The massif is situated perpendicular on the Southern Carpathiansbeing borderedin the west by the Dambovita Valley which separates it from the papusa massif;in the north-west the river Barsa and Curmatura Foii separates it from the Fagaras Mountains;in the est the Bran -Rucar passage delimits it from the bucegi and Leaota mountains and the southern border is the confluence of the valleys of Danbovita and Dambovicioara rivers,in the depression Podul Dambovitei.
The PIATRA CRAIULUI mountain forms a narrow and saw-like ridge,about 25 km long,extending from the south-south-west to the north-west,between Podul Dambovicioarei and Zarnesti.the maximum height is reached in the central part(2238m-LA OM peak).

Getting There

The Piatra Craiului ridge is squeezed between Bucegi to the east and the Fagaras mountains to the west. Only 25km in length, this compact sliver of white limestone peaks is regarded as one of the most beautiful sights in the Alps. The two-day north–south ridge trail is both challenging and rewarding. Starting at either Plaiul Foii in the north-west or Curmatura in the north-east, walkers climb up to the ridge before following a somewhat precarious path along the narrow spine. The descent at the southern end leads into a karst landscape of deep gorges and pitted slopes where water penetrating the rock has carved a series of cavesarnesti is the most important town for the approach in the northern part of the massif,lying at a distance of 28km from the city of Brasov,by road or by railway.From Zarnesti,an 11 km long road makes the connection with Plaiul Foii;a forest road starts from the south-western part of the town ,going through Prapastiile,Valea Cheii and Valea Valea Vladusca.
The villages MAGURA,PESTERA,CIOCANU,SIRNEA are starting points for the routes on the easten slope.
PODUL DAMBOVICIOAREI is the point of approach from the south.From here,from the state highway(DN73),the following roads branch off:thethe road on VALEA DAMBOVITEI ,though SATICU de JOS and SATICU de SUS ,from which several routes lead to the western slope of the Southern Ridge;the road on the DAMBOVICIOARA VALLEY through the village DAMBOVICIOARA to the Brusturet Chalet.

Red Tape

If Piatra CraiuluiMountains are not very difficult to climb in summer, in winter, very few climbers dare to challenge the mountains. Almost every place in the high area has its own difficulties, danger following climbers step by step. The main ridge and the northern ridges in winter are famous for the risky situations they put climbers in, being recommended only for the skilled and experienced climbers.
WARNING: Due to the fact that the mountain rescue teams are not equipped with the latest technology equipment, in winter avalanches can be fatal. Mobile phones can not be used in Piatra Craiului Mountains except high peaks and some others places. Viper biting can also be fatal if first aid is not immediately applied.
In the mountains, winter lasts from November through to May or June, with heavy snows obliterating paths and winds taking temperatures well below freezing. Under these conditions the Piatra Craiului Mountains are the preserve of well-equipped alpine mountaineers. When the snow begins to melt, walkers return. However, the weather is changeable even in the height of summer, with mist or rain always a possibility. Paths are marked by daubs of paint on rocks or trees, but a map (unfortunately, accurate ones are hard to find) or local guide is essential. Accommodation is provided by chalets and huts.

When To Climb

The Piatra Craiului Mountains are not very difficult to climb in summer .But in winter,very few climbers dare to challenge the mountains.Almost every place in the high area has its own difficulties,danger following climbers step by step.The main ridge in winter are famous for the risky situations they put climbers in,being recommended only for the skilled and experienced climbers.
WARNING: In winter avalanches can be fatal.Viper biting can also be fatal if first aid is not immediately applied usual month for climbing is summer months.

Camping

camping is allowed in this area.there are many huts her:GRIND,DIANA,SPARLA,VARFUL ASCUTIT.

THE NATURAL PARK PIATRA CRAIULUI

Founded in 1938 on a surface of 14800 ha,aiming at he preservation of the landscape,the flora and fauna,up to the latest years it has had a rather formal character.Starting with the autumn 1999,with the support of the World Bank,the creation of theadministration of the Natural Park has begun,in order to really protect the massif.

Rock climbing

Piatra Craiului Mountains is considered the second or the third great playground of climbers in the Carpathians. Is very frequented because the beauty of the routes, and the surrounding landscapes. You can try some areas: Diana Towers, Padina Inchisa, Orga Mare, Marele Grohotis Wall, Spirla, Prapastiile Zarnesti (for free climbing), Acul Crapaturii, Padina lui Calinet, Cioranga, Umerii, Galbenoasa Wall... Place recommended for all type of climbing. Difficulty level (1 - 10 UIAA).

the fauna

The fauna is represented by:stag,deer,wild boar,wolf,lynx,fox,bewar,mountain cock,eagle and in the alpine area the chamois.

The vegetation and flora

The vegetation and flora comprises two main,vertically spread areas:the forest area(at the foot of themountain) and the alpine area(lying,in general,at over 1600 m height).The flora is,in general,that specific to the limy massifs.The most valuable element of the flora is the flower Garofita Pietrei Craiului(dianthus callizonus),endemic to this masiff.

Chalets and Refuges(Shelters).

Plaiul Foii -lying on the left bank of the river Barsa Mare ,near the point of its formation out of the brooks Barsa Tamasului nad Grosetului;approach on the unmodernized road along the Barsa river,12.4 km far from the railway station;it is the most important chalet of the massif and one of the most beautiful in the Carpathians;38 places in the chalet ,35 places in the annexed premises;tel: +40-744-321305.In the Plaiul Foii point there are also other chalet which can offer accomodation.
Curmatura -lying under the saddle Saua Crapaturii,on the southern part of Piatra Mica,it is the highest chalet in the massif;1440 m height;45 places; Brusturet -situated on the eastern slope of Piatra Craiului ,on the Brusturet Valley;1020 m height;86 places;approach from Podu Dambovitei ,about 8 km on a partially modernized road;telephone;+40-0248-842515
Garofita Pietrei Craiului -situated on the western slope of Piatra Craiului ,on the Dragoslavenilor Valley;1085 m height;40 places;approach from Podu Dambovitei on the land road to Pecineagu Lake 12.3 km and on the forest road from Dragoslavenilor Valley 3.8 km.
Diana Refuge(Shelter) -lying in the glade Curmatura Prapastiilor ,1480 m height,it is not a safe shelter with a rather torn canvas ,it is going to be repaired.
Refuge Sperantelor -situated the lower part of the Braul Cioranga Mare;1685 m height.
Refuge at the peak Varful Ascutit -lying on the ridgeof the massif ,some meters south-west from the peak Varful Ascutit;alt..2150 m height.

The Grind Refuge -situated on the eastern slope under the peak Piscul Baciului(LA OM).;1610 m height.

Map

Map of Piatra Craiului Mountains

Images



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