Hiking Piatra Craiului: Zanoaga Meadow, Curmatura Chalet & Zarnesti Gorges

Experience one of the most iconic one-day hiking loops in the Piatra Craiului Mountains, a limestone jewel of the Romanian Carpathians. This route starts just outside the town of Zarnesti and offers a perfect blend of technical forest climbs and breathtaking canyon walks. Route Highlights: The Start: Botorog’s Fountain (Fântâna lui Botorog). A steep, sustained forest climb to get the legs working. Zanoaga Meadow: The first major viewpoint. In early spring, the alpine meadows here are covered in purple crocuses with a direct view of the snow-capped Piatra Craiului ridge. The Midpoint: Curmatura Chalet (1,470m). A legendary mountain hut and the base for higher summit attempts. Safety Note: We attempted to push toward Turnu Peak, but the trail was heavily iced over. Without crampons or ice axes, we chose to descend—a reminder that spring in the mountains is still half-winter. The Descent: A stunning return through the Zarnesti Gorges (Prăpăstiile Zărneștiului), walking between 200m high limestone walls. Location: Zărnești, near Brașov, Transylvania. Romania.