Iezeru Mic

Iezeru Mic (Rom. Vârful Iezeru Mic) is a 2,409 m peak in the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains (Southern Carpathians), in Argeș County. According to Romanian Wikipedia, it is one of the massif's peaks over 2,400 m. It stands in the southern part of the main ridge: the highest peak of the mountains, Iezeru Mare, lies 1.3 km to the northeast, and Roșu (Iezer-Păpușa) is 2.2 km to the north.

Below the summit to the east, about 1.4 km away, stands Iezer Hut, 2 125 m at around 2,125 m — the main base for overnight stays in this part of the mountains. There are several springs nearby: Spring below Capul Cățunului (east slope), 2 154 m, Spring below Capul Cățunului (east slope), 2 141 m, and Spring below Iezeru Mare (all about 1.2–1.3 km from the summit).

Getting there / routes

A marked red triangle route leads to the summit: "Bahna Rusului — Șețu Mountain — Groapele Saddle — Iezeru Mic peak". According to muntii-nostri.ro, it starts in the village of Nucșoara: up the Doamnei valley past the village of Slatina, across a bridge, then along a gravel road east through Bahna Saddle into the Râuşorul valley and up switchbacks to the treeless ridge. There, the direction changes to northeast: the trail passes below the Pepleu peak and saddle, returns to the ridge at Groapele Saddle, and traverses east below Obârșia peak, where it intersects the blue triangle route from the village of Cândești. Shortly after, you reach the Iezeru Mic summit. The entire route is 32.5 km, about 14 hours, 2,222 m ascent, difficult; part of the way can be done by bicycle.

From the summit, as described, you can follow the red stripe along the ridge north to Iezeru Mare, southeast to Voina hut, or descend east to Iezer hut.

For cyclists, muntii-nostri.ro suggests a challenging loop from the Râuşorul dam: about 7 km on gravel along the reservoir, a long climb to Portăreasa Saddle, past Cernat and Obârșia peaks to the highest point of the route — about 2,360 m below Iezeru Mic. From here, the descent leads past the Atheneului cross, where you can see the Iezer lake and hut, and further over Văcarea mountain.

The view from the top

According to the Bahna Rusului route description, from Groapele Saddle to the north you can clearly see the effects of mass logging in the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains.

Safety, season and rules

Approaches to Iezeru Mic are long, with no settlements along the route: plan to overnight at Iezer hut or in a tent. The ridge is exposed to wind and storms, and in winter avalanches are possible on steep slopes — only experienced and well-equipped hikers should attempt it then. Bears are common in the Romanian Carpathians: stay on marked trails, make noise, avoid hiking at dusk, and do not keep food in your tent; near sheepfolds, shepherd dogs may attack — do not run, stop and shield yourself with your backpack (advice from Salvamont România).

In case of emergency, call the national mountain rescue dispatcher 0SALVAMONT — 0725 826 668 or 112.