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In Romania, the F`g`ra[ Mountains represent a mountainous massif of superlatives regarding the height
and surface, the spectacular and wild landscape, the length and difficulty of the tourist’s routes.
The Fagaras Mountains are part of the Southern Carpathians. Being more than 70 km long and about 40
km wide, they cover a surface of about 3000 km 2 and are, therefore, the biggest mountainous massif in
Romania. It shows a high uninterupted ridge orientated east – west, presenting many secondary peaks:
short, sharp and steep to the north; long, massive and gentle to the south. The maximum height is reached
in Moldoveanu Peak (2544 m), which is the highest peak of the Romanian Carpathians.
Places and Approach Routes
F`g`ra[ Mountains
From the north
The approach routes on the northern slope and the main ridge, the most frequently used of the massif, start
from the towns and villages lying along the National and European Highway DN1 (E68) between Fagaras
and Avrig and the district road Avrig – T`lmaciu, as well as on the railroad between Fagaras and Podu Olt.
We present here below the most important places and approach routes.
F`g`ra[. The town lies on the National Highway DN1 (E68) between Bra[ov (65 km) and Sibiu (76 km),
on the left bank of the Olt, at an average height of 430 km. There is a railway station there, where all the
trains stop. From the bus terminal in the neighbourhood of the railway station there are buses which drive
to the villages at the foot of the mountain: Sebe[, Berivoi, Recea, Dejani, Breaza, S~mb`ta de Sus, thus
ensuring the approach towards the tourist routes.
S~mb`ta de Jos lying on the Highway DN1, about 13 km west of the town of Fagaras, is the point from
which branches off southwards the road leading to the Sambata Monastery (15 km) and to the tourists’
routes on the S~mb`ta Valley.
Ucea de Jos lying on the National Highway DN 1, 25 km west of Fagaras. There is a railway station there,
where all the trains stop. This place is linked with Victoria Town by a 8 km long road. Victoria Town is one
of the most important approach points of the northern slope. The connection between the Ucea railway station
and Victoria Town is ensured by buses.
Victoria Town is the most important point of access of the northern side. It is connected with the National
Highway DN1 by an 8 km long highway which branches off southwards from Ucea de Jos. The connection
with the railway station Ucea is ensured by buses.
From the National Highway DN1 there branches off southwards, after crossing the bridge over the
C~r]i[oara, 8.5 km west of Ucea de Jos (4 km after Arpa[ul de Jos), the Transf`g`r`[an Road (the road
crossing the Fagaras Mountains)(National Road DN 7C), the most important approach route to the central
part of the massif.
The Transf`g`r`[an Road is fully open from the end of June or beginning of July until the first snowfalls,
in September – October. This period can vary within the limit of several weeks depending on the climate
conditions of each year.
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Porumbacu de Jos situated on the National Highway DN1 at 43 km distance from Fagaras and 33 km
from Sibiu, altitude 400 m, is the starting point towards the Negoiu Chalet. Railway station in which only
the passenger (slow) trains stop.
Avrig. Town lying on DN1 at a distance of 51 km from Fagaras and 25 km from Sibiu, height 370 m, it is
the starting point towards the chalets Poiana Neam]ului and B~rcaciu. Railway station in which all the
trains stop. From Avrig, the district road towards T`lmaciu branches off, from which (at about 9 km from
Avrig, railway halt Sebe[ Olt) a village road towards Sebe[u de Sus (4 km) branches off, on which the
refuge Suru can be reached.
Turnu Ro[u (Porce[ti) is lying 14 km far from Avrig, altitude 365 m, on the left river bank of the Olt,
before its entrance into the defile, access near the west end of the main ridge. Railway station.
Podu Olt, railway station, connection point towards Turnu Ro[u and the railway halt Sebes Olt.
From the west
The approach from the west can be made from the Olt Defile,from the National and European Highway
R~mnicu-V~lcea – Sibiu (DN 7, E81) or on railroad R~mnicu-V~lcea – Podu Olt. Here starts the ridge route
marked with red strip. The access to this is possible from the railway halts Valea M`rului and Valea
Fratelui.
From the south
The starting places from the south are much remoter from the principal chain of the Fagaras Mountains
than the northern ones and therefore the roads of approach are much longer.
Curtea de Arge[ is the most important town of approach on the southern side. The town is situated on the
Arge[ Valley, 30 km north of Pitesti.
