Karpaty

Karpaty, known in many languages as the Carpathians, is a major mountain range in Central and Eastern Europe. The chain forms a crescent that runs from the Czech Republic and Slovakia through Poland and Ukraine to Romania, extending into parts of Hungary. With roughly 1,500 kilometers of length, the Carpathians are the second-longest European mountain system after the Urals.

The range is commonly divided into Western Carpathians (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland), Eastern Carpathians (Ukraine, Romania), and Southern Carpathians (Romania). Its highest point is Gerlachovský štít in Slovakia, at about 2,655 meters, while Moldoveanu Peak in Romania reaches around 2,545 meters. Notable subranges include the Tatras, which lie on the Poland–Slovakia border, and the Transylvanian Alps in Romania.

Geologically, the Carpathians were formed during the Alpine orogeny and consist of a mix of sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and sandstone, with underlying crystalline rocks. The region features extensive karst landscapes, caves, and varied topography. It is seismically active at low to moderate levels and has a long history of human settlement and land use.

Ecologically, the Carpathians host diverse forests and wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and lynx, supported by numerous protected areas and national parks. The mountains are important for water resources, forestry, and tourism, attracting hikers, climbers, and winter sports enthusiasts. They also hold cultural significance, shaping regional folklore and traditions across multiple countries.