Fagaras Mountains: The Trendiest Hiking Destination in Romania

If you’d like to go hiking in Romania, check our adventure tours. More tours on www.uncover-romania-tours.com

Fagaras Mountains are the highest and for many the most spectacular part of the Carpathians. For most, they’re sure the trendiest hiking destination in Romania. With vast wilderness areas where trails are rare to the overcrowded routes to Negoiu or Moldoveanu Peaks, Fagaras Mountains attract both the explorers and the urban dwellers.

View from the ridge

Historically, these mountains were the natural border between Transylvania and Southern Romania, later between the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and the Romanian Kingdom until the unification of 1918. Its compact structure made it difficult to breach and, even to this day, the Transfarasan remains the only direct route from north to south and one of its main attractions.

Take your pick from hundreds of peaks over 2,000 meters

Over 70 km long and 40 km wide, Fagaras, also known as Transylvania’s Alps, have hundreds of peaks above 2,000 meters and the biggest alpine habitat in Romania. Their altitude and geography make Fagaras not only spectacular but also dangerous. It has the highest risk of avalanche, rare full sunny days, and significant quantities of rain and snow. In other words, choosing the right days is key to a great hiking trip.

View from Negoiu Peak

57 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, and 895 plant species are part of the immense natural heritage of the Fagaras. However, recent actions, including deforestation and chaotic building, threaten the superb landscape and rich biodiversity of this area.

Hiking ideas in the Fagaras Mountains

These mountains are an extraordinary destination, whether you’re facing the untamed nature or you’re driving on the popular Transfagarasan. Since we love nature and hiking, we recommend you leave your car behind. Despite their altitude and abrupt slopes, Fagaras have several good trails even for beginner hikers.

Valea Sambetei in winter

If you’re looking for a serious challenge, do one or more of the ridge routes. But be cautious and responsible. You need experience, strength to carry your camping gear, and a lot of endurance.

We have a few recommendations if you’re looking for less strenuous but spectacular hikes.

Half-day and one-day medium intensity hikes

We chose only the trails that start either from a location accessible by car or from a mountain hut. If you’re planning to spend the night at one of the huts from the Fagaras Mountains, be sure to book your stay in advance. You should buy a map for a complete list of hiking routes.

Balea Lake – Capra Lake – Vanatoarea lui Buteanu Peak – Balea Lake (3 hours, blue triangle and yellow dot)

Balea Lake – Balea Cascada Station (2-3 hours, blue triangle)

Porumbacu de Sus – Serbota Waterfall – Negoiu Hut (around 3 hours if you drive on the forest road, blue triangle)

Negoiu Hut – Cleopatra Saddle – Negoiu Peak – Negoiu Hut (6-7 hours, blue triangle)

Negoiu Hut – Serbota Peak – Negoiu Hut (around 5 hours, blue stripe)

Poiana Neamtului – Barcaciu Hut – Avrig Lake – Barcaciu Hut (7-8 hours, red cross and blue dot)

Piscul Negru – Caltun Lake – Piscul Negru (5-6 hours, blue triangle)

Piscu Negru – Capra Hut (4 hours, blue stripe)

Crossing the long and difficult ridge requires at least two weeks. You can find the detailed hiking trails on Muntii Nostri.

Before you go

Don’t overestimate your hiking experience and fitness level. Choose only the routes that you can do during daylight.

Study the map before the hike. You can also use an app like the one from Muntii Nostri in addition to the map.

Carry enough water and fill your bottle whenever possible.

Pack warm and waterproof clothes even during summertime. Weather conditions can suddenly change despite the forecast.

Read also Family Hikes in the Carpathians: 10 Easy Routes

If you’d like to go hiking in Romania, check our adventure tours. More tours on www.uncover-romania-tours.com