Fagaras Mountains – Negoiu Peak Hike

If you find yourself in the central region of Romania you shouldn’t miss one of the biggest attractions the Carpathian Mountain Range has to offer, Fagaras Mountains – Negoiu Peak hike via one of the highest alpine roads in the country, Transfagarasanul. Besides the impressive mountains and high altitude lakes in the area, that are something to be experienced firsthand, you should definitely drive the full length of the Transfagarasan, declared one of the best road in the world by BBC’s Top Gear. This amazing hike will take you on an alpine track set at an altitude of over 2000 meters in the direction of two glacial lakes, Balea and Caltun, and two mountaintops, Laitel – 2390 meters and Negoiu – 2535 meters. From the top, you will have a clear open view over Transylvania in all its might and over the surrounding peaks, so make some time and visit this place without a doubt.

Distance

15 Km

Total Time

12 h 00 min

Active Time

10 h 12 min

Vertical Relief

+1300 / -1300 m

Min/Max Altitude

2000 – 2535 m

Average Speed

2.1 km/h

Hike to Negoiu Peak

From the big parking lot, on the right side of the road, next to the tunnel at the top of the mountain, you will start the hike on the markings in the direction of Saua Doamnei, a somewhat steep ascent that should get the blood pumping for approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour. As a side note, we did this hike with full camping gear and heavy backpacks and as such we have spent two days on the track, but it can also be done in one day if you have a good physical condition and you have an early start in the morning.

From time to time you will have some gorgeous openings towards Balea Lake so make sure you have the camera with you!

After reaching Saua Doameni, we will change the markings at the intersection. We will continue to the right on in the direction of our next objective, Laitel Peak.

In the distance, on the right, we can see a few mountain lakes. As we continue we reach a perfectly flat camping spot from where you could study the night sky, Saua Paltinului.

From here we will continue on the markings and the track will have constant ups and downs until the very end. At this point, on the right side of the track, you will find a small freshwater spring. It can be used to replenish your reserves (this is the last water source until reaching Caltun Lake).

After 3 hours walking time and a steep climb you will reach the first peak of this hike, Laitel.

Caltun lake is just 1 more hour walking time from here and mainly downhill. At the lake, you should make camp if you plan to sleep over the night. We left our heavy gear in the tent and started the ascent to Negoiu Peak on the markings.

You have two options to reach the mountaintop, one via Strunga Doamnei. This is a longer path on the left side of the intersection that is much more easier / safer. Second option is via Strunga Dracului on the right side of the intersection – shorter but closed to tourists because of the rockslides that have damaged the chains. We chose to ascend via Strunga Dracului and to return on Strunga Doamnei. As such, at the intersection, we continued to the right on and started the technical climb on a narrow, rock filled path which involves a lot of scrambling and maybe a bit of bouldering. Check the video below to get a feeling of the track on Strunga Dracului, but I would recommend skipping it if you don’t feel safe.

After exiting the narrow path, you will reach Negoiu Peak in approximately 30 minutes.

For the return track, you follow the same road until you find an intersection, the marking on the left is Strunga Dracului and on the right is Strunga Doamnei that you should follow down. Sleep at Caltun Lake and the next day make your way back to Balea Lake on the same road you came.

The Negoiu Peak hike is a must if you are in the area!

GPS track to Negoiu Peak

How to get to Negoiu Peak?

Getting on the Transfagarasan for the Negoiu Peak Hike is easy and the roads are in good condition no matter where you are coming from, but I will highlight the best route to get there if you are arriving from Timisoara. You should start the drive in the direction of Lugoj from where you can enter the motorway A1 for approximately 30 kilometers. Continue afterward on road E673 through Faget and close to Deva you will enter the motorway A1 again, this time for 140 kilometers. After Sibiu, you will head down E68 through Avrig and right after Scoreiu village you will make a right turn in the direction of Cartisoara and Transfagarasan. Drive up the mountain until you reach the top at Balea Lake and leave the car in the big parking place on the right. There is a parking fee of approximately 10 lei (2.5 euros) per day.

Where to sleep?

Besides the accommodation facilities at Balea Lake, there are no other chalets close by where you can sleep during the Negoiu Peak hike. As such you can either sleep by tent at Caltun Lake or in the newly built shelter there, but I strongly recommend using the last only in case of emergency. If you plan to do the trip in one day then you can sleep at Balea lake where you can book a double room at one of the few accommodations available (Paltinu or Balea Lac) for an average price of 190 – 260 lei (43 – 60 euro).

Good to know

Hope you found the information helpful and accurate, but remember, if you have any questions drop them in a comment below!

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