From Curtea de Arge[, the highway 7C (the Transfagarasan Road) is the main route of access to the Fagaras
Mountains.
It is worth mentioning that the Transfagarasan Road is permanently open up to the shepard’s shelter Piscu
Negru or Capra Chalet.
Domne[ti is the place of access on the Doamnei River. Upstream from Domne[ti the highway passes
through the village Corbi and reaches after 19 km the locality Slatina. Further upwards a 20 km long
Moldoveanu and Vi[tea Mare peaks
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forest road continues up to Gura Vailor, the place of formation of the Doamnei river out of the brooks Valea
Rea and Z~rna. Along these two brooks there unfold forest roads. The one on the Valea Rea continues about
18 km.
Podu D~mbovi]ei. This locality is lying on the National Road DN 73 (E 574). From this place the access
on the not modernized road of the D~mbovi]a Valley is possible, through the gorges from Plaiul Mare
(D~mbovi]a Gorges), S`ticu de Jos and S`ticu de Sus, by the Pecineagu dam up to the point of the formation
of the D~mbovi]a river (38 km) out of the brooks Vladul and Boarc`[u.
From the east
Z`rne[ti. The town Z`rne[ti (28 km far from Bra[ov, on the highway or railway) is the point of access from
the east for the main ridge of the Fagaras Mountains. From Z`rne[ti one reaches Plaiul Foii on a 12.4 km
long highway. From here it is possible to continue the way to the main ridge of the F`g`ra[ either on Plaiul
Runcului or on the forest road on the B~rsa Gro[etului.
Chalets and refuges
Chalets on the northern slope
Piscul Alb: situated on Sebe[ Valley, 5.3 km higher than the village Sebe[, height about 600 m.
Urlea: lying in Poiana Curm`turii (Curm`turii Glade), on Culmea Mo[ului, altitude 1533 m.
Tourism Complex S~mb`ta: lying on S~mb`ta Valley, at the foot of the forest, in the neighbourhood of
the Br~ncoveanu Monastery, height 670 m.
S~mb`ta Halting Place: situated on the left bank of the river S~mb`ta, height 730 m.
Hotel Floarea Reginei (“Queen’s Flower” Hotel): situated on the right bank of the river S~mb`ta, height
800 m.
S~mb`ta Valley: lying in the S~mb`ta Valley, height 1401 m.
Arpa[: lying on the right bank of the river Arpa[, height 600 m.
Turnuri: lying on the right bank of Podragu Valley, height 1520 m.
Podragu: situated in Podragu Hollow, on the west side of the lake, height 2136 m.
Vama Cucului: lying on the left bank of the river Cartisoara, height 600 m.
Cascada B~lea (B~lea Waterfall): situated on the right bank of the brook B~lea, height 1234 m.
Paltinul: lying in the Balea Hollow, west of B~lea Lake and east of the Transf`g`r`[an Road, height 2044 m.
Lacul B~lea (B~lea Lake): situated in an exceptional place, on a peninsula in the north-east of the lake
with the same name (2027 m).
Negoiu: lying on Piscul ßerbotei (ßerbota Peak), altitude 1546 m.
Ghiocelul (“The Snowdrop”): situated on the east bank of the river R~ul Mare al Avrigului, altitude 520 m
Poiana Neam]ului: situated on the east bank of the river R~ul Mare al Avrigului, height 706 m.
B~rcaciu: situated in a beautiful glade on Piciorul B~rcaciului, height 1550 m.
Suru Shelter (1447 m). It is a modest refuge.
Chalets on the southern slope
Valea cu Pe[ti: lying on the east shore of Vidraru Lake, height 860 m
Cump`na: situated on the western shore of Vidraru Lake, height 832 m.
Capra: situated on the left bank of the brook Capra, height 1520 m, on the Transfagarasan Road .
For the eastern part of the massif, Plaiul Foii Chalet is worth mentioning, which is lying at the foot of
Piatra Craiului, height 849 m.
Alpine Refuges
Berevoescu: situated on the plateau Sleaul Vladului, height 2190 m.
Z~rna: situated in Curm`tura Z~rnei, height 1923 m .
Porti]a Vi[tei: lying in the eastern saddle of Porti]a Vi[tei, height 2310 m.
