Romania is a privileged country in terms of nature, and its geographical diversity hides, among other things, true mountain gems. Romania’s mountains are impressive not only for their altitude, but also for the spectacular landscapes they offer, covering everything from coniferous forests and alpine meadows to steep cliffs and deep valleys. Symbols of the majesty and strength of nature, they are a refuge, but also a challenge, for those in love with their wild beauty and purity.
Romania’s highest mountains are found predominantly in the Făgăraș, Parâng and Retezat massifs, and their ascent is a test of physical and mental endurance, but also a spiritual reward through the feeling of freedom it gives you once you’ve reached the highest peak.
Here are Romania’s highest mountain peaks:
- Moldoveanu Peak, Făgăraș Mountains – 2544 m;
- Negoiu Peak, Făgăraș Mountains – 2535 m;
- Parângul Mare peak, Parâng Mountains – 2519 m;
- Omu Peak, Bucegi Mountains – 2514 m;
- Peak Păpușa, Retezat Mountains – 2508 m.
In the following lines, we invite you to discover them on a virtual journey in the heart of the Carpathians, where the sky meets the earth and nature reigns in its purest form.
- The highest peaks in Romania – Moldoveanu Peak
- The highest peaks in Romania – Negoiu Peak
- The highest peaks in Romania – Parângul Mare Peak
- The highest peaks in Romania – Omu Peak
- The highest peaks in Romania – Doll’s Peak
1. The highest peaks in Romania – Moldoveanu Peak
Vârful Moldoveanu, the highest peak in Romania, rises to an impressive 2,544 meters and is part of the Făgăraș Massif, which in turn belongs to the Southern Carpathian mountain range. This massif, also known as the “Transylvanian Alps” because of its spectacular heights, attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.
Accessibility and trails
There are several trails that lead to this peak, the most popular and most frequented being the one that starts from Victoria, through the Visstea Mare Valley. The route follows the red stripes and takes about 8-10 hours round trip.
Another popular route is the one starting from Stâna lui Burnei, in Argeș county. Although the route is shorter (about 6-8 hours round-trip), it has difficult stretches with steep cliffs and narrow paths, requiring good physical condition and attention.
Another spectacular route starts from the area of Lake Bâlea, crosses the main ridge of Făgăraș and includes a number of other important peaks, such as Negoiu Peak (the second highest peak in Romania). This route is longer and can take 2-3 days, but it offers a complete mountain experience with panoramic views over the ridges and valleys of the Southern Carpathians.
Sights and attractions in the area
Lake Bâlea, located at 2,034 meters above sea level, is a major point of interest in the area. Accessible via the Transfăgărășan, one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world, the lake is the ideal place for relaxation and easy hiking, and is the starting point for day trips to other peaks of the massif.
Another attraction is the Bâlea Waterfall, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Romania. Located at an altitude of about 1,234 meters, the waterfall has a drop of 60 meters and is accessible by a medium-difficulty trail.
In the area, towns such as Victoria and Cârțișoara offer opportunities to sample traditional Transylvanian cuisine, and many guesthouses and chalets serve dishes cooked according to original recipes with fresh, local ingredients.
Climbing Moldoveanu Peak is not recommended for beginners, as the routes include exposed, rocky and sometimes steep sections. In addition, the weather in the Făgăraș massif is often unpredictable, even in summer, with rapid temperature changes and fog. It is essential for mountaineers to be well equipped, consult the weather forecast and be prepared for any situation.
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2. The highest peaks in Romania – Negoiu Peak
Negoiu Peak, the second highest peak in Romania, rises to an altitude of 2,535 meters and is part of the Făgăraș massif.
Accessibility and trails
Among the most popular trails is the one that starts from the Bârcaciu hut, located at an altitude of 1,550 meters, a 7-8 hour round-trip. The route passes through Piatra Prânzului and arrives in Șaua Scării, then follows the ridge leading directly to the summit. This route is marked with blue tape and offers breathtaking views of the entire Făgăraș massif.
Another route starts from Negoiu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 1,540 meters. The route from here takes about 4-5 hours, with a high degree of difficulty, passing through easy climbing sections and exposed areas such as Strunga Dracului.
Another famous route is the one starting from Lake Bâlea, located on the Transfăgărășan. The route, although longer (about 8-10 hours round-trip), is spectacular, passing viewpoints such as the Șaua Caprei and offering a complete hiking experience in the heart of the Southern Carpathians.
Sights and attractions in the area
In addition to the mountain trails and spectacular peaks, the Călțun Lake, located at 2,135 meters above sea level, is one of the most impressive destinations in this part of the Făgăraș massif. From here you can continue the ascent to Negoiu Peak, in a landscape dominated by cliffs and steep ridges.
Near the village of Magura, food lovers can enjoy local dishes such as mămăligliguță, game and mountain cheeses.
Although not as high as Moldoveanu Peak, Negoiu presents a significant challenge for hikers. The routes leading to the summit include technical sections, such as Strunga Dracului or Strunga Doamnei, which require climbing skills and appropriate equipment. In addition, the weather in the Făgăraș Massif can be unpredictable, even in summer, and fog or sudden rain can turn the route into a real test of physical and mental endurance.
3. The highest peaks in Romania – Parângul Mare Peak
Parângul Mare peak, with an altitude of 2,519 meters, is the highest peak in the Parâng massif, part of the Southern Carpathians, which stretches between the Jiului Valley and the Oltului Valley. Parângul Mare is renowned for its spectacular scenery, diversity of routes and relatively easy accessibility.
Accessibility and trails
The Parângul Mare peak is accessible by several marked trails, and most tourists start their ascent from the Parâng resort area, located at about 1,700 meters above sea level, easily accessible from the town of Petrosani, either by car or by chairlift. From here, you can take the red marked trail, which climbs up the main ridge of the massif and reaches the Parângul Mare peak in about 5-6 hours. This route is of medium difficulty, but requires good physical condition, as the climb is constant and has sections exposed to strong winds.
Another popular route starts from Pasul Urdele, located on the Transalpina, the highest road in Romania. The route is marked with red stripes and follows the Parâng ridge, crossing several intermediate peaks, such as Vârful Mohoru (2,337 meters) and Vârful Setea Mare (2,365 meters). This route is longer and can take between 7 and 9 hours, but offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain valleys and ridges. It’s also a popular option for those who want to combine hiking with a trip on the Transalpina.
For the more experienced, a spectacular and less frequented route is the one that starts from the town of Petrosani, following the red triangle to the Parâng resort, and from there on the main ridge. It’s a long route, which can take up to 10 hours, but it offers an authentic mountain experience.
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Sights and attractions in the area
The Parâng massif and its surroundings are rich in natural and cultural attractions. The resort of Parâng is one of the most important tourist destinations in the area, known for both summer hiking and winter sports. In winter, the resort becomes an attraction for skiers and snowboarders.
Another major point of interest in the area is the glacial lake Roșiile, located at an altitude of about 1,900 meters. Accessible from the resort of Parâng, through a 3-4 hour hike, it is one of the largest and deepest glacial lakes in the Parâng massif.
Also in the Parâng massif is the glacial lake Gâlcescu, situated at an altitude of 1,935 meters. It’s a popular spot for sport fishing, and black goats and other mountain wildlife can be spotted on the way to the lake.
The ascent of the Parângul Mare peak is not extremely difficult, but it requires physical preparation and proper equipment, especially due to the rapid weather changes in the area. Strong winds and low temperatures can occur even in the summer months, and in the cold season, snow can make the trails difficult and the ascent requires winter gear such as ice axes and ice axes to safely traverse the exposed ridges.
Longer routes, such as those starting from Petroșani or the Transalpina, can be strenuous and require good physical condition, but reward the effort with spectacular scenery.
4. The highest peaks in Romania – Omu Peak
With an altitude of 2,505 meters, it is the highest point in the Bucegi massif and one of the most emblematic mountain peaks in Romania. Part of the Southern Carpathian chain, the Bucegii are known for their spectacular landscapes, unique geological formations and relatively easy accessibility for tourists.
Accessibility and trails
One of the most popular routes starts from the resort of Busteni, crossing the Jepilor Valley. This trail, marked with a blue cross, is of medium difficulty and takes about 5-6 hours to the summit. Along the way, tourists pass the famous Babele hut, as well as iconic rock formations such as Babele and the Sphinx.
Another popular route is the one that starts in Sinaia, passes by the 1400 meters above sea level and then the Piatra Arsă hut, from where it continues on the Bucegi plateau, up to the Omu Peak. This route is marked with a yellow stripe and takes about 7-8 hours round-trip, offering spectacular views over the Prahova Valley.
For those who want a longer and more demanding route, the route through the Gaura Valley is one of the less crowded and spectacular options. The route follows the red lane markings and takes about 6-8 hours, passing through wild landscapes with glacial calderas and impressive waterfalls.
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Sights and attractions in the area
The Bucegi Massif is famous for a number of tourist attractions that have become national symbols. The best known are the Babele and the Sphinx, natural rock formations on the Bucegi plateau, whose geological origin has given rise to numerous legends. The Sphinx, with its peculiar shape, is often compared to the famous Sphinx of Egypt, while the Babele are interpreted as the “petrified old women” of the Buceg.
Another major attraction is the Howling Waterfall, located near Busteni. Accessible by an easy one-hour hike, the waterfall is one of the most spectacular in Bucegi. It is an ideal destination for those who want to make a short stop before climbing to the top.
Omu Hut, located just below the summit, is one of the highest altitude refuges in the Carpathians and offers shelter for hikers. A popular rest stop, it has a rustic atmosphere but offers everything you need for a good night’s rest or a short break.
Also on the Bucegi plateau is the Cross of the Heroes of Caraiman, a monument dedicated to the fallen heroes of the First World War. Situated at 2,291 meters above sea level, it is one of the most impressive mountain monuments in Romania, visible from a great distance and offering a spectacular view of the Prahova Valley.
Romanian food lovers can find restaurants offering traditional Romanian dishes such as mici, grilled sausages, sarmale and soups.
Although Omu Peak is accessible via a number of tourist trails, the ascent is not without its challenges. The routes vary in difficulty, and some sections, such as the Jepilor Valley or Gaura Valley, include steep and exposed sections that can become dangerous in bad weather. Rapid changes in temperature and fog are common in the Bucegi, even in summer, and in winter, snow can make trails inaccessible and there is also the danger of avalanches.
5. The highest peaks in Romania – Peak Doll’s Peak
It has an altitude of 2,408 meters, is located in the Retezat massif, part of the Southern Carpathians, and is one of the most picturesque mountain peaks in Romania. The Retezat Massif, known for its spectacular landscapes, glacial lakes and rich biodiversity, is the ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Accessibility and trails
The peak is accessible by several trails, each with its own characteristics and different levels of difficulty. The most popular route starts from the village of Nucșoara at the base of the Retezat massif. From here, tourists follow a trail marked with a yellow stripe, which passes by Lake Galeșul and leads to the Pietrele hut. The route takes about 6-7 hours round-trip and is considered of medium difficulty.
Another popular route starts from Sălașu de Sus, passes through Valea Rea and reaches the Retezat hut. From here, the route continues along the Retezat ridge to Vârful Păpușa. This route is longer and can take between 8 and 10 hours, but it offers great views of glacial lakes such as Lake Bucura and Lake Lia, the largest glacial lakes in the Retezat massif.
For those who want a shorter and less frequented ascent, there is also the route that starts from the Râușor Hut. This follows a route marked with red tape, crossing several intermediate peaks before reaching Vârpe Păpușa. The route takes about 5-6 hours and is ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a wilder natural landscape.
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Sights and attractions in the area
Glacial lakes are some of the most important points of interest. Lake Bucura, situated at an altitude of 2,043 meters, is the largest glacial lake in Romania and offers spectacular scenery and is a popular spot for fishing and photography. Lake Lia, situated at a similar altitude, is also known for its clear waters and surrounding mountain scenery.
There are other interesting peaks close to Păpușa Peak, such as Retezat Peak and Peleaga Peak, which offer superb views of the entire massif and the surrounding valleys. These peaks are accessible by trails starting from the same area and are excellent for longer hikes.
Another point of attraction is the Retezat Nature Reserve, which is a protected area of national and European importance, home to remarkable biodiversity, including rare animal species such as the black goat and the lynx.
At Cabana Pietrele, you can enjoy traditional Romanian dishes and dishes cooked with fresh ingredients, including game dishes and local cheeses.
Although the trails are well marked, weather conditions can change rapidly, with fog, rain or blizzards. Tourists should be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and have appropriate mountain hiking gear, including waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
In winter, the routes to Doll’s Peak can become difficult and require climbing equipment, as snow and ice can make the ascent dangerous. It is therefore important that hikers are well prepared, in good physical condition and check the weather forecast before setting off.
Romania’s highest peaks are not only favorite destinations for hikers and intrepid mountaineers, but also symbols of a precious natural heritage worth protecting. Each expedition to these mountain peaks brings us closer to nature and offers new perspectives on the world around us.
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