Traseu: Șimon – Culmea Bălăban – sub Șaua Polițe (cruce albastră)

In short (checked 13 October 2026)

A short but steep climb from the village of Șimon past Bran Hermitage to just below Șaua Polițe; the waymarking is sparse. Waymark: blue cross (code 01MN24). Distance: 6.58 km according to Munții Noștri, 6.7 km according to OpenStreetMap. Elevation: 915 m of ascent and 221 m of descent. Duration: 3:30 h. Difficulty: medium/difficult.

Where it goes

According to Munții Noștri, about 500 m after entering Șimon from Bran, at a small church, the route turns left onto the lane that climbs Culmea Bălăban (Bălăban Street on maps) to the house of the same name (about 1,000 m). It continues to Bran Hermitage (Schitul Bran) and then, on the access road, starts the steep climb through the forest to about 1,600 m, below Șaua Polițe, where it meets the red cross coming from the village of Poarta. From there you can go up to Șaua Polițe (1,620 m) and down towards the Gaura Valley. Along the way you see Piatra Craiului, the Rece Valley and the village of Poarta; the source says the route is popular with photographers.

Safety

In winter, according to Munții Noștri, heavy snow can cause problems. Water sources are not published, so set off with enough water. No huts or shelters are published on the route. Munții Noștri notes that the waymarks are sparse, so carry a map or the downloaded track. The risk of bears is not published in our sources. In an emergency call 112 or 0SALVAMONT (0725 826 668). Salvamont Brașov (county service), information: 0736 628 948.

Getting to the start

From MAX International in Râșnov, take the DN73 towards Bran. From Bran, continue to the village of Șimon. Parking at the start is not published in our sources. The route does not return to the start, so plan your way back beforehand. The route ends in the forest below Șaua Polițe: you return on foot, the same way or on the red cross towards Bran. You can see the distance and driving time with the navigation buttons on this page.