trek romania

The Beginner’s Guide to Hiking in Romania

Last Updated: February 6, 2024

Everything you need to know about hiking in Romania .

The majority of travelers who visit my home country seldom choose Romania for its mountains.

They usually come for Dracula, medieval towns like Sighișoara and the capital city of Bucharest , overlooking the country’s most impressive attraction of all, the majestic Carpathians.

I am here to ask you to look beyond the usual tourist attractions and consider hiking in Romania – if you love nature, have a sense of adventure and respect the great outdoors, you will not be disappointed!

Here are a few good reasons why you should consider hiking in Romania:

Table of Contents

You can actually drive through the mountains

The lakes nestled between the mountains are to die for, our gorges are like playgrounds for adults, the waterfalls aren’t half bad either, there are quite a few challenging trails for experienced hikers, don’t underestimate the carpathians, come fully-prepared and well-documented, get ready for some bumpy roads, never drink from lakes or rivers, we have overprotective shepherd dogs, we also have bears, lead by example – don’t litter, save this pin for later, some of the best views require very little effort.

You don’t need to be a power hiker to get a glimpse of some of the most spectacular panoramas in Romania.

Several trails are extremely easy to conquer, offering a more than rewarding view from the top!

On one of my recent hikes my parents and I took a short and easy hour-long walk to Ciucaru Mic Peak (313 meters).

Once we reached the highest point we were astonished by the killer view the peak offered of the Cazan Gorge, the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Even if you’re not much of a hiker , Romania still has some amazing paved mountain road crossings for you to enjoy.

One of them, the Transfăgărășan, has been named “the best road in the world” by Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson due to its magnificent surroundings and exciting drive.

Numerous other such crossings can be found scattered around the Carpathians, offering proximity to mountain peaks and hiking trails.

Mountain lakes are cold, clean and usually crystal-clear. This general rule applies to the majority of lakes in Romania too. That’s why they make for outstanding hiking destinations.

The most spectacular ones can be found amongst limestone rocks which boast an imposing turquoise hue, such as the Ochiul Beiului Lake of the Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park.

If you’re in the mood to challenge yourself and aren’t afraid of getting wet, river gorges are definitely the thing for you!

Similarly to the lake above, gorges can mainly be found in the limestone mountains of Romania.

They offer an unforgettable experience, as sometimes you’ll need to trek through the water (like in the Râmeț Gorge), whilst on other occasions you will need climb up ladders adjacent to waterfalls (like at the 7 Ladders Gorge) – an activity best enjoyed in summer.

Speaking of waterfalls, some of them are exceptionally memorable. The Bigăr Falls, for example, is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Due to its unusual shape it has been named among the top unique waterfalls in the world by The World Geography.

Even if you’re a skilled trekker, hiking in Romania will surely not disappoint.

The most challenging and lengthy hiking trails are found in the Southern Carpathians – especially in the Bucegi, Făgăraș and Retezat Mountains.

If you really want to wear yourself out, choose the trail leading to the Moldoveanu Peak, from where you can admire the surroundings from a whopping 2,544 meters.

Things to Know When Hiking in Romania

Before you start to pack and hit the road, here are a couple of essentials you need to know about hiking in Romania:

I know, I know – the Carpathians aren’t actually the Himalayas when it comes to the level of hiking.

However, you must never underestimate a mountain because of its height or build, which brings me to my next point:

Document yourself before heading out into the wild. Check out the weather forecast and road conditions.

Alert the local authorities if you’re planning on trekking alone and be aware of the full length and difficulty of the path chosen.

Last but not least, don’t forget about proper layering, dressing for the season and the importance of appropriate hiking gear!

Albeit the main roads and the mountain crossing roads mentioned above are well-maintained, some passages are less so.

In fact, there are plenty of small side roads which are unpaved and full of potholes, but they actually give you a head start on your hike.

Truth be told, if you go slow enough you can’t actually do any harm to your car.

But the decision of cutting your hike shorter with a drive or choosing to leave your car the moment you leave the paved road is totally up to you.

Even though a river, stream or lake might seem clear at first glance, you never know how many cows actually drank from it before you got there.

The main issue is the fact that there are numerous herds of sheep and cattle governing the mountains, drinking from the mentioned water sources.

That’s why there are designated springs with the sign IZVOR on them supplying water that is safe to drink.

These sources are marked on any given hiking map, so plan your route according to them to avoid running out of drinking water.

Where there’s a sheep herd, there will certainly be shepherd dogs. Usually there are more than a few protecting the fluffy grazing animals from anything that approaches them.

They will probably notice you way sooner than you will see them, signalling your proximity with some aggressive barking.

The best thing to do is to remain calm and keep on advancing. Chances are that the shepherd is right there, keeping his dogs under control.

Although the barking will continue until you pass them, remember not to make any sudden movements, don’t project any aggressiveness and avoid eye contact.

You should be fine as long as you don’t provoke them in any way.

Quick fact : There are more than 6,000 brown bears living in the forests of Romania.

I’ve been hiking in Romania for over 5 years and I haven’t seen one yet.

There are a couple of things you can do to make sure you don’t see one either.

First and foremost if you’re hiking by yourself or with a small group, make some noise.

Don’t trek in silence, because you might find yourself face to face with an extremely surprised bear that will attack out of fear.

If you decide to camp in the great outdoors , never keep your food in your tent – it attracts the wild animals.

Choose a tree that’s at least 10-15 meters away from your tent and place your food there (preferably tie it to a high branch on the tree).

If you happen to run into a bear on the trail, but you haven’t been spotted yet, slowly and silently back away; chances are he won’t notice you.

There are many opinions of what to do if a brown bear has spotted you and might decide to approach you.

One of the most popular beliefs is that you should wave with your arms and hiking sticks to give the illusion of being a large creature and scream your lungs out to scare it away.

You might want to take some bear spray with you for caution.

Remember: Bears are wild animals that generally feed on berries.

They aren’t searching for any human contact and they are certainly not lurking between the bushes to hunt you down.

Respect the way nature works and it will respect you back!

Unfortunately lots of garbage is lying around the hiking paths and in the campsites of the Romanian mountains.

This is a very bad habit caused by lack of education and common sense, causing terrible destruction to some amazing natural places.

So if there’s one thing you’ll take away from this article, let it be this: don’t litter in nature!

Collect your water bottles, tissues, napkins and everything else in your backpack and bring them down from the mountain.

Don’t make your mark on nature- let it make its mark on you!

Enjoy the view

Take photos, make memories, but most importantly – enjoy the view while hiking in Romania!

Adrienn Takács

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Urban Exploration In Decaying Bucharest

Related posts, 30 thoughts on “the beginner’s guide to hiking in romania”.

Well, the mith about bears is true. But they are double or maybe more than 6k In the past 3 years I’ve hiked almost all the trails in Vrancea mountains and it hasn’t been a single trip where i didn’t seen a bear or at least it’s track. So be careful if you go there. Also we’ve met some wild pigs near Lepșa. As the author said. Make a lot of noise to make your presence noticed. And light up a candle in church before going there

Hello and thanks for this article. I arrive in Romania Tuesday from NZ and want to spent 8 days hiking in the Mountains. Where is the best town to stay in for this where some English will be spoken? And how would I get there? Are there easy day hikes from whatever town is best? Thank you

Hey! Thinking of hiking the southern parts of the karpathians you have mentioned here. Is it possible to do in the start of May? Or is there still to much snow?

Considering a trip — need a mountain fix and tickets are the right price! Is camping in the Carpathians regulated? Or is it dispersed camping for the most part?

In other words… how would I know where it is ok to camp vs. where it is not?

Hi Chris, sounds like a great adventure. Sorry we are not too sure about the camping. All the best.

Hi guys, hi Adri! That’s a very accurate description of what to expect from a hiking tour in this beautiful country! So accurate that, thinking that the article is written by Lesh or Jazza, I had to go to the about page and check if any of them has been living a long time in Romania 🙂 You’re right also about the bears. One should note that brown bears are shy animals and they will try to avoid humans. Since I noticed Mieke asked in a comment about bear watching, there are few tour operators organizing bear viewing tours. Some of them are near Brasov, others in Tusnad area. A starting point can be https:// bearwatching .ro , not only to find a bear watching tour but also to find out more about this magnificent animal and the threats they are exposed to.

One day I would love to visit Romania. Its beauty is something I would wish to experience soon

Hi Denis, we hope you get there one day. It is a beautiful country

We’re going to visit Romania in next two weeks. Can you recoend us any nice one day hiking trails for young parents witch 1y.o daughter? It is very hard to find that kind of information in English or polish or even in Romanian (Google translate working quite good).

There are some nice hikes around Brasov. That would be a good spot and it is a lovely town. Hope you have a great trip. Happy travels

I’m so glad you had the chance of visiting Romania, and that you are also promoting it in a way through this article.

We loved our time in Romania. We never got to hike some of these hikes but after Adrienn’s post we want to know. Thank you for reading T bug.

Hi! Thank you for the lovely blog. It contains a great deal of interesting information. Since it is your home country I’d love to get some more information from you. I am planning a trip to the Carpatian mountains. I’m going there because of the unspoilt and beautiful nature, but I am also a big wildlife fan and I am very excited about seeing bears in the wild. Of course not by running into one, just like that. I’m actually looking for a guided trekking. I’ve already found some organizations online, but I like the local businessess more. I also don’t really want to trek with a group of 10 people, rather 3 or 4. Could you give me some advice on what to look for? Thank you!

Thank you so much for your comment Mieke. Adrienn wrote a great article for us. We loved travelling Romania. Unfortunately we have not been to the Carpatian mountain area. We would love to one day. It would best to contact her over on her blog, City of the week ( https://www.cityoftheweek.net/ ). She may have know more information about that area. The link is in here bio above. Have a great trip. 🙂

Hey Mieke! First of all, I am so glad you are coming to Romania and actually including our beautiful mountains into your itinerary. For guided mountain treks, I’d recommend Mountain Guide Sibiu ( https://www.mountainguide-sibiu.ro/index.php/en/ ) – from what I know, they guide smaller groups as well, feel free to contact them for more info! There’s also an official bear watching company who organize such tours (their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Medveles1973/?ref=br_rs ) , I’d recommend writing them a message to receive more info about their prices and conditions. If I can help you with anything else, don’t hesitate to contact me! 🙂

Thanks so much for the information Adrienn. 🙂

Adrienn, it’s a very informative and highly inspiring article, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Wish you all the best in your adventures and explorations!

I currently live in Brazil, and I am planning to travel to Romania next year to do some outdoor adventures and horseback tours, then hike across Europe from there through natural parks and mountain ranges. Life is there to be lived after all! ;O)

Awesome we are stoked Adrienn’s article could help you. Romania is an incredible place. Brasov is stunning and a great place to explore for a few days. Sounds like you are going to have a great trip. We totally agree, life is there to be lived. 🙂

Re sheep dogs. Although I have not met any aggressive ones in Romania, in both Georgia and Bulgaria I have. I Georgia I was quite badly bitten by a Caucasian Mountain dog which rushed at me from a bush while I was talking to its owner I had to get to a hospital quite quickly and have rabes shots. In Bulgaria I was threatened twice by very aggressive dogs in the countryside near Bansko who made it very clear their intention to attack me. Luckily I was carrying a stout stick which they were very wary of and I was able to escape. In both cases they were with other dogs which no doubt would have followed up the attack.

This is absolutely beautiful, and I am very excited to discover all of the hiking marvels that Romania has to offer! You have amazing writing and descriptive skills! I am looking to go to Romania for a month, and I am looking at places to form base – for hiking, would you suggest staying in the western part of the country?

