Anina

Anina is a town in Caraș-Severin County, Banat, Romania, nestled in the forested Anina Mountains between Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park and Semenic-Cheile Carașului National Park. The name comes from the Romanian word for alder (anin). It developed as a coal mining town with Austrian settlers arriving in the 18th century. The decline of mining after 1989 led to economic downturn, but the area's karst landscape — waterfalls, caves, and gorges — draws visitors. The Anina-Oravița mountain railway, the oldest in Romania, is a major attraction.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Timișoara (Traian Vuia International Airport) about 120 km away and Belgrade in Serbia. From either, take a bus or rental car to Reșița and then onward to Anina.

By Train

The scenic Anina-Oravița railway is the highlight of getting here. The train leaves Oravița at 11:15 and arrives in Anina at 13:05, returning at 13:30 (check for current schedule, which is primarily touristic).

By Car / Road

Anina is about 32 km from Reșița on Route 58, 33 km from Oravița on Route 57B, and 34 km from Bozovici on Route 57B. Hitchhiking to and from Reșița is relatively simple; wait near the bus station by the Lidl supermarket.

The town is walkable, but a car is useful for reaching outlying sights and mountain routes. The city is organized into four districts: Anina, Steierdorf, Brădet district, and the New Town neighborhood. On mountain routes, jeeps or off-road motorcycles are best.

• Buhui Lake — the first artificial lake in Romania, supplying Anina's water

• Buhui Cave — one of the largest caves in Banat (3,217 m), a speleological reserve; requires rubber boots, helmet, and an experienced guide

• Bone Cave (Peștera cu Oase) — where 40,000-year-old remains of modern humans (John of Anina) were discovered in 2002

• Mărghitaș Lake and Cave — scenic karst formations

• Miniș Gorge (Cheile Minișului) — beautiful limestone gorge for hiking

• Ride the Anina-Oravița Railway — the first mountain railway built in Romania (1856), featuring 14 tunnels and 10 viaducts over 33 km of spectacular scenery

• Fasang Party — every February, a traditional German-influenced celebration

• Anina Days — May 20–21, dedicated to the Orthodox cathedral, with folk music and fireworks

• Kirchweih Festival — June, celebrating the Roman-Catholic church in Steierdorf with German folk traditions

• Banat Brass Bands Festival — October, part of the German Culture Decade

• The Gallery — a cozy pizza place decorated with vintage photos, friendly owner, free WiFi
• Vallvip — pizza and simple dishes, free WiFi

Several small bars can be found around the town center and in Steierdorf. The restaurants also serve drinks.

• Pensiunea Anina — Strada Miniș 4, rustic and outdoorsy feel, +40 745 152 770
• Pensiunea Casa Piri — Strada Stadionului 4, with pool and jacuzzi, mountain views, +40 770 927 909, from 132 lei
• Pensiunea Muntii Aninei — in Steierdorf (about 5 km south), country lodge with restaurant and pool table, +40 733 680 003

There are several small shops for daily shopping and a farmers' market where locals sell fresh produce.

• Oravița — the other end of the scenic mountain railway
• Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park — via Oravița to Sasca Montană, a gateway to waterfalls and gorges
• Bigăr Waterfall — east on the Miniș valley, listed under Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park
• Reșița — the county capital, 32 km away