Highlights: Zarnesti is a small town in Brasov county, located at the foot of Piatra Craiului Mountains. These mountains are ones of the most picturesque in the Romanian Carpathians, impressive due to their abysses and vertical calcareous walls.
Climbing: If you come to Zarnesti for climbing you have two options: multipitch alpine routes in Piatra Craiului Mountains or sport climbing routes in the impressive Prapastiile Zarnestilor gorge or the other smaller crags.
Getting here: To reach the town of Zarnesti go by car from Brasov on the national road DN73 in the direction of Pitesti. When you reach the town of Rasnov, just after the centre, turn right on the secondary road DN73A which leads you to the town of Zarnesti. Cross straight through Zarnesti (take care because the road DN73A turns right) until you reach the old town centre.
Accommodation: You can camp overnight in the campground just before entering Prapastiile Zarnestilor, or if you prefer a little more comfort you can enquire at one of the chalets or guest houses in Zarnesti.
Where to eat: There are a few choices when it comes to where to eat in Zarnesti. We recommend the restaurant from Gura Raului chalet or trying the traditional food which can be tasted at one of the many guest-houses in the town.
What to see: There are many places worth to be visited in the area, but if you are going to take a rest day, don't miss a hike up the Piatra Craiului Mountain, one of the most picturesque mountains of Romania. If you are lucky you will find the Piatra Craiului carnation, a flower to be encounter only here. You can admire it and take pictures of it, but you must not pick it because it is protected by law.
Where to buy gear: There are no mountains shops in Zarnesti, so if you need some climbing gear, the closest shops are to be found in Brasov: Himalaya and Explorer on Republicii Street and Sport Virus on George Baritiu Street. You can reach all of them from the old Brasov centre, Piata Sfatului in no more than 5 minutes walking.
Climate: The ideal season for climbing in Zarnesti area is from May until September. Early in spring you may find water infiltrations on some of the routes, especially in Prapastiie Zarnestilor crag, where you may need to wait for some of the routes to get dry. Nevertheless, when is too hot for climbing at the crags with Southern exposure, climbing at Prapastiile Zarnestilor is a real pleasure due to the chili breeze.