Hello Sandra! Thank you for your kind words! The Western part of the country is very beautiful and offers a nice insight into Transylvanian back country. The most spectacular hike there is located in the Apuseni Mountains and is called The Lost World (in Romanian – Cetatile Ponorului si Lumea Pierduta), known for its interesting limestone formations which include gorges, caves and awesome peaks. For more challenging hikes you might want to look into the Bucegi, Fagaras, Rodnei, Piatra Craiului and Retezat Mountains. For a more leisurely trip, take into consideration the Hasmas, Almajului, Aninei, Gutai and Piatra Mare mountain ranges. If you need any additional information don’t hesitate to contact me via email, I am always happy to help 🙂

Thank you Adrienn. Can you suggest any good hiking trails in the North East part of Romania?

Adrienn. THanks for the great guidance. Wondered if you could recommend best plan for a three day hike during July. Moderately experienced hikers but not climbers. Camping or mountain cabins for overnights.

Is there an easy way to reach hiking trails in Romania using public transportation or must you rent a car to reach the start point of the hikes in the carpathians , gorges and falls? I am 18 and want to travel to a european country this summer backpacking for 4 days and do mostly hikes, Less interested in musuems. So if you think Romania is difficult for me to get to places where else would you recommend -inexpensive, hiking , easy to get to places without a car. Thanks

Hi Gilad, We are not to sure. Adrienn wrote this awesome article for us. If you head over to her site and send her an email, maybe she can help. So sorry we couldn’t help. All the best and happy travels

hi Gilad, The answer is, as you guess…it depends! It is easy to reach some hiking trails, but not all of them. Also, it depends of where in Romania you will be. For example, from Bucharest, Ploiesti or Brasov you can hike on Bucegi mountains, Piatra Mare, Postavaru. For Bucegi, for example, take a train fro either Brasov or Bucharest to a resort at the feet of the mountains, like Sinaia, Busteni, Poiana Tapului, Azuga or Predeal. I woud recommend Sinaia or Busteni, as there are more hiking trails leaving from here, both in Bucegi or Baiului Mountains. In the same area, other mountains, like Piatra Craiului or Ciucas, are not so easily accessible; but hitchhiking is still a valid option in Romania .

Thanks so much for the info Alesha & Jarryd. Very useful. We are headed to Romania in a week’s time and wondering if early-May is warm enough to go hiking in the country? Realize there are large temperature variations depending on the location, but wondering if there are any specific locations where we can hike in during May.

Hi Ashish, thanks for reading. Andrienn wrote a great article for us. We loved our time in Romanian. Not too sure about the weather then. We recommend bringing some warmer clothes just in case. If it is not raining get out there and go hiking. Doesn’t matter if it is a little cold. Happy travels.

what I find most first time travelers enjoy about hiking in Romania is that there are also beautiful trekking trails for beginners. Some people are not up for long trekking tours, but they don’t want to get bored and I think that, like you said, you don’ t have to go out of your way to be able to enjoy some nice views.

Very true about the treks. Every person is different. Everyone loves beautiful views. Thank you for your comment. Happy travels. 🙂

Pedal's final frontier

Nici un produs in cos.

Intra in cont Cont nou

Electrice (426) Electrice Copii (2)

Frane Ebike (13) Motoare Ebike (147) Baterii Incarcatoare & Accesorii (261) Angrenaje E-Bike (32) Pinioane Motor EBIKE (15)

Trek este o companie americana specializata in productia de biciclete si echipamente pentru ciclism. Fondata in 1976, Trek este una dintre cele mai mari si mai importante companii din industria bicicletelor din lume, cunoscuta pentru inovatia si calitatea produselor sale.

Trek produce o gama larga de biciclete, inclusiv biciclete de munte, biciclete de sosea, biciclete electrice, biciclete de calatorie si biciclete pentru copii. Compania produce, de asemenea, componente si accesorii pentru biciclete, inclusiv furci de suspensie, jante, schimbatoare, frane si multe altele.

Produsele Trek sunt cunoscute pentru designul lor inovator, performanta excelenta si calitatea superioara. Compania utilizeaza cele mai noi tehnologii si materiale pentru a produce biciclete si componente de inalta performanta care sa satisfaca nevoile ciclistilor de toate nivelurile.

Trek este, de asemenea, implicata in sustenabilitate si are obiective ambitioase in ceea ce priveste reducerea impactului asupra mediului. Compania se concentreaza pe dezvoltarea de produse mai durabile si mai prietenoase cu mediul, precum si pe reducerea emisiilor de carbon din procesul de productie.

Trek Ureche Cadru Diamant Thru Derailleur Hanger FX Sport Thru Axle

Trek Ureche Cadru HNGR ABP UDH DS 22 BK

Trek Ureche Cadru Sus Bolt AXL ABP2 142 DS B

Trek Bicicleta Fuel EX 8 Gen 5 Rage Red to Dnister Black Fade Large 2022

Trek Bicicleta Wahoo 24 Trail Plasma Grey Pearl 2024

Trek Bicicleta Wahoo 24 Trail Power Surge 2024

Trek Bicicleta Wahoo 20 Trail Plasma Grey Pearl 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 4 Matte Galactic Grey 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 4 Matte Deep Dark Blue 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 5 Matte Keswick 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 5 Lava 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 5 AXS Crystal White 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Dark Aquatic/Carbon Smoke 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Marigold/Nautical Navy 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Era White/Emerald Iris 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Matte Blue Sage 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Radioactive Coral 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Matte Deep Smoke/Gloss Olive Grey 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Matte Deep Smoke Black 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Multicolor 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Matte Deep Smoke Black 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Multicolor 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Black Matte Deep Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Multicolor 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Matte Deep Smoke Black 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 AXS Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 AXS Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 AXS Mercury Grey 2024

Unul dintre consultantii nostri iti va oferi raspunsul in cel mai scurt timp

CATEGORII PRODUSE

Electrice (426)
Electrice Copii (2)
Frane Ebike (13)
Motoare Ebike (147)
Baterii Incarcatoare & Accesorii (261)
Angrenaje E-Bike (32)
Pinioane Motor EBIKE (15)
Placute Frana Bicicleta (194)
Ureche Cadru (1048)

Best Hikes In The World
Appalachian Trail
European Hikes
Nepal Hikes
Patagonia Hikes
See All Hikes
Mount Kenya
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Toubkal
See All Mountains
South Africa
New Zealand
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Packing Lists

Hiking In Romania – 5 Epic Romanian Mountain Walking Trails

The majority of the Romanian landscape is taken up by the stunning Carpathian Mountains , which is the second largest mountain range in Europe !

These mountains, also known as the Transylvanian Alps, form the natural border between the three historical regions: Transylvania, Wallachia and Moldova. With rugged peaks, rolling hills, serene lakes and lush forests, Romania’s landscape is beautiful, diverse, and perfect for hiking.

If you’re interested in exploring the high peaks and many mountainous trails of Romania, then have a look through this guide of some of the best hiking spots in Romania.

Romania Hikes

1. the bucegi mountains.

The Bucegi Mountains are the perfect place to experience the stunning landscapes that Romania has to offer. Mount Omu is the highest peak of the Bucegi Mountains, at 2505 meters, and is covered in snow for most of the year, however, you can find beautiful wildflowers blossoming on the other areas of the mountains during spring.

These mountain trails are very popular with tourists as there are plenty of gorgeous trails that are suitable for everyone.

From scenic day hikes to longer, multi-day treks, the Bucegi Mountains have numerous trails to choose from. So whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, you can find a trail to suit your needs and fitness level.

One of the most popular hiking trails in the Bucegi Mountains is the trail to the Urlatoarea Waterfall . This is a very easy adventure to start off with and is perfect for beginner hikers. The trail can be done in about an hour but it’s recommended to take it slow and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.

The waterfall thunders down from a height of 15 meters and can be heard well before it’s seen. You can enjoy this beautiful, scenic hike with your family and spend some time admiring the views in the area.

2. Făgăraș Mountains

The Făgăraș Mountains are the highest peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Moldoveanu Peak is the highest point, at 2544 meters, and is a more challenging climb that experienced hikers would enjoy.

The Făgăraș Mountains are the perfect spot for avid hikers and have multiple, stunning trails to explore. With waterfalls and lakes, there are plenty of beautiful sights to see. You can take on the challenging hikes to the peaks, or wander along the trails.

The weather can be unpredictable on the mountains so be sure to stick to the marked paths and check the weather forecast before you head out.

Bâlea Lake is a must-see landmark in the Făgăraș Mountains and is another very popular spot for tourists. This natural wonder sits at 2034 meters high in the Făgăraș Mountains.

You can enjoy hiking, skiing, sightseeing, cycling or ice climbing around the area. The hiking trail around the lake is a moderate level of difficulty and has several beautiful sights to see, including the lake, the Bâlea Waterfall, Lady’s Lake and Lady’s Valley.

3. Retezat Mountains

Trek through the Retezat Mountains and see the many glacial lakes dotted around the rugged land. This is one of the most scenic places in Romania where you can enjoy hiking along several trails.

The Retezat National Park is also situated here so take some time to explore the area and see some wildlife, including wolves, deer, bears and lynxes. The Retezat Mountains have picturesque trails that are suitable for beginners and perfect for day hikes.

One of the top trails starts from Bucura Lake, which is the largest glacial lake in the country covering about 9 hectares. From this beautiful spot, there’s a trail that takes you past seven more peaceful lakes that make for excellent photographic opportunities.

4. Apuseni Mountains

The Apuseni Mountains is the perfect place to go exploring through caves and seeing some spectacular views. The landscape around the mountains is truly exquisite, with rolling green forests and dramatic peaks.

There are over 400 caves in these mountains, including the Peștera Urșilor, or Bears’ Cave, which was where over 140 cave bear skeletons were found. The skeletons are still on display, which makes this a very unique and interesting place to visit.

Another incredible cave to see is the Scărișoara Cave, which contains a 3500 year old glacier and is considered one of Romania’s natural wonders.

5. Piatra Craiului Mountains

There are multiple hiking trails around the Piatra Craiului Mountains where you can find the most stunning views, charming mountain villages and brilliant sunsets.

Explore the rugged peaks and look out over the spectacular landscape that is lit up by the sun. There are countless incredible photographic opportunities as you look out over the land from the mountain trails.

If you’re up for an adventure, then it’s definitely worth checking out the Zârneștilor Keys, a striking, 2 kilometer long passage through rock. There are also plenty of mountain villages where you can try some of Romania’s traditional food.

Hiking Romania FAQ

1. what is the best hiking trail in romania.

Romania is home to many stunning hiking trails, and the “best” one can vary depending on individual preferences. Some popular hiking trails in Romania include the Transfagarasan Highway, various trails in Retezat Mountains National Park, and trails in the Piatra Craiului National Park.

2. What is the best month to hike in Romania?

The best month to hike in Romania can also depend on personal preferences and the hiking trail you choose. Generally, the best time to hike in Romania is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the trails are accessible. However, it’s important to note that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out and to be prepared for changing conditions.

Other European hikes you might like…

Hikes in Croatia
Rota Vicentina Hikes
Cinque Terre Hikes
Caminito del Rey Hikes

About the author

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices.

Work With Me

Sierra Leone
South Africa
United States
New Zealand
Falkland Islands
Netherlands
Accommodation
Electrical Gear
Essential Gear
Working Abroad
Blogging Resources

Eastern Europe , Europe , ROMANIA

Hiking in romania: the 15 best spots.

If you enjoy wild paths and untamed landscapes, then Romania is the hiking destination you need to put on your list right now!

And there’s no better spot to visit in this country for a good stomp than the Carpathian Mountains.

Actually spread over 7 European countries, Romania is home to over half of this amazing range, which offers hundreds of trails, breathtaking views, mountain lakes, waterfalls and spectacular caves galore.

Low to medium in height compared to the Alps (very few areas here measure over 2000m), this makes the Carpathians not only easy to navigate and hiker-friendly, but also means they contain some amazing wildlife populations too.

In particular, this part of Romania has the largest population of brown bears and wolves in Europe, but don’t worry, you won’t be meeting any of them on your trails, I just wanted to use this as an example to show you just how vast and wild the forests are here!

Another unique feature you can enjoy when hiking in Romania, besides the animal population, is the human population.

Yes, the Carpathians are chock full of quaint villages that appear locked in time.

Far away from the big cities, and in a country that still has a large social imbalance, there are communities in Romania that still live and work the land as they have done for centuries. It’s an incredible window into the past and an experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Europe.

And to guide you through the top options for seeing the best of Romania’s walking trails, its unique cultural offerings and its delightful mountain landscapes, here’s a list I’ve compiled of the 15 best places I recommend when hiking in Romania.

Let’s get stuck in…

20 Best Places to Visit in Romania
Top 15 Things to Do in Bucharest
3 Ideal Eastern Europe Itineraries

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

When to Hike in Romania?

Before we launch into the top 15 spots for hiking in Romania, I thought it might be wise to first address the question of when should you go walking here.

And the answer to this is either the spring months of April and June or the Autumn month of September.

Hiking in Romania in the summer will have you encountering super high temperatures that would make walking any great distance pretty uncomfortable (think over 30 degrees centigrade) and, conversely, the winter months bring significant amounts of snow to the Romanian mountains, so you really do need to pick that sweet spot inbetween!

With global warming messing everything around, it can be increasingly hard to forecast the weather, but in general, by April, much of the snow in the mountains should have melted.

And it’s not likely to return until October or November, which means September is also a safe bet!

How to Get to Romania?

As you’ll see below, I’m going to break the best Romanian hiking spots down into different destinations, but wanted to quickly add some info here about getting to Romania in general.

If you’re arriving into this country from further afield, then it pays to know there are well-serviced international airports in both the capital – Bucharest – and in Sibiu – which is in the Carpathian Mountains directly.

Both of these airports are serviced by budget airlines and, as always, I use Skyscanner to grab the best deals.

If you’re coming from closer by – perhaps Bulgaria , Serbia or Slovakia – then it’s also very easy to get a train or bus to Bucharest in Romania.

Check out Omio , who make it easy to compare journeys across rail and coach, as well as book tickets in English – hoorah!

Finally, you can also drive to Romania. This will give you a great deal of flexibility once you are in the country and the ability to really explore the best hiking areas.

I love Discover Cars, who operate in a huge range of countries. Check out their deals for hire cars in Bucharest here .

And with the basic info now out of the way, it’s time to launch into the 15 best spots for Romanian hiking…

Hiking in Romania from Bucharest

I’m starting this list of the top spots for hiking in Romania with 3 winners that are very near to the country’s capital, Bucharest.

With easy access, these spots are ideal options for those who have a shorter amount of time to travel the country as they won’t involve you straying too far north!

#1 Prahova Valley

If you are looking for an active day in an otherwise city-orientated holiday, then this is the most convenient option from the capital.

Just a 1.5 hour train ride from the city of Bucharest and you’ll find yourself in the beautiful mountain town of Sinaia.

Famed as a winter resort, a summer bike park and a gateway into the lower Bucegi Mountain Range, this place has great infrastructure, with lots of tourist services – hardly surprising given it’s the closest access point to the mountains from the country’s capital.

That said, there’s still many beautiful and quieter trails to discover here that start right in town and exploring them will certainly keep you busy from half a day to days on end!

#2 The Sphinx and the Old Ladies

If you’re getting the train to Prahova Valley, but want to explore somewhere a little deeper into the mountains, then why not stay on the train for an extra stop and alight at the Busteni station instead.

From here, you can use the cable car or the trails to get all the way up to Bucegi Mountain Plateau.

The Old Ladies and the Sphinx are two stone formations here that water and wind erosion have carved into figures resembling their appellations – although you may have to use your imagination to see them!

This place can get crowded during summer, so I recommend taking the mandatory insta snap and then just wandering further along the plateau.

From here there are 360 degree panoramic views that will take your breath away and, if you’re lucky enough to be there in June, the mountain turns pink as the rhododendrons bloom.

Now that’s a Romanian hiking sight you can’t miss!

#3 Măcin Mountains

Ok, so I know I mentioned Romania hiking was really all about the Carpathians, but allow me one exception here!

Because, despite the Macin Mountains not being part of this huge range, they are home to the oldest mountain in Romania and an incredible national park that definitely deserves a mention on this list of the best Romanian hiking spots.

Now one could split hairs here and suggest that, with a highest peak of only 467m, these summits barely qualify as mountains; but really, whose counting when the low altitude here makes it possible for an incredibly diverse amount of fauna and flora to bloom.

Indeed half of Romania’s bird species can be found in the Macin Mountains and during autumn more than a whopping 10,000 birds pass through this area on their way south.

And that’s not to mention the fascinating lizards and slow turtles who also call this place home too.

A veritable wildlife park if you will! You will!

Hiking Romania from Brașov

Next up we come to 5 epic Romanian hiking spots that can be accessed from the town of Brașov.

Surrounded by the Southern Carpathians, this gorgeous mountain town, located in Transylvania, is an awesome Romanian destination to check out for its lovely town centre and great ambience… and the fact it offers some of the county’s best hiking routes only adds to the appeal!

Learn more with my list of the top 17 things to do in Brasov .

#4 Mălăieși Cabin

This is a very popular trail in both summer and winter.

The chalet is nestled in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Bucegi Massif and is pretty accessible, care of a casual 4 hour hike!, from where you’ll drop off your car just outside Râșnov.

After a quick pit stop for tea or a cold beer at the cabin, you then have the whole day to explore the valley.

More often than not, the mountain goats are also keen to explore it with you!

#5 Ciucaș Mountains

Simple to get to from the Bratocea Pass, right on the border of Prahova and Brașov counties, like many of these hikes you will, however, need to have a car to enjoy this one, as there is no public transport in the area.

After parking (you’ll see plenty of cars right on the side of the road, just join them!), there are several options to hike up the mountain, offering a mix of open plateaus, steep rock formations and single-track trails through the woods.

As you get closer to the top ridge you have about 30-45 minutes of walking where the path cuts right through fields of blueberry bushes.

Best to stop for a snack if you can!

#6 Vulture Lake

Legend says this is the place where the high altitude raptor comes in spring to teach its hatchlings how to fly!

But don’t worry, in reality, there’s no swarm of vultures and it’s nothing like the Hitchcock movie!

Instead, what you can expect here is a lovely trail that starts right next to the beautiful Siriu Lake and takes you up to Vulture Lake, situated at 1420m, through shaded woods and open terrain.

Once at the lake, you’ll find a great cabin and, in the summer months, more than a few tents camped around it too.

Honestly, it is worth spending the night here if you can – sunrise over this view is something else!

#7 Lower Bucegi / Bran-Moeciu

While number 1 and 2 on this list of the best spots for hiking in Romania approach the Bucegi Mountains from the south, these trails come in from the north, once you’ve already crossed through the mountains.

While on the south side you have some much more developed mountain infrastructure – think resorts, cable cars and chair lifts – on the north side you have your legs to carry you up and nothing else.

Delightful for those who love getting off the beaten track!

But the real reason I’m mentioning the lower Bucegi twice when it comes to my top Romanian hiking spots is because, while the south side has comfort and accessibility, the north side has Dracula’s Castle and Moeciu Village.

Need I say more!

Obviously, Dracula’s Castle is world renowned so I won’t get into details here (except to say I do think it’s slightly overrated… controversial!), but Moeciu Village is absolutely a must-see on any travel list.

Yes this small village, which can be found as you head further into the mountains past the Castle, is a classic example of those I mentioned at the beginning of this post.

Giving a unique window into times gone by, here you’ll find villagers still using scythes to cut grass on the hills and wooden ploughs to farm the land.

#8 Piatra Craiului National Park

A must-see when it comes to hiking in Romania, to get to Piatra Craiului National Park, you’ll need to take the train or drive your rental car to Zărnești and from there make your way through the spectacular Zărnești Gorge and onto the charming mountain trail that leads all the way to Curmătura Cabin.

The trails is rocky at times, but generally easy to hike even with kids, provided they have proper walking shoes of course!

Once at the cabin, you’ll find an open door and daily home-cooked food which makes use of the garden ingredients.

If they’re not out of food by the time you get here, throw that sandwich away and treat yourself to a proper mountain meal – you won’t regret it!

Coming back down the mountain you then have several options.

I recommend taking the single trail that starts right at the back of the cabin as, halfway down, there is a beautiful meadow where sheep graze freely all summer – makes for a great photo spot!

Hiking Romania from Sibiu

There’s just one hiking spot I recommend around Sibiu – ok, well actually, there’s loads, but I’ve got to keep this list to 15, so what you can do!

But don’t be fooled, I’ve picked a good one here and rest assured this is absolutely one of the most spectacular Romanian hikes there is!

#9 Bâlea Lake/ Transfăgărășan

The boys on Top Gear called the Transfăgărășan the best driving road in the world, so if you’re around Transylvania you cannot pass on the chance to enjoy it too!

Afterwards, you’ll find yourself at Bâlea Lake and in the middle of one of the most spectacular and difficult mountains in Romania – the Făgăraș Massif!

Home to the country’s tallest peak and most dangerous ridges and passes, this Romanian hike is not one for beginners. However experienced hikers will have the most amazing time here.

All trails for the Făgăraș Massif start from Bâlea Lake and you can do anything from 1 to 5 day trips here, all depending on your time and energy.

Hiking Romania from Cluj

Cluj (otherwise known as Cluj-Napoca) is a city in northwestern Romania and is the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region.

A huge student town, this spot is home to universities, an accompanying vibrant nightlife, lots of historic landmarks and some great hiking spots too!

#10 Apuseni National Park

This National Park is known for being Speleology heaven (that’s the study of caves if you’re not in the know!) and boasts over 400 caves to explore.

Peaks here might not be as high as in other areas of the Carpathians, but with the added twist of the cavernous grottos, the amazing rock formations and some seriously lovely waterfalls along the way, this place more than makes up for the lower altitude!

Turzii Gorge, Vârtop Pass and Pietrele Mărunte Peak are my top hiking recommendations here and include easy to moderate trails that are a walking feast from beginning to end!

Like I said, there’s no shortage of caves and underground tunnels and it would seriously take you weeks to see them all.

As I imagine you don’t have weeks, here’s the three not to miss:

Scărișoara Glacier Cave
Vârtop Ice Cave

#11 Tarnița Lake

This top Romanina hiking spot is a great and quick escape from the busy city of Cluj.

The lake itself offers plenty of fun options to pass the time from kayak and SUP-ing to sunbathing, which does make it a hot local favourite.

The hills around the lake however, offer two trails (easy and moderate) that take you up and around the lake shores, though shaded and blooming groves, all the way to the peaks in the backdrop

And the views up there are stunning FYI!

Hiking Romania from Sighișoara

A UNESCO-listed site, this cute town is only home to about 28,000 people and certainly has a village feel to it.

High up in the mountains, it can be a trek to get here by train as I did! (it’s easier to drive here along the road from Brasov/ Cluj), but it’s more than worth it if you really want to enjoy some of Romania’s best hiking.

#12 Saxon Villages

More of a walk than a hike, the Saxon Villages nevertheless get an honorary spot on this list because they are unique to this area and what they lack in elevation, they more than make up for in experience.

The villages of Viscri, Criț, Meșendorf, Cloașterf and Bunești are all connected by walking paths that take you up and down the hills, through ever-changing forest landscapes.

The villages themselves are a weird mix of completely restored houses (that now serve as 4 and 5 star accommodation options) and less fortunate houses that wear their 200-300 year history clearly on their facades.

