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Hobița – Poiana Pelegii

Start: Hobița
Range: Retezat Mountains
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34 kmLength
2 008 mAscent
934 mDescent
2 256 mMax. altitude
533 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 Hobița – Poiana Pelegii. Has blue marking (local route). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).

Marked local tourist route. The marking is blue, the sign is a triangle on a white background. The length of the route is 34 km. 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 trails, open fires are prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

At a glance

A route of 34 km with 2,008 m of ascent from Hobița to Poiana Pelegii. Estimated walking time: about 12 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days. Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: blue.

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: 34 km ÷ 4 = 8.5 h + 2,008 m ÷ 600 = 3.3 h, about 12 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. 0–18 kmClimb of 1,270 m (up to 1,811 m)
  2. 18–27 kmAlong the ridge at 1,630–1,850 m
  3. 27–30 kmClimb of 600 m to Custurii Saddle
  4. 30–34 kmDescent of 620 m to Poiana Pelegii

Steepest kilometre: km 30–31, a descent of 320 m (≈32%), near Custurii Saddle.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 28, 31 and 34. There are no springs between km 0 and 28 — carry at least 5 l of water.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Alpin Stâna de Râu Hut (km 27), Salvamont Poiana Pelegii Hut (km 34).

A possible split into days:

  1. Day 1: km 0–17, ≈6 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
  2. Day 2: km 17–34, ≈6 h — finish

When to go

Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 18 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.

Getting there

Start: Hobița. This is a one-way route: the finish is 21 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 12 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days.
Is there water on the route?
Springs near the trail: at km 28, 31 and 34. There are no springs between km 0 and 28 — carry at least 5 l of water.
Where can I stay overnight?
Huts and shelters near the trail: Alpin Stâna de Râu Hut (km 27), Salvamont Poiana Pelegii Hut (km 34).

Water and shelter on the route

  1. Alpin Stâna de Râu Hutkm 26.9 from the start · Not verified · 1 628 m
  2. Spring below Țapuluikm 27.5 from the start · 90 m off the path · Not verified · 1 736 m
  3. Spring below Păpușa Mică (east slope)km 28.1 from the start · Not verified · 1 870 m
  4. Spring below Păpușa Mică (south slope)km 31 from the start · 140 m off the path · Not verified · 2 062 m
  5. Salvamont Poiana Pelegii Hutkm 33.9 from the start · Not verified · 1 619 m
  6. Spring below Vârful lui Stirb (east slope)km 33.9 from the start · 50 m off the path · Not verified · 1 623 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.
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.
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.
European beechEuropean beechFagus sylvaticaA tree with light gray smooth bark that forms the Carpathian primeval forests — a UNESCO World Heritage site. It grows up to a height of about 1400 m.
Hummingbird hawk-mothHummingbird hawk-mothMacroglossum stellatarumThe day-flying hawk moth hovers in front of flowers and drinks nectar with its long proboscis. This is what is perceived as a hummingbird in Ukraine.
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.

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

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