Muntele Stogu is a wild corner of the Căpățânii Mountains, where limestone cliffs, scree slopes and deep ravines create a truly dramatic landscape. This nature reserve is a must for anyone who loves rugged terrain and rare mountain flora.

The scenery here is incredibly varied — rocky escarpments, gullies, chimneys, vertical walls and caves are scattered throughout the beech and fir forests. In spring and summer the reserve bursts into bloom with rare species like the lady's slipper orchid and arnica, autumn brings golden forest colors, while winter turns the area quiet and austere, best suited to experienced hikers seeking solitude.

How to get there

• From Râmnicu Vâlcea via the DN64A national road through Vlădești and Valea Cheii, then the DJ654 county road to Cheia village — continue on the forest road upstream along the Cheia river, demanding route, for experienced hikers

Practical information

• 10-hectare reserve, part of Buila-Vânturarița National Park
• Elevation ranges from 1,200 to 1,494 m (Vârful Stogu peak)
• Protected area status since 2000 (IUCN category IV)

This is one of the wildest spots in Oltenia, home to brown bears, lynx and wolves — true symbols of the untamed Southern Carpathians.