Poiana Brașov – Vârful Postăvaru

The route from Poiana Brașov to Postăvaru Peak (1799 m) is the classic climb up the mountain that towers over Brașov: a moderate outing through forest to a ridge with a wide view towards Piatra Craiului and the Bucegi. The big advantage is the cable car from Poiana Brașov, which serves as an alternative way up or as a retreat option.

Figures are approximate: roughly 2.5 hours of climbing, +~750 m of gain, waymarked with a red triangle. Real time depends on your pace and the weather — on the forest path, rain brings mud and slippery stones.

On the trail

You start from Poiana Brașov (~1020 m), at the resort, following the red triangle towards the ridge, climbing through forest.

1. Start (Poiana Brașov). Pick up the red triangle at the edge of the resort. A gentle start, then a steady climb through dense beech and spruce forest.
2. The forest climb. The longest part — a shady path with switchbacks and root steps. It is usually cool even in summer; muddy after rain.
3. Cabana Postăvarul. A key orientation and rest point on the ridge (~1580 m), beside the upper cable-car station. It usually offers shelter and a place to pause; check hours locally.
4. The final ridge. From the cabin you climb the last stretch to the summit, on more open and rocky ground. The first wide views appear.
5. Postăvaru Peak (1799 m). A panorama over Brașov, Piatra Craiului, the Bucegi and the Prahova valley. A good spot to rest before descending.

You can descend on the same trail, by cable car, or combine it with other outings in the Brașov – Poiana Brașov area. In winter, Poiana is the main ski domain — see Poiana Brașov. See also the guesthouses in the area.

Equipment and difficulty

Difficulty is moderate — a sustained climb but no technical sections; accessible to fit families too.

• Mountain boots with good grip (the forest path is slippery when wet).
• Thermal layer and a rain shell — the ridge is colder and windier than the resort.
• Water (1.5–2 l), snacks; do not count on reliable water sources along the way.
• Map / GPS for fog on the ridge.

See the equipment guide for details.

Safety

Up to the cabin the trail is sheltered by forest; on the ridge the altitude hazards appear:

• Fog — on the open ridge you lose your bearings; follow the red triangle and carry navigation tools.
• Mud and slippery stones — in rain the descent through the forest demands careful footing.
• Lightning — the ridge is exposed; in a storm retreat towards the forest or the cabin.

Retreat option: the big advantage is the cable car from Poiana Brașov — if the weather turns or you tire, you can descend from the upper station (check hours and whether it is running locally). Turn back in good time and do not climb to the ridge in thick fog. Check the weather and the safety guide.

Emergencies: 112 (Mountain Rescue / Salvamont).