Locality
Cârțișoara - Bâlea Lac
The trail does not have a name, but it would not be difficult to find one; we would probably call it “Through Our Lady’s Valley” which would be sort of a leitmotif since you are hiking along Our Lady’s Stream and you may rest at Our Lady’s Lake.
The trail starts in the Bâlea Caldera, right in front of the Transfăgărăşan tunnel and it climbs gently past the Mountain Rescue Refuge. This is not a difficult trail; it can be done easily if you are well equipped.
Needless to say that the trail has numerous belvedere viewpoints. At over 2000 m, with panoramic views of the Bâlea Caldera, the Bâlea Edge, the Paltinu Summit or Our Lady’s Valley, the scenery is truly magnificent. With a bit of luck, you might also come across some marmots or chamois.
At such high altitudes, the vegetation is much poorer, dominated by the common polypody, mountain pines and junipers and blueberry shrubs; in May, the mountains - especially the on their sunny side are covered with a pink carpet of Rhododendron kotschyi. At the end of your route, after a descent of approximately 1000 m to the Bâlea Waterfall area, the vegetation is much richer and the coniferous forests appear.
Departure:
Bâlea Lac
Level difference
968 m
Arrival:
Bâlea Cascadă
Estimated time:
3 h şi 1/2
Altitudes:
Curmătura Bâlii-2202 m; Bâlea Cascadă-1234 m
Degree of difficulty:
average
Marking:
red cross
Sezonality:
Spring, summer, autumn; in winter, trail accessibility depends on the snow.
Services & Activities:
Accommodation and meals at Bâlea Lake and Bâlea Waterfall.
Useful information
For circuits in the Făgăraş Mountains and assistance of a professional guide, please contact www.mountainguide-sibiu.ro