Piatra Craiului National Park

The Piatra Craiului National Park (Parcul National Piatra Craiului) covers an area of almost 15000 hectares and is located in the Southern Carpathians in Brasov & Arges County. The National Park offers different hiking trails whose entry points are located near the villages of Zarnesti, Magura, Pestera, Sirnea and Ciocanu. I walked the trail that starts behind Zarnesti right at the Fantana Lui Botoroq spring. From the train station it is a few kilometers, which can be reached by cab. If you come by car, you can park in the immediate area near the spring, but the road to get there is a pure gravel road. A trip to the national park is more than recommendable. The mighty limestone formations will impress you.

The highest elevation of the mountain is Varful La Om with 2,238 meters. The most famous cave is Pestera Dambovicioara. I, on the other hand, was impressed by the Zarnesti Gorge. Some of the rugged rock formations are 200 meters high and rise vertically. The sun barely makes it into the gorge, so I recommend bringing a jacket. In winter (-12 degrees) the wind was so icy that I stopped the hike after an hour. In summer, however, the gorge offers some cooling. But no matter what time of year you visit the gorge or other places in the national park, one thing is certain, nature will inspire you. By the way, the hiking trail through the gorge is relatively easy, other trails, for example up to Piscul Baciului, are more difficult.

Hiking Trails:

Fantana lui Botorog – Prapastiile Zarnestilor – Continue the route
Marking : Blue ribbon on white background
Walking times:
Zarnesti – Refugiul Diana – Brana Capelor – Cabana Curmatura
Marking : Blue ribbon on white background
Walking times : / difficult
Zarnesti – Fantana Lui Botoroq – Valea Curmatura – Cabana Curmatura
Marking : Yellow ribbon on white background
Walking times : / easy
Zarnesti – Prapastiile Zarnestilor – La Table
Marking : Red cross on white background
Walking times : / easy
Zarnesti – Prapastiile Zarnestilor – Cabana Curmatura
Marking : Blue ribbon on white background
Walking times : / easy
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