Zărnești
What to see in Zărnești
Things to see, picked to fill a whole day.
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1Limestone gorgePrăpăstiile Zărneștilor
The gorge section in the north-east of Piatra Craiului: a 1.7 km limestone corridor with vertical walls, crossed by a forest road and marked paths.
It is the best-known gorge in Piatra Craiului and an easy walk on a forest road, fine for children too.
Valea Prăpăstiilor, pe teritoriul comunei Moieciu, la limita cu Zărnești; la circa 6 km de centru
2Bear sanctuarySanctuarul de urși Libearty
A 69-hectare oak and hazel forest where more than 130 brown bears rescued from captivity live; visits are guided only, in the morning.
It is the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe and welcomes visitors all year, Tuesday to Sunday.
În pădurea de lângă Zărnești, cu intrarea pe teritoriul comunei Vulcan; la 9 km de centru pe drum
3Mountain meadowPlaiul Foii
The meadow at the foot of the western slope of Piatra Craiului, at about 845 m, where the road up the Bârsa Mare valley ends and the trails to the ridge begin.
It is the main starting point for the Piatra Craiului ridge, the longest and highest limestone ridge in Romania, and you can drive here.
Valea Bârsei Mari, la capătul drumului, la 11 km de centru
4Mountain trail and hutFântâna lui Botorog și Cabana Curmătura
The Fântâna lui Botorog spring, on the road from Zărnești to Măgura, is the starting point for the Curmătura hut (1,470 m) below Piatra Mică.
It is one of the most walked trails from Zărnești: you climb through the forest to a hut open all year, below Piatra Mică and Turnu peak.
Fântâna lui Botorog e la 3,6 km de centru pe drum (comuna Moieciu, la limita cu Zărnești); cabana e la 1.470 m, doar pe jos
5National park and visitor centreParcul Național Piatra Craiului și centrul de vizitare
The Piatra Craiului National Park visitor centre, opened in 2016 on the edge of Zărnești on the road to Plaiul Foii: an interactive exhibition about the mountain, plus information and tickets for the park.
It tells you what you need before a hike in the park, and the exhibition is a good stop on bad-weather days.
Strada Toplița, pe drumul spre Plaiul Foii, la 2,3 km de centru