Piatra Craiului Mountains

Understand

Piatra Craiului National Park, founded in 1938, is one of Romania's national parks. It has a core area of 4879 ha and a buffer zone of 9894 ha.

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Rare species: Dianthus callizonus, Hesperis nivea, Minuatia transilvanica, Leontopodium alpinum. The Garofiţa Pietrei Craiului (Dianthus callizonus) is a beautiful purple flower only found in Piatra Craiului. It is protected as is the Edelweis growing on the high slopes.

Climate

Getting there

Access points are: Zarnesti (easy to reach from Brasov), Dambovicioara, Bran (Inima Reginei, Magura village), Moeciu, Fundata and Sirnea. Have a look at this timetable: [1] From the south: Buses from Brasov to Cumpulung or Pitesti and back stop in Podul Dimbovitei. Travel further into the valleys with a minibus, with one of the 'Bucuresteni' (from Bucarest, number plate starts with 'B') that own houses there or try one of the trucks going for timber or coming back fully loaded.

Getting around

All tracks are marked very well with different color codings. In 2011, a lot of signs were renewed. Some tracks high on the mountains are very steep. Steel cables are attached to the walls. One track is even called "Lanturi" meaning "chains". 7 cables can be found here. The old chains have been replaced by steel cables which usually are in reasonable to good condition. The valleys to the north (Zarnesti and Plaiul Foii) and east of Piatra Craiului (Dambovicioara) are in weekends more crowded than the valley in the west from Podul Dambovitei to Satic and lake Pecineagu. During the week it is quiet everywhere. A brand new very steep road starts from Dambovicioara going up to Ciocanu and Sirna eventually reaching the main road to Brasov. It has been built with European funds and should contribute to tourism in the region. It offers a very beautiful view on the Piatra Craiului.

See

Visitors center near Plaiul Foii, 1 km from Zarnesti. Rare species The Zarnesti Gorges Stanciului Cave Cerdacul Stanciului (La Zaplaz) Dambovicioara Cave and Gorges Gâlgoaie Brusturet Fount

Do

Hikes on the mountain trails inside the Piatra Craiului National Park (various degrees of difficulty) Visit the virgin forests Walk the educational trail of the Piatra Craiului National Park Brown bear observation (from an enclosed observatory) March - November Trips with mountain guides for wildlife observation (deer, chamois, cappercaille), identifying various wildlife species tracks in the field Rock climbing: longer tours can be found tours on the ridge. A lot of climbers and shorter routes of 1-3 rope lengths (difficulty 2 to 8b*) can be found in the Zarnesti Gorges (Prapastiile Zarnestilor). Guides are available when needed. Visit the mountain villages Magura and Pestera and the traditional sheepfolds, tasting traditional products Visit the Bran Castle, the Rasnov Fortress and the Brasov Old Center Horseback riding Horse carriage or sled strolls

Sleep

Hotels, private pensions ("Cazare") and campings can be found anywhere around Piatra Craiului. Mountain huts (Cabana) can be found near the base of the mountains. Take your own sleeping bag and food with you. There is often no restaurant but a kitchen is available for your own cooking. Ordinary Romanians usually use the cabana for barbecue parties until late in the night. Especially in weekends and on new years eve. Be prepared for some noise. At the other hand you are invited quickly to join the party. Do not forget to bring some wine and Tuica.

On the ridge there are some half-dome shelters. One near the summit "La Om". Many times people camp outside the shelters, even on the ridge, as the shelters can be crowded and some times are not that clean. Bring your own sleeping bag and mattress. There is nothing inside the shelters but a steel plate to lie on.