It’s a disparate combination to see, but hey, this is Romania.

Hiking Romania from Timișoara / Reșița

And finally, we come to the east of Romania.

If you’re heading onto or from Serbia, it’s likely you’ll stop in the lovely city of Timișoara, which was named the European City of Culture in 2022.

And it’s worth spending a couple of days here to explore the trails…

#13 Semenic-Carașului Gorge National Park

You wouldn’t think the Carpathians have a bubble of Mediterranean climate that is home to tens of species of orchids… but they do!

Semenic National Park is a bit out of the way and you won’t find the usual crowds here, which makes it very appealing!

Within it, Carașului Gorge is almost 20km long with about 10km open to the public and goes 200m deep in some points – definitely worth the trip!

In August, the small villages of Gărâna and Brebu Mic here are home to a beautiful open-air jazz festival, so if you are travelling this way in summer, try to time your visit with this.

#14 Nera-Beușnița National Reserve

Further south, close to the Serbian border and just shy of the Danube River, there is another almost Mediterranean-like microclimate with easy trails with lakes, caves and waterfalls at every turn.

Sound like a piece of you?

Yeah me too!

Trails in this national reserve are largely in the shade, keeping the area a cool 3-4 degrees lower than its surroundings, and there is an abundance of flora species here as a result.

Bigăr Waterfall, Nera Gorge and Bey’s Lake are just a few of the stops you can’t miss and all are best accessed from the village of Sasca Montană.

A former mining spot, this village now has a weird and wonderful mix of abandoned buildings and is also worth some exploration time in its own right.

#15 The Iron Gates

As imposing as their name suggests, this is the popular name given to the 134km long stretch of Danube that marks the Romanian-Serbian border and is home to a spectacular gorge.

And the most popular area along the gorge is the Danube Boilers .

This is where the rock formation narrows and the water flow becomes more rapid and tumultuous.

Here there are some easy hiking trails that take you up to Ciucaru Mare and Ciucaru Mic Peaks, so you can properly admire the incredible phenomena from above.

Things to Bear in Mind when Hiking in Romania

How to Get Around Romania

The easiest way to get around Romania is by car or by train.

Use bilete.cfrcalatori.ro to buy your train tickets in advance – you can book up to 6 hours prior to departure.

Train tickets can also be bought at the stations or even on the train with a surcharge.

If you want to rent a car, which is probably the best option for really seeing the best hiking spots in this country, check out Discover Cars for some great deals.

How to Pay in Romania

On hikes or in remote villages always make sure you have Romanian currency cash on hand – payment by card is very rarely available in mountainous or cabin areas here.

As always, the best way to withdraw money from an ATM when abroad is via a Wise Card.

Avoid the high transaction fees and bad exchange rates by getting yours here .

Throughout the rest of Romania (including large and small cities), you will almost certainly be able to pay by card – again use your Wise card!

I never travel without mine!

Packing for Romanian Hiking

Never forget your wind/rain jacket when hiking in this country, no matter the month!

In the Bucegi plateau, for example, you can easily go through sun, rain, hail and sun again in the space of just a couple of hours!

I also recommend a good power pack to ensure your phone stays charged and a decent day pack to carry water, snacks and your camera !

Learn more in my complete packing list for Romania .

Trail Markings

When in doubt about the markings of a trail in Romania, keep the following in mind…

Vertical stripe markings refer to a trail that crosses the mountain or follows the ridge.
Cross markings refer to a trail that intersects with the main vertical stripe trail.
Circle and triangle markings are for trails that come down from ridges into the valleys.
Square markings show you are in a natural reserve.

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my list of the top 15 spots if you want to get hiking in Romania.

Probably one of the best countries in this region for walking, this country is also incredibly cheap, so budget travellers, strap on your hiking boots and get out there!

And tell m, have you hiked in ROmania?

What was your favourite trail or area?

Tell me all in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Romania

Captivating mountain trails, medieval towns, and a culture steeped in folklore are just some of the reasons travellers love to tour Romania. The Carpathian Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains offer a wealth of hiking opportunities, and regions like Transylvania are well worth a visit.

Filters applied

16 hiking & trekking tour packages in romania with 22 reviews.

Hiking & Trekking

Village Life in Transylvanian Carpathians Mountains, an eco-certified program

We have been on dozens of tours all around the world, and this tour in the Carpathian Mountains ranks as one of the best. It was well planned, the overnight places were excellent, the food was remarkable, and the guide was awesome. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a challenge, great sights and a never to be forgotten experience. Michael and Renate

Mountain Hikes

Hiking in South Transylvania

The Carpathian Mountains of Romania are stunning and we enjoyed each day of hiking this beautiful area. Kosten our hiking guide was knowledgeable and adjusted our daily hikes per our requests. His expertise and humour greatly enriched our experience. Accommodations and meals were good and mixing in some cultural sites of the area was a bonus. A great week!

Walking Romania - Transylvanian Alps Trek

Brilliant walk, fantastic views, excellent tour guide. Very enjoyable and stunning scenery.

10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

In-depth Cultural

Carpathian Walking & Bears

Hiking on the Via Transilvanica in TERRA SAXONUM

Experience Ecotourism in Romania - eco-certified private trekking program

Everything was excellent. The hike 10/10 - The effort was consistent, around 11 - 14 km hicked daily. The accomodation 10/10 - was perfect and the food was plenty, with great host. All conditions ensured: clean room, hot showers, towels, shower gel etc. The Guide 11/10 - Great energy and made sure everything was safe and up for our requests. 100% recommend for everyone. We had lots of fun !

$Hiking from the King\'s Castle to the Queen\'s Heart Tour$

Hiking from the King's Castle to the Queen's Heart

Winter Walks

Transylvania Winter Walk & Snowshoe

Real Romania

Self Guided Walking Holidays

Transylvania Castles & Mountains

Wildlife Trekking

Reaching the highest peaks in Romania: Moldoveanu Peak (2544 m) & Negoiu Peak (2535 m)

Walk in the Carpathian Mountains Self Guided

Nice vacation. Very nice hosts. Delicious meals. Great views. Good challenge. Would have been nice to include some suggestions in order to prepare the guests about necessary tourist equipment, clothing and physical condition in the tour descriptions.

$Romania\'s Wild Carpathian Peaks Tour$

Romania's Wild Carpathian Peaks

Rodna Mountains (Romania)

The Villages of Bucovina and Maramures (9 days)

What people love about hiking & trekking tours in romania.

This was a fabulous tour! Interesting itinerary, spectacular countryside, lovely walks, tasty local food and drink, and a great guide in Bogdan.

Carpathian Mountains (14)
Piatra Craiului Mountains (6)

Regions in Romania

Carpathian Mountains (15)
Transylvania (7)

Travel Styles

10 Best Hiking & Trekking Companies
Your Guide to Planning a Private Hike 2024/2025
Best Hiking Tours in The World 2024/2025

Route planner

Hiking in Romania

Walks in Romania enjoy enormous variation thanks to an extraordinary array of landscapes. The Carpathian Mountains flow through the country’s centre in one vast swoop, as though painted in with a single swish of a brush. With stunning, heady peaks and fantastic trails along ridgelines and through traditional mountain villages, once here you may never want to leave.

While hikes in Romania’s impressive mountains are certainly a key draw, this beautiful nation is bursting at the seams with other landscapes. The Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, flows through the country and ends at Romania’s Black Sea coastline in the incredible Danube Delta.

Is it trekking through deep forests that you crave? Romania has a huge wealth of woodlands and forests that are, frankly, downright magical. From ancient beech trees to subtropical mangrove forests, Romania is a leafy paradise. Where will the trails take you?

The best walks and hikes in Romania

Cabana curmatura – prapastiile zarnestilor loop from zărnești, zarnesti schlucht – cabana curmatura loop from măgura.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Viwepoint – tampa mountain peak loop from brașov, la șapte scări dâmbul morii – cabana piatra mare loop from timișu de jos, hängebrücke – cheile turzii loop from petreștii de mijloc, hängebrücke – cheile turzii loop from petreștii de sus, viwepoint – tampa mountain peak loop from şcheii braşovului, aussicht in die karpaten – schönes panorama loop from păltiniș, lacul iezer – ascent to vf. pietrosul 2303m. loop from borșa, tampa mountain peak – altes rathaus loop from şcheii braşovului, more information, capering in the carpathians.

Half of this mammoth mountain range lies within Romania and hiking here is nothing short of astounding. The Carpathians offer some of the best hiking trails in Romania thanks to their towering peaks, breathtaking virgin forests and staggering glacial lakes. That’s only the beginning too. You’ll find alpine meadows, vast caves, crashing waterfalls and sweeping valleys here as well.

Hikes in Romania’s beautiful mountains are always accompanied by signs of birds and animals too. The mountains are home to a world-class array of wildlife, from brown bears, lynx and wolves to golden eagles, red deer and chamois goats.

You can choose multi-day treks, strenuous day hikes and there is an endless amount of gentler trails with fantastic views. There’s something for everyone and it doesn’t take much effort to get outstanding vistas.

Fantastic forests

Romania’s collection of forests is almost unbelievable. Around 30% of the nation is forested and it’s home to Europe’s best and biggest virgin forests. Old-growth trees in ancient woodlands are common and many woodlands are home to exquisite flora such as rare orchids.

So incredible are Romania’s forests that several of them fall within a UNESCO World Heritage List. Walk through these protected ancient beech forests in the Sinca Secular Forest, the Nera Gorge-Beușnița National Park and Slătioara Secular Forest to name a few.

Choosing a time to hike

Romania has four distinct seasons and summer hiking is an absolute joy. Trekking in the mountains from late spring to early autumn brings incredible colours and if it gets too hot, swing by a mountain lake to dip a toe in the chilly waters.

For wildlife walks in Romania, the Danube will be your guide. The huge Danube Delta is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and is particularly outstanding for bird-watching. Spring and summer is best for catching the huge range of birdlife here and it’s also a great time to explore the subtropical Letea Forest too.

March to November is the ideal hiking season across the country, including in the mountains. If you’re planning on trekking above 6,500 feet (2,000 m), the season is usually confined to between late May and early October.

Explore these walks and hikes on the map

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Popular around Romania

Hiking Collection by komoot

Find the perfect Tour

Explore the most popular tours in romania, discover the most popular attractions in romania.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Hikes throughout Romania below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.

Caraș Severin
Bistrița-Năsăud
Carpathian Mountains

Explore more : Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

United Kingdom
Switzerland
Netherlands
Czech Republic
Liechtenstein
Faroe Islands
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vatican City
Isle of Man

Route Finder
Route Planner
Travel Guide
Places to visit
Eat & drink
Accommodation
Ski resorts
Current Conditions
Avalanche Report
Collections
Travel Stories
Publications

Cu rucsacul în spate Photo: Austin Ban, Unsplash

Long distance hiking trails in Romania

Show images Hide images

The most beautiful long-distance hikes in Romania

Discover many more routes in the Route Finder

Try planning your own routes

Everything in Hiking
Hiking route
Long-Distance Hiking
Pilgrim Walk
Nature Trail
City Walking

Forecast for Romania

Find long-distance hikes in neighboring regions, discover other long-distance hikes within romania, similar activities in romania.

Trekking in Romania: Get Ready for a Real Adventure

Home » Visit » Travel Ideas » Trekking in Romania: Get Ready for a Real Adventure

Featured posts
Travel Ideas
authentic experiences
hiking in Romania

Diana Condrea

Are you planning a vacation trekking in Romania? Don’t hesitate. You’re in for a real adventure in one of the most surprising destinations in Europe.

You have plenty of options, whether you’re looking for a wilderness adventure or a more tranquil trek that includes village stays and more cultural discoveries.

