ROUTE
The E8 Route enters Romania at the Sighetu Marmației Border Crossing Point, runs for a distance of 1270 km through the Gutâi Mountains, Țibleș Mountains, Rodna Mountains, Suhard, Dorna Depression, Giumalău Mountains, Rarău, Stânișoarei, Bistriței, Ceahlău, Hășmaș, Ciuc, Nemira, Vrancea, Penteleu, Podu Calului, Siriu, Tătarului, Ciucaș, Grohotiș, Baiului, Piatra Mare, Postăvaru, Bucegi, Piatra Craiului, Făgăraș, Lotru, Cindrel, Șureanu, Retezat, Godeanu, Cerna and Mehedinți Mountains, exiting Romania into Serbia at the Iron Gates. The route is of medium to difficult difficulty, passing through six National Parks (Rodna Mountains National Park, Ceahlău National Park, Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park, Piatra Craiului National Park, Retezat National Park, Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park) and six Natural Parks (Putna-Vrancea Natural Park, Bucegi Natural Park, Grădiștea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park, Hațeg Country Dinosaurs Geopark, Mehedinți Plateau Geopark and Iron Gates Natural Park). The landscapes of high mountains with significant elevation changes blend harmoniously with areas shaped by human communities preserving their millennial traditions and customs.
The route also crosses remote areas where tourists may not encounter any humans for 4-5 days. Over its 1270 km length, the E8 route accumulates a positive elevation gain of 66 056 m and a negative elevation change of 66 243 m. It passes through eight cities: Sighetu Marmației, Vatra Dornei, Broșteni, Poiana Brașov (as part ofBrașov City), Predeal, Zărnești, Păltiniș (as part of Sibiu City), and Băile Herculane, as well as numerous isolated Romanian villages rich in traditions, customs, and culinary delights.
In addition to historical sites (Bran Castle, Sarmizegetusa Regia Citadel) and spectacular wild landscapes, the E8 connects many international tourist attractions, including the famous wooden churches of Maramureș (e.g., the wooden church “St. Paraschiva” Desești), and numerous natural monuments (Turbăria Iezerul Mare, Creasta Cocoșului, Lala Mică Lake, Lala Mare Lake, Pietrele Doamnei – Rarău, Toaca Peak – Ceahlău, Red Lake, Piatra Singuratică – Hășmaș, Vulturilor Lake, „Babele la Sfat”, Seven Stairs Canyon, Cerdacul Stanciului, Marele Grohotiș, Urlea Lake, Moldoveanu Peak – the highest peak in Romania at 2544 m, Capra Lake, Bâlea Lake, Călțun Lake, Avrig Lake, Iezerele Cindrelului Reserve, Șureanu Lake, Cioclovina Cave, Ponorici Cave, Șura Mare Cave, Piatra Iorgovanului Peak, Cheile Feregari), the thermal waters of Băile Herculane or Vatra Dornei, and the resorts of Poiana Brașov and Păltiniș.
With a length of almost 1300 km, the E8 Route passes close to many interesting tourist sights, allowing hikers with time to detour and visit some of Romania’s most famous places.
Starting Point
Solotvyno (Ukraine)/Sighetu Marmației (Romania) Border Crossing Point 47.938884, 23.876720 (Google Maps coordinates)
End Point
Porțile de Fier 1 Border Crossing Point (Romania) to Хидроелектрана Ђердап (Serbia) 44.670924, 22.528716 (Google Maps coordinates)
Which cities and towns does the E-path pass through
Sighetu Marmației, Desești, Mara, Vatra Dornei, Cotârgași, Pietroasa, Frasin, Broșteni, Grințieș, Durău, Lacul Roșu, Timișu de Jos, Poiana Brașov (as part ofBrașov City), Predeal, Bran, Zărnești, Lazaret, Lotrioara, Păltiniș (as part of Sibiu City), Grădiștea de Munte, Cioclovina, Federi, Ohaba-Ponor, Ponor, Râu Bărbat, Hobița, Băile Herculane, Ilovița, Bahna, Porțile de Fier 1 .
Length
1270 km
Ground paths of the E-path
(most of the time the E-Path follows an important regional/local hiking path)
- Name: 1. Sighetu Marmației – Agriș Peak – Agriș Chalet – Strunga Țiganului
Start: Sighetu Marmației
End: Strunga Țiganului
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 4-5 h
Length: 16,3 km
Level difference: +1113m/-221m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 2. Strunga Țiganului – Iezerul Mare
Start: Strunga Țiganului
End: Iezerul Mare
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 1:30 – 2 h
Length: 7,7 km
Level difference: +93m/-226m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 3. Iezerul Mare – Desești
Start: Iezerul Mare
End: Desești
Marking: (Red Triangle)
Duration: 1-1:30 h
Length: 6,1 km
Level difference: +31m/-585m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
Start: Desești
End: Mara
Marking: (Blue Triangle)
Duration: 45 min
Length: 2,6 km
Level difference: +66m/-12m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 5. Through Mara
Start: Mara
End: Mara
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 45 min
Length: 2,3 km
Level difference: +42m/-77m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 6. Mara – Hopșia Valley – Creasta Cocoșului
Start: Mara
End: Creasta Cocoșului
Marking: (Blue Cross)
Duration: 3-3:30 h
Length: 9,2 km
Level difference: +954m/-64m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 7. Creasta Cocoșului – Neteda Step
Start: Creasta Cocoșului
End: Neteda Step
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 2 h
Length: 6 km
Level difference: +146m/-456m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in winter. Bad weather and heavy snow can cause problems. Some portions may require crampons for safe crossing.
