Piatra Craiului Mountains, Brașov County, Romania
The Piatra Craiului Mountains are a mountain range in the Southern Carpathians in central Romania. It forms a narrow and saw-like ridge which is about 16 miles long. Vârful La Om is the highest peak at 7343 feet. The ridge is regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful sites in the Carpathian Mountians and the views both towards and from the mountains are superb.
The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants.
Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge.
The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains.
Date: 6th June 2018
Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania
The whole range is included in the Piatra Craiului National Park. The first protection of this area started in 1938 when 2 square miles were declared as a nature reserve. This has been progressively extended and in 1990 it became a national park covering an area of 38 square miles. In 2003 the external limits and internal zoning were created. Since 1999 a park administration has existed with a visitor centre located on the minor road 0.6 miles west of Zărnești and since 2005 a management plan has been in place. Piatra Craiului National Park supports and protects an abundance and diversity of mammals (including Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx), birds and plants.
Zărneşti is the most important town for visiting the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Piatra Craiului National Park. The town is located 17 miles south west of the city of Brașov. From Zărnești, a 7 mile long minor road runs west and ends at Cabana Plaiul Foii which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. In addition, a forest road starts from the south west of Zărneşti which leads to the Zărneştilor Gorge and continues up to the ridge.
The traditional villages of Măgura, Peştera, Ciocanu and Şirnea are starting points for routes up to the eastern slopes. Măgura, situated at 3281 feet, is one of Romania’s most picturesque villages and it provides stunning views towards the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului Mountains.
Date: 6th June 2018
Location: Piatra Craiului Mountains from the Zărnești to Cabana Plaiul Foii road, Brașov County, Romania
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Also in: Romania
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