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Sângeorz-Băi – Obârșia Rebrii Saddle

Start: Sângeorz-Băi
Range: Rodna Mountains
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33.5 kmLength
2 738 mAscent
1 179 mDescent
2 024 mMax. altitude
437 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 Sângeorz-Băi – Obârșia Rebrii Saddle. Has blue marking (regional route). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).

Marked regional tourist route. The marking is blue, the sign is a vertical stripe on a white background. The length of the route is 33.5 km. Location: mountain range — Rodna, Romania. The route passes through the National Park "Rodna Mountains". Hiking is allowed only on marked trails, campfires in the alpine zone and in the forest are prohibited, dogs must be kept on a leash, and tents can only be set up in designated areas.

At a glance

A route of 33.5 km with 2,738 m of ascent from Sângeorz-Băi to Obârșia Rebrii Saddle. Estimated walking time: about 13 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: 33.5 km ÷ 4 = 8.4 h + 2,738 m ÷ 600 = 4.6 h, about 13 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 1,200 m to Craiu
  2. 18–24 kmAlong the ridge at 1,540–1,750 m, past Craiu, Detunatei, Bulgărelui
  3. 24–28 kmClimb of 440 m to Pietrosu
  4. 28–33 kmAlong the ridge at 1,750–2,010 m, past Țapului, La Cățâni

Steepest kilometre: km 27–28, a climb of 250 m (≈25%), near Pietrosu.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 2, 16 and 24. There are no springs between km 2 and 16 — carry at least 3 l of water.

A possible split into days:

  1. Day 1: km 0–17, ≈6.5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
  2. Day 2: km 17–33, ≈6.5 h — finish

When to go

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

Getting there

Start: Sângeorz-Băi. This is a one-way route: the finish is 22 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 13 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 2, 16 and 24. There are no springs between km 2 and 16 — carry at least 3 l of water.

Water and shelter on the route

  1. Izvoarele 4 Tapkm 1.6 from the start · Not verified · 458 m
  2. Spring below Dușilorkm 15.8 from the start · 50 m off the path · Not verified · 1 480 m
  3. Spring below Bulgăreluikm 23.8 from the start · Not verified · 1 600 m

All springs of the CarpathiansAll Carpathian huts

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

Wildlife along the route

All
Red squirrelRed squirrelSciurus vulgarisA common inhabitant of the Carpathian forests. Many squirrels here have dark, almost black fur with a white belly.
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.
Aesculapian snakeRed Data Book of UkraineAesculapian snakeZamenis longissimusThe longest snake of the Ukrainian Carpathians, non-venomous and rare. Listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as a vulnerable species.

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

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