Fereastra Zmeilor: lying in the eastern hollow Fundu Caprei, under Porti]a Arpa[ului, height 2050 m.
C`l]un: situated on the south-eastern shore of the C`l]un Lake, height 2135 m.
Scara: lying in the saddle ßaua Sc`rii, height 2146 m.
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Tourist routes
Tourist routes on the northern slope
1. Breaza (610 m) – Col]ii Brezei – Urlea Chalet (1533 m)
Marking: red point. Duration: 4 hours.The route is accessible in winter as well.
The route follows the mountain top of Col]ii Brezei on a tractor road, then the path unfolds beneath the
broken ridge of Col]ii Berzei aproximately on the contour line. Finally it ascends moderately in windings
and reaches the Urlea Chalet (1533 m).
2. Urlea Chalet (1533 m) – Curm`tura Calului (2200 m) – Urlea Peak (2473 m) – Curm`tura lui
Mogo[ (2344 m)
Marking: blue triangle. Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
In winter this route is accessible to climbers only.
From Urlea Chalet the route follows the mountain top southwards, in moderate ascent through the forest.
In the bare alpine area, it crosses the smooth area of ßleaul Mo[ule]ei (a plateau which is slightly inclined
towards the north-west). It continues beneath the rocky shoulder of Mo[u Peak (2231 m), ascends a bit
more steadily up to Curm`tura Calului (2200 m). It continues in gentle ascent towards the west- south-west.
It avoids two peaks which are little outstanding (2262 m, 2345 m) and the peak V~rful Somnului (2385 m)
through the southern side and in a steady ascent towards the south-west, it reaches the Urlea Peak
(2473 m). This offers an magnificent view over the eastern half of the massif and over the Piatra Craiului
and the Bucegi Mountains. From the Urlea Peak it descends steadily westwards a stony slope and comes
to the eastern saddle of Curm`tura lui Mogo[ (2344 m), in the path of the main ridge marked with a red
strip.
3. Tourism Complex S~mb`ta (670 m) – S~mb`ta Valley – Valea S~mbetei Chalet (1401 m)
Marking: red triangle. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours. The route is accessible throughout the year.
From the Tourism Complex S~mb`ta the route starts southwards on the forest road along the river S~mb`ta,
about 5 km afterwards the path in moderate ascent. From the arrival at the bare alpine area, in short time
it reaches the chalet.
4. The Chalet Valea S~mbetei (1401 m) – Fereastra Mare a S~mbetei (2188 m)
Marking: red triangle. Duration: 2 hours. This route is accessible to experienced tourists and climbers.
From the chalet the route follows the path southwards, climbs steadily in windings the glacial brink. It
crosses C`ldarea Bun` southwards, in light ascent up to the area of detritus beneath Fereastra Mare.
Further on, it ascends steadily in windings to the left and reaches Fereastra Mare a S~mbetei (2188 m), in
the ridge path marked with red strip.
5. Victoria Town (575 m) – Vi[tea Mare Valley – Porti]a Vi[tei (2310 m)
Marking: red triangle . Duration: 7 hours. This route is not accessible in winter.
From Victoria Town the route follows the road towards the Complex S~mb`ta abt. 5 km. Then Vi[tea Mare
Valley on the forest road (about 4 km) and the path marked with red triangle. Finally it ascends steadily, in
windings, across an area with stones and detritus and comes out in Porti]a Vi[tei (2310 m), in the ridge path
marked with red strip.
6. Victoria Town (575 m) – Arpa[ului Valley – Turnuri Chalet (1520 m)- Podragu Chalet (2136 m)
Marking: red triangle. Duration: 8 hours. Intermediary time till Turnuri Chalet: 5 hours 30 minutes. The
route is accessible throughout the year up to Turnuri Chalet. The Podragu Chalet is open only in summer.
From Victoria Town the route follows the road towards Arpa[ Chalet (6.3 km), then southwards the forest
road (5.2 km) on Arpa[ului Mare Valley. It continues on the path marked with red triangle through the valley
and hollow Podragu up to the chalet with the same name.
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7. Podragu Chalet (2136 m) –
The saddle ßaua Podragului (2307 m)
Marking: red triangle.
Duration: 45 minutes. In winter the route
is accessible to climbers only.
The route crosses the western upper area
of the hollow C`ldarea Podragului and
reaches the saddle ßaua Podragului in the
ridge path marked with red strip.