We can recommend you five itineraries to help you plan your trekking tour in Romania. With a duration that varies from three days to a couple of weeks, these routes have all you need to

Discover five great itineraries for trekking in Romania.

1. Via Transilvanica: Looking for the Romanian identity

Starts: Putna (Neamt County)

Ends: Drobeta Turnu Severin (Mehedinty County)

Duration: a couple of weeks

Photo source: www.facebook.com/ViaTransilvanica

Via Transilvanica offers you a more cultural alternative to the high-altitude trekking routes. But don’t underestimate the time or effort to cross a part of Romania, from the Danube River in the south up to Putna Monastery from northern Bucovina.

The route, still an ongoing project of the NGO Tasuleasa Social, is the best and slow-paced way to discover Romania.

Via Transilvanica crosses seven regions, each one with a distinctive cultural heritage or a particular identity. Nature makes its mark across the entire itinerary, alongside historical landmarks, small villages, and must-see towns like Alba Iulia , Sighisoara , and Medias.

Explore the entire route on Google Maps .

You can find all the details you need on www.viatransilvanica.com , including guidebooks and maps.

2. From Ohaba Ponor to Paltinis: Four days and two mountains

Starts: Ohaba Ponor (Hunedoara County

Ends: Paltinis (Sibiu County)

Duration: 4 days

Sureanu Mountains

Enjoy four days of Carpathian trekking in Romania. The route starts close to Petrosani, in Ohaba Ponor. Ideally, you will reach Federi village by car to make the first day a bit easier. The highlights of the first day are the unique landscape from Fundatura Ponorului and the scattered huts you will see along the way to Gradistea de Munte.

You can choose from one of the many guest houses in this village, preferably one that can arrange a car transfer to Sarmizegetusa Regia for the following morning. This way you save at least two hours walking on asphalt.

The long trail of the second day starts right from the ancient site and continues to Godeanu Peak and further to the plateau, Patru, and Sureanu Peaks, before descending to Poiana Poarta Raiului.

Oasa Lake, Transalpina

You have again many accommodation options, a rather weird image after a hike in almost complete wilderness. You’ll spend just one night here, and continue in the morning to Oasa Lake, one of the most scenic images of the Transalpina Road.

The last day is just as long and fabulous as the first two. You’ll cross the ridge of the Cindrel Mountains all the way to Paltinis, one of the oldest resorts in Romania.

The closest city is Sibiu . You can reach it in less than an hour by bus.

Don’t forget to buy hiking maps of the Sureanu and Cindrel Mountains .

3. From Balan to the Red Lake: The surprising Eastern Carpathians

Starts: Balan (Harghita County)

Ends: Red Lake (Neamt County)

Duration: 2-3 days

This is the perfect itinerary if you have limited time for trekking in Romania. The route crosses a segment of the Eastern Carpathians, and it can be done even by families with older kids. The only thing to consider is that you’ll need to bring your camping gear and enough food for the three days.

Your departing point is in the small town of Balan and your destination for the day is Piatra Singuratica Hut, only two hours away, set in an almost fairytale location.

The second day is panoramic. In less than two hours you’ll reach Hasmasu Mare Peak (1,782 meters). From here, you’ll start a splendid descent to Poiana Alba, the intermediary point to the Red Lake. You’ll find small refuge there and a camping area where you can spend the night or continue for 3-4 hours to the Red Lake. The route is spectacular until the end.

Be aware of the many sheepfolds. Make enough noise for the shepherd to hear you or avoid close contact with the dogs.

Buy the hiking map Giurgeu-Hasmas to plan your trip.

4. The Fagaras Ridge: Push past your limits trekking in Romania

Starts: Plaiul Foii (Brasov County)

Ends: Turnu Rosu (Sibiu County)

Duration: 7-10 days

View from the ridge

The Fagaras is the tallest, most abrupt, and, for many, the most impressive mountain in the country. Crossing their ridge is a fabulous trekking adventure. You’ll camp on alpine meadows, enjoy superb panoramas but you’ll also make long daily hikes above 2,000 meters.

The numbers paint a better picture. You’ll cross a total length of almost 80 km, hike eight peas above 2,500 meters, with a total elevation gain of 7,449 meters and a loss of 6,959 meters.

This route requires the most detailed planning of all our suggestions. Start with the basics, buy the map from Muntii Nostri and micromanage each day. Where will start and end your hike? Will you camp or stay in one of the few high-altitude huts? Where will you find water? How much food do you need each day?

Adjust the plans to your actual experience and fitness level. Consider how many hours can you hike daily without being too exhausted for the following trail.

5. Retezat Mountains: Four days in the blue eyes land

Starts/Ends: Carnic (Hunedoara County)

Hikers in Retezat Mountains

With its over 80 high-altitude glacial lakes and tarns, Retezat Mountains is one of the most picturesque alpine landscapes in Europe. A four-day trek here will be one of the most memorable in your life.

The best part is you don’t even need to carry your tent if you make your bookings in advance at Pietrele and Buta Huts.

The first day is short, just two hours to Pietrele Hut via Lolaia Waterfall. The second day takes you right to the heart of the national park, Bucura Lake, the largest glacial lake in Romania, and then to Buta Hut after a 9-hour hike.

The following day is even more intense. A 12-hour hike from Buta Hut back to Pietrele will take you across some of the highest peaks in Romania. This is the last major effort before hiking back to Carnic on the fourth day.

You can find the detailed itinerary on Blogul de Calatorii .

Romania is still an exotic trekking destination for most travelers who enjoy this thrilling experience. Don’t wait for it to become mainstream to plan a vacation here. We can guarantee you’ll have a great time.

Visit maramures: 10 things to do in the land of wood, five ideas for amazing winter vacations in romania, five day trips from iasi you should take, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I have read and accepted the Privacy Policy *

No translations available for this page

Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance

Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack

Packing up the Pieces

Bucegi Hiking Trails | 3 Day Adventure Trek

sheep, hiking in Bucegi Natural Park, clouds, sky, grass

Author: Megan Anderson
Created: February 12, 2021 1:00 pm
Updated: June 9, 2023 4:14 pm
Maps and Overviews
Romania Multi-Day Trek

Copy the following HTML iframe code to your website:

Distance Instructions
Travel mode

Distance 27 miles
Time 11 h 3 min
Speed 2 mph
Min altitude 2474 ft
Peak 8166 ft
Climb 5344 ft
Descent 9511 ft

This is a basic overview of a unique multi-day hike for Bucegi National Park , one of the best places to hike in Romania. This 3 day trek follows a wide range of diverse Bucegi hiking trails, all of which are color-coded. The trail starts near the popular village of Sinaia and ends at Romania's most popular tourist attraction, Bran Castle. This trek includes wild camping and staying in mountain huts.

The Bucegi Mountains offer up some of the best multi-day hikes in Romania, so this is simply one route of many. Discover the varied Bucegi hiking trails and discover the incredible Carpathian Mountains of Romania.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here . Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Bucegi Hiking Trail Logistics

Starts from the cable car drop from Sinaia & Finishes in Bran, Romania
Mileage: 27 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Markers: The trails are marked fairly well along the route. Look for white and black sign posts with the trail color marking at the top. The trail marker can be a variety of symbols including lines, triangles, and circles. There are a sign posts with information scattered along the Bucegi hiking trails.
Camping can be a "gray area." Many of the trails have been marked by local hikers on maps.me. I had no problems camping and saw a few along the route. Sadly, some of the campsites are littered with garbage and human waste. Always practice the "leave no trace " philosophy.
Hiking Shoes
Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Liner for Shelters
Tent for those camping (This itinerary includes one night of wild camping)
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Offline Hiking Map, I found all the Bucegi hiking trails marked on maps.me
Romanian Lei (RON) for shelters, cable car, snacks, and bus ticket
Food & Snacks for 2 days, possible to buy food along this route
Optional: Animal Pepper Spray for bears and aggressive shepherd dogs

Schedule | 3 Day Bucegi Mountain Hiking Trails

Day 1 | Sinaia Cable Car to Wild Campsite on Lake Bolboci | 7 miles
Day 2 | Wild Campsite to Omu Chalet | 11 miles
Day 3 | Omu Chalet to Bran | 9 miles

Bucegi National Park Information

Bucegi National Park Fee: 10 lei per person ($2.50 USD) | Ticket good for 3 months

Day 1 | Sinaia to Wild Campsite on Lake Bolboci

This 3 day trek begins in the village of Sinaia. In Sinaia there is a Carefour market next to the roundabout to stock-up on last minute supplies. From the train station, walk or take a taxi to the cable-car station. The cable car station is located here , and takes about 45 minutes to reach from the train station (1.75 miles) .

Take the cable car up to the final stop (2,000) to start this trek. Wind through meadows and forests via an occasional red trail marker. Soon, reach an area with a few different cabanas and vila sleeping options. Continue on the road, past a waterfall dam, and to the artificial Lake Bolboci. There's a great place to wild camp here and avoid the overcrowded and busy shelter village.

If you don't want to camp, or didn't carry gear, there is the popular Cabana Bolboci further down along the lake and just .75 miles off-route next to Bolboci Lake (Lacul Bolboci). In the busy summer month, advanced reservations are required.

Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 4 - 6 hours, dependent on weather, breaks, and fitness level
Train Ticket to Sinaia from Brasov: 13 lei ($ 2.75 USD) | Cable Car Ticket (One-Way): 35 lei ($7.75 USD) | Snacks from Carefour Market & Food along the route

Day 2 | Wild Campsite to Omu Chalet

Leave the wild camp early in the morning and continue towards Mircea peak. Follow along on the yellow trail, until you reach Refugiu Saua Strunga . This is a great place to rest, and then continue on the red trail through one of my favorite Bucegi hiking trails sections through a scenic meadow. There are fantastic views of the Bucegi mountains and the unique rock formations.

Continue through the meadow and climb uphill to the distinct red and white circular shelter of Saua Batrana . Continue on the red trail to Omu Chalet , a popular mountain lodge next to a meteorological station. This is also the highest point of the Bucegi mountains. This last section should take around 3 hours and is clearly marked.

Distance: 11 miles
Duration: 7 - 8 hours
Shelter Cost: 35 Lei ($7.75 USD)

The Omu Chalet is a very rustic mountain shelter located right at the Omu peak, or Varful Omu. It is only open during the peak trip months, and the shared dorm room is very cozy. It's heated by a wood burning stove at night and up to 40 people can sleep in the dorm room. Food is served here, but quite expensive.

Travel Planning | This Bucegi hiking trail does not include some of the most popular points of interest in Bucegi National Park, like the giant peculiar megalithic stone of the Sphinx and the Heroes Cross on Caraiman Peak. Those interested in these Bucegi Mountain points of interest can spend a day exploring the Prahova Valley and continue on this return route the following day, or opt to take the Busteni-Babele Cable car , or simply hike down to Babele.

Day 3 | Omu Shelter to Bran Castle

Leave Omu Chalet early to avoid the crowds and follow the ridge trail behind the shelter. This trail is red, but eventually merges into a yellow triangle trail downhill. This section of the Bucegi hiking trails boasts incredible mountain and valley views as it and climbs down the mountainside. Pass by the Refugui Salvamont Bran shelter and onto a main road. This road eventually leads to Bran and continues past one of the most famous Romania landmarks, the Bran castle. Once in Bran, it's easy to hop on a frequent bus back to Brasov Romania .