- Name: 8. Neteda Step – Neteda Peak – Văratec Lake – Văratec Peak
Start: Neteda Step
End: Văratec Peak
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 4-5 h
Length: 15,8 km
Level difference: +838m/-567m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in winter. Bad weather and heavy snow can cause problems.
- Name: 9. Văratec Peak – Didi Step
Start: Văratec Peak
End: Didi Step
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 4-5 h
Length: 13,6 km
Level difference: +859m/-1222m
Remarks: This route is quite demanding, with over 2000 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 4-5 hours of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as accessibility depends on snow quantity and quality.
- Name: 10. Didi Step – Arcer Peak
Start: Didi Step
End: Arcer Peak
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 4 -5 h
Length: 15,7 km
Level difference: +1640m/-812m
Remarks: This route is quite demanding, with over 2000 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 4-5 hours of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as accessibility depends on snow quantity and quality.
- Name: 11. Arcer Peak – Tibles Peak – Bran Peak (1840m) – Setref Step – Rodnei Ridge – Șaua cu Lac
Start: Arcer Peak
End: Șaua cu Lac
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 3-4 days
Length: 68,4 km
Level difference: +5187m/-4921m
Remarks: Beware!!! This route is quite demanding, with over 10 000 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 3-4 days of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as it may only be accessible to well-trained hikers depending on snow conditions. An access fee (5 RON per day) is required for entry into the Rodnei Mountains National Park. It can be purchased from park rangers at the entrance or online
- Name: 12. Șaua cu Lac – Lala Mică Lake – Lala Mare Lake
Start: Șaua cu Lac
End: Lala Mare Lake
Marking: (Blue Dot)
Duration: 30 min
Length: 1,5 km
Level difference: +4m/-265m
Remarks: Beware!!! This route is quite demanding and NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow. An access fee (5 RON per day) is required for entry into the Rodnei Mountains National Park. It can be purchased at the park entrance from rangers or online.
- Name: 13. Lala Mare Lake – Gajei Saddle
Start: Lala Mare Lake
End: Gajei Saddle
Marking: (Red Dot)
Duration: 15 min
Length: 0,92 km
Level difference: +71m/-87m
Remarks: Beware!!! This route is quite demanding and NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow. An access fee (5 RON per day) is required for entry to the Rodnei Mountains National Park. It can be purchased at the park entrance from rangers or online.
- Name: 14. Gajei Saddle – Rotunda Step – Under Omului Peak
Start: Gajei Saddle
End: Under Omului Peak
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 5 h
Length: 20,5 km
Level difference: +823m/-896m
Remarks: Beware!!! This route is quite demanding, with more than 1700 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 5 hours of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow. An access fee (5 RON per day) is required for entry to the Rodnei Mountains National Park. It can be purchased at the park entrance from rangers or online.
- Name: 15. Under Omului Peak–Vatra Dornei
Start: Under Omului Peak
End: Vatra Dornei
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 7-8 h
Length: 34,4 km
Level difference: +921m/-1836m
Remarks: Beware!!! This route is quite demanding, with more than 2700 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 7-8 hours of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 16. Through Vatra Dornei
Start: Vatra Dornei
End: Vatra Dornei
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 10 min
Length: 0,92 km
Level difference: +3m/-9m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 17. Vatra Dornei – Obcina Mare Peak – Plaiul Giumalăului
Start: Vatra Dornei
End: Plaiul Giumalăului
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 3 -4:30 h
Length: 9,9 km
Level difference: +651m/-141m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 18. Plaiul Giumalăului – Vf. Giumalău – Cabana Rarău – Vf. Todirescu – Vf. Vacaria – Pasul Tarnița – Muntele Lung
Start: Plaiul Giumalăului
End: Muntele Lung
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 20-22 h
Length: 45,4 km
Level difference: +2601m/-2605m
Remarks: Beware!!! This route is quite demanding, with more than 5200 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 20-22 hours of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow. On the descent to the east from Giumalau Peak, there is a winter trail marked with orange. This trail can be dangerous in winter or wet weather, especially in rocky areas.
- Name: 19. Muntele Lung – Cotârgași – Pietroasa – Frasin – Broșteni
Start: Muntele Lung
End: Broșteni
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 4 h
Length: 14,9 km
Level difference: +186m/-867m
Remarks: NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 19a. alternative route Muntele Lung – Cotârgași
Start: Muntele Lung
End: Cotârgași
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 1-1:30 h
Length: 7 km
Level difference: +78m/-600m
Remarks: NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 20. Broșteni – Budacu Peak – Țibles Step
Start: Broșteni
End: Țibles Step
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 7-8 h
Length: 22,9 km
Level difference: +1766m/-865m
Remarks: Beware!!! It is quite a demanding route, with more than 2500 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 7-8 hours of hiking. NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 21. Țibles Step – Grințieș
Start: Țibles Step
End: Grințieș
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 8-9 h
Length: 24 km
Level difference: +830m/-1811m
Remarks: Beware!!! It is quite a demanding route, with more than 2600 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 7-8 hours of hiking. NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter, as accessibility depends on the amount and quality of snow.