8. Podragu Chalet (2136 m) –
Curm`tura dintre Lacuri (2270 m) –
Porti]a Arpa[ului (2175 m)
Marking: blue strip. Duration: 3 hours 30
minutes. In winter this route is accessible
to climbers only.
From Podragu Chalet the route crosses
successively westwards Muchia Podragului,
the hollow C`ldarea and Muchia
Podr`gel, C`ldarea V~rtopu, the small hollow Frun]ii, C`ldarea Pietroas` and reaches Porti]a Arpa[ului at
Fereastra Zmeilor (2175 m), in the route of the main ridge marked with red strip.
9. The Chalet Cascada B~lea (B~lea Waterfall) (1234 m) – Muchia Buteanu – The saddle ßaua
Netedului (2234 m) – The Chalet Lacul B~lea (2027 m) – The Chalet Paltinul (2044 m)
Marking: blue strip. Duration: 5 hours. Summer route.
From the Chalet Cascada B~lea (B~lea Waterfall) the route ascends steadily, crosses the Transf`g`ra[an
Road, going on it northwards abt. 200 m then continues towards Muchia Buteanului, on which it goes on
southwards up to ßaua Netedului (2234 m). Here it leaves the edge to the south-west, heading to the chalets
in C`ldarea B~lea.
10. Cascada B~lea Chalet (1234 m) – B~lea Valley – Lacul B~lea Chalet (2027 m) – Paltinul
Chalet (2044 m)
Marking: blue triangle. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes. This route is not accessible in winter.
From the Chalet Cascada B~lea the route follows the path marked with blue triangle unfold on the western
slope of B~lea Valley, crosses the Transf`g`r`[an Road in the area of the upper glacial brink and comes
to the north of the B~lea Lake (2027 m), near the chalet. From here, on the road which makes the connection
with the Transf`g`r`san Road, we arrive in a couple of minutes at the Paltinul Chalet (2044 m).
11. Paltinul Chalet (2044 m) – The saddle ßaua Capra (2315 m) – The peak V~n`toarea lui
Buteanu (2507 m)
Marking: blue triangle: B~lea Lake – ßaua Caprei, blue cross: the saddle ßaua Caprei – the peak
V~n`toarea lui Buteanu. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. In winter the route is accessible to climbers.
From C`ldarea B~lea the route climbs steadily eastwards in the saddle ßaua Caprei (2315 m), From here
it follows to the north-east the path marked with a blue cross, avoiding through the south the peak V~rful
V`iuga (2443 m), it passes therough the saddle ßaua V`iugii (2390 m), towards the peak Capra (2494 m).
It follows northwards a short section of rocky ridge and reaches the peak V~n`toarea lui Buteanu (2507 m),
the highest peak of the northern slope of the F`g`ra[ Mountains. This offers a magnificent view on the
central part of the massif and especially on the most difficult section of the main ridge, Creasta Arp`[elului.
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T`r~]a ridge

12. Lacul B~lea Chalet (2027 m) – The saddle ßaua Paltinului (2350 m)
Marking: blue strip. Duration: 1 hour. In winter the route is forbidden.
From the B~lea-Lac Chalet (2027 m), the route makes a loop round the B~lea hollow from the east to the
west above the lake and the tunnel of the Transf`g`r`[an Road. Finally it crosses westwards the upper area
of the peak Piscul B~lei and avoiding by the north, in steady ascend the peak Paltinul (2399 m), it reaches
the saddle ßaua Platinului (2350 m), in the path of the main ridge marked with red strip.
13. B~lea Cascada Chalet (B~lea Waterfall) (1234 m) – Doamnei Valley – Curm`tura B~lei
(2202 m) – Paltinul Chalet (2044 m)
Marking: red cross. Duration: 4 hours. Summer route.
From Cascada B~lea Chalet (1234 m) the route crosses the brook and edge B~lea, reaches Doamnei Valley,
which it follows upstream till near the Doamnei lakes. Further on it climbs steadily towards the eastern
Doamnei hollow and reaches Curm`tura B~lei (2202 m). From Curm`tura B~lei it descends eastwards in
the hollow C`ldarea B~lei, to the Transf`g`r`[an Road and the Paltinul Chalet.
