Hiking to the MGS Hut in the Romanian Carpathians

Posted: January 11, 2023 by Ovi

The year 2023 started with a memorable day trip to the MGS (Mountain Guide Sibiu) Hut, in the Cindrel Mountains (the Carpathians, Romania).

It was a beautiful, sunny day, with unusual warm temperatures for January (+12 degrees C, at over 1,000 meters altitude). Normal temperatures for this time of the year should be below zero, to -10 degrees Celsius, and snow.

The Start

The route starts from Rasinari village, Raul Caselor street. The village was recently included in the “Best Tourism Villages” world ranking by the World Tourism Organization (WTO).

My friend, Radu, a very experienced mountain guide, leaded the way.

The path follows a forest road alongside the Sibisel River, following the Blue Band marking. At some point, we’ll have to cross the river and start the ascent to the MGS Hut.

The path goes through forests, crossing hills and passing by deserted shepherd’s huts. A more sustained climb begins before arriving to the MGS Hut, just below the Derjani Peak, at 1,211 meters altitude.

MGS Hut

The MGS Hut is a very new and welcomed addition to the Carpathian Mountains lodges. The construction started on April 2021 by Iulian Pănescu – reputable Mountain Guide and International Mountain Leader, and one of the founders of the Mountain Guide Sibiu association.

MGS Hut

Volunteers and sponsors helped with the construction. Donkeys, horses, ATVs and a helicopter brought the construction materials to the site, an old sheepfold.

MGS Hut

For accommodation there are two rooms (dormitories) with fireplaces, and places for eating indoors and outdoors. I hear the food and drinks that are provided to the tourists are excellent, with the speciality of the house being the doughnuts!

Old skis, boots, backpacks, ice axes and other old objects related to mountain tourism are displayed on the walls, as well as traditional handicrafts and clay pots.

MGS Hut