Start: Grințieș
End: Durău
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 2:30-3 h
Length: 9 km
Level difference: +691m/-395m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 23. Durău – Fântânele Chalet – under Toaca Peak – Dochia Chalet
Start: Durău
End: Dochia Chalet
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 3-4 h
Length: 6,9 km
Level difference: +1099m/-175m
Remarks: NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter, as it could be accessible only for well-trained hikers depending on the amount and quality of the snow. For access to the Ceahlău National Park, an access fee of 10 RON for 7 days is required. It can be purchased at the entrance to the Park from the rangers
- Name: 24. Dochia Chalet – La Pălărie Saddle – Curmătura La Scaune
Start: Dochia Chalet
End: Curmătura La Scaune
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 1:30-2 h
Length: 3,6 km
Level difference: +67m/-579m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter. An access fee (10 RON per 7 days) is required for entry to the Ceahlău National Park. It can be purchased at the park entrance from the rangers.
- Name: 25. Curmătura La Scaune
Start: Curmătura La Scaune
End: Curmătura La Scaune
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 2 min
Length: 0,07 km
Level difference: +1m/-0m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter
- Name: 26. Curmătura La Scaune – Pinticului Saddle – Balaj Step – under Licaș Peak
Start: Curmătura La Scaune
End: under Licaș Peak
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 10-11 h
Length: 31,8 km
Level difference: +1838m/-1727m
Remarks: Beware!!! It is quite a demanding route, with more than 3500 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 10-11 hours of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter due to exposed areas, especially around Poiana Mare Peak, and its length.
- Name: 27. around Licaș Peak
Start: under Licaș Peak
End: close to Licaș Peak
Marking: (Blue Dot)
Duration: 30-45 min
Length: 2 km
Level difference: +221m/-130m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter
- Name: 28. close to Licaș Peak – Lacul Roșu
Start: close to Licaș Peak
End: Lacul Roșu
Marking: (Blue Cross)
Duration: 1:30-2 h
Length: 5,1 km
Level difference: +107m/-580m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 29. Throgh Lacul Roșu
Start: Lacul Roșu
End: Lacul Roșu
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 2 min
Length: 0,11 km
Level difference: +2m/-6m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 30. Throgh Lacul Roșu
Start: Lacul Roșu
End: Lacul Roșu
Marking: (Yellow Stripe)
Duration: 5 min
Length: 0,47 km
Level difference: +31m/-13m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 31. Lacul Roșu – Valea Oii – Poiana Albă
Start: Lacul Roșu
End: Poiana Albă
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 3- 3:30 h
Length: 8,6 km
Level difference: +590m/-124m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 32. Poiana Albă – Hășmaș Mountains – Ciuc Mountains – Nemira Mountains – Vrancea Mountains – Penteleu Mountains – Podu Calului Mountains – Siriu Lake
Start: Poiana Albă
End: Siriu Lake
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 8-9 days
Length: 247 km
Level difference: +10260m/-11091m
Remarks: Beware!!! It is quite a demanding route, with more than 21 000 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 8-9 days of hiking. NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as it may be accessible only for well-trained hikers, depending on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 33. Teherău Valley – around Siriu Lake – Valea Neagră Chalet
Start: Teherău Valley
End: Valea Neagră Chalet
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 1 h
Length: 4,4 km
Level difference: +231m/-276m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 34. Valea Neagră Chalet – Poarta Vânturilor – Tabla Buții Step – Boncuța Step – Ciucaș Peak – Bratocea Step – Predeluș Step – after Țigăile Peak
Start: Valea Neagră Chalet
End: after Țigăile Peak
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 2-3 days
Length: 73,6 km
Level difference: +4513m/-3455m
Remarks: Beware!!! It is quite a demanding route, with more than 7 900 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 2-3 days of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as it may be accessible only for well-trained hikers, depending on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 35. Unmarked_after Țigăile Peak – Blue Stripe/Red Triangle intersection
Start: after Țigăile Peak
End: Blue Stripe/Red Triangle intersection
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 15 min
Length: 1,3 km
Level difference: +5m/-148m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter
Start: Blue Stripe/Red Triangle intersection
End: Poiana Stânii de sub Pietricica
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 1:30-2 h
Length: 5 km
Level difference: +213m/-311m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter
Start: Poiana Stânii de sub Pietricica
End: Red Stripe/Red Cross intersection
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 1-1:30 h
Length: 2,2 km
Level difference: +436m/-8m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in the winter
Start: Red Stripe/Red Cross intersection
End: Piatra Mare Chalet
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 1h
Length: 2,1 km
Level difference: 61m/-267m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as it may be accessible only for well-trained hikers, depending on the amount and quality of snow.
Start: Piatra Mare Chalet
End: detour Seven Ladders Canyon/Canionul 7 Scări
Marking: (Yellow Stripe)
Duration: 1-1:30 h
Length: 1,7 km
Level difference: +2m/-481m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
Start: detour Seven Ladders Canyon/Canionul 7 Scări
End: Seven Ladders Canyon/Canionul 7 Scări ticket point
Marking: (Red Dot)
Duration: 20 min
Length: 0,88 km
Level difference: +3m/-183m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
Start: Seven Ladders Canyon/Canionul 7 Scări ticket point
End: Dâmbu Morii
Marking: (Yellow Stripe)
Duration: 45 min-1 h
Length: 2,9 km
Level difference: +30m/-282m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 42. Dâmbu Morii – Petrom Timișu de Jos
Start: Dâmbu Morii
End: Petrom Timișu de Jos
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 1-1:15 h
Length: 4,7 km
Level difference: +260m/-225m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 43. Petrom Timișu de Jos – The Way of the Serpents – Postăvaru Peak – Postăvaru Chalet
Start: Petrom Timișu de Jos
End: Postăvaru Chalet
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 4-4:30 h
Length: 8,3 km
Level difference: +1250m/-408m
Remarks: INACCESSIBLE in winter between Timisu de Jos – Drumul Șerpilor – the saddle below Postăvaru Peak
- Name: 44. Postăvaru Chalet – Poiana 3 Fetițe – Spinarea Calului – Poiana Secuilor Chalet – Poiana 3 Brazi
Start: Postăvaru Chalet
Marking: (Yellow Stripe)
Duration: 3-3:30 h
Length: 9,2 km
Level difference: +430m/-879m
Remarks: INACCESSIBLE in winter between Poiana 3 Fetițe – Spinarea Calului.
Start: Poiana 3 Brazi
End: La Șipote (DN73A to Predeal/Pârâul Rece)
Marking: (Blue Cross)
Duration: 1-1:30 h
Length: 2,8 km
Level difference: +170m/-239m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 46. La Șipote (DN73A to Predeal/Pârâul Rece)
Start: La Șipote (DN73A to Predeal/Pârâul Rece)
End: La Șipote (DN 73A to Pârâul Rece/Predeal)
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 5 min
Length: 0,38 km
Level difference: +23m/-2m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
Start: La Șipote (DN 73A to Pârâul Rece/Predeal)
End: Diham Chalet
Marking: (Red Dot)
Duration: 1-1:30 h
Length: 3,6 km
Level difference: +272m/-48m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 48. Diham Chalet – Poiana Mălăiești Izvor
Start: Diham Chalet
Marking: (Blue Cross)
Duration: 45 min
Length: 2 km
Level difference: +107m/-312m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 49. Poiana Mălăiești Izvor – Mălăiești Chalet – Omu Peak
Start: Poiana Mălăiești Izvor
End: Omu Peak
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 4-4:30 h
Length: 7,2 km
Level difference: +1526m/-139m
Remarks: Beware!!! INACCESSIBLE in winter on the section between Mălăiești Chalet – Omu Peak
For access to the Bucegi Natural Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 3 months). It can be purchased here: https://bucegipark.ro/ro/tickets/payment-checkout/
Start: Omu Peak
End: Bran
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 7-8:30
Length: 16 km
Level difference: +390m/-2124m
Remarks: Beware!!! INACCESSIBLE in winter on the section between Omu Peak-Stâna Gaura
For access to the Bucegi Natural Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 3 months). It can be purchased here: https://bucegipark.ro/ro/tickets/payment-checkout/
- Name: 51. Through Bran
Start: Bran
End: Bran
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 10 min
Length: 0,57 km
Level difference: +9m/-11m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 52. Bran – Măgurile Branului – Fântâna lui Botorog
Start: Bran
End: Fântâna lui Botorog
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 4:30-5:15
Length: 8,6 km
Level difference: +799m/-703m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 53. Fântâna lui Botorog – Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor
Start: Fântâna lui Botorog
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 1-1:15 h
Length: 3,7 km
Level difference: +483m/-233m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round.
For access to the Piatra Craiului National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased here: https://www.pcrai.ro/bilete
- Name: 54. Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor – Curmăturii Valley – Curmătura Chalet
Start: Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor
End: Curmătura Chalet
Marking: (Yellow Dot)
Duration: 1-1:15 h
Length: 2,8 km
Level difference: +366m/-40m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round.
For access to the Piatra Craiului National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased here: https://www.pcrai.ro/bilete
- Name: 55. Curmătura Chalet – La Table
Start: Curmătura Chalet
End: La Table
Marking: (Red Triangle)
Duration: 2-2:30 h
Length: 6 km
Level difference: +355m/-402m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round.
For access to the Piatra Craiului National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased here: https://www.pcrai.ro/bilete
- Name: 56. La Table – Funduri Saddle – Marele Grohotiș – Curmătura Foii
Start: La Table
End: Curmătura Foii
Marking: (Blue Triangle)
Duration: 6:30-7 h
Length: 11,8 km
Level difference: +1243m/-1271m
Remarks: The trail is inaccessible in winter between Funduri Saddle and Prepeleag.