14. Porumbacu de Sus (458 m) – Negoiu Chalet (1546 m)
Marking: blue triangle. Duration: 6 hours. The route is approachable throughout the year.
From Porumbacu de Sus the route follows about 15 km on the forest road which accompanies the river R~ul
Mare al Porumbacului up to the confluence of the brooks ßerbota and S`rata (930 m), out of which it is
formed. A little higher it continues on the path marked with blue triangle, which ascends on the foot of
ßerbota to Negoiu Chalet (1546 m), where it arrives after about 2 hours after it has left the forest road.
15. Negoiu Chalet (1546 m) – The saddle ßaua Cleopatrei (2355 m)
Marking: blue triangle. Duration: 3 hours. Summer route.
From Negoiu Chalet the route follows the path towards S`r`]ii Valley. crossing several small bridges. it
crosses the water thread beneath S`r`]ii waterfall. Further on it climbs steadily, then turns to the south and
after having passed across an area with big rock blocks, reaches the main ridge in the saddle ßaua
Cleopatrei (2355 m), in the ridge path marked with red strip.
16. Negoiu Chalet (1546 m) – Strunga Ciobanului (2308 m) – Porti]a C`l]unului (2194 m)
Marking: Blue triangle Negoiu Chalet – Piatra Pr~nzului; red cross Piatra Pr~nzului – Porti]a C`l]unului.
Duration: 4 hours. The route is not approachable in winter.
From Negoiu Chalet the route is in common with the route 15, up to the upper area of the eastern S`r`]ii
hollow. From here it continues towards the east-south-east on the path marked with red cross, it ascends
into the Strunga Ciobanului (2308 m), through a chimney provided with chains. It descends abruptly on the
eastern side through a narrower chimney, provided with a chain as well. It crosses the hollow C`ldarea
Ciobanului, the lower part of the ridge Creasta Fer`str`ul (“Saw Ridge”) (a toothed edge detached towards
Ucea Mare peak
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Podragu Hollow

Podr`gel Lake
the north-east from the main ridge at the
south of Negoiu Peak) and the western upper
area of the hollow C`ldarea Laita, where it
makes the junction with the path marked
with red strip of the ridge route. The marking
red cross ends here. We follow to the southeast
the path marked with red strip, unfold on
the contour line, beneath the ridge Negoiu –
Lespezi, and in a few minutes we reach
Porti]a C`l]unului (2194 m).
17. Negoiu Chalet (1546 m) – B~rcaciu
Chalet (1550 m)
Marking: red point. Duration: 2 hours. The
route is accessible also in winter for the
tourists who have the experience of snow.
Up to ßerbota Valley, the route follows to
south-south-west path marked with red point
and blue cross.
Furthher on, the route unfolds to the north-west on the path marked with red point, through glades and
bushes. It crosses Muchia Puha and the Porumb`celul Valley, top of B~rcaciul and the source of the brook
P~r~ul Com`nesei, then comes out of the forest in Poiana B~rcaciului, where the B~rcaciu Chalet
(1550 m) lies.
18. Avrig (400 m) – Poiana Neam]ului Chalet (706 m) – B~rcaciu Chalet (1550 m)
Marking: red cross. Duration : 6 hours. The route is accessible throughout the year (by car till Poiana
Neam]ului Chalet).
From Avrig, the route follows the road on the river R~ul Mare al Avrigului, 14.5 km up to Poiana Neam]ului
Chalet. From the Poiana Neam]ului Chalet (706 m) it follows southwards the forest road for further hundreds
of meters, then it leaves it to the left, in moderate ascend along a tractor road. Further higher it leaves
it to the right (west), on the path marked with red cross over the brook P~r~ul Com`nesei and ascends in
windings towards the Picioarul B~rcaciului top, which it follows to the south-south-east up to the beautiful
glade where the B~rcaciu Chalet is situated (1550 m).
19. B~rcaciu Chalet (1550 m) – Avrig Lake (2011 m)
Marking: blue point. Duration: 3 hours. The route is not accessible in winter.
The route descends in Avrigelului Valley, then climbs up to C`ldarea Mare a Avrigului, to the homonymous
lake, where it meets the path and marking of the main ridge.
20. Sebe[u de Sus (457 m) – Suru Shelter (1447 m) – The saddle ßaua Surului (2113 m)
Marking: red triangle. Duration: 5 hours. The route is approachable throughout the year up to Curm`tura
de sub Gorganu, from here till ßaua Surului it is forbidden in winter.