Distance: 9 miles
Duration: 5 hours
A great option is to take the bus from Bran to the Transylvania city of Brasov.
Expenses | Basic Bran Castle Ticket (Optional): 45 Lei ($10 USD) | Bus Ticket to Brasov: 8 Lei ($1.75 USD)

Bucegi Hiking Trails | Top Multi-Day Hikes in Romania Mountains

Want all the logistics that accompany this multi-day Bucegi Hiking trails itinerary through the Carpathian Mountains Romania? Get more detailed information on hiking in the Bucegi National Park, detailed information on how to reach this specific trailhead, useful tips and tricks for Bucegi Mountains Romania, and how much this multi-day Bucegi hiking trails adventure costs. Follow along with this complementing blog post:

Discover Unique Bucegi Hiking Trails | 3 Day Diverse Trek Through the Romania Mountains

More Things to Do Near Bucegi National Park

Brasov: What to Do in One Day

The Best Things to Do in Transylvania From Brasov Romania

How to Visit the Fortified Churches near Brasov

1. Telecabina Cota 2000

Cable car drop-off from Sinaia

2. Waterfall Dam

Close to many guesthouses | Popular spot with locals

3. Wild Camp | Night 1

Wild campsite next to artificial lake | fire pit | close to main road

4. Refugiu Saua Strunga

Mountain hut

5. Refugiu Saua Batrana

Circular Mountain hut with nice views

6. Omu Chalet

Awesome mountain hut built into the rocks, next to a Meteorological Station | Cafeteria | Large shared dorm room | Outhouses

7. Refugiu Salvamont

Shelter Hut | Cafeteria

8. Bran Castle

The most popular site in Romania | Bran Castle "Dracula's Castle"

9. Buses for Brasov

Frequent buses depart from the fast food stand with the giant Pepsi sign | Verify bus schedule on wall

This is a basic overview of a unique multi-day hike for Bucegi National Park , one of the best places to hike in Romania. This 3 day trek follows a wide range of diverse Bucegi hiking trails, all of which are color-coded. The trail starts near the popular village of Sinaia and ends at Romania’s most popular tourist attraction, Bran Castle. This trek includes wild camping and staying in mountain huts.

Camping can be a “gray area.” Many of the trails have been marked by local hikers on maps.me. I had no problems camping and saw a few along the route. Sadly, some of the campsites are littered with garbage and human waste. Always practice the “leave no trace ” philosophy.

➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing

Take the cable car up to the final stop (2,000) to start this trek. Wind through meadows and forests via an occasional red trail marker. Soon, reach an area with a few different cabanas and vila sleeping options. Continue on the road, past a waterfall dam, and to the artificial Lake Bolboci. There’s a great place to wild camp here and avoid the overcrowded and busy shelter village.

If you don’t want to camp, or didn’t carry gear, there is the popular Cabana Bolboci further down along the lake and just .75 miles off-route next to Bolboci Lake (Lacul Bolboci). In the busy summer month, advanced reservations are required.

Duration: 4 – 6 hours, dependent on weather, breaks, and fitness level
Duration: 7 – 8 hours

The Omu Chalet is a very rustic mountain shelter located right at the Omu peak, or Varful Omu. It is only open during the peak trip months, and the shared dorm room is very cozy. It’s heated by a wood burning stove at night and up to 40 people can sleep in the dorm room. Food is served here, but quite expensive.

Leave Omu Chalet early to avoid the crowds and follow the ridge trail behind the shelter. This trail is red, but eventually merges into a yellow triangle trail downhill. This section of the Bucegi hiking trails boasts incredible mountain and valley views as it and climbs down the mountainside. Pass by the Refugui Salvamont Bran shelter and onto a main road. This road eventually leads to Bran and continues past one of the most famous Romania landmarks, the Bran castle. Once in Bran, it’s easy to hop on a frequent bus back to Brasov Romania .

Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series , which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here .

Walkopedia Magazine

Subscribe for our Walkopedia online Magazine and enter our £300 draw.

Best walks, hikes and treks in Romania [View list of walks]

About romania.

We plan to write in detail about Romania! In the meantime, we focus on Transylvania and the Carpathians, Romania’s prime walking areas.

Transylvania is a huge area in Romania’s centre-to-north-west. It is a region of gently eroded plateau surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Europe’s longest range, and its offshoots. Romania shares the Carpathians with a several Central and Eastern European countries; they consist of a number of ranges to form a 1,500km-long arc. The Fagaras ridge, an offshoot which forms Transylvania’s southern border, has the highest peaks inside Romania, and in Carpathian terms is only surpassed by the High Tatras in Slovakia.

Romania has things to fascinate everyone, children included. The variety of travel and tours you can make in Romania is pretty wide.

Walking, hiking and trekking in Romania

Romania has some of the world’s best walks, hikes and treks, ranging from famous mountain hiking and trekking trails such as in the Fagaras and Piatra Craiului to deep gorges to historic and cultural areas (Transylvania’s Saxon South ) to the wetlands of the Danube Delta .

So, walking, hiking and trekking tours and holidays in Romania are so varied that everyone’s taste and energy levels can be met. Walking in Romania isn’t just for hard-nuts, although there is plenty to get their juices flowing. The lazy and youngsters alike will be enthralled by what it offers: Romanian walking, trekking and hiking holidays and tours really can be for everyone. And there are a multitude of tour operators offering services ranging from booking lodging to providing guides to transporting your luggage from place to place to fully-supported treks.

Best times for walking are April to October (lower levels) to July-September (high mountains). The weather is generally fine in season, but come prepared for unpredictable mountain weather and cold nights, if walking high.

See below a list (currently incomplete – please give us your recommendations!) list of the best walks, treks and hikes in Romania. Some of these are in our world’s Top 100 list .

Famous walking regions include:

Transylvania , especially its Saxon South .
The Carpathians along Transylvania’s northern and eastern margins.
The Fagaras range on Transylvania’s southern border, particularly Piatra Craiului at its eastern end.
The Bucegi mountains on Transylvania’s southern border.
The limestone Apuseni mountains , to the north-west of Transylvania.
Rarau and Ceahlău

Romania isn't just for hard-nuts, although there is plenty to get their juices flowing. The lazy and youngsters alike will be enthralled by what it offers.

We intend that our walk pages contain detail and photos on walking, hiking or trekking routes, including books, best times and weather, how to get there, possible problems, walking, trekking and hiking firms, organisers and guides in Romania, accommodation in Romania and useful links. But this takes a lot of research, so if they are not "there" yet, please give us any suggestions you may have.

Best walks, hikes and treks in Romania

You can sort the walks by category by clicking on the category titles.

(The rating of walks marked * is currently provisional.)

1401 WALKS ONLINE

Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021

RESEARCH ESSENTIALS Help Walkopedia â use these links

Information and review.

UK Foreign Office
US State Department

Finding flights, organising travel

Rentalcars.com - millions of cars in over 10,000 locations.

Accommodation

Booking.com

Equipment & Clothing

Books and maps.

Maps and guides from Maps Worldwide
Cicerone â explore the worldâs best collection of walking books

Holidays and Activities

Help Walkopedia â use links above

Responsible travel.

Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more

Add your ideas and photos
All Our Walks
Walk of the Month
Random Walk
William's Favourite Walks
Planning & Links
Useful Links
Responsible Travel
History of Walkopedia ®

Romania: 3-day hiking trip in Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains

Since so many people have asked us about hiking recommendations in Romania , especially hiking near Bucharest and Brasov , we created this guide in which we describe in detail our favorite treks in the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains.

If you follow this guide you will hike for 3 days on the most spectacular trails in the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains and reach the best viewpoints.

You will reach the highest peak in Bucegi – Varful Omu , the highest peak in Piatra Craiului – Varful La Om (2238 m), and the breathtaking ridges of Bucsoiu , Tiganesti and Piatra Craiului .

In total, you will hike around 60 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 5000 meters.

Quick navigation

Before you start.

Day 1: Busteni to Omu Peak and Cabana Malaiesti
Day 2: Cabana Malaiesti to Bran and Magura village
Day 3: Piatra Craiului ridge and Cabana Curmatura

Understand the difficulty of the routes

In order to do the full trip as described in this article, you need to be fit and have enough hiking experience.

You will have to walk on rugged , mountainous terrain for 10-12 hours each day with a lot of elevation gain .

Day 1 : 21 km , 2240 m elevation gain, 1430 m elevation loss
Day 2 : 21 km , 1193 m elevation gain, 1868 m elevation loss
Day 3 : 21 km , 1470 m elevation gain, 1610 m elevation loss

The hike in the Bucegi Mountains is of medium difficulty.

The hike on the Piatra Craiului ridge is difficult . You won’t need any special equipment, but if you are afraid of heights, hiking on the Piatra Craiului ridge may not be for you .

For each day we will soon provide some faster and easier alternatives in case of bad weather or if you think the full hike is too hard for you.

Trail markings

The trails are well marked and in good condition.

Seasonality

These hikes should only be attempted in the summer season ( June to October ) and on good weather.

Since the hikes will be strenuous, it’s recommended to start each hike with at least 3 liters of water in your backpack. Except for this, you will need:

good hiking shoes
3 layers of clothing
raincoat, sunscreen
a thin sleeping bag (optional, for sleeping at Cabana Malaiesti).

Accommodation

The plan is to spend the first night at Cabana Malaiesti in the Bucegi Mountains, the second in a guest house in Magura or Pestera villages at the foot of Piatra Craiului Mountains and the third one either at Cabana Curmatura in Piatra Craiului Mountains or at a guest house in the town of Zarnesti .

Transportation

This is not a circuit hike, so it’s better to use public transportation.

Android app: Zenithmaps

iOS app: Muntii Nostri

Paper and desktop: muntii-nostri.ro

Navigation app: maps.me

The weather can change very fast in the mountains. During the months of June and July, there are high chances of thunderstorms forming around noon.

Weather forecast for Omu Peak in the Bucegi Mountains: meteoblue.com

Weather forecast for Varful La Om in Piatra Craiului: meteoblue.com

Day 1 – Bucharest to the Bucegi Mountains

ELEVATION PROFILE – DAY 1

12 hours of walking, 21 km , 2240 m elevation gain, 1430 m elevation loss

Arrive in Busteni , hike to the Bucegi Plateau , visit Babele , The Sphinx , the Heroes Cross on Caraiman , ascend to Omu Peak and spend to the Malaiesti Chalet .

Arrive in Busteni

The hike starts from the town of Busteni .

The fastest way from Bucharest to Busteni is by train. There are hourly trains that depart from the Gara de Nord train station in Bucharest to Busteni.

Make sure you take an IR train (inter-regio) because they are much faster than R (regio) trains. The IR train ride from Bucharest to Busteni takes less than 2 hours and costs around 10 EUR .

You can find the train schedule here . If you are traveling from Bucharest enter “ Bucuresti Nord ” for departure and “ Busteni ” for arrival.

Busteni to Cabana Caraiman via Valea Jepilor – the Jepii Mici trail

Blue Cross Busteni – Cabana Caraiman (2025 m)

~3 hours, 5.5 km, 1281 m D+, 141 m D-

From Busteni, you will hike to the Bucegi plateau through the Valea Jepilor valley. This is a popular trail known as Jepii Mici .

The Jepii Mici Trailhead

The start of the Jepii Mici trail is 2 km away from the train station, at the end of Strada Telecabinei street.

It is marked with blue cross and it takes around 3 hours to complete. It ends at Cabana Caraiman (2025 m).

Cabana Caraiman is not open to the public.

Cabana Caraiman to Cabana Babele

Blue Cross Cabana Caraiman (2025 m) – Cabana Babele (2200 m)

~30 minutes, 1.5 km, 185 m D+, 0 m D-

From Cabana Caraiman continue to follow the blue cross markings for about 30 minute s until you reach Cabana Babele .

Cabana Babele should be open during summer. They serve food and drinks but lately, it seems they do not offer accommodation.

Near the chalet, you will find the famous rock formations – The Sphinx and Babele (The Old Women).

Cabana Babele to Crucea Caraiman

Red CrossCabana Babele (2200 m) – Crucea Caraiman(2291 m)

~1.5 hours, 3 km, 198 m D+, 111 m D-

From Cabana Babele continue on the red cross markings for around 1.5 h until you reach Crucea Eroilor de pe Caraiman (The Heroes’ Cross on the Caraiman Peak).

