Făgăraș main ridge: Olt Valley  — Tămașului Saddle

At a glance

A multi-day route of 93.1 km with 6,545 m of ascent from Olt Valley to Tămașului Saddle. Estimated time: 5 days of 5–9 h of walking (about 34 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: red.

Route stages

1. 0–29 kmClimb of 2,080 m to Negoiu Peak (2,535 m)
2. 29–72 kmAlong the ridge at 1,930–2,480 m, past Lespezi, Capra, Viștea Mare, Moldoveanu
3. 72–80 kmDescent of 820 m to Curmătura Lerescului
4. 80–93 kmAlong the ridge at 1,370–1,720 m, past Făgetu Caprei, Țânțăreanu, Tămașul Mare

Steepest kilometre: km 1–2, a climb of 300 m (≈30%).

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 22, 25 and 31 etc.. There are no springs between km 54 and 62 — carry at least 1.5 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Portița Avrigului Hut (km 21), Refugiul Scara II (2023) (km 25), Viștea Mare Hut (km 49), Fereastra Mică - Cheia Bandei Hut (km 53), Curmătura Zârnei Hut (km 62), Curmătura Brătilei Hut (km 68), Comisu Hut (km 77).

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–21, ≈8.5 h — overnight: Portița Avrigului Hut (hut)
2. Day 2: km 21–33, ≈5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
3. Day 3: km 33–49, ≈6 h — overnight: Viștea Mare Hut (hut)
4. Day 4: km 49–68, ≈6.5 h — overnight: Curmătura Brătilei Hut (hut)
5. Day 5: km 68–93, ≈7.5 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 77 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Olt Valley. This is a one-way route: the finish is 72 km from the start in a straight line, so plan your way back in advance.

Directions to the start in Google Maps

FAQ

How long does the route take?

Estimated time: 5 days of 5–9 h of walking (about 34 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 22, 25 and 31 etc.. There are no springs between km 54 and 62 — carry at least 1.5 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Portița Avrigului Hut (km 21), Refugiul Scara II (2023) (km 25), Viștea Mare Hut (km 49), Fereastra Mică - Cheia Bandei Hut (km 53), Curmătura Zârnei Hut (km 62), Curmătura Brătilei Hut (km 68), Comisu Hut (km 77). Possible overnight stops: Portița Avrigului Hut (km 21), Viștea Mare Hut (km 49), Curmătura Brătilei Hut (km 68).