Lupeni

Lupeni is a mining city in the Jiu Valley, Hunedoara County, at 700 m altitude at the foothills of the Vâlcan Mountains. Founded in 1770, it was declared a city in 1960. The name derives from the Romanian "lup" (wolf). Lupeni is the starting point for the Straja ski resort, one of the best winter sports destinations in western Romania.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Sibiu International Airport (SBZ), about 180 km north-east, and Timișoara Traian Vuia Airport (TSR), about 200 km west.

By Train

Take a train to Petroșani station (18 km east), then a local bus or taxi to Lupeni on DN66A. There is no direct passenger railway station in Lupeni itself.

By Car / Road

Lupeni is on DN66A, a branch of national road DN66 (E79) connecting Petroșani to Târgu Jiu. From Deva, follow E79 south through Hațeg and Petroșani, then DN66A west.

Lupeni is walkable in the centre. To reach the Straja ski resort (gondola lift from the edge of town), take a taxi or drive.

• Straja Ski Resort — the main attraction, in the Vâlcan Mountains at 1,380–1,445 m altitude. Six ski trails and five lifts. Snow from December to April.

• Lupeni Mining Museum — exhibits on the history of coal mining in the Jiu Valley.

• Minerul Cultural Centre — hosting cultural events and performances.

• Skiing and snowboarding at Straja — the resort is known among winter sports enthusiasts for its well-maintained slopes.

• Hiking on Straja Peak (1,445 m) in summer with panoramic views of the Parâng and Retezat mountains.

• Visit the Lupeni Orthodox Church — St. Nicholas Church.

• Explore the historic mining heritage trail.

• Restaurant Montana, Str. Bulevardul Păcii nr. 41, +40 254 562625.
• Pizza Planet, Str. Tudor Vladimirescu Bl. E1, +40 730 560 707.
• Restaurant Valahia, Strada Plopilor, +40 722 706 552.

• Small cafes and bars along the main street.
• Straja mountain chalets have their own bars serving hot drinks and mulled wine.

Accommodation is concentrated at the Straja ski area in the form of mountain chalets:

• Cabana Montana, Straja, +40 722 780 615.
• Cabana Daria, Straja, +40 722 548 800.
• Cabana Fortuna, +40 742 081 932.
• Cabana Atlas Straja, +40 761 296 055.
• Vila Victoria, Straja, +40 723 385 989.
• Vila Frații Jderi, Straja, +40 721 675772.
• Cabana Zeni, +40 723 187108.

• Small grocery stores and shops along Bulevardul Păcii and Strada Tudor Vladimirescu.
• Local produce at the weekly market.

• Petroșani — 18 km east, the Jiu Valley hub with shops and restaurants.
• Deva — 114 km north, county capital.
• Hunedoara — 80 km north-east.
• Hațeg — 70 km north.
• Retezat National Park — 50 km north-west.