Vârful Negoiu

Negoiu Peak is, for many Romanian mountaineers, more impressive than the country's highest summit. It rises to roughly 2535 m in the heart of the Făgăraș Mountains, in a stretch of ridge where the granite is broken into chimneys, aretes and drops that punish inattention. The view from the top, across wave after wave of Făgăraș crests, is among the widest in the Carpathians.

The classic route goes through Strunga Dracului, the Devil's Gully — a short, exposed chimney that remains the nerve test of any outing here; longer bypass variants exist, less dramatic but safer. Snow can linger on the northern slopes long after summer has arrived in the valley, and when it does the crossing becomes mountaineering rather than hiking.

Good to know Climb it in summer or early autumn, with an early start and a plan B. Negoiu Chalet is the natural base, and the route from Bâlea links the peak to the Transfăgărășan. Those with experience take it in on the Făgăraș ridge traverse. Always check the mountain weather and the mountain rescue details before setting out.