Carpathians' Most Beautiful Route

Every year I return to what I believe is the most beautiful route in the Carpathians. 25 km of amazing landscapes; form some of the wildest corners of the Carpathians to beautiful mountain villages.

The route follows two thirds of the Piatra Craiului Marathon route, a race that I ran twice in the past. However I enjoy it more at a slower pace that gives me time to admire the landscapes.

Last year I witnessed the height of the autumn season with such amazing colors I have never seen in other parts of the world:

http://mihai-munteanu.blogspot.com/2019/10/autumn-again.html

The variety of spectacular landscapes along this route is amazing. Starting in the deep upper valley of Bârsa River by Plaiul Foii, the route follows a mountain stream through the forest, going up towards the impressive western rocky side of Piatra Craiului massif. 

Once it reaches the base of the cliff faces, the route continues to climb gently between the huge rocky walls and the forests below, passing the most impressive scree areas in the Carpathian Mountains (lose rocks accumulations).

The views to the west are impressive. Endless forests and majestic mountains: Iezer-Păpusa and Făgărași massifs.

The route goes then up a steep valley (Valea Urzicii) and reaches the Piatra Craiului's southern end of the ridge in Funduri Saddle. This is the highest point of the route: 1900m, which is more than 300 meters lower than the highest peak along the ridge. The route follows the ridge for a short while, then descends on the other side trough beautiful alpine meadows. Here the view opens to the east. The view is dominated in the distance by the mighty Bucegi massif.

After crossing the grassy expanses of Joaca Pass the landscape changes again. The route reaches the beautiful mountain villages of the Bran area. The views are so peaceful and picturesque! We pass by Peștera village then through Măgura village.

From Măgura village, a short descent through the forest brings us to the famous Fântăna lui Botorog water spring. Time to refresh for the last few kilometres to Zărnești town, the end of this amazing route.

The start of the route at Plaiul Foii

Below the mighty western rock faces of Piatra Craiului

On lose rocks fields - Marele Grohotis Scree

Looking west towards Făgărași Mountains

The impressive rock arch of Cerdacul Stanciului

Getting higher towards the main ridge

View from Piatra Craiului Ridge

View from Piatra Craiului Ridge

Looking south from the main ridge

On the eastern side the views open towards Bucegi Massif

Looking North-East

Eastern panorama

Shepherds Hut on the eastern side of Piatra Craiului Massif

Beware of Shepherd Dogs!

Which way?

Crossing Joaca Saddle and leaving the main ridge of Piatra Craiului behind

Joaca Saddle

The picturesque Peștera Village

The picturesque Peștera Village

The picturesque Măgura Village

Last descent

Autumn Again!

Mid to late October is the best time for autumn colors around Brasov. Such bright and beautiful colors, just before the days get gray and too short.

After a wet and cold start of October, the weather changed into an Indian Summer... The warmest October in more than 50 years... Last years we had plenty of records like this... the global warming is so visible! Warmer winters with less snow, dry and warm autumns, extremely hot summers...

Here is a selection of photos taken in the forests and on the mountains around Brasov during third week of October 2019.

Pietrele lui Solomon, Brasov

Valea cu Apa, Brasov

Pietrele lui Solomon, Brasov

Valea cu Apa, Brasov

Valea cu Apa, Brasov

Valea cu Apa, Brasov

Brasov seen from Tâmpa Mountain

Iezer-Papusa mountains seen from Piatra Craiului Massif

Saua Funduri, Piatra Craiului Massif

Saua Funduri, Piatra Craiului Massif

Near Pestera Village, Brasov County

Magura Village, Brasov County

Magura Village, Brasov County

Magura Village, Brasov County

Magura Village, Brasov County

Malaiesti Valley, Bucegi Mountains

Bucsoiu Peak, Bucegi Mountains

Bucsoiu Peak, Bucegi Mountains

Descent from Omu Peak, Bucegi Mountains

Tiganesti Valley with Bucsoiu Peak in the background, Bucegi Mountains

Tiganesti mountain refuge, Bucegi Mountains

Running on the Edge!

Almost exactly 3 years after my first successful run along the entire main ridge of Piatra Craiului, here I am again on the Queen Mountain of Romania! Since last time I was several times up on the ridge but I did not cover the whole length.

September 16 2017 had the perfect conditions for the strenuous run/hike along the rocky Piatra Craiului Ridge. A day with perfect blue skies and not too warm weather. The weather was warmer than normal for mid-September, but the wind on the heights kept us cool for most of the day.

Vlad, my work colleague was my running partner this time. We followed almost the same route as last time as I find it to be the best option. It gets up on the ridge quite quickly. The route up to Turnu Peak, the northern-most peak of the ridge, is varied and this makes it seem short and easy. There are only a few cables on the rockiest part of the route.

We did the Ridge faster than last time. 4h07, including a lunch break on La Om peak (2238m) the highest point of Piatra Craiului. This time we took some easier alternative paths that go around some rocky sections of the first quarter of the ridge route.

The descent on the eastern side from the southern end of the ridge (Funduri saddle) is the only runnable access route to/from Piatra Craiului Ridge and is my favorite descent route. It was already mid-day as we were descending. We started to feel the heat, but soon we reached the deep and cool limestone Prapastii canyon. Vlad's car was waiting us at the exit from the canyon...

Here is the route of the day:

And some photos of the Queen Mountain of Romania: