Roundtrip – 3.5 km, 480 m ascent (2,031 m to 2,507 m).
Vânătarea lui Buteanu is the most accessible of the 14 peaks over 2500m in Romania.
Why go here:
-
- a short, steep hike that reaches one of the highest peaks in Romania.
- beautiful views all around.
- starts from Transfăgărășan, one of the highest roads in Romania – 2000m.
Starting point:
Bâlea Lake (2000m), accessible by car on good asphalt – only in the summer. There are multiple paid parking lots here.
There is also a cable car that comes here from the Balea Waterfall in the North.
Route details
The route starts with a steep climb to the Capra Saddle (Șaua Capra 2300m) on Blue Triangle Markings.
We continue the climb to the peak following the Blue Cross markings.
We go back the same way.
The Capra Lake (Lacul Capra) is a beautiful place for a break.
Trail Markings: the route is 100% on marked trails, there are no orientation problems.
Water Sources:
- no natural sources of water on the route. The water from Capra Lake and Bâlea Lake is not safe to drink.
Surface
Most of the trail is rock, sometimes loose and it can cause problems.
There are some sections that can be dangerous. Wear good hiking shoes.
The first climb (towards Capra Saddle) has loose rocks and is known for avalanches so don’t try this on snow.
The last part before the Buteanu Peak involves scrambling.
Alternative routes:
- You can end or start this from the Salvamont Arges (mountain rescuers) in the south, following the Blue Cross Markings.