For access to the Piatra Craiului National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased here: https://www.pcrai.ro/bilete
- Name: 56.1.Alternative E8 to avoid Funduri Sadlle and Prepeleag
Curmătura Chalet – Crăpăturii Saddle – Valea Crăpăturii – intersection Yellow Stripe/Blue Stripe (Yellow Stripe) – Refugiul Diana (1510m) (Blue Stripe) – Valea Urșilor – Valea Bârsa Mare (Yellow Triangle) – Cabana Plaiul Foii (Red Stripe) – Curmătura Foii (1367m) (Blue Triangle)
Start: Curmătura Chalet
End: Curmătura Foii
Marking: 2,5km (Yellow Stripe) + 3,3 km (Blue Stripe) + 0,9 km (Red Stripe) + 3,5 km (Blue Triangle)
Duration: 6 h
Length: 12,9 km
Level difference: +1324 m / -1403 m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round; This route can be used to avoid the area between Funduri Saddle and Prepeleag for people who suffer from altitude sickness!
- Name: 57. Curmătura Foii – Tămașu Mare Peak – Făgăraș Mountains – Olt Valley
Start: Curmătura Foii
End: Olt Valley
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 42-45 h
Length: 98,3 km
Level difference: +7683m/-8660m
Remarks: The trail is INACCESSIBLE in winter.
- Name: 57.1. Alternative E8 to avoid Custura Sărății
Șaua Cleopatra – Căldarea Mioarelor – Căldarea Pietroasă – Șerbota Peak (2331 m)
Start: Șaua Cleopatra
Marking: (Yellow Stripe)
Duration: 1:30 – 1:45 h
Length: 2,1 km
Level difference: +305 m / -370 m
Remarks: The trail is INACCESSIBLE in winter. This route can be used to bypass Custura Sărății – the most rugged section along the ridge trail in the entire Fagaras Mountains – and it is recommended in case of adverse weather conditions or by people suffering from altitude sickness!
- Name: 58. On the Olt Valley to Lazaret
Start: Olt Valley
End: Lazaret
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 15 min
Length: 0,66 km
Level difference: +15m/-29m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 59. Lazaret – Lotrioara – Muma Saddle
Start: Lazaret
End: Muma Saddle
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 4:30-5 h
Length: 17,3 km
Level difference: +1588m/-466m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 60. Muma Saddle – Grecilor Peak – Prejba Chalet
Start: Muma Saddle
End: Prejba Chalet
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 30-45 min
Length: 2,5 km
Level difference: +228m/-61m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 61. Prejba Chalet – Valea Sadului
Start: Prejba Chalet
End: Valea Sadului
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 3:30-4 h
Length: 7,3 km
Level difference: +148m/-1252m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 62. On the Sadu Valley/DJ105G
Start: Valea Sadului
End: Valea Sadului
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 15-20 min
Length: 1,3 km
Level difference: +72m/-53m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 63. Valea Sadului – Măgura Peak (1303 m)
Start: Valea Sadului
End: Măgura Peak (1303 m)
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 1:30-2 h
Length: 4 km
Level difference: +790m/-67m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 64. Măgura Peak (1303 m) – Apa Cumpănită Saddle – Grădina Oncești
Start: Măgura Peak (1303 m)
End: Grădina Oncești
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 4:30-5 h
Length: 16.4 km
Level difference: +1080m/-738m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 65. Grădina Oncești – Păltiniș
Start: Grădina Oncești
End: Păltiniș
Marking: (Blue Dot)
Duration: 1 h
Length: 2,2 km
Level difference: +37m/-249m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 66. Păltiniș – Poiana Găujoara – Bătrâna Saddle
Start: Păltiniș
End: Bătrâna Saddle
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 2-2:30 h
Length: 6,3 km
Level difference: 607m/-168m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 67. Bătrâna Saddle – Cindrel Peak – Oașa Chalet
Start: Bătrâna Saddle
End: Oașa Chalet
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 9-10 h
Length: 26,9 km
Level difference: +813m/-1400m
Remarks: Beware!!! It is quite a demanding route, with more than 2,200 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 9-10 hours of hiking. NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as it may be accessible only for well-trained hikers using complex winter gear, depending on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 68. Oașa Chalet – Oașa Dam – Oașa Monastery (around Oașa Lake on DN 67C and DJ 704)
Start: Oașa Chalet
End: Oașa Monastery
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 1-1:30 h
Length: 6,5 km
Level difference: +70m/-76m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 69. Oașa Monastery – Luncile Prigoanei – Poiana Poarta Raiului – Șureanu Chalet
Start: Oașa Monastery
End: Șureanu Chalet
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 2:30-3 h
Length: 9,4 km
Level difference: +627m/-150m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 70. Șureanu Chalet – Comărnicel Mountain – Negru Mountain – Steaua Mare Saddle
Start: Șureanu Chalet
End: Steaua Mare Saddle
Marking: (Red Triangle)
Duration: 4:30-5 h
Length: 17,4 km
Level difference: +546m/-632m
Remarks: Beware!!! It is quite a demanding route, with more than 1 100 meters of elevation gain, typically taking approximately 4.5-5 hours of hiking. It is NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as it may be accessible only for well-trained hikers using complex winter gear, depending on the amount and quality of snow.
