Often referred to as the "Transylvanian Alps," the Făgăraș Mountains are the highest, wildest, and most spectacular mountain range in Romania. Stretching across the heart of the country, this rugged fortress of rock and ice offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Eastern Europe.
A cabin in Fagaras Mountains - autumn landscape
1. The Giants of Romania
The Făgăraș range is home to the highest peaks in the Romanian Carpathians. The "Great Eight" are the peaks that surpass the 2500m threshold, creating a dramatic skyline that remains snow-capped well into the summer.
Moldoveanu Peak (2544m): The "Roof of Romania." Reaching its summit is a badge of honor for any hiker.
Negoiu Peak (2535m): Known for its technical difficulty and the famous "Strunga Dracului" (Devil’s Gorge) pass.
Moldoveanu Peak (Fagaras Mountains)- winter landscape
No mention of these mountains is complete without the Transfăgărășan highway (DN7C). Built as a strategic military route in the 1970s, it was famously named "the best driving road in the world" by Top Gear.The road snakes up the mountains in a series of hairpin turns, offering incredible vistas of waterfalls and glacial valleys. It reaches its highest point at Bâlea Lake, a stunning natural glacier lake sitting at $2034$m.
3. Glacial Lakes and Pristine Nature
The Făgăraș Mountains are a sanctuary for biodiversity. Because the terrain is so steep and rugged, large areas remain untouched by modern civilization.
Bâlea Lake (Click HERE to see more): The most accessible and famous, hosting an Ice Hotel every winter, carved entirely from blocks of lake ice.
Capra (Click HERE to see more) and Podragu Lakes: Serene, crystal-clear glacial lakes that serve as perfect resting spots for long-distance trekkers.
Wildlife: It is one of the few places in Europe where you can still spot chamois (capra neagră), brown bears (Click HERE to see more), and golden eagles in their natural, undisturbed habitat.
4. Adventure for Every Season
While summer ($July - September$) is the prime time for hiking the "Main Ridge" trail—a grueling but rewarding week-long trek—winter transforms the Făgăraș into a kingdom of ice.
Winter Sports: High-altitude skiing and ice climbing near Bâlea Lac.
Hiking: Trails ranging from easy walks in the foothills to vertical climbs that require technical gear.
A video with Fagaras Mountains:
Quick Tips for TravelersWeather: The weather in Făgăraș is notoriously unpredictable. Always pack a waterproof jacket, even if the valley is sunny.
Safety: Always stay on marked trails. The Făgăraș are vast, and it is easy to lose your way in the fog.
Accommodation: You can find cozy "cabanas" (mountain huts) like Podragu or Negoiu, but they should be booked in advance during peak season.
Another intersting thing are Mysterious Pyramids in Fagaras
Placed in two rows and 20-30 meters high, miraculous pyramids guard a kilometer long terrace near the village of Sona, situated on the left bank of the river Olt. They are found beyond Olt at a distance of about 40 km from Fagaras Mountains.
Why are miraculous? Because besides their strange appearance, many more things happen there and people marvel. For example, no one understands how and why water has curative properties, the meat placed around near fall outside rotting and left around objects buried there alone... Even researchers and specialists say that there would be the tomb of Decebalus, the place being exactly on top of a right triangle whose sides unite Omu Peak - Dacian sanctuary sacred and symbol from Racos.
Popular legends speak of giants who went Olt coming from Fagaras Mountains, then shook their boots, left behind these huge mounds of mud, or about Turkish which shook Turkish earth from turbans.
There came also researchers from Bessarabia and found pottery from Bronze Age, older than a thousand years.
Locals call them "guruieți" and being - another oddity - that foxes holes does't have earth pulled out, but rolled in, as they exist in a vid, it is believed that mysterious pyramids hiding something from ages, may treasures Dacian, may graves, or who knows what secrets long buried in forgotten times...
The Mysterious Pyramids in Fagaras, Romania, landscape
The Făgăraș Mountains are more than just a geographic landmark; they are a symbol of Romania’s wild spirit. From the adrenaline-pumping curves of the Transfăgărășan to the silent, misty peaks of Moldoveanu, this range invites you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hiking the Făgăraș Mountains1. How difficult are the trails in the Făgăraș Mountains?
The Făgăraș range, known as the "Transylvanian Alps," contains the highest and most technical peaks in Romania. Most trails are moderate to difficult. Expect steep climbs, rocky ridges, and significant elevation gain. It is recommended for hikers with good physical conditioning and some mountain experience.
2. How do I reach Moldoveanu Peak (2544 m), the highest point in Romania?
There are several ways to reach the summit:
-From Bâlea Lake: A long and demanding round trip (approx. 9–12 hours) via the main ridge.
-From Victoria: A very steep ascent, usually done over two days with an overnight stay at Podragu Chalet.
-From Stâna lui Bruia (South side): The shortest route (approx. 3–4 hours one way), accessible via a long unpaved road from Curtea de Argeș.
3. When is the Transfăgărășan road open?
The high-altitude section of the Transfăgărășan (DN7C) is typically open only from July 1st to October 31st. Due to heavy snow and avalanche risks, the road is closed in winter between Bâlea Cascadă and Piscu Negru. Always check the official traffic reports before heading out.
4. Are there mountain huts (cabane) along the main ridge?
Unlike Bucegi, mountain huts in Făgăraș are located lower down the valleys (e.g., Podragu, Negoiu, Sâmbăta). On the main ridge, you will only find weather shelters (refugii), which are for emergency use only. If you plan a multi-day trek, you will need a tent or a reservation at a chalet well in advance.
5. Can I find water on the Făgăraș ridges?
Water is scarce on the high ridges. You should carry at least 2.5–3 liters of water per day. You can refill at the chalets or at specific springs located lower down the slopes, but never rely on finding water at altitudes above 2300m.
6. Is it safe to hike Făgăraș in winter?
Winter hiking in Făgăraș is strictly for experts and professional mountaineers. The risk of avalanches is very high, and the ridges become extremely dangerous without specialized equipment (crampons, ice axes) and advanced navigation skills.
