Şerban — also called Zherbin or Zherban — is a rugged, remote peak rising to 1793 m in the Maramureş Mountains, right on the border between Ukraine and Romania. Part of the range locals and hikers call the 'Hutsul Alps', this summit offers a raw, unspoilt mountain experience that is increasingly rare in the Carpathians.

The landscape here is classic Maramureş: wide-open alpine meadows, sharp ridgelines and sweeping panoramas stretching deep into both countries. The northern slopes fall within the Maramorosh Reserve of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, making this one of the most pristine natural environments in Eastern Europe. Expect ancient forests, undisturbed wildlife and a level of quiet that feels almost forgotten. Every season has its own mood — spring wildflowers, lush summer pastures, fiery autumn colours and a stark, snow-covered wilderness in winter.

• Starting point: the area around Rakhiv on the Ukrainian side — approach through the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve territory; a permit is required before entry; terrain is moderately demanding.

• The state border between Ukraine and Romania runs directly across the summit — crossing without an official border checkpoint is not permitted.
• The northern slopes lie within the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve — an entry permit is required.

Just to the northeast stands Pop Ivan Maramorosh, another iconic Maramureş peak well worth combining into the same expedition. The mountain's trio of names — Zherbin, Zherban, Şerban — is itself a small history lesson, reflecting the many different states whose cartographers have mapped this contested borderland over the centuries.