Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC)

Our Romanian itineraries introduce our clients to the beauty and serenity of the Carpathian Mountain Range. 

They form some of the largest contiguous forests on the continent, with the highest percentage of still virgin woodlands, accounting for the extraordinary biodiversity and presence of autochthonous species. To say nothing of the fact they are home to the largest European populations of large carnivores.

In response to a now well recognised fact; wilderness is disappearing worldwide at an alarming rate, and less than 2% of Europe’s surface is still in its original state, in 2009, a group of philanthropists and conservationists started the Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC).

Planting Trees, Carpathian Mountains, Romania

Their goal was to stop the insidious logging of the forests in this area, and selling of the cleared lands to private individuals. The foundation’s vision is to create a world class wilderness reserve, large enough to support the carnivores and allow evolutionary processes to happen. They are looking at the protection of the Fagaras Mountains Natura 2000 site, the Piatra Craiului National Park and the Leota Mountain - a total area of over 250,000ha. 

In order to protect the ecosystem, the FCC are acquiring, protecting and administrating forests and natural grasslands in this area. They are also creating a new, non-destructive economy around the Fagaras Mountains, for the benefit of biodiversity and local communities. 28 communes surround the project areas and the FCC are dedicated to engaging with the local people to give them a voice about the area on their doorstep.  

During lockdown they raised over €100,000 to distribute over 4600 food packages to elders in the Fagaras mountains, using ingredients from local suppliers - a double benefit. They are also constructing an Environmental Field Education Centre that will host school and eco-volunteer programmes, training for local guides and local tourism entrepreneurs and events.

Our adventure gives you the opportunity to learn more about the FCC, to see its work in action, and to make a donation, should you wish to support this dedicated team.

Related Adventures

Grading

To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.


All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.


Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.

Grade 1-3: Entry Level

You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences. 

Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m). 

You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.

Grades 4-6: Intermediate

You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times. 

You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.

Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.

Grades 7-9: Challenging

You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven. 

Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).

Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).

Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.

Enquiry Process

Get in touch via our Enquiry form to check our availability, discuss the adventure and check we can meet your needs.

Complete our Enquiry Form; contact details, additional requirements (eg diet or health requirements) & questions you may have. Include as much information as you are able to, so we can help you with the detail you are looking for


Click on 'Send Enquiry' (receipted).


We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.

+44 207 846 0197

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