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Făgăraș Ridge (from West to East)

Crossing the Făgăraș Ridge, from west to east, is one of the most difficult and challenging multi-day hikes in Romania, with several technical sections.

Also in Brasov, RomaniaSibiu, Romania

Hiking Severe

Distance
98 km
Ascent
6.8 km
Descent
6.6 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
690 m
High Point
2.5 km
Gradient
22˚
Făgăraș Ridge (from West to East) Map

The Făgăraș Ridge is a 6 days hike along the most famous ridge in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains. Accommodation in mountain huts and refuges. There is also the option of camping, but you should check the allowed camping spots.

Description

The trail sign followed for this hike is the Red Stripe (vertical red stripe with white outer edges). To reach the mountain huts you will have to deviate to other trail signs, since the huts are not on the ridge. For more information about the trail signs followed on this route, check the https://muntii-nostri.ro/ro maps.

Accommodation: Night 1 - Suru Hut - http://www.cabanasuru.com/en/ Night 2 - Negoiu Hut - https://cabananegoiu.ro/ Night 3 - Bâlea Lac Hut - https://balealac.ro/en/home/ Night 4 - Podragu Hut - https://podragu.ro/ Night 5 - Curmătura Zârnei Refuge Night 6 - Comisu Refuge

    • Refuges - might not find space if late; no food; most likely bad conditions.
Note that there are other refuges too on the ridge trail, the ones above are just the most popular/convenient.

Water sources are available throughout most of the route. Again, the https://muntii-nostri.ro/ro maps should be consulted for all the available water sources and their locations.

Sleeping bag required for all types of accommodation. Breakfast and dinner are possible while staying in the huts, but NOT refuges. You should announce the hut staff if you want the half board option upon booking the accommodation. Don't expect anything fancy.

The last 2 days of the route are very long and demanding with no options of accommodation in mountain huts with food. So food is needed for the last 2/3 days. There is the option of spending an extra night in the Comisu Refuge to split the last 33 km into 2 days and to rest for the long descent down to the valley.

Bâlea Lake is the only spot where you will reach civilization and access back to the main car road, so you can leave provisions there ahead of time in a car or buy some. It is also the only easy way out of the hike.

Difficulty

Severe

Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Alpine
  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque
  • Wild flowers
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation