Râșnov to Cabana Mălăiești: the northern approach

Cabana Mălăiești holds a particular place for Romanian hill walkers, and it is the setting that does it: the hut sits at 1720 m in Valea Mălăiești, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Bucegi, with Padina Crucii and the Bucșoiu ridge closing it in.

Most people walk in from Bușteni. This is the approach from the north, out of Râșnov: quieter, and often walked on a cold, clear winter day.

12.5 km there and back · 950 m up, 950 m down · 5–6 hours for the round trip · Medium

• Distance: 12.5 km there and back
• Ascent: 950 m up, 950 m down
• Time: 5–6 hours for the round trip
• Difficulty: Medium
• Waymark: Blue stripe (bandă albastră)
• Season: Walkable all year, with winter conditions applying
• Destination: Cabana Mălăiești, 1720 m
• Start: Râșnov — bus or train from Brașov, about half an hour

Getting to the start

Râșnov is about half an hour from Brașov by train (Regio Călători) or bus. The trailhead is not in the town: it is about 12 km further on, and a taxi from Râșnov station cost around 35 lei when we last did it. Budget for that rather than assuming you can walk it.

By car it is roughly three hours from Bucharest. You can usually drive a little way past where we parked.

The valley

The reward is the valley itself. Mălăiești is a textbook glacial cirque, and the hut sits in the middle of it with the north faces of the Bucegi standing over the whole thing. The valley is at its best in early light, which is an argument for staying the night.

Where it leads

From Mălăiești the paths continue to Vârful Bucșoiu, across the Brâna Caprelor ledge, or over Vârful Omu and down the other side to Bușteni. That is why many walkers stay a night rather than turning round.

Booking

Mălăiești fills up in summer and at weekends. Book ahead and bring cash.

Part of our guide to hiking near Brașov.