Moldoveanu Peak is the roof of Romania — at 2,544 metres it crowns the Făgăraș Mountains, the country’s highest and most dramatic range. Often called ‘the Transylvanian Alps’, the Făgăraș offer some of the most spectacular ridge hiking in Europe, with Moldoveanu as the ultimate prize for anyone seeking the peak of Romanian adventure travel.
Quick Facts
- Best time to climb: July–September (snow-free trails and stable weather)
- Height: 2,544 metres (8,346 feet) — the highest point in Romania
- How to get there: ~3 hours from Bucharest to the trailhead at Bâlea Lac by car (via the Transfăgărășan highway)
- Climbing difficulty: Challenging — 8–10 hours round trip from Bâlea Lac; some exposed ridge sections requiring sure-footedness
- Entry fee: Free (Făgăraș Mountains are open access)
Trekking to Moldoveanu
The most common approach starts from Bâlea Lac (2,034m), which can be reached dramatically via the Transfăgărășan highway — a winding alpine road that Top Gear once called “the best road in the world.” From the lake, the trail traverses the main Făgăraș ridge via several intermediate peaks, including the challenging scrambling section over Vistea Mare.
Moldoveanu sits about 5km off the main ridge and requires a dedicated approach. The summit itself is a surprisingly modest rocky knoll marked by a simple metal cross, but the 360-degree panorama — stretching from the Piatra Craiului massif in the south to the Carpathian peaks of Transylvania in the north — is unforgettable.
The Făgăraș wilderness is home to brown bears, wolves, and chamois. It’s not uncommon to spot chamois on the high ridges above the tree line.
Moldoveanu is the highest mountain of Romania located in Făgăraş Mountains in Transylvania.
Moldoveanu peak is 2544 m high. There are many hiking trails leading from the villages in the valley to the top of Moldoveanu, but they are mainly very steep. Therefore the most popular trail, however it is longer, leads over the Viştea Mare (2527m), by coming from Podragu, Sambata, or by the Vistea Valley.
From the top of Moldoveanu you can enjoy beautiful views of the Făgăraş Mountains and the valley. Below the peak there is a tourist lodge where you can sleep for free and take the water for the following hike.
View Moldoveanu Peak (2544m) – the highest mountain of Romania in a larger map
Have you visited Moldoveanu Peak (2544m) – the highest mountain of Romania? I’d love to hear about your experience and any travel tips in the comments below!
Discover more destinations in our sitemap or explore by destination.