The route follow in gentle ascent the top Moa[ei, then it climbs steadily in windings on Fruntea Moa[ei. It
descends in the hollow C`ldarea G`vanu, which it crosses in a long ascent towards the south-east up to the
saddle ßaua Surului, in the path of the main ridge.
21. Turnu Ro[u (380 m) – The saddle ßaua Corbului (1568 m)
Marking: red cross. Duration: 4 hours. The route is accessible throughout the year.
From the locality Turnu Ro[u the route unfolds to the south-west over the Dealul Cioru, then southwards
on Piciorul Frasinului and Hula Pietroas`; on Culmea Pietricelei till near the main ridge, which it reaches
in ßaua Corbului .
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FåGåRAß
and
IEZER
PåPUßA
Mountains

Routes on the southern slope
22. Curm`tura Oticu (1863 m) – Curm`tura Br`tilei (2125 m)
Marking: red triangle. Duration: 4 hours. In winter the route is recommended to the climbers and experienced
skiers.
The route passes along the top which links the massif Iezer-P`pu[a and the F`g`ra[ Mountains.
23. Gura V`ilor (878 m) – Valea Rea – Porti]a Vi[tei (2310 m)
Marking: red triangle. Duration: 7 hours. Summer route.
Gura V`ilor is the formation place of the river R~ul Doamnei out of the brooks Valea Rea and Z~rna. This
place can be reached from the locality Slatina, covering 20 km on the forest road on Valea Doamnei.
The route follows the forest road on Valea Rea then the marked path passes by Lacul Vestic al V`ii Rele
(the Western Lake of Valea Rea), and reaches Porti]a Vi[tei (2310 m), in the ridge path marked with red
strip . The duration from the end of the forest road up to this place is 2 hours 30 minutes.
24. Balta Pojarnei – Curm`tura Mali]ei (1822 m) – Grui[oru Mountain – Plaiul Mare –
Moldoveanu Peak (2544 m) – Vi[tea Mare Peak (2527 m)
Marking: red triangle (Balta Pojarnei – Curm`tura Mali]ei), blue triangle (Curm`tura Mali]ei- Moldoveanu
Peak), red point (Moldoveanu Peak – Vi[tea Mare Peak)
Duration: 8 hours. Summer route.
After it ascends from Valea Rea into Curm`tura Mali]ei, the route follows up to the peak Vi[tea Mare, the
longest and most massive southern mountain top of the massif.
25. Valea Buda – ßaua Podragului (2307 m)
Marking: blue triangle. Duration: 8 hours. Summer route.
The route starts from the Transf`g`r`[an Road, on the forest road of Valea Buda, in the final part follows
the path along the brook Podu Giurgiului and comes out in ßaua Podragului (2307 m), in the ridge path
marked with red strip.
The Transf`g`r`[an Road
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B~lea Lake
26. Capra Chalet (1520 m) – Fereastra Zmeilor (2175 m)
Marking: yellow triangle. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes. In winter the route is accessible to climbers.
From Capra Chalet the route accompanies upstream the Transf`g`r`[an Road for abt. 2 km. It follows the
path of Valea Fundu Caprei, it climbs steadily in the eastern hollow Fundu Capra, from where it soon reaches
Porti]a Arpa[ului, at Fereastra Zmeilor.
27. Capra Chalet (1520 m) – Capra Waterfall – Capra Lake (2249 m)
Marking: blue strip. Duration: 3 hours. Summer route.
The route starts from the Transf`g`r`[an Road, some tens of meters eastwards of Capra Waterfall and follows
the path on the western slope of Piciorul Caprei, till Capra Lake (2249 m).
28. The Cabin Piscu Negru (1185 m) – Refuge C`l]un (2135 m)
Marking: blue triangle. Duration: 3 hours. Summer route.
The route unfolds along the brook P~r~ul Paltinului and C`l]unului, then crosses in the glacial hollow of
C`l]un towards the west-north-west and reaches the Refuge C`l]un on the bank of the lake (2135 m).
29. The main ridge route
To walk along the main ridge of the F`g`ra[ Mountains is a challenge for any tourist. Between Curm`tura
Foii and the river Olt, the route is almost 90 km long. Marking: red strip.