- Name: 71. Steaua Mare Saddle – Poarta Scârnii Saddle – Godeanu Peak
Start: Steaua Mare Saddle
End: Godeanu Peak
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 1:30-2 h
Length: 6,2 km
Level difference: +123m/-142m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in winter, as it may be accessible only for well-trained hikers, depending on the amount and quality of the snow.
- Name: 72. Godeanu Peak – Muncelu Cruce Peak – Sarmizegetusa Regia – Grădiștei Hill – Valea Grădiștei – Grădiștea de Munte
Start: Godeanu Peak
End: Grădiștea de Munte
Marking: (Red Cross)
Duration: 4:30-5 h
Length: 12,3 km
Level difference: +145m/-1239m
Remarks: Beware!!! NOT RECOMMENDED in winter on the section between Godeanu Peak and Muncelu Cruce Peak, as it may be accessible only for well-trained hikers depending on the amount and quality of the snow.
Since this part of the route passes through the open-air Museum of the Ancient Dacian Citadel Sarmizegetusa Regia, an access fee (15 RON) is required. The visiting hours are from 9:00 to 20:00.
- Name: 73. Grădiștea de Munte – Poiana Omului – Piatra Roșie – Cioclovina Cave
Start: Grădiștea de Munte
End: Cioclovina Cave
Marking: (Red Triangle)
Duration: 5-5:30 h
Length: 15,2 km
Level difference: +995m/-802m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 74. Cioclovina Cave – Ponorici Cave – Șura Mare Gorges – Ohaba Ponor
Start: Cioclovina Cave
End: Ohaba Ponor
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 3-3:30 h
Length: 10,3 km
Level difference: +303m/-598m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 75. Ohaba Ponor – Ponor – Râu Bărbat
Start: Ohaba Ponor
End: Râu Bărbat
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 2-2:30
Length: 7 km
Level difference: +93m/-39m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 76. Râu Bărbat – Hobița – Creasta Serelului – Baleia Refuge – Cozma – Govora Saddle
Start: Râu Bărbat
End: Govora Saddle
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 9-10 h
Length: 22,2 km
Level difference: +1498m/-148m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
For access to the Retezat Mountains National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the entrance to the Park from the rangers.
- Name: 77. Govora Saddle – Stana de Rau Refuge (1563 m) – Custurii Saddle – Peleaga Valley – Poiana Pelegii Refuge (1633 m)
Start: Govora Saddle
End: Poiana Pelegii Refuge (1633 m)
Marking: (Blue Triangle)
Duration: 4:30-5h
Length: 12,9 km
Level difference: +936m/-1168m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
For access to the Retezat Mountains National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the entrance to the Park from the rangers.
- Name: 78. Blue Stripe: Poiana Pelegii Refuge (1633 m) – Plaiul Mic Saddle
Start: Poiana Pelegii Refuge (1633 m)
End: Plaiul Mic Saddle
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 30-45 min
Length: 1,6 km
Level difference: +280m/-16m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
For access to the Retezat Mountains National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the entrance to the Park from the rangers.
- Name: 79. Plaiul Mic Saddle – Retezat Mountains – Godeanu Mountains – Cerna Mountains – Poiana cu Peri
Start: Plaiul Mic Saddle
End: Poiana cu Peri
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 3-4 days
Length: 78,3 km
Level difference: +3865m/-4981m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
For access to the Retezat Mountains National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the entrance to the Park from the rangers.
For access to the Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the Visitor Center or via SMS. Details: https://domogled.ro/ro/turism/
- Name: 80. Poiana cu Peri – Platoul Coronini – Băile Herculane
Start: Poiana cu Peri
End: Izvorului Street, Băile Herculane
Marking: (Red Triangle)
Duration: 1 h
Length: 3,6 km
Level difference: +69m/-675m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
For access to the Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the Visitor Center or via SMS. Details: https://domogled.ro/ro/turism/
- Name: 81. through Băile Herculane
Start: Izvorului Street, Băile Herculane
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 1 h
Length: 2,7 km
Level difference: +78m/-76m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 82. Băile Herculane – Feregari Gorges – Mehedinti Mountains ridge
Start: DN67D, Băile Herculane
End: Blue Cross/Red Stripe intersection
Marking: (Blue Cross)
Duration: 1:30-2 h
Length: 5,2 km
Level difference: +744m/-42m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
For access to the Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the Visitor Center or via SMS. Details: https://domogled.ro/ro/turism/
- Name: 83. over Creasta Cocoșului Peak (917m) (section of Mehedinți Mountains ridge)
Start: Blue Cross/Red Stripe intersection
End: near Creasta Cocoșului Peak
Marking: (Red Stripe)
Duration: 1 h
Length: 3 km
Level difference: +79m/-77m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
For access to the Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, an access fee is paid (10 RON for 7 days). It can be purchased at the Visitor Center or via SMS. Details: https://domogled.ro/ro/turism/
- Name: 84. Creasta Cocoșului Peak (917m) – Racovăț Valley
Start: near Creasta Cocoșului Peak
End: Racovăț Valley
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 2:30-3 h
Length: 10,4 km
Level difference: +119m/-699m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 85. From Boldovin/Racovăț Valley – Ilovița
Start: Racovăț Valley
End: Ilovița
Marking: (Red Dot)
Duration: 15 min
Length: 4,3 km
Level difference: +235m /-234m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 86. Ilovița – Bahna – near Crucea Sf. Petru
Start: Bahna
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 5 h
Length: 18,8 km
Level difference: +768m/-616 m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 87. near Crucea Sf. Petru – Crucea Sf. Petru – DN6 Padina Gardului Valley
Start: near Crucea Sf. Petru
End: DN6 Padina Gardului Valley
Marking: (Blue Stripe)
Duration: 1 h
Length: 2,7 km
Level difference: +42 m / -388 m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
- Name: 88. DN6 Padina Gardului Valley – Porțile de Fier 1 Border Crossing Point (Romania) – Хидроелектрана Ђердап (Serbia)
Start: DN6 Padina Gardului Valley
End: Porțile de Fier 1 Border Crossing Point Romania/Serbia
Marking: unmarked
Duration: 10 min
Length: 1,2 km
Level difference: +29 m / -52 m
Remarks: Route practicable all year round
Responsible organisation
Asociația Carpatină Ardeleană a Turiștilor – SKV / Transylvanian Carpathian Association of Tourists – SKV is responsible for the whole distance of the trail E3 on the territory of Romania.
