Springtime brings along joy to all adrenalin lovers: Via Ferrata ASTRAGALUS is reopened to the public since March, 16, 2019. ASTRAGALUS is the longest Via Ferrata route in Romania, located in Șugău Gorges – Munticelu Nature Reserve, a landscape unique in Europe and in the world.

“The mountain does not belong anymore exclusively to the professional climbers but to everyone” – Ticu Lăcătușu

Designed for those who want to experience feelings of exaltation and joy of climbing as professional climbers do, Via Ferrata ASTRAGALUS is a project initiated by the Romanian Mountain Club, and was inaugurated in the summer of 2017 and largely financed by HeidelbergCement CO.

The longest and most modern via ferrata route in Romania, arranged between 2015-2016 at the initiative of famous climber Constantin Lăcătuşu, the first Romanian who conquered Everest Peak, Via Ferrata ASTRAGALUS includes 5 climbing routes on the steep rocky walls, of different lengths and degrees of difficulty, among which tourists can choose. The starting point of the trail is at Ecolog lodge at an altitude 715m and the arrival point is at aprox.1000m high on Turnul Mare Peak.

Once here, on the via ferrata route, in the midst of the fascinating nature, like in an open-air museum, tourists will find the perfect conditions for climbing, a sport that develops strength, skill, accuracy and speed of reaction. It makes one aware of the courage or weaknesses he or she never knew were there.

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The name itself -Via Ferrata Astragalus- derives from the special flora which can be found in the reservation. “Astragalus pseudopurpureus”, known by the common name of “Bicaz grasshooper” is a key plant for this site that was first identified in this part of the world in 1933 by herbalist Mihai Guşuleac. More than 95% of the plant spread can be found here.

Due to the identification of several species of plants, animals and rare types of natural habitats, Șugău Gorges – Munticelu Nature Reserve is included in NATURA 2000 – Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as defined in the European Union’s Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The protected area was declared site of importance for the European community in 2007, with a total surface of ​​827,80 acres.

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WARNING! At the beginning of the season and not only, increased attention must be paid to the loose areas on the route. Due to the repeated frost-thaw phenomenon, the potential for rock falls seriously increases. Please strictly observe the instructions given by the staff of Ecolog lodge and use only certified equipment, specifically designed for practicing via ferrata. Do not ignore the warning signs and the good behavior when climbing, and respect the nature around to navigate the route safely to your destination. Also, please keep your tickets for verification.

For further details on charges, equipment rental and more please write to [email protected], phone +4 0744.913.941, +4 0737.759.998 or visit www.facebook.com/ViaFerrataCheileSugaului

May you have a great season on Via Ferrata ASTRAGALUS!

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