Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

578 SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE

Transfăgărăşan, Romania’s highest road,

crosses the Făgăraş Mountains and connects

the regions of Transylvania and Wallachia as

well as the towns of Sibiu and Piteşti. The road

has five tunnels; the longest is 884 m (2,900 ft).

Hiking in the Făgăraş Mountains

Part of the Carpathian Mountains,

the beautiful Făgăraş range

offers some of Romania’s most

thrilling hiking routes, reach-

ing heights of up to 2,544 m

(8,346 ft). A combination of

incredible views, gla cial lakes,

waterfalls, spruce forests, wildlife and

hospit able shepherds ensures that a

trip here is an unforgettable

experience. However, the

moun tains are notorious for

abrupt changes in weather, so

inexperi enced hikers are

advised to join a group or hire

a local guide. Severe winters

restrict the hiking season to a few

months between July and October.

Glacial lakes, many at alti tudes above

2,000 m (6,561 ft), are scattered through-

out the mountains. Balea is the highest at

2,034 m (6,673 ft), and offers panoramic

views as well as a lakeside mountain hut.

Mountain huts, or cabanas, are available on

the northern side of the Făgăraş ridge, offering

crackling log fires, dormitory beds and simple

food. However, hikers intending to climb fur ther

south will need to carry camping equipment.

European brown

bear

Hiking routes in this region are well marked and

easy to follow. However, all hikers should carry

essential items such as maps, a compass, a first-aid

kit, adequate food and water supplies, waterproofs

and strong walking boots.

Moldoveanu

is Romania’s

highest peak

at 2,544 m

(8,346 ft).

The country

boasts a total

of eight peaks

over 2,500 m

(8,202 ft).

Dianthus alpinus,

commonly known

as Alpine pinks,

bloom in late

spring. They can

be found growing

above 2,000 m

(6,561 ft) in

the Făgăraş

Alpine regions.