Publications
SKV Association – ”Romania – hiking guide for E3 and E8” (2017)
Maps:
https://muntii-nostri.ro/en/routes (interactive map)
Gutâi Mountains (Printed map)
Rodna Mountains (Printed map)
Giumalău-Rarău-Tarnița Mountains (Printed map)
Ceahlău Massif (Printed map)
Giurgeu – Hășmaș Mountains (Printed map)
Nemira Mountains (Printed map)
Vrancea Mountains (Printed map)
Buzău Mountains (Printed map)
Ciucaș Mountains (Printed map)
Postăvaru, Piatra Mare and Baiului Mountains (Printed map)
Bucegi-Leaota Mountains (Printed map)
Piatra Craiului Mountains (Printed map)
Făgăraș Mountains (Printed map)
Cindrel Mountains (Printed map)
Șureanu Mountains (Printed map)
Retezat Mountains (Printed map)
Godeanu-Țarcu-Muntele Mic Mountains (Printed map)
Cernei-Mehedinți Mountains (Printed map)
Apps:
Osmand – available on Android and iOS. The app is free, user-friendly and customizable. GPS tracks can be uploaded, recorded, saved and exported for easier tracking of the E8 Route in Romania. The app has low battery consumption and offers many features for use, even without internet access (we recommend downloading the map for Romania before starting the trip to avoid unpleasant situations in areas with no GSM signal). Then you can install the GPS track of the E8_Romania Route for ground orientation.
Munții Noștri – available on iOS and Android. It’s an application that allows you to track your position on a map in real time, with all the information about the tourist routes. Even unregistered visitors can use it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t yet include the E3 Trail, but it does have the tourist trails that are part of the E8.
Marking system
The E8 is not waymarked in Romania with a special marking; instead, it follows the waymarks for the individual trails cited above. While the route is not completely marked, the sections that are marked feature the E8 symbol on the arrows indicating the way:
So for orientation it is recommended to use a device with GPS location (GPS receiver, smart phone, etc.).
Crossing other E-paths
E8 Romania and E3 Romania have a common route of about 23 km between Ilovița and Porțile de Fier 1 Border Crossing Point (Romania) – Хидроелектрана Ђердап (Serbia).
PRACTICAL
Typically, the Romanian part of E8 is completed by trained tourists over a period of 65 to 70 days. The average daily duration of hikes ranges from 7 to 12 hours. Since there are no lodges / guesthouses / hotels on every day of hiking, a tent is absolutely necessary for most of the way.
Accomodation
There are few possibilities for accommodation:
· Hotels, pensions, hostels in towns and resorts on the trail – Sighetu Marmației, Desești, Mara, Vatra Dornei, Cotârgași, Pietroasa, Frasin, Broșteni, Grințieș, Durău, Lacul Roșu, Timișu de Jos, Poiana Brașov, Predeal, Bran, Zărnești, Lazaret, Lotrioara, Păltiniș, Grădiștea de Munte, Cioclovina, Federi, Ohaba-Ponor, Ponor, Râu Bărbat, Hobița, Băile Herculane, Ilovița.
· Mountain chalets – they can be found in Gutâi Mountains, Rotunda Step, Giumalău Peak, Rodnei Peak, Durău, Ceahlău Peak, Lacul Roșu, Piatra Singuratică Peak, Siriu Lake, Ciucaș Mountains, Piatra Mare Mountains, Postăvaru Mountains, Bucegi Mountains, Piatra Craiului Mountains, Făgăraș Mountains, Lotrioara, Sadu Valley, Măgura Peak, Păltiniș, Oașa Lake, Luncile Prigoanei, Poarta Raiului, Retezat Mountains and Băile Herculane.
