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:
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.
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| The start of the route at Plaiul Foii |
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| Below the mighty western rock faces of Piatra Craiului |
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| On lose rocks fields - Marele Grohotis Scree |
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| Looking west towards Făgărași Mountains |
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| The impressive rock arch of Cerdacul Stanciului |
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| Getting higher towards the main ridge |
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| View from Piatra Craiului Ridge |
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| View from Piatra Craiului Ridge |
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| On the eastern side the views open towards Bucegi Massif |
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| Looking North-East |
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| Eastern panorama |
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| Shepherds Hut on the eastern side of Piatra Craiului Massif |
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| Beware of Shepherd Dogs! |
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| Which way? |
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| Crossing Joaca Saddle and leaving the main ridge of Piatra Craiului behind |
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| Joaca Saddle |
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| The picturesque Peștera Village |
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| The picturesque Peștera Village |
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| The picturesque Măgura Village |
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| Last descent |
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