Start at "Fantana lui Botorog" near Zanesti. If you are with car, fill bottles with the abundant pure mountain spring water from the fountain, which is pouring out 24/7 for anyone who wants it! This is a well-signposted hike which starts at the fountain and ascents snake-like for about 2 hours to the cabin cafe called Cabana Curmatura. It is a tough steep and rocky climb so wear proper walking boots. At the cafe, we had apple cake (“Plăcintă cu Mere”) which contains a hidden message inside. Important to note, the cabana only takes LEI in cash (no cards). The height is 1470 metres and the views are wonderful. The good news is the track down is much wider and less steep so it is easier. Just follow the tyre tracks. The round trip they say is 11.5 kilometres though the tough ascent felt longer. It is especially nice to do after visiting the Libearty sanctuary. A cab from the sanctuary to Fantana cost us...
Read moreI started my trek at Zărnești Cliffs, Zărnești, Romania, and hiked up to Cabana Curmătura. The trail is absolutely beautiful, winding through dense forests and offering stunning views of the Piatra Craiului mountains. The hike itself is well-marked and manageable for most skill levels, making it a rewarding experience for both casual hikers and more seasoned adventurers.
When you reach Cabana Curmătura, you’ll find it to be a popular stop for hikers coming from both directions. It has a cozy atmosphere, with a restaurant serving hearty local food, perfect for refueling after the trek. There’s also the option to stay overnight at the cabana, which is a great choice if you want to explore more of the national park. Overall, this hike offers a great combination of beautiful scenery and the welcoming atmosphere at Cabana Curmătura, making it a must-do when visiting Piatra Craiului...
Read moreA must do when visiting Brasov. Even if you don’t have a car, you can take a train from Brasov to Zarnesti (less than €1.5 each way). From there you can either walk for 1h or take taxi to Fantana Lui Botorog which is the start point to many hikes. The hike I did was from Fantana Lui Botorog to Cabana Curmatura, then to VF Turnu, walk along the ridge to VF Padina Inchisa, then back to Curmatura and then from there hike the track to Fantana via prapastiile zarnestiului. The whole hike was 17km, elevation gain 1,285 and took around 8 hours including photo stops, rests and and lunch break. The loop to the ridge and back was definitely challenging, requires proper hiking boots and recommended for experienced hikers only and there are some rock scrambles and climbing involved. But the views from the top definitely worth...
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