is the most important town for visiting the national park. It is also an ideal starting point for approaches in the northern part of the massif. This town lies at a distance of from the city of Brașov, by road, bus or railway. From Zărnești, an long road makes the connection with the chalet "Plaiul Foii", which is a good starting point for climbing the ridge. Also, from Zărnești a forest road starts from the south-western part of the town, leading through the Zărnești Gorges (Prăpăstiile) and further up to the ridge. The administrative office of the National Park is located in Zărnești; a new visitor center has been built west of the town. The traditional villages Măgura, Peștera, Ciocanu, and Șirnea are interesting starting points for the routes on the eastern slope and for getting in touch with the traditional Romanian way of life. Măgura has views towards the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains. Activities One of the most common activities in Piatra Craiului is trekking. "Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor" gorge is one of the most visited sights in the massif. Also because of its tall, steep walls, it is also very suitable for mountain climbing. In early October a trail-running competition takes place in Piatra Craiului National Park; the Piatra Craiului Marathon is both beautiful and hard, with a length of and elevation gain of . In popular culture The 2003 movie Cold Mountain, starring Nicole Kidman and Jude Law was shot in Prăpastiile Zărneștiului, a gorge which is the starting point for most trails towards Piatra Craiului. See also Seven Natural Wonders of Romania References External links Piatra Craiului National Park homepage Mountain ranges of Romania National parks of Romania Mountain ranges of the Southern Carpathians Protected areas established in 1938 Ridges of Europe Geography of Brașov County Tourist attractions in Brașov County Zărnești