Mountain shelter – they can be found in Gutâi Mountains, Țibleș Mountains, Rodnei Mountains, Hășmaș Mountains, Ciuc Mountains, Nemira Mountains, Brețcu Mountains, Vrancei Mountains, Bucegi Mountains, Piatra Craiului Mountains, Făgăraș Mountains, Lotru Mountains, Cindrel Mountains and Retezat Mountains.
Camping and bivouacking are viable options along the route except for Natural and National Parks (Rodna Mountains National Park, Ceahlău National Park, Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park, Piatra Craiului National Park, Retezat National Park, Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park) and 6 Natural Parks (Putna-Vrancea Natural Park, Bucegi Natural Park, Grădiștea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park, Hațeg Country Dinosaurs Geopark, Mehedinți Plateau Geopark and Iron Gates Natural Park). The Protected Areas have special rules for the bivouac. Please check them on the websites of these National/Nature Parks.
Accommodation in the houses of locals, especially in isolated areas, little frequented by tourists, where there is no designated accommodation.
Food
Food can be bought in stores in villages and towns close to the footpaths. For some parts of E8 you will have to carry food with you for a couple of days. It is necessary to carry an adequate supply of water with you for a day, and occasionally for up to two days. Restaurants are available in towns, resorts, guesthouses and chalets along the route, but the operating hours must also be taken into consideration.
Travel
There is no main rail or bus route directly connecting the two ends of E8 (Sighetu Marmației and Orșova), but both cities are on major rail and road routes in Romania.
Public trains and buses can be used during the route to and from rural towns on the E8. There is regular bus service during working days (especially early in the morning and in the afternoon at 6:00-7:00 PM, when people are going to work and to school or return home). Finding a weekend and bank holiday bus connection to and from rural towns can be a problem.
Web for bus informations: Autogari.RO – Bus companies
Web for railway connections: Train itineraries – CFR trains timetable (infofer.ro)
Gear
A phone / GPS device is required for orientation. Durable shoes that can withstand wet ground conditions and rain-gear are recommended. From late spring to autumn, no special equipment is needed. In winter, late autumn and early spring the special winter gear is necessary for the highest sections of the trail – at more than 1400 m altitude.
From October to May, in areas with altitudes over 1400 meters, some routes are closed by the Mountain Rescue Service (Salvamont). Only the experienced hikers and very well prepared, equipped with all the necessary mountain equipment such as skis or snowshoes, crampons, ice axes, etc. venture at their own risk to cross these areas.
In the mountains of Romania, spring water is drinkable almost anywhere. The people of the villages along the route are kind and can provide drinking water from their households on request.
There are plenty springs with good and tasty water (often even mineral water) along the trail, but they are regularly neither tested, nor certified. So, if you are afraid with water quality, you should bring a water filter with you.
Standard equipment
Hiking shoes; backpack; raincoat (parka/hood); sweater (fleece or similar material); thermal underwear; socks; windproof and waterproof jacket and pants; light gloves; frontal flashlight; Sunglasses; sunscreen cream/hat; cutlery; personal first aid kit with the necessary medicines; trekking poles; a light bottle of water; phone (recommended) etc. High mountains require equipment that can withstand low temperatures even in summer.
Water and food can be purchased in the shops in the towns.
However, payment can be made in the vast majority of shops in rural areas only in cash and only in RON (the currency used in Romania). It is recommended to withdraw cash from the ATMs encountered along the route (Sighetu Marmației, Vatra Dornei, Broșteni, Bran and Băile Herculane) in order to pay for certain necessary services on the E8 route (accommodation, food, other services etc.).
The E8 path, in general, does not require special technical training, but in some sections of the Bucegi Mountains, Piatra Craiului Mountains, Făgăraș Mountains and Retezat Mountains, it passes over a technically complex terrain that must be approached carefully.
BEWARE! From April to October there are high chances of meeting vipers on the trail, especially in the areas with stones. Vipers can take shelter under them, or sit in the heat generated by the sun on them. Vipers do not intentionally attack humans, only in self-defense, in case they feel threatened. Be careful where you step! We recommend the use of trekking poles, whose vibrations and noise warn the vipers to stay away from tourists.
LINKS
A portal that brings together detailed maps of the mountains of Romania, descriptions of tourist routes, GPS location in real time, with an application that can be installed on iOS or Android devices: https://muntii-nostri.ro/en/routes
Romanian weather forcasting portal: http://www.meteoromania.ro/
Global weather forecasting portal from Switzerland: https://www.meteoblue.com/. There is also an app on Android and iOS, where if the location is allowed, users can also receive local alerts in case of storms, floods or other dangerous weather phenomena.
REFERENCES
www.skv.ro This is the site of Monitoring Organization of E8 Route in Romania. You can find here all the information about E8 Route and we encourage you to contact us to receive the latest information about the E8 Route in Romania.
E8_ROMANIA (wordpress.com) This is the site where you can find information about E8_Romania, travel diaries from E8_Romania, updated information about the state of tourist landmarks, shops, the public transport schedule, tips and tricks etc.
E8@skv.ro – Write us an e-mail at this address and we will provide you all the updated information about the route E3 in Romania.