Stan's Valley, the most spectacular canyon in Romania

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HIKE THROUGH VALEA LUI STAN (STAN'S VALLEY)

In this article, I will tell you about an easy hike that starts from Transfagarasan. As the title indicates, I will provide you with all the necessary details for the hike in Fagaras Mountains, through the Valea lui Stan Canyon, a complex route, with waterfalls, stairs and chains, which promise spectacular landscapes, combined with a little adrenaline. The route is considered a via ferrata, (type A, the easiest), although personally, I would not classify it in this category.

Since it is a relatively short and accessible route in terms of the time required to complete it, we decided to include it in a day trip, starting from Bucharest, so it was not necessary to book an accommodation unit. We left the city early in the morning, so at 09:00 we arrived at the location, quickly equipped ourselves and started the hike, and around 17:00 - 18:00 we were already back home.

HOW DO YOU GET TO THE TRAIL ENTRANCE?

The route starts from the first bend on the Transfagarasan (DN7C), before the Vidraru dam, next to a bridgehead.

Because the route is a circuit, we chose to park the car at Vidraru dam, and from there to the entrance of the route, we had to walk back about 1 km.

The most unpleasant part about this stretch is that there can be begging bears on the side of the road. We plucked up a little courage to walk past one when we saw a larger group passing by without incident. It is possible that by the time you read this article, all the begging bears will have been relocated by the authorities. At least that is what we were promised, that all the bears that come out to receive food from tourists will be relocated to sanctuaries.

DESPRE TRASEUL PRIN VALEA LUI STAN

Starting point: Transfagarasan (DN7C), a little below Vidraru Dam;

Marking: red dot;

Route duration: approximately 4 hours;

Difficulty: easy in terms of physical demand, medium to difficult in terms of risks;

Required equipment: hiking boots, hiking clothes, climbing gloves;

Other useful information:

- there is no entrance fee for this hike;

- if the water level is high, you will have to cross certain sections of the route through the water;

- the route is accessible all year round, but is not recommended in winter;

- although there are water sources on the route, I do not guarantee that it is drinkable, so I recommend that you have drinking water with you;

- with great care and attention, children can also follow this route, under the close supervision of adults;

- there is no phone signal almost along the entire length of the route, so in case of emergency it could be problematic;

Once we met the signpost with "Stan's Valley", we can say that we started the hike. From the very beginning we go up and down two stairs, which bypass an artificial dam, then we continue the route along the stream valley, among large and slippery stones. This area, as is the entire route, is a true oasis of shade and coolness in the middle of summer, being more than welcome on hot days.

We've done this hike in the middle of summer, in July, so we appreciated the coolness of the place. Unfortunately, the stream did not have an increased flow, on the contrary, it was almost dry. Obviously, the flow and water level are closely related to precipitation, so after a heavy rain, or in spring, after the snow melts, the waterfalls will be much more spectacular. Be very careful, however, regarding floods, they can come unexpectedly, and unfortunately, many people have lost their lives because of them.

Not long after, we start to see the first waterfalls and metal stairs, although we expected to walk much longer to reach them. We found out on the spot that, in fact, the canyon represents, according to my approximation, about 40% of the route, the rest being either a forest path, a forest road, or even a paved road, if we take into account the initial part of the walk on Transfagarasan.

We enjoy, therefore, the most beautiful part of the hike, climbing metal stairs and admiring the waterfalls near them. These areas can create some anxiety for people with a fear of heights, but with a little attention, they do not represent a danger. When we encounter the first waterfall, we also encounter the first stairs, then the route continues on the same structure, with all kinds of climbing "helpers" and bridges. There will be both metal stairs, as well as pieces of metal stuck in the rock and chains, which help crossing and climbing in certain areas. The entire route is very well laid out, and the metal stairs are quite solid and reliable.

After crossing the canyon, the landscape changes a bit. The trail takes us through the forest, and at one point we come across a signpost with two markings, both to Poiana Calugarita. After thinking a bit, we decided to keep following the red dot marking, which we had been following since the beginning of the hike. On our way to the clearing, which on the signs was estimated at one hour, we also had a climb of about 30 minutes, maybe even less, through the forest.

Once we reach Poiana Calugarita, a point that I would estimate to be approximately halfway along the hike, we come across a new signpost informing us that we still have about half an hour to go until we meet the forest road, which follows the edge of Lake Vidraru. In this clearing, we chose to spend more time, so we relaxed and had lunch on the grass, in the shade of the trees on the edge. I must admit that I was a little afraid that a bear might appear at our picnic, but fortunately, that was not the case.

The last part of the route, the forest road, which leads to the Vidraru Dam, and also to the place where we parked the car, was for me, an unexpectedly long part, but at the same time, an unexpectedly beautiful part. It was the first time I saw the lake from a different perspective and I was conquered by its beauty. On our way, we found a footbridge on which we sat down to admire the landscape and I tell you honestly, I had a hard time leaving that place.

If you want to enjoy the lake and the scenery more, you can opt for a boat ride. The boarding pontoon is located on the shore with the paved road.

Because we had nothing else planned for that day, once we reached the parking, we headed back to Bucharest.

If you don't have a car, you can book an organized trip on Transfagarasan, details here.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS ON TRANSFAGARASAN, CLOSE TO THE ROUTE ENTRANCE

If you plan to spend several days in the area, you can consider booking an accommodation unit. Among those listed on Booking, the ones that caught my attention are:

• Hotel Posada Vidraru - 4-star accommodation unit, which has twin rooms. It is equipped with an indoor pool, spa area, bar and restaurant;

• Cabana Zimbru Transfagarasan - accommodation unit located in a quiet area, surrounded by greenery. It has double rooms or apartments, which can accommodate up to 5 people.

• Barlogul din Vidraru - accommodation unit, which has double, triple rooms, or an entire villa, which can accommodate up to 17 people. It is equipped with a restaurant, bar and barbecue area.

• Poiana Mucenicului - accommodation unit, which has double, twin rooms, or apartments, which can accommodate up to 4 people. It has its own parking.

OTHER HIKING TRAILS THAT START FROM TRANSFAGARASAN

If you want to spend more days in the area, you can add other hikes to your itinerary. There are several options, most of them starting near Lake Balea. Below are some of the most famous and spectacular ones:

• easy hike from Balea Waterfall Chalet to Balea Waterfall. Find all the details about the route here;

• Balea Lake - Capra Lake hike. It takes about an hour and follows the blue triangle markings;

• Balea Lake - Moldoveanu Peak hike. It takes approximately 14-16 hours and is recommended to be divided into two days. It is not an easy route.

• Balea Lac - Negoiu Peak hike. Follows the blue + red lane markings and it takes approximately 8 hours round trip;

• Cabana Capra - Fereastra Zmeilor hike. It takes approximately 6 hours round trip and is medium difficulty;

• Lake Balea - Vanatoarea lui Buteanu Peak hike, marked with a blue triangle.

  
  

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE HIKE THROUGH STAN'S VALLEY

The trail through Valea lui Stan canyon has been on my list of hikes I wanted to do for a long time, and I can say that the reality on the spot lived up to my high expectations. The only thing that surprised me, however, was that it was much easier than I expected. Judging by my physical condition (which is at least mediocre), I would classify it as an easy, very undemanding trail that can be done by anyone without mobility issues.

Read about other easy - medium trails in Romania: Devil's Mill Waterfall, Bicajel Gorges, Gropsoarele Peak, or you can venture on a via ferrata route.

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