A spectacular hike in the Făgăraș Mountains, reaching the Vânătoarea lui Buteanu peak at 2507m and the famous Capra Lake, in a fairy-tale route where the ridges touch the sky.
There are days when the mountains call you not just for the fresh air, but for that raw, unparalleled spectacle that only high ridges can offer. The hike to Vânătoarea lui Buteanu is, for me, the quintessence of the Făgăraș Mountains: accessible yet challenging, with landscapes that take your breath away at every step.
We started from Bâlea Lake, under the curious gaze of tourists content with a stroll along the water's edge. Our plan was clear: climb to Capra Saddle, conquer Buteanu Peak, then descend to the emerald mirror of Capra Lake, returning via Capra Peak.
The climb to Capra Saddle is the first test — short but intense. Once at the top, the horizon suddenly opens up. To the left, the path to Buteanu Peak invites you for one last effort. At 2507 meters, you are on the "roof" of Romania. Below, the Transfăgărășan winds like a toy, while in the distance, the Moldoveanu and Negoiu peaks seem to watch over the entire massif.
The descent to Capra Lake was the well-deserved moment of relaxation. We sat on the grass, watching the clouds' reflection in the cold water of the glacial lake, while our child explored the shores full of enthusiasm. It's a demanding route, but one that offers immense satisfaction — that "good" fatigue that makes you feel alive.
Inside this Guide
Relaxation at Capra Lake: Reflecting on the Water’s Edge
A well-deserved break at Capra Lake, a moment of pure relaxation and a refreshing "dip" before the end of the trail.
Capra Peak: Panorama over the Transfăgărășan
A unique perspective from Capra Peak, a silent sentinel at 2494m above the Transfăgărășan.