Outdoor & Trails · Zărnești
Trail: Zărnești – Valea Crăpăturii – Cabana Gura Râului (yellow stripe)
Yellow stripe, from Zărnești through the Crăpăturii valley and past Cabana Curmătura to Cabana Gura Râului. 12.3 km, 7 h, medium/difficult.
Official websiteWhatsAppFoto: Agent-garak (Marc) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
At a glance
Distance from MAX 15 km Travel time 7 h Time to spend 7 h Difficulty medium/difficult Town ZărneștiThe route
Length ≈ 11.7 km Total ascent ≈ 900 m Total descent ≈ 850 m Lowest – highest point ≈ 720–1600 m Elevation profile startfinishValues 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 stripe (code 02MN11). Distance: 12.3 km. Elevation: 890 m of ascent and 850 m of descent. Duration: 7 h (6 h 30 min – 7 h). Difficulty: medium/difficult.
Where it goes
The route leaves Zărnești (722 m), climbs through the Crăpăturii valley to Cabana Curmătura and descends to Cabana Gura Râului (750 m), according to Munții Noștri and OSM. On the way the sources mention a second stone cross, a drinking water spring in the Crăpăturii valley, the spring at Cabana Curmătura, a fitted spring at Padina lui Dănișor and Fântâna lui Botorog. Other landmarks are not published in our sources; follow the yellow stripe waymark and keep the map at hand.
Safety
In winter the route is only partly passable, and heavy snow can cause problems. Water: a spring near the second stone cross, the drinking water spring in the Crăpăturii valley, the main spring at Cabana Curmătura, the fitted spring at Padina lui Dănișor and Fântâna lui Botorog. Cabana Curmătura, the Cabana Salvamont Curmătura and Cabana Gura Râului are mentioned on the route; the status of Cabana Gura Râului is not confirmed in our sources. 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). Bear risk is not published in our sources. 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, where the route starts. The exact starting point in town is not described in our sources; check it on the map. Parking at the start is not published in our sources. The route ends at Cabana Gura Râului, far from the start; plan in advance how you will get back to the car. 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
NavigateWazeApple MapsUber from MAXRent a car from MAXWhatsAppOpening hours and prices are confirmed by the site’s management, not by MAX.
Zărnești & Piatra Craiului
All places in this areaIn this area
ZMaraton Piatra Craiului
- Events
An obstacle running race through the forest, at the foot of the Piatra Craiului mountains, near Zărnești.
11 km · 15 min
DetailsNavigateEcoRun Moieciu
- Events
An annual mountain running competition in Moieciu de Sus, at the foot of the Bucegi mountains, with cross-country and marathon events on traditional trails.
≈29 km · 38 min by car
DetailsNavigatePiatra Craiului
- Outdoor & Trails
A thin wall of white limestone, tens of kilometres long, with a peak of 2,238 m and a flower that grows nowhere else on Earth: Piatra Craiului awaits you just a short step from Râșnov, between shady gorges and vertiginous ridges.
25 km · 35 min by car · half a day – 1 day (mountain trail)
DetailsNavigateZărnești
- Destinations
At the foot of the narrowest limestone ridge in the Carpathians, Zărnești is the town where the trails towards Piatra Craiului begin. Stone gorges, a unique bear sanctuary and centuries of history, a short distance from Râșnov.
11 km · 15 min · half a day
DetailsNavigateCabana Curmătura
- Outdoor & Trails
A mountain chalet in Piatra Craiului, at around 1,470 m, a resting point on the trails within the park.
22 km · 30 min by car + 45 min hike · ≈2–4 hrs
DetailsNavigateTrail: Vârful La Om – La Table – Pasul Giuvala (red stripe)
- Outdoor & Trails
Red stripe from La Om Peak, via La Table and the villages of the Rucăr–Bran corridor, to the Giuvala Pass. 16.3 km, medium/difficult.
peste 8 h · over 8 h
DetailsSearch on the mapSee all attractions
Back to the Local GuideEverything at MAX, in one place
1 December at MAX: a 3-night mini-break
See the packageAccommodation
Rooms and apartments for couples, families and groups
See the roomsRestaurant
Fresh dishes, breakfast and an à la carte menu
See the restaurantParking & Access
On-site parking, an EV charger and easy access
See the parking See all of MAX Official websiteI'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager.