Explore Serbia". You can find membership information here. For those who do not have a membership card, the price is 5600 dinars.
• Conditions for entering Romania: It is obligatory to bring a passport, it is necessary that the validity of the passport lasts at least 3 months before the expiration date.
• Own transportation: own transport is not possible for this tour.
• In case of insufficient number of registered passengers or unfavorable weather conditions, the deadline for notification of the postponement or cancellation of the tour by the organizers is 2 days before departure.

Attractions

The Portile de Fier Nature Park has an area of 115,655 ha. In addition, it is also a navigable channel of the Danube located between Buzias and Gura Vaii. In the nature park there are 18 protected areas of flora and fauna, divided into several categories. There are also protected species of amphibians and reptiles (the European green lizard, Hermann’s tortoise, and the horned viper) and mammals (bats, wolves, deer, stags, wild cats, bears, wild boars).

Portile de Fier includes 50 villages, and 2 main towns (Orşova and Drobeta Turnu Severin). According to the names of localities, peaks, and valleys, one can guess the great ethnic diversity in this area. In addition to the Romanian people, there are significant communities of Serbs (about 11.3%), Czechs (4.8%), Roma (1.72%), Hungarians (0.73%), and Germans (0.39%).

Treskovac is of volcanic origin, and the top itself is a remnant of a former volcanic crater, a column of hardened lava. Therefore, it has specific steep sides. Treskovac got its name from the crackling of thunder. Locals say that during a storm, lightning strikes over Treskovac.
It is believed that he represented a deity and was a guardian for the inhabitants of the former civilization of Lepenski Vir. Based on the position of the sun above Treskovac, they measured time and determined the seasons.