The deep rivers, which cross rocky gorges and give rise to unreal waterfalls, have transformed Romania into a destination for rafting enthusiasts.
In recent years, the demand for this adventure sport has increased by over 20 percent. At the same time, more and more companies have emerged, which organize boat trips on the waters surrounding the mountains. In Romania, one of the most sought after rivers for rafting is Crişul Repede. The route - which runs through rocky areas and a gorge - is also preferred by families with children because it is not difficult.
The adventure spans 40 kilometers and lasts 5 hours, but shorter sessions can be organized. Before boarding boats, those who practice this sport receive special protective gear and are trained on how to behave badly.
"We have only one golden rule: the helmet and the life jacket with reflective tape do not remove them from you until the end of the expedition. Everyone is rowing, we are a team, you are not on a cruise," says the instructor.
On Crişul Repede, rafting can be done with boats that can climb between 4 and 8 people and a guide. Depending on the size of the group, prices start from 120 lei for each adventurer.
"We have done rafting but not like here, but in calmer rivers, here in the country. It is much bigger and more involved. It's a great place," says one tourist from Israel.
"There are tourists from all foreign countries, they come from several areas that we didn't expect to have tourists this year," says the owner of a rafting club.
"This is where the rafting companies come here almost all day. They come, tourists, they come to the companies for team-building, that's where the area lives," says a tour operator.
Rafting is also done on the Arieş river - in Alba. For a tour, which lasts three hours, the wishers pay 125 lei. Larger groups receive discounts.
INCZE ZSUZSA, TAT RIMETEA ASSOCIATION: "Many tourists come from abroad. I had this year from Germany, Poland, Hungary. They are looking for adventure, they want something extremely out of the comfort zone from year to year 15-20 percent more tourists."
For those in Bucharest, the most accessible river for rafting in Buzau. Downstream from Lake Siriu, the route is 10 kilometers long and lasts three hours. Good conditions for rafting also offer the Jul river. The brave ones prefer him for his rugged course, with many rocks to be avoided. Cerna is just as demanding: the 8-kilometer route is full of curves, boulders, huge rocks, and waterfalls.
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