Plizio Visual Lab

Buteanu Peak

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

peak

Weather…

Buteanu Peak, also known as Vânătoarea lui Buteanu, is a prominent summit in the Făgăraș Mountains, reaching an altitude of 2,507 meters. It serves as a natural balcony for the Southern Carpathians, offering an unparalleled 360-degree view of the entire range and the Transylvanian plateau. Geologically, it consists of crystalline schists that have been sculpted into a sharp pyramid by the erosive forces of Quaternary glaciers. Historically, its name is linked to a famous local hunter, emphasizing the wild and rugged character of the surrounding peaks. Due to its proximity to the Transfăgărășan road and Bâlea Lake, it is one of the most accessible 2,500-meter peaks in Romania, attracting numerous hikers annually. However, the final scramble to the summit involves steep, rocky terrain that demands good coordination and focus. The surrounding area is part of a protected habitat, home to the Carpathian chamois and rare alpine flora such as the edelweiss. Its unique position at the junction of several ridges makes it a key landmark for mountaineers and geographers alike.

Location: Sibiu, Romania
Top sights: Capra Waterfall · Iezerul Caprei · Fresh-meat
Nearby: Victoria (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-5	-3	1	7	12	16	18	18	13	8	2	-3
Rain mm	41	37	48	62	96	117	105	76	62	62	48	46

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Access often starts near the famous Transfăgărășan alpine road or the Balea Lake area. From there, steep alpine trails lead directly into the rugged heights of the majestic Făgăraș massif.

📅

Best season

Mid-summer to early autumn is the only relatively safe window for ordinary hikers. This 2,507-meter peak is covered in snow and ice for much of the year, requiring winter alpinism gear otherwise.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The terrain is highly technical, featuring exposed ridges, sheer drops, and loose rock. Scrambling is often required, and vertigo-sufferers will find the vertiginous paths extremely challenging.

🎒

What to bring

Premium alpine boots, multiple insulating layers, and a reliable windbreaker are mandatory. In anything but well-suited summer conditions, helmets, crampons, and ice axes might be strictly required.

🅿️

Parking

Parking is typically at the Balea Lake area, which can get extremely crowded during peak summer weekends. Arriving early in the morning is essential to secure a spot and begin the long hike.

⚠️

Safety

Weather at 2,500+ meters is notoriously unpredictable and violent storms can form in minutes. Never attempt the exposed ridges if thunderstorms or high winds are in the local forecast.

⏱️

Time needed

A round trip from the high-altitude road usually takes anywhere from five to eight hours. The exact time heavily depends on trail congestion, weather, and your comfort on technical alpine sections.

Geography

Coordinates

45.59250, 24.63220

Facts

Buteanu Peak stands at 2,507 meters above sea level.
It ranks as the 8th highest peak in the Romanian Carpathians.
The summit can be reached in less than 2 hours from Lake Bâlea.
The peak consists of metamorphic crystalline schists formed millions of years ago.
It provides a direct view of the Argeș and Sibiu county borders.
Rare alpine wildflowers, like the 'Silene acaulis', grow on its slopes.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak<1 km · SEExplore →

Lake Bâlea1 km · NWExplore →

Carpathians3 km · WExplore →

Șura Peak4 km · WExplore →

Marmot5 km · EExplore →

Negoiu Peak8 km · SWExplore →

Moldoveanu Peak8 km · EExplore →

📍Victoria8 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Buteanu Peak (9)

Capra Waterfall

Waterfall on the Capra stream, near the Transfăgărășan road in the Southern Carpathians.

Iezerul Caprei

Iezerul Caprei is a mountain peak in Romania, in the Făgăraș range.

Fresh-meat

Theme park with meat processing and barbecue stations, located along the Transfăgărășan.

Capra

Capra is a mountain peak in Romania, part of the Făgăraș Mountains.

Vânătarea lui Buteanu

Vânătarea lui Buteanu is a mountain peak in the Făgăraș Mountains, Romania.

Fereastra Zmeilor

Viewpoint offering views of the surrounding peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains.

Panoramă Transfăgărășan

Scenic overlook along the Transfăgărășan road with wide mountain panorama.

Monumentul Nerlinger

Monument dedicated to German engineer Nerlinger, erected at the Transfăgărășan.

Curba lui Zavate

Curve named after Colonel Zavate Ilie, who worked with the army on the road; a commemorative plaque is on the wall.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Buteanu peak?

It stands at 2507 meters high, being one of the most accessible peaks over 2500m in Romania.

Where does the trail start?

The starting point is Bâlea Lake, located on the Transfăgărășan highway at an altitude of 2034 meters.

How long does the climb from Bâlea Lake take?

The climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through the Capra Saddle (Șaua Caprei).

Is the trail suitable for children?

Yes, for children over 10 with hiking experience. The final section near the summit is somewhat rocky.

What can you see from the summit?

You get a panoramic view of the Moldoveanu and Negoiu peaks, as well as Bâlea Lake in the valley.

Buteanu Peak: where is it located?

Buteanu Peak is located in Sibiu, Romania.

Buteanu Peak: what is there to see?

Highlights include Capra Waterfall, Iezerul Caprei, Fresh-meat.

Buteanu Peak: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Buteanu Peak: why is it worth visiting?

Buteanu Peak, also known as Vânătoarea lui Buteanu, is a prominent summit in the Făgăraș Mountains, reaching an altitude of 2,507 meters.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →