Rock Crags Belvedere

Belvedere

By: Ciprian Draghici

Country: Romania, Region: Transylvania, Town: Brasov

Belvedere is one of the classic crags in central Romania, ideal for intermediate and expert climbers. The crag is located between Predeal and Paraul Rece and the quality of the limestone is one of the best in the country.

The routes tend to be long and steep on shallow pockets, apart from those on the lefthand side which are short and crimpy and ascend a wall as smooth as if it were cut by a sword.

When you reach the top of the routes you can admire the splendid view onto the Bucegi Mountains. It's easy to understand why Belvedere is one of the prefered climbing spots in summer days, when it can even feel quite chilly due to the alpine climate.

GETTING THERE

To reach Belvedere, drive from Brasov along the DN1 towards Bucharest. Reach the beautiful town of Predeal and continue through the centre, then turn right towards the Paraul Rece resort, on the secondary road DN73A. Before entering Paraul Rece, turn left onto the country road that leads to Belvedere chalet. Park the car in front of the chalet (45 minutes drive). From the parking place, walk up the slope behind the chalet on the obvious trail until you cross a country road (5 minutes walk). Bear right and continue on this road for 200m until you see a small trail which breaks off left: walk on this trail following the ridge line. Just before the trail steepens, you will see a clear path descending to the left into the forest (10 minutes walk). Continue on this trail which turns right and then start ascending until you reach the base of the crag (15 minutes walk).

THE CLIMBING

The rock is solid limestone, the rock face varies in height from 10 to 60 metres and the majority of the routes are vertical. The left-hand sector is sheltered by trees and ideal for summer days. The central and left sectors are much higher and directly exposed to the sun. .

FOOD AND ACCOMODATION

You can find various types of accommodation in Brasov such as guest houses, hotels or hostels. You’ll find most of the accommodation places located in the old town centre. The price for a double room at a guest house is about 100 lei (25 euro). For those who wish to camp or use a bungalow, the Dirste camping is located to the south of Brasov.