Hiking Doamnei Valley and Fagaras High Alpine Area
Shortcut of tour:
Bâlea Chalet Waterfall (parking area, cable car) - Bâlea Valley - Doamnei valley (enchanted primary forest and - alpine views) - Curmătura Bâlei saddle (Şaua Doamnei) - Bâlea Lake (parking area; cable car)
Description and guidance:
The lower Doamnei valley is covered by beautiful old growth and primary forest. For the most part, these forests have never been subject to forest management and logging. The primeval forests are of the highest value to science and are therefore constantly being researched by international scientists. The trail provides insights into the fascinating ancient mountain forest and then leads - always gently ascending - into the alpine high valley.
There are no major difficulties to overcome, but a certain amount of experience with mountain walking is necessary (safe walking on stony, slippery paths in the forest and on the mountain). From the Curmătura Bâlei saddle, you have a magnificent view of the high peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains and across the valleys down to the distant plains of Transylvania.
Initially we follow the Balea stream for a short while, but soon the path branches off to the right into the Doamnei valley. The path now climbs more steeply. The surrounding forest becomes wilder and wilder - the trees get older and bigger. After reaching the ridge, the path turns to the southwest. We enter an enchanted forest with ancient trees, lots of moss and standing - and lying - deadwood. The warming climate has not spared this primary forest and storms and drought are affecting some of the trees.
However, in a natural forest this is not a disaster and the dead trees provide habitat and food for many creatures in the forest. The Făgăraș Mountains are home to the largest concentration of primary forests in Romania. Unfortunately, they are not all protected from logging and the destruction of these ancient forests continues.
The trail follows the slope and later reaches the valley floor with a clear mountain stream between mossy rocks. A little further uphill, you reach the tree line and step out into the expanse of alpine meadows and mountain slopes. Now you head towards the main Făgăraș ridge. On the ascent to the saddle, a mountain lake sparkles to the right below the path. From the Curmătura Bâlei saddle you have a gorgeous view of the Făgăraș Mountains and the plains of Transylvania. After a short descent, you will arrive at Bâlea Lake. From there, you can take the Balea waterfall cable car back down or organize a car shuttle - or hike down (if you don't mind the long hike).
Map / description on Outdooractive:
