Round trip to the Șaua Padinii Închise pass

The start of the route is at the Cabana Curmătura viewpoint. This can be reached via several trails, including the ‘Gaining height in Piatra Craiului National Park’ walk described here.

(S/E) Pass via the west terrace of the viewpoint and walk 50 metres to the start of a path marked by a sign indicating ‘Spre Saua Padinei Inchise 2h30’.

(1) Head northwards up through the forest. Markings (blue lines) are present. The path turns north-west. Follow it to a barely visible junction with an unmarked path that climbs steeply up the scree slope.

(2) Ignore the track heading north and continue north-west, then south-west. You will reach a high point.

(3) Descend a few metres until you reach the centre of a couloir.

(4) Make a mental note of this spot to avoid getting lost on the descent: do not go too far down this couloir. The climb up the couloir may require you to use your hands. After a right-angled bend, continue to the pass.

(5) The return journey follows the same path in the opposite direction back to the viewpoint. (S/E)

You must pay an entry fee to hike in this national park; this can be done online (https://www.pcrai.ro/bilete) or at a machine that only accepts cash at the Visitor Centre: Centrul de Vizitare al Parcului National Piatra Craiului, 1 km from Zarnesti. 10 lei, or approximately 2 euros, for 7 days in 2026. At this centre, you can buy a map of the entire park for 25 lei in 2026, on^{a scale of} 1:^30,000, which includes, in addition to the marked footpaths, mountain bike trails and information on the environment.

Apart from the mountain restaurant ::S/E::, there is no drinking water or shelter.

As for bears, the park rangers offer the following advice: speak loudly, make noise, and use a whistle or a horn. Signs recommend pepper spray, but none of the shops had any in stock during our visits. At weekends, this area attracts large numbers of hikers, whose presence deters the bears.

The signposting consists of a square with a white background, with a blue line in the centre. The junction (2) is not very visible.

Numerous paths criss-cross the park, offering a variety of hiking options.

Once at the pass, there are three possible directions: the ridges to the right towards the Varful Turnu summit, to the left towards La Om, or down into the Barsa valley. This allows for a wide range of circular walks.