Uricani

Uricani is a town in the Jiu Valley, Hunedoara County, at the foot of the Retezat Mountains, at 729 m elevation. First mentioned in 1818 as Hobiceni-Uricani. It covers 25,141 ha, the largest area of all Jiu Valley cities, and is the westernmost gateway to Retezat National Park. Like other Jiu Valley towns, its economy was built around coal mining.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Sibiu International Airport (SBZ), about 200 km north-east, and Timișoara Traian Vuia Airport (TSR), about 220 km west.

By Train

There is no train station in Uricani. Take a train to Petroșani, then a bus or taxi on DN66A west through Vulcan and Lupeni to Uricani (27 km).

By Car / Road

Uricani is accessed via DN66A, the 27 km west branch of DN66 from Petroșani, passing through Vulcan and Lupeni. From Deva: E79 south through Hațeg and Petroșani, then DN66A west.

Uricani is walkable. A car is useful for exploring the natural attractions and Retezat National Park entry points.

• Retezat National Park — Uricani is one of the main entry points to the park, with access from the south-east via Lazăru (Valea Marii peak) and Piule–Buta areas.

• Cheile Buții (Butii Gorge) — limestone gorge on the southern flank of the Retezat Mountains, carved from early Jurassic formations, with caves, springs, waterfalls and natural dams.

• Valea de Pești (Fish Valley) — the main stream feeding the lake of the same name. The lake covers 10 ha with extraordinary natural beauty. Upstream: Ice Cave and the Arcanu area.

• Câmpu lui Neag — a village under Uricani's administration, with traditional mountain architecture.

• Hike in Retezat National Park — trails from Lazăru lead into the massif's pristine alpine landscape with glacial lakes, including Bucura Lake (the largest in Romania).

• Explore Cheile Buții — canyoning, caving and waterfall walks.

• Visit Valea de Pești dam and lake — a scenic reservoir with walking trails.

• Birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the Retezat Mountains (brown bears, chamois, wolves).

• Casa Amicii, Aleea Teilor 34, +40 254 511 268 — traditional Romanian food freshly made.
• Small local restaurants and takeaways in the town centre.

• Small bars and cafes in the town centre and in Câmpu lui Neag.

• Complex Turistic Cheile Butii, Câmpu lui Neag — mountain lodges with a restaurant featuring Swedish breakfasts, from 162 lei.
• Pensiunea Retezat, DN66A, Câmpu lui Neag, +40 722 538551 — outdoor pool, waterslide, ropes course, nestled in the valley.
• Pensiunea Fish Valley, Câmpu lui Neag, Str. Valea de Pești nr. 188A, +40 745 305 050 — country inn with outdoor pool, quiche and breakfast.

• Small grocery shops and convenience stores in the town centre.
• For more extensive shopping, visit Petroșani (27 km east) with its Jiul Shopping Center.

• Petroșani — 27 km east.
• Lupeni — 9 km east.
• Aninoasa — 20 km east.
• Deva — 140 km north.
• Hunedoara — 115 km north.
• Hațeg — 80 km north.
• Retezat National Park — west, directly accessible from Uricani.