The monument was erected between 1926 and 1928 to commemorate the Romanian heroes of the First World War.

It was built at the altitude of 2291 m near Caraiman Peak , it has a total height of 36 meters, the cross itself has a height of 28 meters and two arms of 7 meters each.

In 2014, Crucea Caraiman entered the Guinness World Records as the tallest summit cross in the world located at such an altitude .

The views from the Heroes’ Cross over the town of Busteni and the Baiului Mountains are impressive.

Crucea Caraiman to Varful Omu Peak – the summit of Bucegi

Red Cross Crucea Caraiman(2291 m) – Saua Sugarilor saddle (2300 m) Yellow Stripe Saua Sugarilor saddle (2300 m) – Varful Omu Peak (2505 m)

~2.5 hours, 6 km, 413 m D+, 207 m D-

From Crucea Caraiman follow the red cross markings towards Omu Peak until you intersect with the yellow stripe markings which will take you to the summit of Bucegi.

With the height of 2505 meters , Varful Omu is the highest peak in the Bucegi Mountains .

Cabana Omu was built on the summit and raises at 2507 meters .

Cabana Omu is usually open only during weekends and just in the summer season. They serve food and drinks, but if you want to rely on it for refueling, you’d better call first and make sure they are open and have supplies.

Cabana Omu phone number: +40744567290

If you climb on the top of the rock near Cabana Omu you will reach the altitude of 2514 m.

A few meters away from Cabana Omu there is a weather station which is functioning all year round. In case of an emergency, you can ask the personnel for help.

Omu Peak to Bucsoiu Peak

Red Stripe Varful Omu Peak (2505 m) – Varful Bucsoiu Peak (2492 m)

~40 minutes, 1.4 km, 110 m D+, 154 m D-

From Cabana Omu follow the red stripe markings to the Bucsoiu Peak . You will walk mostly on the Bucsoiu ridge which is narrow and spectacular.

Bucsoiu Peak

Bucsoiu Peak is 2492 meters high.

From Bucsoiu Peak you’ll have panoramic views over the towns of Azuga and Busteni at the East, Malaiesti Valley , Tiganesti ridge and Piatra Craiului Mountains at the West, Piatra Mare and Postavaru Mountains at the North.

Bucsoiu Peak to Malaiesti Valley via Brana Caprelor

Red Stripe then Blue Triangle Varful Bucsoiu Peak (2492 m) – Malaiesti Valley (1890 m)

~1.5 hours, 2.6 km, 113 m D+, 659 m D-

From Bucsoiu Peak continue on the red stripe markings until you reach the bifurcation towards Brana Caprelor. From there descend to the Malaiesti Valley by following the blue triangle markings.

Malaiesti Valley to Cabana Malaiesti

Blue Stripe Malaiesti Valley (1890 m) – Cabana Malaiesti (1720 m)

~30 minutes, 1 km, 0 m D+, 209 m D-

Once you reach the signpost in the Malaiesti Valley, descend by following the blue stripe markings until you reach Cabana Malaiesti , where you will spend the night .

Cabana Malaiesti

Cabana Malaiesti is located at 1720 meters altitude in a beautiful location, inaccessible by any modern means of transportation.

They serve food and drinks and the atmosphere at the hut is great during the weekends.

The facilities at Cabana Malaiesti are rudimentary, so make sure you know what to expect : you will be accommodated in a bunk bed with several other people in the room, there is no running water and the latrines are horrible.

Day 2 – Bran Castle and Magura village

ELEVATION PROFILE – DAY 2

10-12 hours of walking, 21 km , 1193 m elevation gain, 1868 m elevation loss

From Cabana Malaiesti descend to Bran , visit the Bran Castle and spend the night at a guest house in Magura or Pestera villages.

Make sure to ask if they serve food at the guest house you are booking otherwise you should get some supplies from Bran because you won’t find any shop in Magura.

Cabana Malaiesti to Tiganesti Ridge

Yellow Stripe then Varful Bucsoiu Peak (2492 m) – Malaiesti Valley (1890 m)

~2 hours, 3 km, 514 m D+, 20 m D-

From Cabana Malaiesti ascent to the Saua Tiganesti saddle by following the yellow stripe markings for about 2 hours until you reach Refugiul Tiganesti .

The path will be very steep at first, but after about 30 minutes the hike will become less strenuous as the trail starts to follow the contour lines up to the Tiganesti refuge .

On your way to the Tiganesti Saddle , where you will find a bivouac refuge, you will pass near the Tiganesti lake .

Tiganesti Refuge to Bran Castle

Blue Triangle then Varful Bucsoiu Peak (2492 m) – Malaiesti Valley (1890 m)

4 hours, 11 km, 20 m D+, 1435 m D-

From the Tiganesti refuge , start to descend on the red stripe markings for 7 km until you reach the cable car station in Bran at Zanoaga .

From there, continue on the asphalt road for 4 km until you reach the Bran Castle .

Visiting the Bran Castle

The last entry to Bran Castle is at 6 pm during the summer season. You can avoid the queues by purchasing tickets online from their website . It seems they ask you to print the tickets , so make sure you do this before getting to Bran.

Bran Castle to Magura Village

Red Stripe Bran to Magura Village

2.5 hours, 7 km, 637 m D+, 396 m D-

From the Bran Castle cross the road and find the small bridge with a signpost near it. Head towards Fantana lui Botorog by following the red stripe markings for about 2.5 hours until you reach the Magura Village .

Since the plan is to spend the night in Magura , depending on where your accommodation is, you may want to leave the marked trail at Varful Magura Mare and descend towards the village on the unmarked, but clear trails. We recommend using the maps. me app for navigation.

This part of the trail is described in more detail here .

Day 3 – Magura village to Piatra Craiului ridge and Zarnesti

Elevation profile – day 3

10-12 hours of walking, 21 km , 1470 m elevation gain, 1610 m elevation loss

On the third day you will hike on the Northern Ridge of Piatra Craiului mountains and descend towards the town of Zarnesti .

Depending on your plans you can spend the night at Cabana Curmatura , at a guest house in the town of Zarnesti or even take the train from Zarnesti to Brasov if you still have time.

You can find the schedule for the trains from Zarnesti to Brasov here .

Important: You will need to carry at least 2 liters of water per person for this hike. We recommend 3 liters . This hike is demanding and there is no water source on the Piatra Craiului ridge .

Magura village to Varful la Om – the summit of Piatra Craiului

View from Varful La Om, Piatra Craiului Ridge

Red Stripe Magura Village (1000 m) – Varful La Om (2238 m)

3 hours, 9 km, 1242 m D+, 61 m D-

From Magura village find the red stripe markings and follow them until you reach Varful La Om at 2238 meters altitude. Varful la Om is the highest peak in the Piatra Craiului mountains .

On your way will get to Saua Joaca saddle, a place called La Table where you should find a water source (but it’s not reliable), and the Grind refuge .

Near Varful La Om , in Saua Grindului saddle, there is another refuge (but you should walk on the ridge in the opposite direction, towards Varful Ascutit ).

Varful La Om to Varful Ascutit – the Northern Ridge of Piatra Craiului

Red Disc Varful La Om (2238 m)- Varful Ascutit (2150 m)

3 hours, 3 km, 223 m D+, 315 m D-

Enjoy the views from Varful La Om and then continue on the Piatra Craiului ridge towards Varful Ascutit by following the red disc markings towards North.

The Piatra Craiului ridge is narrow and rocky and the views are fantastic.

Note: Walking on the ridge involves some scrambling and it’s not recommended for the ones afraid of heights.

We have described this part of the trail in more detail here .

Varful Ascutit to Cabana Curmatura

Blue triangle Varful Ascutit (2150 m) – Cabana Curmatura (1470 m)

2 hours, 2.6 km, 0 m D+, 684 m D-

From Varful Ascutit descent towards Cabana Curmatura via Padinile Frumoase , by following the blue triangle markings for 2.5 hours .

Cabana Curmatura

Cabana Curamtura, Piatra Craiului Mountains, Romania

Cabana Curmatura is a nice chalet located in the mountains, at the altitude of 1470 meters .

At Cabana Curmatura they serve food and drinks and offer accommodation, however, they are always fully booked during the weekends .

Near the chalet there is a spring with drinkable water and a shower cabin with ice-cold water directly from the stream.

The toilets are located outside but are in a better condition than the ones at Cabana Malaiesti.

Cabana Curmatura to Fantana Lui Botorog

Yellow StripeCabana Curmatura (1470 m) – Fantana lui Botorog (850 m)

2 hours, 4.3 km, 37 m D+, 608 m D-

From Cabana Curmatura you can descend to Fantana lui Botorog by following the yellow stripe markings for 2 hours until you reach the spring at Fantana lui Botorog .

FANTANA LUI BOTOROG to Zarnesti train station

1 hour, 4.5 km, 18 m D+, 171 m D-

Fantana lui Botorog is located 2.5 km from the center of Zarnesti and 4.5 km from the train station in Zarnesti .

Zarnesti is 30 km away from the city of Brasov . The train ride from Zarnesti to Brasov takes around 30 minutes.

You might also like...

Bucegi Mountains – the closest mountains to Bucharest

The fastest way to Cabana Malaiesti

Brana Caprelor – spectacular hike to Omu Peak from Cabana Malaiesti

Last Minute
About KE Adventure
KE Office Team
Awards & Accolades
The KE Experience
Grades Explained
Flight Information
Booking with KE
Travel Insurance
Booking Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Book with Confidence
Sustainability
Climate Change
Carbon Absorption
Partnerships and charity
Sustainable Travel
Enquire now
Canary Islands
Czech Republic
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Switzerland
United Kingdom
South Korea
Reunion Island
Sierra Leonne
South Africa
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
El Salvador
French Guiana

The world’s best walking routes from leisurely footpaths to challenging trails.

Road, mountain, adventure and leisure cycling holidays across the globe.

Taking you high into the world's most spectacular mountain ranges.

Active journeys focusing on the cultural highlights of a country.

Wildlife experiences and safaris to see the world's most incredible animals.

Fun-filled adventures to share with all the family, led by specialist leaders.

Discover the unique wilderness landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica.

Thrilling snowy escapes away from the downhill crowds.

Explore the world from a different perspective on one of these adventures.

Unique, expedition-style trips; adventures you never knew existed.

Small group holidays led by fantastic local KE leaders.

Travel at your own pace while we arrange all the logistics.

Experience our guided adventures, exclusively for your friends and family

Join like-minded travellers on our guided group adventures, or travel Self-Guided.

Encapsulating the spirit of KE Adventure from the old to the new

An adventurers playground, from quaint alpine villages to towering peaks

See Africa's mightiest beasts in their natural environment

Once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the frozen Oceans

Conquer the highest mountains of countries around the World

Trekking The Transylvanian Alps

8 days from

A superb mountain journey through Romania's Transylvanian Alps to Moldoveanu (2544m) the highest peak and enjoy the medieval gem of Brasov.

Holiday Grades

Our holiday grades explained.

