Vârtoapelor plateau, Orăștiei Mountains

Grădiștea de Munte (DJ705A) (520 mdm) - Vârtoapelor Plateau (700 mdm)

Hiking access

Access to the route to the Vârtoapelor Plateau is from the entrance to the village of Grădiștea de Munte (HD), right on the DJ705A, from the point marked on the map. From Deva there are 55 km to cover by road in 1 hour via DN7 and DJ705A. Free parking is available on both sides of the road, off-road, right at the trail entrance.

About Orăștiei Mountains

Orăștiei Mountains are located in south-western Transylvania and are part of the Șureanu Mountains group. They are bounded by the Mures valley to the north, the Streiului valley to the west and the Șureanu Mountains to the south and east.

The maximum altitude is about 1,200 m and is reached at the Muncelu peak. Orăștiei Mountains are easily accessible for easy and medium hiking. The area is known for its domed landscapes, extensive forests and Dacian sites, in particular the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sarmizegetusa Regia. The Orăștiei Mountains offer an attractive combination of nature and history and are an ideal destination for cultural tourism and relaxation.

About hiking

This is an easy spring hike, when hundreds of tourists set out on the Vârtoapelor Plateau in search of the rich snowdrops, a protected species of large snowdrops.

Route map

(click on objectives for extended version)

Technical box

Difficulty: easy
Duration / distance: 1 hour / 1,5 km
Bookmark: unmarked
Water sources: none
Minimum altitude: 520 mdm at the start
Maximum altitude: 760 meters above sea level, before the Vârtoapelor Plateau, at point 2 on the map
Level difference: +200 m / -100 m

Remarks: unmarked route, with viewpoints, a superb one towards the Retezat Mountains (point 2); accessible all year round; used in spring when the rich snowdrops are in bloom

1. Grădiștea de Munte (DJ705A) (520 mdm) - Vârtoapelor Plateau (700 mdm)

distance 1,5 km / duration 1 hour / easy / unmarked

At the beginning we follow a forest road, passing several farms. We alternate the forest with clearings and viewpoints. The climb is fairly steady but not very long. At the summit the slope eases and the forest gives way to an alpine hollow from where we have a wonderful view back towards the Retezat Mountains, still snow-covered. From right to left we distinguish the peaks of Retezat, Bucura I and II and Peleaga. From the point marked 2 on the map, we descend gently through an area with many sinkholes. At the entrance to the next wooded area, we start to enjoy the appearance of the rich snowdrops. Rich's snowdrops are a protected species, much bigger than the classic ones. They bloom in March. The descent will take the same route.

Vârtoapelor plateau

viorele

first snowdrop

the beautiful protected snowdrops

rich geese

from here the route starts

we climb to the plateau

Retezat Mountains

Conclusion

Conclusion - invitation

The Vârtoapelor plateau remains one of those places that surprise you with its simplicity and authenticity. We set off in search of the rich snowdrops, and nature rewarded us with tranquillity, fresh air and landscapes that stay with you.

If you want to discover the understated charm of the Orăștiei Mountains and enjoy the first signs of spring, add this place to your list. Sometimes, the best experiences are the simple ones - and the Vârtoapelor Plateau is perfect proof.

All the best!

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