Postavarul Massif is a fantastic mountain in Romania

If visiting Brasov, nothing beats a trip to the top of Postavarul Massif. This is a mountain range near Brasov which has some splendid views from the top. I had previously spotted the mountain on a walk from Solomon’s Rocks. Back in Autumn, I decided I would need to get up in these mountains of Romania.

Carpathian Mountains Romania

One of my bucket list items was to explore the Carpathian Mountains after seeing the film Wild Carpathia. The film really got my attention to what a beautiful place the Romanian Carpathian mountains were.

Postavarul Massif Mountain Range

The Postăvarul massif is a massif in Romania. It is part of the Romanian Carpathians. This is part of the Carpathian Mountains range. The altitude of the highest peak, which is also named Postăvarul, is 1799 metres high. A massif is a compact group of mountains. This one had some spectacular views and a few options for peaks.

Carpathian Mountains in Romania

postăvarul massif

Postavarul Massif is near to Poiana Brasov at the southern end of the grand arc of the Eastern Carpathians. The Carpathian Mountains are a range of mountains that form an arc shape in parts of Central and Eastern Europe. It is the third-longest European mountain range; it stretches from the far eastern Czech Republic through to Romania.

My Visit to Postavarul Massif in Romania

I chose on purpose the first blue sky day of 2020 to visit the mountains. This was mainly for the views that I hoped I would see. I travelled by bus from Brasov to Poiana Brasov initially. On the way, I picked up some Ursus, water, snacks and a pair of gloves.

Poiana Brasov

Once in Poiana Brasov, which is the most popular ski resort in Romania. It shocked me by how busy the resort was with winter sports enthusiasts. These were mainly skiers. I wondered how many will be just there for the views on foot.

Hotels in Poiana Brasov Ski Resort Romania

After getting my bearings and deciding the best plan for me, the game was on. First was to get the cable car to near the top. There were a few options for cable cars but opted for the closest to me. Then the plan was to walk and scramble to the peak from wherever I landed.

Cable Car

Postavarul Massif Cable Car

The cable car cost me 35 lei for a return trip, about £7 in British Pounds. There was quite the wait for the ascent, mainly people with skis. After a 20 minute wait, my cable car had arrived. It was pretty packed, but got a window seat to enjoy the view. The ride was fantastic in terms of views of the nearby mountains and ski action below. I would have loved to have the car to myself, but no chance of that.

Nearing the top, the cable car dipped down to land at the station, where we all departed. Everyone quickly and got off to put on their ski equipment. People looked to be having fun and made me think about a future trip to learn to ski.

Dude’s Pub – Beer at Altitude

Dude's Pub on the mountain in Brasov

My departure was different. I opted to head into Dude’s Pub, possibly the highest altitude pub I had ever visited. The bar was pleasant, and I opted to sit on a barstool and order my Tuborg lager. Feeling the need for some sugar, I enjoyed a snicker’s bar while I warmed up. The beer gave me the opportunity to consult google maps and AllTrails app. So before departing, I knew where to head once I left the comfort of Dude’s Pub.

View From Dude's Bar

I check my boots were double tied, bag packed and coat fully zipped and hat on. All done, I was ready to leave. Exiting the bar, and found myself on the edge of a smooth ski slope with fantastic views of another range of mountains.

Walk to the top of Postavarul Massif

Hiking in Brasov

I walked over and scrambled up the edge of the slope. That was, until I reached a sharp corner with a safety barrier at the top of a cliff. The views suddenly become very special here. So out with the phone to take a few snaps and appreciate the cold, fresh air. Next phase was walking just off the edge of a narrow ski track. This took me towards another cable car station. Maybe the one I could have opted for an easier time at the top.

Carpathian Mountain View

From this point, I spotted the path to the top. There was nobody skiing this part, and a few walkers between me and the highest point. The first part of the walk was on a plateau and easy walking with again some fantastic views on either side. Next, I faced a steep climb up a very slippy looking path to the peak. I braced myself and watched a few people coming down, most of who had a slight or bigger slip on the way down. None of them had consistently had 3 points of contact, so got in the right headspace, gloves on and ready to go.

The Peak & Marvellous Mountain Views

I hauled myself up this slippery slope using some carefully place railings and rocks to stop myself slipping. After a big push and a raise of heart rate, I had done it and reached the peak of Postavaral 1799m in altitude.

The peak/summit.

At the peak, I took a moment to catch my breath, hydrated. Then I whipped out the hip flask for a shot of tuica to toast the top.

Carpathian Mountains Romania - Postavarul Massif

I spent over half an hour enjoying the views while inhaling the cold fresh air. Feeling blown away by the view from the top, I had to take it all in. Also, I spent some time to take a few photos for the memory bank and blog. The views included seeing over to the Piatra Mare Massif, where I had previously enjoyed a walk to Seven Ladders Canyon.

Descending

Dudes Bar From Cable Car

Descending was even more tricky coming down the slippery slope, but kept my footing before reaching the plateau. Then an enjoying, simple walk back to the 2nd cable car station. I watched a few cable cars coming and going while getting my vitamin b fix with the first Ursus of the day.

I had enjoyed my time and jumped on a near-empty cable car on the way down to Poiana Brasov. This was a much more enjoyable cable car ride for me and could enjoy views from all sides.

Review of my first Mountain in Romania

Day Pack Postavarul

I thoroughly enjoyed my day out on the mountain range. It enthused me; I need to do this more often. I hope to hike to the top next time in the Summer or autumn with the dog in tow. The range supposedly has a fantastic fauna in the spring and summer and lots of wildlife, including some I don’t really want to bump into like bears.

Return Visits to Postavarul

Yager Chalet Apres Ski Beers

I have subsequently returned to Postavarul to hike on the top and near the lower sections. Each time I’ve used a different route which is nice. I enjoyed my birthday on the mountain which still had snow near the top in April. We discovered Yager Chalet for a beer or two. They are near the top and a stone’s throw from the cable car. As a bonus, they have a balcony which has picturesque views, especially on a sunny day.

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