Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute


Greetings! below you may see some photos from the last tour from 2009 season, when I climbed Moldoveanu peak, without snow.
The tour was in middle part of September, 14-20, and start from Balea Lac chalet. The weather was not the best one, but as you may read below, we were lucky with a good weather on the day when we climb Moldoveanu peak. So, one more time me and my guest, we were lucky with great weather on the day when we climbed Moldoveanu peak!
Enjoy the photos,
Iulian Cozma
www.mountainguide.ro


Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute bietet fantastische Bergwanderungen in einer atemberaubend wilden und einsamen Natur, wie man sie in Westeuropa nicht mehr findet. Berggewohnte Touristen aus den Alpen sollten allerdings die Anforderungen von Wanderungen in den Südkarpathen nicht unterschätzen: Obschon die Gipfel und Grate ?nur? Höhen zwischen 2000 und 2500 m erreichen, können die Touren dennoch recht anstrengend sein: Sie weisen teilweise ziemlich steile und auch rutschige Stellen (T3) auf, welche die volle Aufmerksamkeit des Wanderers erfordern. Die grossen Horizontaldistanzen zwischen den einzelnen Cabanas führen zudem zu recht langen Tagestouren: Tagesmärsche von 8 Stunden und mehr. Wie die Alpen bilden die Südkarpathen auch eine Wetterscheide zwischen Nord und Süd und kurzfristige Wetteränderungen sind deshalb häufig: Eine Stunde, nachdem wir in schönstem Sonnenschein den Gipfel des Moldoveanu (2544 m) verlassen hatten, war das ganze Gebiet voll im Nebel eingetaucht und man hätte wohl kaum mehr den Aufstieg zum Gipfel geschafft, geschweige denn noch eine Aussicht geniessen können. Bei Julian Cozma sind Bergwanderer in den besten Händen östlich der Alpen: Julian ist ein absoluter Spitzenprofi und führt seine Gäste ausserordentlich professionell. Er kennt nicht nur buchstäblich jeden einzelnen Stein in der Fagaras-Region, sondern hat auch eine erstklassige Nase für Wetteränderungen: Ohne dieses Wetterfeeling hätten wir das richtige “Zeitfenster” für den Moldoveanu sicher nicht getroffen. Als Bergführer ist Julian Cozma auch ein richtiger Sicherheitsfreak: Er kann im Interesse der Sicherheit auch einmal streng mit einem Touristen sein: Aber er hat natürlich immer recht ! Wir wünschen Julian Cozma recht viel Erfolg (und vielleicht Hilfe aus Brüssel ?) bei der Verwirklichung seiner vielen ehrgeizigen Tourismusprojekte !
Prof.Dr. Fritz Dolder – Hochschule für Technik – Zürich / Schweiz – September 2009


Ruta pe creasta Fagarasului ofera o plimbare montana fantastica intr-o natura care-ti taie respiratia salbatica si singuratica, natura care nu se mai gaseste in Europa de Vest. Turistii din Alpi invatati cu muntii at trebui totusi sa nu subaprecieze cerintele plimbarilor in Carpatii de sud: desi virfurile si crestele ating inaltimi de “numai” 2000 si 2500 metri, turele pot fi totusi chiar dure: ele prezinta partial zone destul de abrupte si de asemenea alunecoase (grad T3) care solicita toata atentia plimbaretului. Distantele mari pe orizontala dintre cabane conduc la ture de o zi chiar lungi: durate zilnice de 8 ore si mai mult. Precum Alpii, si Carpatii de sud constituie o “granita de vreme” intre Nord si Sud si din motivul asta sint frecvente schimbarile rapide de vreme: la o ora dupa ce noi parasiseram Varful Moldoveanu in cel mai frumos “sunshine” toata zona era invaluita total in ceata si nu ar mai fi fost posibil urcusul spre virf, ca sa nu mai pomenim de privelistea de care sa te bucuri. Prin Iulian “plimbaretii pe munte” sint in cele mai bune miini la est de Alpi: el e un profesionist de top absolut si-si conduce gazdele intr-un mod profesionist excelent. Nu numai ca stie “pe bune” fiecare piatra din regiunea Fagaras, dar are si un “nas” de prima clasa ptr schimbari de vreme: fara acest “vreme feeling” sigur nu am fi atins fereastra de timp pentru Varful Moldoveanu. Ca ghid e de asemenea un “freak al sigurantei”: ptr siguranta el poate sa fie sever cu turistii: dar e clar ca el are dreptate mereu! Noi ii dorim lui Iulian mult success (si poate ajutor din Brussel?) ptr realizarea numeroaselor lui proiecte ambitioase in turism!
Prof. Dr. Fritz Dolder – Hochschule für Technik -Zürich / Schweiz – September 2009

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Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute

Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute

Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute Die Fagaras Gratwanderroute