29.1. Plaiul Foii Chalet (842 m) – Curm`tura Z~rnei (1923 m)
Duration: 9 – 10 hours.
From Plaiul Foii Chalet the route follows westwards the forest road along the B~rsa Gro[etului and the
brook P~r~ul Lerescu abt. 12 km, then in moderate ascent, the path through the forest up to the saddle La
St~na Ars`, where it reaches the main ridge. It continues lightly on it, passing across the saddle ßaua
Lerescu (1396 m), over the peak Lerescu (1670 m) and Curm`tura Comisului (1669 m). Furthher on it
unfolds across the alpine pasture in light ascent in the south of the peaks: Comisu (1883 m), Lu]ele
(2176 m), Berevoescu Mare (2300 m), Ludi[oru (2303 m), Z~rna (2223 m). Finally it descends gently in
long large windings, in the Curm`tura Z~rnei (1923 m), the largest and deepest saddle in the main ridge of
the F`g`ra[ Mountains.
29.2. Curm`tura Z~rnei (1923 m) – Fereastra Mare a S~mbetei (2188 m)
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
From Curm`tura Z~rnei (from the refuge), the route unfolds westwards in a gentle ascent, avoids by the
south the Leaota Peak (2312 m), crosses ßleaul Leontei (a plateau that is slightly inclined southwards). It
surpasses the peak V~rful la Fundu B~ndei (2454 m) and turns northwards, on the western slope of Custura
Urlei, avoiding by the west the Iezerului Peak (2429 m). Further on, it goes round the Urlea Peak (2473 m)
on the contour line, in direction north-west and reaches the eastern saddle of Curm`tura lui Mogo[
(2344 m). It continues on the ridge path marked with red strip, on the contour line, by the south of Mogo[
35

Capra Sadle
Peak (2398 m), the western saddle of Mogo[ (2330 m) and the peak La Cheia B~ndei (2383 m). After a
light descent near the ridge, it surpasses several small peaks and Col]ul B`l`ceni (2286 m) and reaches
Fereastra Mare a S~mbetei (2188 m).
29.3. Fereastra Mare a S~mbetei (2188 m) – the saddle ßaua Podragului (2307 m)
Duration: 8 hours
From Fereastra Mare a S~mbetei the route continues westwards avoiding by the south the peaks: Sl`nina
(2268 m), G`l`[escu Mic (2433 m), G`l`[escu Mare (2470 m), G`lbenelele (2456 m), H~rtopu Ursului
(2461 m) and reaches Porti]a Vi[tei (2310 m). From here it ascends steadily on the Peak Vi[tea Mare
(2527 m), the third highest peak in the F`g`ra[ Mountains and in the Romanian Carpathians. From here,
following southwards the marking red point, we can reach, in about half hour the Moldoveanu Peak
(2544 m), the highest in Romania.
From Col]ul Vi[tea Mare the route descends strongly into the saddle ßaua Orz`nelei (2305 m). Then it
avoids by the south the peaks: Uci[oara (2418 m), Ucea Mare (2434 m) and Corabia (2406 m). It ascends
moderately to the top of the mountain Podu Giurgiului, whose peak (2358 m) remains on the right. From
here it turns to the north and avoids by the south the T`r~]a Peak (2414 m) and descends gently in ßaua
Podragului (2307 m).
29. 4. ßaua Podragului (2307 m) – ßaua Caprei (2315 m)
Duration: 5 hours.
From ßaua Podragului, the route unfolds westwards, surpasses by the south Podragu Peak (2462 m),
reaches Iezerul Podu Giurgiului (2264 m). It climbs steadily on the eastern short and stony foot of Mircii
Peak (2461 m). It crosses westwards the northern steep slope of the peak with a shorter, more exposed
section. It follows the wide path by the south of Arpa[ul Mare Peak in light descent towards ßaua
V~rtopului (2290 m). It passes by a section of sharp ridge, which requires more attention, then over a small
peak (2315 m) reaches the eastern part ot the saddle (2287 m), at the Nerlinger monument. From here it
leaves the main ridge and goes round the Arpa[ul Mic Peak (2460 m) and reaches the main ridge in the
eastern part of Porti]a Arpa[ului, also called Fereastra Zmeilor. On the sharp and broken ridge section,
which forms the Porti]a, the more difficult passages are provided with chains. The section is called by the
36

tourists “La Trei Pa[i de Moarte” (“Three Steps Far From Death”). Further on, it crosses westwards the
upper area of C`ldarea Fundu Caprei, thus avoiding the ridge Creasta V~rtopel-Arp`[el, accessible to
climbers only. It climbs steeply to Piciorul Caprei, from where it descends gently to Capra Lake (2249 m).
