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Bucura Lakes Circuit

Start: Râușor · 7 km
Range: Retezat Mountains
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4.9 kmLength
294 mAscent
294 mDescent
2 209 mMax. altitude
1 903 mMin. altitude

Trail map

Route, springs and shelters: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · elevation: Copernicus DEM © DLR e.V., © Airbus DS · Data & licences

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About the trail

Route Bucura Lakes Circuit. Has red marking (local route). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).

Marked local tourist route. Marking is red, sign — a circle on a white background. The length of the route is 4.9 km, the route is circular. Location: mountain massif — Retezat, Romania. The route passes through Retezat National Park. Visiting the park is paid: according to the administration, the ticket costs 10 lei and is valid for 7 days (it can be purchased at bilete.retezat.ro). Walking is allowed only on marked paths, open fires are prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

At a glance

A short loop route of 4.9 km with 294 m of ascent. Estimated walking time: about 1.5 h, not counting stops. Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: red.

How we estimate walking time

By Naismith's rule, used by mountain clubs and guidebooks: an average hiker walks 4 km an hour on the flat and needs one more hour for every 600 m of ascent. For this trail: 4.9 km ÷ 4 = 1.2 h + 294 m ÷ 600 = 0.5 h, about 1.5 h of walking in total.

  • Breaks, snacks and photos: add 20–30 %.
  • A heavy pack, children, snow, a wet path or windfall add more; a long steep descent also takes time, especially for the knees.
  • The height of the Carpathians (up to 2,655 m) hardly changes the pace — on the ridges wind, fog and weather slow you down.
  • Limits: up to 9 h is one day; 9–13 h is a very long day or two; over 13 h means several days with overnight stays.

Route stages

  1. 0–5 kmAlong the ridge at 1,910–2,210 m

Steepest kilometre: km 1.5–2.5, a climb of 160 m (≈15%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 0.5, 2 and 3.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Bucura Salvamont Hut (km 0.5).

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 5 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

This is a loop: it brings you back to the start.

Directions to the start in Google Maps

FAQ

How long does the route take?
Estimated walking time: about 1.5 h, not counting stops.
Is there water on the route?
Springs near the trail: at km 0.5, 2 and 3.
Where can I stay overnight?
Huts and shelters near the trail: Bucura Salvamont Hut (km 0.5).

Water and shelter on the route

  1. Bucura Salvamont Hutkm 0.4 from the start · 70 m off the path · Not verified · 2 051 m
  2. Spring below Custura Bucurei (south slope), 2 046 mkm 0.4 from the start · 130 m off the path · Not verified · 2 046 m
  3. Spring below Vârful lui Stirb (north slope)km 1.8 from the start · 300 m off the path · Not verified · 1 997 m
  4. Spring below Bucura Ikm 3 from the start · Not verified · 2 094 m
  5. Spring below Vârful Judelekm 3.5 from the start · Not verified · 2 183 m

All springs of the CarpathiansAll Carpathian huts

Walk this route in 3DReal terrain, satellite map, Carpathian forests Play

Wildlife along the route

All
Mountain pineMountain pinePinus mugoMountain pine is a sprawling pine that forms impenetrable krummholz above the tree line. It is impossible to pass through it off the trail.
Water pipitWater pipitAnthus spinolettaA modest bird of the alpine meadows and polonynas that sings during its display flight. In Ukraine, it nests only in the Carpathians.
Alpine accentorRed Data Book of UkraineAlpine accentorPrunella collarisA bird of the highest peaks of the Carpathians, living among rocks and scree at an altitude of 1,600–2,060 m. A vulnerable species in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Based on naturalists’ records nearby (GBIF, iNaturalist), matched by altitude, habitat and season. Sightings are not guaranteed.

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