Hiking in the Romanian Carpathians: Explore Sibiu’s Mountain Paradise

Did you know that one-third of Romania is covered by the Carpathian Mountains? Home to over 620,000 acres of wild forest, Romania boasts the second-largest pristine forest area in Europe, with 24% of its territory designated as protected land. In Sibiu County, 30% of the region is mountainous, including areas within the Natura 2000 Reserve, making it a dream destination for outdoor lovers.

With hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking trails, the region is a true paradise for hikers. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk through alpine meadows or a challenging trek to dramatic peaks, Sibiu’s mountains offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and untouched natural beauty.

The Perfect Blend of City & Nature

If you want to combine an urban escape with outdoor adventure, Sibiu is the perfect base. Stay in this charming medieval city and take a day trip into the Carpathians for a refreshing mountain hike.

• Summer: Ideal for exploring gentle pastures, rugged peaks, and glacial lakes.
• Autumn: A spectacular display of golden forests and crisp mountain air, offering some of the most stunning landscapes of the year.

Făgăraș Mountains: The Alps of Transylvania

The Făgăraș Mountains are the highest range in the Romanian Carpathians, home to:
🏔️ Moldoveanu Peak (2,544 m / 8,346 ft) – Romania’s highest summit.
🏔️ Negoiu Peak (2,535 m / 8,316 ft) – The second-highest peak, known for its dramatic ridges.
🏔️ Vânătarea lui Buteanu Peak (2,507 m / 8,225 ft) – The 8th highest peak in Romania, offering incredible panoramic views.

A Must-Do Hike: Vânătarea lui Buteanu & Transfăgărășan Road

One of the most accessible high-altitude hikes in the Făgăraș range is the trail to Vânătarea lui Buteanu Peak. Starting at Bâlea Lake, this hike offers breathtaking alpine scenery and can be reached via the legendary Transfăgărășan Road – often called “the most spectacular road in the world.”

Hiking in the Carpathians: A Challenge Worth Taking

The Romanian Carpathians are home to 14 peaks over 2,500 meters, with eight of them in the Făgăraș Mountains alone. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a nature enthusiast, hiking here is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you won’t forget.

We’ll drive from Sibiu and our stop is Balea Lake, in the Fagaras Mountains. It is a greta drive on the Transfagarasan winding road, one of the most fascinating mountain roads in the world. We can have various stops along the ride for great pictures, one of them above the Balea Waterfall.

We’ll stop climbing right from the bank of the lake. The climbing is pretty challenging on a narrow rocky trails. There are two different routes we can take, depending on our guests training and weather forecast. 

Therefore, we suggest two options:

1) Bâlea Lake –>Șaua Caprei  (50 min);   Șaua Caprei–> Vănătarea lui Buteanu Peak (1 hour)

Total time: around 4 hors
Altitude difference: 300 m – 467 m
Level: easy/average. 
The trail is relatively easy excepting the first part of the climbing till Saua Caprei and the passage between the Buteanu Peak and Caprei Peak.

3) Bâlea Lake –>  Șaua Paltinului –> Iezerul Caprei  –> Șaua Caprei –>  Vanatarea lui Buteanu Peak

Total time: around 6 hours
Altitude difference:  650 m 
Level: easy/ average
The trail has several areas which are more complicated with narrow paths and rock climbing.