Going round the lake by the north, it reaches in light ascent the saddle ßaua Caprei (2315 m).
29.5. ßaua Caprei (2315 m) – ßaua Cleopatrei (2355 m)
Duration: 6 hours.
From ßaua Caprei the route passes over the Iezerului Peak (2417 m), through ßaua B~lei (2286 m) and over
the flat peak of Paltinul (2399 m). It avoids by the south, on a narrow path, Turnul Paltinului (2372 m),
passes through ßaua Doamnei (2294 m) and crosses a plateau in the south of Laita Peak (2397 m). It
surpasses, descending on the southern slope, the sharp and rocky ridge of the western saddle of L`i]elul
(2228 m), where a helping chain is fixed, then it ascends steeply on L`i]el Peak (2390 m), a point which
offers a special view on the area Lespezi – Negoiu. From L`i]el Peak, the route descends strongly into ßaua
Laitei, from where it reaches the C`l]un Lake. It ascends gently across an area with big blocks of rock into
Porti]a C`l]unului (2194 m). From here the path crosses northwards, through C`ldarea Laita up to the foot
of Strunga Dracului, a difficult chimney provided with chains. After the chimney, the route continues
northwards near the ridge up to Negoiu Peak (the second highest peak of Romania after Moldoveanu
(2544 m). An easier alternative marked with yellow strip avoids Strunga Dracului through
Strunga Doamnei.
From Negoiu Peak (which offers a magnificent view in all directions), the route descends strongly towards
the north-west and reaches ßaua Cleopatrei.
29.6. ßaua Cleopatrei (2355 m) - ßaua Surului (2113 m)
Duration: 7 hours.
Between ßaua Cleopatrei (2355 m) and ßerbota Peak (2331 m) is the most difficult section of the main
ridge of F`g`ra[, Custura S`r`]ii; the section is recommended only to experienced tourists. West of ßerbota
Peak, the route passes through ßaua ßerbotei (2123 m), over the peak Musceaua Sc`rii (2277 m), through
ßaua Sc`rii (2146 m), ßaua Cleopatrei – ßaua Sc`rii 3 hours.
From ßaua Sc`rii, the route climbs over the Scara Peak (2306 m), from where it descends strongly in the
Eastern Saddle of G~rbova, then it avoids by the south the G~rbova Peak. Further on, it crosses the northern
slope of Ciortea, which is inclined and furrowed by quick glens, with several exposed passages provided
with chains, and reaches Avrig Lake (2007 m). From the lake it ascends steadily to Porti]a Avrigului
Lespezi peak view from Transf`g`r`[an Road
37
Capra Waterfall

(2178 m), surpasses by the south the flat peak V~rtopu Ro[u (2242 m) and the round peak of Budislavul
(2343 m), descends strongly in windings into Curm`tura Ro[iilor (2159 m). At the end of the section, the
route crosses, almost on the contour line, the western slope of Suru Peak (2283 m) and reaches ßaua Surului
(2113 m). ßaua Sc`rii – ßaua Surului 3 hours.
29.7. ßaua Surului (2113 m) – ßaua Corbului (1568 m)
Duration: 2 hours.
From ßaua Surului the route continues westwards on the rounded top over the peak Moa[a or Cocoriciu
(2034 m), V~rful Piscului peak (1860 m), through the saddle La Apa Cump`nit` (1807 m), T`taru Peak
(1888 m) and V~rful lui F`tu peak (1823 m), by the north of the peaks Fedele[ului (1805 m and 1820 m)
and Chica Lacului (or Chica Corbului 1649 m) and reaches ßaua Corbului (1568 m). West of this,on a hill,
we meet the path marked with red cross towards Turnu Ro[u. The path marked with red strip follows the
ridge westwards till Valea Oltului, to the railway station Valea M`rului. ßaua Corbului – Valea M`rului station:
3 hours.
V~n`toarea lui Buteanu and V`iuga peaks
38