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Râu de Mori – Retezat Peak

Start: Râu de Mori
Range: Retezat Mountains
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19.4 kmLength
1 984 mAscent
3 mDescent
2 482 mMax. altitude
501 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 Râu de Mori – Retezat Peak. Has red marking (local route). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).

Marked local hiking trail. Marking is red, sign — triangle on a white background. Length of the trail — 19.4 km. Location: mountain range — Retezat, Romania. The trail passes through Retezat National Park. Visiting the park is paid: according to the administration, a ticket costs 10 lei and is valid for 7 days (it can be purchased at bilete.retezat.ro). Hiking is allowed only on marked paths, open fires are prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

At a glance

A one-day route of 19.4 km with 1,984 m of ascent from Râu de Mori to Retezat Peak. Estimated walking time: about 8 h, not counting stops. Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: red.

Route stages

  1. 0–19 kmClimb of 1,970 m to Retezat Peak (2,482 m)

Steepest kilometre: km 15–16, a climb of 280 m (≈28%), near Muncelu Saddle.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 11, 13, 15 and 17. There are no springs between km 0 and 11 — carry at least 2 l of water.

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

Start: Râu de Mori. This is a one-way route: the finish is 13 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 walking time: about 8 h, not counting stops.
Is there water on the route?
Springs near the trail: at km 11, 13, 15 and 17. There are no springs between km 0 and 11 — carry at least 2 l of water.

Water and shelter on the route

  1. Spring below Ciurilă (north-west slope)km 11.2 from the start · 90 m off the path · Not verified · 1 169 m
  2. Spring (Râușor)km 13.1 from the start · Not verified · 1 335 m
  3. Spring below Prelucele (north-west slope)km 14.7 from the start · Not verified · 1 522 m
  4. Spring below Prelucele (west slope)km 17.3 from the start · Not verified · 2 075 m

All springs of the CarpathiansAll Carpathian huts

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

Wildlife along the route

All
Spotted nutcrackerIn season nowSpotted nutcrackerNucifraga caryocatactesA brown bird with white spots of the spruce forests that hides thousands of nuts and seeds of the cedar pine — and thus plants the forest.
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.
White-throated dipperIn season nowWhite-throated dipperCinclus cinclusA bird of mountain streams with a white 'bib' that dives and runs along the bottom against the current. It can be seen all year round.
Norway spruceNorway sprucePicea abiesNorway spruce is the main coniferous tree of the Carpathians: a dark sharp crown, prickly needles, and long cones that hang downwards. It grows up to the forest boundary.
Fire salamanderRed Data Book of UkraineFire salamanderSalamandra salamandraThe black salamander with yellow spots emerges in the beech forests of the Carpathians after rain. It is a vulnerable species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.
Common frogCommon frogRana temporariaThe highest-altitude frog of the Carpathians: found from valleys to polonynas and the first to wake up in spring.

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

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