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Last update - 30 July 2010

Latest testimonials
It's quite possible that a vacation in Romania might pose some challenges for the average American tourist, especially when planning to visit castles, monasteries, and historical towns, as well as complete a 4-night hut-to-hut hiking traverse of the Fagaras Mountains. Challenging, that is, unless your trip is in the capable hands of Iulian Cozma. From our pickup at the Bucharest airport to our 4:30 a.m. departure back to the airport 10 days later, every step of our trip was handled by Iulian with the utmost efficiency and care for our comfort and enjoyment. His skills go far beyond his competence as a mountain guide or his organizational abilities in handling every detail of lodging and traditional Romania menus. It's a rate individual who can teach his guests how to clear hundreds of sheep from a hiking trail (just whistle!), then several days later escort them to an elegant and extraordinary restaurant in Bucharest. He is one hard working individual, and it is amply demonstrated in the results achieved. We had the good fortune to enjoy many wonderful and memorable experiences thanks to Iulian and would highly recommend his services to anyone who wants an unforgettable and stress-free vacation in Romania.
Jim and Peggy Hilton - Seattle, WA USA – July 2010 – Fagaras ridge traverse

Chris and I would like to thank you so much for the walk you put together for us all. It was well prepared and planned, The meadows so full of wild flowers were breathtaking,and we were very impressed with your knowledge of where to walk, especially where there were no known paths. We felt you carried out the walk with true professionalism. You were extremely helpful at all times and very informative on all aspects of the walk,the area and customs of Romania. The Pensions were really nice to stay in and the people we met were so lovely and friendly. It was a pleasure to visit your country and especially Transylvania, which you obviously love and care about. Once again thank you so much. We wish you and your family best wishes for the future,
Chris and Yvonne Hartley – Leicestershire, England – June 2010

Iulian was a very friendly and efficient guide, and took us on a great two-day, low-level route in the beautiful Piatra Craiului National Park through forest (which we were glad of in the heat) and lush meadows. We paid a fascinating visit to cheese-making shepherds (and had a robust encounter with some sheep dogs!)
Mary Byrne,London, UK - July 2010

After a very nice experience with Iulian in May where we discovered Omu Peak in the Bucegi mountains we decided this time to go hiking in the Fagaras Mountains on 19th&20th of June. It is the best period because all Rhododendrons are blossoming and the top of the hills turn red. We slept on Friday in Brancoveanu Monastery and on Saturday morning we moved up from 800m to 2100m on the North Dragus ridge. The climb was tough but the scenery on the top with all the trees blossoming was worth all the efforts.We had a great lunch next to a stream before to start our descend to the Salvamont Hut on Valea Sambatei. At the end we had been covering a distance of 15km, walking up 1300m and walking down 800m. All in all a great experience witch I recommend to anyone who wants to discover this unique scenery of the Fagaras mountains covered by red Rhododendron flowers.
Beth and Marc Desenfans, June 2010

A massive thank you for arranging, and then personally guiding us through our amazing Romanian experience. The itinerary you put together perfectly matched our requirements - it covered mountain, country, forest and city landscapes -all in 5 days. In addition seeing a wild bear with her cubs, having a cup of fruit tea in a weather station on on top of Omu and watching the hay making process, were all unexpected bonuses. Our biggest thank you goes to you personally for your attention to detail - from the fantastic Romanian food you ensured we had, sharing your knowledge and insight with us as we covered the many kilometers during our daily hikes. We would recommend you to anyone (and have passed on your details already) - and happy that you share this note, our photos and contact details with others who may be considering a Romanian adventure. Until next time,
Dave and Jo, UK - June 2010

My recent hike (May 2010) with Iulian will certainly be one I remember. He arranged and accompanied me on a one day 25km hike up over Piatra Mare which offered me a challenge, incredible scenery, a couple of places to stop along the way. This was my second hike with Iulian and I intend to use his guide services for many more. He is able to guide through well-planned routes that I would not be able to find on my own. Iulian chose this route based on my ability, schedule, and desire to see certain areas. His services are professional and his personality made the entire expedition a pleasure. The mountains of Romania are Iulian's home and it's clear that he enjoys sharing the beauty of the area to others.
Mike Eubanks - USA - May 2010

Lovely trip. Lovely senery. Silence and tranquility for those who want to get away from hum of busy city… Pestera is a special place, much different from Sinaia or Predeal. It’s a kind of a hidden valley located in the heart of mountains. The trip became my first experience in mountain walking. We’ve made around 15 km each day. In fact, I’ve never walked so much in a single day in my whole life:) Physically challenging, though exciting. Definitely a good excersize. Liked a lot walking on snow..Presence of Iulian inspired the confidence and feeling of safety in a trip. Looking forward to new mountain adventures.
Alexander Sidorov, May 10