Outdoor & Trails · Zărnești

Trail: Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor – Cabana Curmătura (yellow dot)

Yellow dot, from the Zărnești Gorges up to Cabana Curmătura. Under 3 km, 360 m of ascent, easy.

Foto: Xulescu g / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

At a glance

Distance from MAX 20 km Travel time 1 h – 1 h 30 min Time to spend 1 h – 1 h 30 min Difficulty easy Town Zărnești

The route

Length ≈ 2.9 km Total ascent ≈ 330 m Total descent ≈ 20 m Lowest – highest point ≈ 1110–1440 m Elevation profile startfinish

Values marked ≈ are calculated by MAX from the OpenStreetMap route and the EU-DEM terrain model (25 m): approximate, they may differ from the ground by tens of metres.

Route: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)

Download GPXFile for navigation apps (Komoot, Strava, Garmin, OsmAnd), from the OpenStreetMap route. On the ground, follow the waymarks and check the weather; mountain rescue: 0SALVAMONT / 112.

About the place

In short (checked 15 October 2026)

Waymark: yellow dot (code 02MN38; the body of the Munții Noștri page also shows 02MN35). Distance: 2.80 km according to Munții Noștri; OSM gives 2.6 km. Elevation: 360 m of ascent and 23 m of descent. Duration: 1 h – 1 h 30 min according to Munții Noștri (read directly on 19 October 2026). Difficulty: easy.

Where it goes

The route climbs from the Zărnești Gorges to Cabana Curmătura (about 1,470 m), according to Munții Noștri and OSM. It is almost all uphill: 360 m up and only 23 m down, over less than 3 km. Intermediate landmarks are not published in our sources; follow the yellow dot waymark and keep the map at hand. Other routes are also marked in the gorges, so check the waymark at every junction.

Safety

Winter conditions, water sources and bear risk are not published in our sources for this route, so bring water from home and check the weather before you go. At the end is Cabana Curmătura. At Cabana Curmătura, the Brașov Tourism page (note indexed on 22 August 2026) lists accommodation as temporarily closed, with the restaurant and camping available; call the hut before you go (0745 454 184). The route lies in Piatra Craiului National Park, which has a visitor ticket; check the price and the visiting rules on pcrai.ro/bilete before you go. In an emergency call 112 or 0SALVAMONT (0725 826 668), the national Salvamont number. For information, P2 gives Salvamont Zărnești as 0733 008 323; we could not find this number confirmed on an official page on 15 October 2026.

Getting to the start

From MAX International in Râșnov, drive to Zărnești and from there towards Fântâna lui Botorog, where you enter the Zărnești Gorges (a separate page in this guide). Parking at the start is not published in our sources. Come back the same way or on another waymarked route from Curmătura; check it on the map beforehand. You can see the distance and driving time with the navigation buttons on this page.

Before you set out

Brown bear country. Keep food out of sight, never feed the animals and do not approach them.
Stay on marked trails and carry proper mountain gear.
Check the forecast before you leave; the weather changes fast at altitude.

Emergencies: 112
Mountain rescue (Salvamont), national dispatch: 0725 826 668

Frequently asked questions

What is the MAX International Local Guide?

A guide to attractions, trails and events in the Râșnov–Brașov–Bran area, designed as an information point for MAX International guests. Each attraction shows the distance from MAX, a map and access details.

How far are the attractions from MAX International?

It varies: some attractions are right in Râșnov (Râșnov Citadel, Valea Cetății Cave), others are further away, in the Prahova Valley (Bușteni, Sinaia). The distance and driving time from MAX are on each attraction's page, calculated by road.

Is the guide's information verified?

Yes. Every published attraction has a confirmed official source and map. Opening hours and prices can change seasonally, so please check the official link before your visit.

Can I ask for recommendations at the MAX International reception?

Yes. The MAX International reception and concierge can help with recommendations, transfers and bookings, based on the season and your preferences.

How do I reach the attractions without a car?

The MAX reception can help with a private transfer or transport information. Nearby attractions (Râșnov Citadel, Râșnov town centre) are easily reachable on foot.

What is the best time to visit the area?

The area is attractive year-round: summer for trails and caves, winter for slopes and cable cars. Each attraction indicates its recommended season.

Can I book accommodation near these attractions?

Yes — MAX International Râșnov is a central base for exploring the area. See the accommodation section or message us on WhatsApp for availability.

Getting there

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Opening hours and prices are confirmed by the site’s management, not by MAX.

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