At 2544 m, Moldoveanu is the highest peak in Romania and the crown of the Southern Carpathians. Reaching it feels genuinely rewarding — this is a proper alpine summit surrounded by wild, rugged terrain that will leave you breathless long before you reach the top.

The peak sits deep in the Făgăraș Massif, hemmed in by dozens of neighbouring summits above 2400 m. Because of this, it cannot be seen from the Făgăraș Depression below — only from the main ridge or from the air. The landscape is raw and dramatic: glacial cirques, rocky ridgelines, small tarns, and vast open slopes. In summer the high meadows are green and inviting; in autumn the ridge blazes with warm colours; in winter deep snow turns the whole area into serious mountaineering terrain.

• Stâna lui Burnei (trailhead/parking) — red triangle marking to Portița Viștei, then red stripe to Vârful Viștea Mare, then red dot to Moldoveanu — total ascent 4–5 h, moderate to demanding on some sections

• The route passes the Triangular Lake (Iezerul Triunghiular, 2156 m) and the Portița Viștei saddle (2310 m) — both are good rest spots.
• The trail is one of Romania's most popular and can get very crowded; an early start is strongly recommended.
• En route you also summit Vârful Viștea Mare (2527 m), Romania's second highest peak — a satisfying double summit in a single hike.

The name 'Moldoveanu' comes from the nickname of a shepherd who leased these pastures about a century ago — a charming tradition in the Făgăraș, where many peaks still carry the names of the herders who once roamed them.