Mountain hikers enjoy a visual spectacle on Vârful Ciucaș. The meadows at over 1,000 meters altitude were beautifully colored.
Meadow with peonies, in the Ciucaș Massif. PHOTO Marius Popa, photography enthusiast.
The Bratocea pass, located at approximately 1200 meters above sea level, marks the starting point of the route that leads to the most beautiful peony meadow in Ciucaș, in this period.
From here, the road climbs gently on a forest road that leads to Releul in Bratocea. The climb becomes steeper until Culmea Bratocei, but once you reach the top, the road becomes smooth until Saua Tigailor, located at 1,745 meters above sea level.
How to get to the peony meadow
Marius Popa, photographer and lover of the mountain, says that the route is an average one that does not pose problems for those with minimal good physical condition or those used to walking on the mountain.
“I arrived a little late in Pasul Bratocea, around 9:00 a.m. and I barely found a parking space. A lot of people were climbing the route which is gratifying, provided that nature is respected. It starts with a gentle climb on the forest road that leads to Releul in Bratocea. From there, the steeper climb to the summit begins, but once you reach the top, the road becomes smooth until Saua Tigăilor, where the more difficult climb to the Ciucaș peak begins. The indicator shows 4 hours of walking from Pasul Bratocea to the summit. On the top we gave up taking pictures with the indicator, there were too many people. From there we went down to the cabin”, he says.
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Meadow with peonies, in the Ciucaș Massif. PHOTO Marius Popa, photography enthusiast.
The more difficult descent is through a small chimney full of rumbling and from there a path is made to the right through the forest.
“As expected, a lot of people were also at the cottage. Many come through Valea Berii and go up to the cabin with the means of transport for a fee provided by the people at the cabin (you can find the prices displayed on their website). We returned on the same road, but not to the top, but under Tigăi to Saua with the same name, from where we returned to the cars. We enjoyed superb weather, but especially the beginning of the season Rhododendron that delighted our souls.
There are no exposed portions however care must be taken. I also met a viper on the path on Culmea Bratocei, but I didn't manage to admire it too much because it ran quickly into the bushes, so be careful where you step.” says Marius Popa.
