Carpathian Lakes and Huts Trail: Fereastra Zmeilor - Saua dintre Lacuri - Cabana Podragu

Route at a glance

The opening section includes Fereastra Zmeilor. Woodland and valley sections gradually give way to mountain meadows, rocky slopes and open views. Later, the main places are Șaua dintre Lacuri and Cabana Podragu. There are several suitable points to pause and look around.

Route suitability

Without a car Hard

With children With caution

With a dog With caution

By bike No

With a stroller No

Signal Patchy

Getting there

Without a car

Reach Sibiu, Făgăraș or Victoria by the main available train or bus connection, then continue to the start of “Carpathian Lakes and Huts Trail: Fereastra Zmeilor – Șaua dintre Lacuri – Cabana Podragu” by local bus, shuttle, taxi or on foot as appropriate. Check seasonal timetables before travelling.

By car

Drive via the DN1 and DN7C Transfăgărășan road toward the start of “Carpathian Lakes and Huts Trail: Fereastra Zmeilor – Șaua dintre Lacuri – Cabana Podragu”. Continue only on roads open to private vehicles and complete restricted or rough sections on foot or by an authorised transfer.

Parking

Use an official car park at Bâlea Cascadă, Piscul Negru or the relevant mountain lodge. Keep access roads, barriers and emergency routes clear.

What to expect

Fereastra Zmeilor

Șaua dintre Lacuri

Cabana Podragu

Difficult sections and safety

Elevation up to about 2270 m brings rapid weather changes, cold and possible snow even in the warm season.

How much time to allow

Расчётное время маршрута 3 h 18 min

Расчёт учитывает дистанцию и набор высоты. Добавьте запас на отдых, погоду и навигацию.

Best time to go

Recommended weather window: June–September

Snow and cold may remain at elevation long after the valleys become mild

Start early and keep enough daylight for the descent or the final approach

What to bring

shoes with grippy soles

water and food

a charged phone with an offline map

a small first-aid kit

windproof and waterproof layers

a warm layer and a hat

trekking poles if you use them