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Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Vânătoarea lui Buteanu is one of the most famous and accessible peaks exceeding 2,500 meters in the Făgăraș Mountains, with an altitude of 2,507 meters. It is located in the central part of the range, offering a dominant view over the Bâlea Lake and the Transfăgărășan mountain road. The peak's name is derived from local legends about a hunter named Buteanu who once roamed these high ridges. Geologically, the peak stands out due to its distinct pyramidal shape, a result of intense glacial erosion during the ice ages. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with an expansive 360-degree view that includes the Moldoveanu Peak to the east and the Transylvanian plateau to the north. The proximity to the high-altitude highway makes it a favorite for many travelers, though the final rocky stretch to the peak requires steady footing. The surrounding environment is part of a protected nature reserve, hosting rare alpine plants and a significant population of chamois. Its position at the intersection of several main ridges makes it a key geographical landmark in the Southern Carpathians.

Location: Sibiu, Romania
Top sights: Capra Waterfall · Fresh-meat · Capra
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

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Getting there

Access to this towering 2,507-meter peak typically begins from high-altitude points like Bâlea Lake in the Făgăraș massif, utilizing steep, well-marked alpine trails.

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Best season

The narrow window for a safe and enjoyable climb is heavily restricted to the summer months, from July through September, when the technical sections are free of snow and ice.

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Terrain & paths

Expect demanding high-alpine terrain that includes scrambling over massive boulders, traversing exposed and steep ridges, and navigating potentially loose rocky pathways.

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What to bring

Stiff-soled mountaineering boots, layered thermal and waterproof clothing, and potentially a helmet for falling rock zones are strongly advised for this serious undertaking.

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Parking

Most visitors will park their vehicles at the designated parking areas near Bâlea Lake or lower down the Transfăgărășan highway before initiating their challenging ascent.

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Safety

Because of extreme exposure and altitude, weather can deteriorate instantly; always turn back if thunderstorms threaten, and be exceedingly careful on the final rocky approach.

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Time needed

Starting from Bâlea Lake, a complete hike to the summit and returning typically demands 4 to 6 hours of continuous, concentrated effort on challenging terrain.

Geography

Coordinates

45.59080, 24.63580

Facts

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu reaches a height of 2,507 meters (8,225 feet).
It is the eighth-highest peak in Romania and part of the Southern Carpathians.
The summit is roughly a 1.5-hour hike from the Bâlea Lake parking area.
It marks the meeting point of the main ridge and the Buteanu-Vârtop ridge.
The peak is composed of crystalline schists formed during the Hercynian orogeny.
It is one of the few 2500m+ peaks in Romania reachable by a relatively short trail.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Buteanu Peak<1 km · NWExplore →

Bâlea Lac2 km · NWExplore →

Șura Peak4 km · WExplore →

Marmot5 km · EExplore →

Moldoveanu Peak8 km · EExplore →

Negoiu Peak8 km · SWExplore →

📍Victoria8 km · NEExplore →

Cârțișoara15 km · NExplore →

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 Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak (9)

Capra Waterfall

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

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.

Iezerul Caprei

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

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 Vânătarea lui Buteanu peak?

It reaches a height of 2507 meters and is one of Romania's eight peaks over 2500 meters.

Why is this peak so popular?

It is one of the most accessible 2500m peaks because the trail starts at Lake Bâlea.

How long is the hike from Lake Bâlea?

The ascent takes only about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it well-suited for day trips.

What view do you get from the top?

It has a panoramic view of the highest peaks, Moldoveanu and Negoiu.

Are there dangerous sections on the path?

Only the final short ridge section to the summit requires a lack of vertigo.

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak: where is it located?

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak is located in Sibiu, Romania.

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak: what is there to see?

Highlights include Capra Waterfall, Fresh-meat, Capra.

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak: why is it worth visiting?

Vânătoarea lui Buteanu is one of the most famous and accessible peaks exceeding 2,500 meters in the Făgăraș Mountains, with an altitude of 2,507 meters.

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