Cindrel, Mountain summit in the Cindrel Mountains, Romania

Cindrel is the highest summit of the Cindrel Mountains in the Southern Carpathians, reaching 2,245 m. Its flat top lies about 13 km southwest of the Păltiniș resort and 35 km southwest of Sibiu, in Sibiu County. Two glacial cirques on the northern side hold lakes, and marked trails reach the summit from several directions, including the ridge route and the Șaua Șteflești saddle at 1,720 m.

The summit formed during the Alpine mountain-building period when tectonic forces reshaped the region and created the Carpathian structure. These geological processes established the landscape features that define the peak today.

The name Cindrel designates both the peak and the whole range of the Southern Carpathians in which it lies, in Sibiu county. The flat summit serves as a lookout point over the surrounding ridges, and marked trails reach it from several directions, including the ridge route and the Șaua Șteflești saddle at 1720 m. Two glacial lakes lie in cirques on the northern side.

The hike from Paltinis resort takes about 6 hours along marked trails best suited for experienced hikers. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions at this elevation and bring appropriate gear for exposed terrain.

On clear days, the summit offers views across to four different mountain ranges: Fagaras, Lotru, Sebes, and Parang. This vantage point allows visitors to see the scale and extent of the surrounding mountain landscape from a single location.