Postavarul Peak

Above Poiana Brasov rises a rounded mountain, green in summer and white in winter: Postavarul. Its main peak is almost 1,800 metres high and offers one of the finest views in southern Transylvania, over Brasov, the Barsa Land and the surrounding mountains. For many people, going up Postavarul is the easiest way to get "up the mountain" without a hard trail. The starting point, Poiana Brasov, is about 147 kilometres from Gherghita.

About the massif

The Postavarul massif is part of the Curvature Carpathians and lies at the southern end of the great arc of the Eastern Carpathians. Together with the neighbouring Piatra Mare massif, it forms the Barsa Mountains group, which borders the Barsa Land depression to the south. In the German of the Brasov Saxons the mountain was called Schuler, a name still found in old names of the resort.

The Poiana Brasov resort grew up on the northern slope of the massif, and its ridges and limestone walls are sought after by climbers: Postavarul has dozens of officially graded climbing routes. The fir and spruce forests, meadows and rocks are home to a rich flora and fauna, including protected species.

How to get to the top

• By cable car from Poiana Brasov: the simplest option, suitable for the whole family. From the top station there is a short walk to the summit area.
• On foot, from Poiana Brasov: climb on marked trails, through the forest and along the slopes, in a few hours depending on the route and your pace.
• From Brasov: longer trails start in the city, via Solomon's Rocks or from the Racadau district, and climb through the forest to the massif.

The Postavarul Hut is also on the mountain, a classic stop for hikers. Check its opening times and the cable car schedule beforehand.

What you see from the top

• Brasov and Mount Tampa, at your feet
• The Barsa Land, with its villages and fields, stretching far away
• On clear days, the Bucegi, Piatra Craiului and even the Fagaras mountains
• In winter, the Poiana Brasov slopes running down to the resort

When to go and how much time to allow

Summer and autumn are best for hiking and views. In winter the summit area is part of the ski area and can be very cold and windy. By cable car, a visit to the top takes half a day; on foot, allow a full day.

One-day itinerary

• 07:30 – leave Gherghita, via the A3 and DN1
• 10:00 – arrive in Poiana Brasov
• 10:30 – cable car up, walk around the summit area
• 12:30 – a break at the hut or back down for lunch in the resort
• 14:30 – walk down on an easy forest trail (optional)
• 16:30 – a short stop in Brasov
• 18:00 – drive back to Gherghita

With children

The cable car option is suitable for children too, provided the weather is good. The long walking trails are for older children used to mountain walking. Take warm clothes: at almost 1,800 metres it can be cold even in summer.

How to get there from Dracula Land

From Gherghita to Poiana Brasov it is about 147 km, around 2 and a half hours: the A3 to Ploiesti, the DN1 through the Prahova Valley, then from Predeal the DN73A towards Rasnov and up to Poiana. Alternatively, you can go through Brasov.

Safety tips

• Check the weather forecast and the cable car schedule before you set off.
• On the trails, keep to marked paths and take water, food and a waterproof jacket.
• Bears live in the forests of the area; do not leave food in sight and do not approach animals.
• In an emergency call 112.

Postavarul and the beginnings of skiing

Postavarul is closely linked to the history of skiing in Romania. As early as the end of the 19th century, people from Brasov climbed the mountain on skis, and in 1906 the first ski competition was held in Poiana Brasov. In 1951, at the World University Winter Games, the first Poiana – Postavarul cable car was opened, changing the resort for good. Today some of the longest slopes in Poiana start from the summit.

For climbers

The massif is not only for hikers. Postavarul has dozens of officially graded climbing routes of varying difficulty on its limestone walls. If you want to try climbing, go only with a licensed mountain guide or a climbing club, who can provide the necessary equipment and training.

Photography

For the best photos, go up early in the morning or towards evening, when the light is warmer and the mist over the Barsa Land slowly lifts. On autumn days with temperature inversions, the peak can be above a sea of clouds.

Where to stay

Postavarul combines perfectly with Poiana Brasov and Brasov in a day trip. In the evening, return to accommodation near Dracula Land.