Valea Rea — Moldoveanu Peak, via Lake Galbena

5.5 kmLength

1 211 mAscent

108 mDescent

2 544 mMax. altitude

1 442 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 Valea Rea – Lake Galbena – Moldoveanu Peak. Has blue marking (local route). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).

Marked local tourist route. Marking is blue, sign — a cross on a white background. Length of the route — 5.5 km. Location: mountain range — Făgăraș, Romania. Făgăraș Ridge is not a national park, but a Natura 2000 protected area "Munții Făgăraș" (ROSCI0122) with its own regulations: walk only on marked paths and take your trash with you.

At a glance

A one-day route of 5.5 km with 1,211 m of ascent from Valea Rea to Moldoveanu Peak. Estimated walking time: about 3.5 h, not counting stops. Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: blue.

Route stages

0–3.5 kmClimb of 910 m to Galbena
3.5–4.5 kmAlong the ridge at 2,330–2,400 m
4.5–5.5 kmClimb of 180 m to Moldoveanu (2,544 m)

Steepest kilometre: km 0.5–1.5, a climb of 400 m (≈40%), near Curmătura Pojarnei.

Water and overnight stays

Our map shows no springs near the trail — bring your own water (at least 2 l).

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: Valea Rea. This is a one-way route: the finish is 3 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 3.5 h, not counting stops.
Is there water on the route?: Our map shows no springs near the trail — bring your own water (at least 2 l).

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

Wildlife along the route

All

Alpine marmotMarmota marmotaThe Alpine marmot is an endemic species of the Tatra Mountains that warns of danger with its whistle. There is no natural population in the Ukrainian Carpathians.

Northern chamoisRupicapra rupicapraMountain antelope of the Tatra and Romanian Carpathians. The Northern chamois is no longer found in the Ukrainian Carpathians, having been exterminated before the 19th century.

Viviparous lizardZootoca viviparaA small lizard that gives birth to live young and therefore lives even on the cold polonynas of the Carpathians.

Small tortoiseshellAglais urticaeA reddish butterfly with black and yellow spots and blue dots along the edges of its wings. It flies from villages to polonynas and hibernates in attics.

Water pipitAnthus spinolettaA modest bird of the alpine meadows and polonynas that sings during its display flight. In Ukraine, it nests only in the Carpathians.

Red 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.

Brown bears live in this area — how to behave

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

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