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

Trek through jaw dropping mountain scenery to the highest peak in Romania
Look over the Heroes Cross before staying on the shoulders of Mount Omu
A relaxing two night stay in beautiful Brasov and explore pretty Sinaia on foot
Visit Bran Castle and discover the atmospheric Monastery of Brancoveanu
Easy to extend your holiday and explore the Romanian capital of Bucharest

At a Glance

Group Size 5 to 14
6 days trekking. Max altitude - 2545 metres.
Join In Bucharest

Accommodation & Meals

7 Breakfasts
3 nights Mountain Hut / Refuge
3 nights Hotel
1 nights Guesthouse

Home to the incredible Transylvanian Alps, charming towns, fascinating history and wonderful folklore, Romania is a magical country waiting to be explored on foot. Here breath-taking mountain ranges surround dramatic castles, whilst medieval towns offer pockets of Romania’s proud history and fascinating culture. As the perfect destination for a trekking holiday, here you’ll experience some of Europe's wildest scenery where brown bears, chamois, marmots and soaring raptors still thrive. The adventure starts in Sinaia where colourful wooden houses are surrounded by a panorama of fir trees. After Sinaia we trek for two days in the Bucegi Mountains where we’ll look over the Heroes Cross and head up Mount Omu for a night in Romania’s highest mountain hut. After the Bucegi Plateau we visit Vlad the Impaler’s Castle in Bran before our next adventure – a jaw dropping journey through the heart of the Transylvanian Alps. For the next three days we’re off the beaten track as we follow mountain trails which lead to the summit of Romania’s highest mountain – Moldoveanu (2544m). During this holiday we stay in stunningly located mountain refuges to ensure a true mountain journey. We finish this superb holiday in the medieval gem of Brasov. Brimming with pretty architecture, Bohemian cafes and gothic spires, Brasov is the perfect place to toast a fantastic holiday to Romania.

This is a real off the beaten track adventure through dramatic scenery in the heart of the mountains. One of the holiday highlights of this Transylvanian Alps holiday is the hut to hut element which guarantees you get deep into the mountains. Due to their incredible locations, each hut is inaccessible by road which is a major part of the experience. You’ll have access to your main luggage on days 1, 3, 6 and 7, but on a couple of days the group will carry what they need for the overnights in refuges. However there is no need for heavy backpacking as blankets are provided. All you need to carry is a sheet sleeping liner, your lunches and your personal items for a few days. With careful packing you should be able to get your rucksack weight to around 8 - 10kgs. Trekking trails are good and as you would expect with any alpine adventure, includes rocky footpaths, some scrambling (which is fully cabled for protection) and exposure on ridges and summits. Some of the days are long, especially for the ascent of Moldoveanu but these are balanced out with shorter days at the start and finish. This excellent holiday is suitable for active walkers with a good level of fitness who are looking for a unique week of mountain walking in a remote part of Europe

With KE you'll stay two nights in the magical town of Brasov at the end of your holiday. With its charming cobbled streets, stunning medieval architecture plus traditional cafes and restaurants, we know it’s the most perfect spot in Romania to raise a celebratory glass of local wine. We also feel Bran Castle is a must see so it's included in the holiday too.

The group will meet at Bucharest Otopeni Airport in the afternoon. Bucharest is a fascinating city and if you would like to extend your time pre or post-holiday, please contact the KE office and we can help organise a hotel. From the airport we transfer (1.5hrs) to Sinaia fondly known as the Pearl of the Carpathians. Sitting beneath the Bucegi Mountains in the beautiful Prahova Valley, Sinaia has a rich variety of colourful houses built in traditional style. On arriving in the town you immediately feel as if you're right in the very heart of Transylvania as the air becomes fresher and the scenery has an alpine feel. Once home to Romania's first king, Sinaia is the perfect place to start our Romanian adventure and after checking-in there will be time to stretch your legs with a stroll around the town. In the evening we'll all meet up and head out to dinner in a local restaurant. We'll also have a briefing about the first part of our trekking adventure (what to pack etc). *Food for thought - Romanian sarmale is more of a national institution than just a dish. Here cabbage rolls are filled with either pork, beef, mutton, poultry and even fish mixed with rice and ingredients. In some regions sarmale is served with corn meal and sour cream. This dish is also called sarmale in Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Greece and Moldova! Mici are juicy skinless sausages mixed with garlic, black pepper, thyme, coriander and sometimes a touch of paprika. Cighiri are large meatballs and extremely popular with locals. The tasty dish of Salata de vinete is a wonderful aubergine dish mixed with chopped onions or mayonnaise and garlic. It is often topped with tomatoes and feta cheese.

Accommodation

This morning we start with a walking tour though Sinaia which includes views of Peles Castle. Built by Carol the first king of Romania, this ornately beautiful building is a turreted masterpiece that wouldn't be out of place in a fairy-tale. Sinaia itself is home to a wonderful collection of colourful wooden houses which we'll stroll through. After paying a visit to Sinaia's richly decorated monastery, we'll prepare our lunches and snacks that we carry with us on the next two days of trekking. After a short transfer of 20mins we arrive in the small town of Busteni nestled in the Prahova Valley. From here we take a spectacular cable car ride high up onto the Bucegi Plateau. This is a lovely afternoon of walking and the views are breath-taking. As we hike across plateaus, we pass incredible rock formations and look down on the Heroes Cross. The cross, which is illuminated at night, was built between 1926 and 1928 and sits at 2291m. A towering 36m high, the monument was built in memory of railway heroes who lost their lives during World War I. Building it was a mammoth task as materials were transported by train to Busteni railway station before oxen transported larger beams up the mountain. Finally horses and donkeys transported everything to the summit. Tonight we stay at the Cabana Omul mountain refuge, which is the highest in the country. The refuge is extremely simple but very welcoming plus soft drinks plus local beer can be purchased. The bonus of staying here is we are far away from civilisation and can really appreciate being in the heart of the mountains. On a clear morning the views extend to the Fagaras Mountains and over lush valleys below.

This morning we leave the refuge and start our descent from the mountains to the valley. The majority of today is downhill and as the day is longer than yesterday, it's a great way of preparing us for the three day trekking journey when we head to the summit of Moldoveanu. Initially we trek along high trails and get to enjoy our first spot of scrambling. On these via ferrata sections we'll have the use of fixed ropes and the leader will offer guidance to anyone who is a first timer. As we may our way into lush Transylvanian forest the scenery changes from dramatic mountains to rich meadows and forest trails. These trials take us all the way to the small town of Bran and its magical castle, the legendary home of Count Dracula. With its spectacular cliff-top location, meandering river, wonderful turrets and fascinating history, this amazing castle looms over Bran and is a sightseeing highlight of Romania. Dating back to 1382, this was the home of the blood thirsty count Vlad the Impaler which Bram Stoker brought to life as Count Dracula. Although Bram Stoker never visited Romania, the stories and beliefs in the existence of night-time spirits is very much alive in Romania. After a visit to the castle it's easy to start believing in vampire legends! Tonight we stay around the area of Bran and during the evening we'll prepare for our next trekking journey into the heart of the mountains.

After breakfast, there will be time to prepare our trekking lunches before we leave the accommodation and transfer (approx 2.5hrs) along one of the world's most famous roads - the jaw dropping Transfagarasan Highway. This 140km patch of tarmac spaghetti heaven was awarded Top Gear's Best Driving Road in the World. Constructed between 1970 and 1974, the road was built during the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu and runs through the heart of the most dramatic mountains in Romania's Carpathians, the Fagaras Mountains. We start our adventure at the top of the pass on a trail which takes us towards Balea Lake. A beautiful glacier lake which sits just above 2000m, this location is magical with incredible mirror-like reflections and wild scenery. Next we follow a fantastic ridge which brings us the peaks of Varful Mircii (2467m) and Arpasul Mare (2468m). This afternoon we'll come across more short scrambling sections before joining a zig zag trail which takes us to the fantastically located Podragu Mountain Hut (2136m). Here we spend the night in a simple mountain chalet which is truly off the beaten track. Nestled in a mountain basin, it was here in 1885 that the Transylvanian Carpathian Society built their first basic stone shelter. The present refuge was constructed from 1948-1949 by the National Bank of Romania for its employees. The chalet is simple, but the location is dramatically wild and totally off the digital grid. Tonight's surrounding scenery is beautiful and it is not unusual to see mountain chamois grazing close by.

Today calls for an early start as we leave the refuge. Initially we make our way out of the mountain basin on trials which are surrounded by wild and magnificent scenery. After the first saddle of Saua Podraglui (2307m) we continue towards Varful Tarata where we are rewarded with extensive views of the incredible Tarata Range. However the highlight of today is the ascent of Moldoveanu, which at 2544m is Romania's highest peak. The final ridge walk from the peak of Vistea Mare (2527m) to the main summit is superb and the minute you step on the highest point in the country you'll feel like you're on top of the world! The complete journey to Moldoveanu is without doubt one of the most beautiful routes in Europe, but the panorama from the summit is absolutely breath-taking. Despite the mountains of Transylvania conjuring up images of dark peaks and swirling mists, here you'll see towering green slopes and deep valleys and together Moldoveanu and Vistea Mare form the highest ridge in the country. After the all-important summit photos we start our trekking journey down into the Sambata Valley. As we get closer to tonight's accommodation we may hear and see the comical whistling marmots which live in this dramatic landscape. Tonight we sleep in the Sambata mountain refuge which also enjoys a superb location. The refuge has a little shop selling soft drinks, beers and the local distilled spirit of Palinka - perfect for celebrating.

A slightly later start today after yesterday's long day, as we leave the Sambata mountain refuge and make our way out of the mountains. Our easy walking route of 2 hours takes us through woods and along the river to the stunning Brancoveanu Monastery. Wondrously decorated with carved columns, frescoes and immaculate gardens, Brancoveanu Monastery is as pristine as its mountain backdrop. Named after its original founder, Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, a few dozen monks still live here, spending their time meditating and producing the glass icons for which Sambata is famous. Dating back to 1696, the monastery is a wonderful place and we'll take some time exploring the grounds. From Brancoveanu we transfer to the medieval gem of Brasov where we stay for the next two nights. Brasov is absolutely beautiful as it sits fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains. Bursting with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, the town has a wonderful main square, old town walls and a stunning Gothic cathedral. Brasov has written links to the Pied Piper of Hamlin and it's easy to imagine him piping his way through the charming back streets. Here you'll find an abundance of wonderful street cafes and bars for enjoying a pre or post dinner drink. As we make our way to dinner tonight in a local restaurant we'll wander through the town which looks charming at night when illuminated. *Food for thought - Papanasi is a delicious dessert made from sweet soft cheese that is rolled into donut like shapes, filled with sweet cream and topped with jam, usually berries or cherries. Each bite of papanasi will melt in your mouth. Placinta cu branza dulce si stafide is rich fried dough traditionally filled with soft cheese and raisins then sprinkled with sugar before being served hot or cold - simply delicious. Whilst plccinta cu mere is a mouth-watering sweet apple pie and delicious mix of apple, sugar, and cinnamon between several layers of sweet dough flavoured with vanilla sugar. Between two layers, a layer of grated apple is added before it is baked in the oven. The result is a soft, absolutely delicious cake.

Today is an easy day of walking in a pocket of rural Romania to round off the holiday. However if you prefer, you can relax in Brasov and enjoy some free time. The town has some wonderful mediaeval architecture, a labyrinth of colourful streets and is known for Vlad the Impaler's romantic interludes. The main Council Square, built by the Saxons has sections of stone walls, bastions, ornate churches and is said to be the spot from where the legendary Pied Piper led the children of Hamlin. The Old Town Hall built in the 13th century served as meeting place for the town councillors, known as centurions, whilst Trumpeter's Tower was used during the Middle Ages as a watchtower. Today, the old city hall houses the Brasov History Museum. However the town's most famous landmark and Romania's leading gothic church, is the Black Church which towers over the Council Square and town. Built between 1385 and 1477 it was given its name in 1689 when a great fire blackened the walls of the church. The Black Church is the largest gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. For anyone who wishes to walk, the leader will chose an easy walk in a surrounding rural area which showcases local life. This is a lovely way to see meadows and wild flowers which are a total contrast to the dramatic mountains you trekked through. The walk will arrive back in Brasov in the afternoon with enough time to wander through the town before meeting up for dinner. *Food for thought - Baked potatoes or Cartofi copti are also known as country style or peasant potatoes and are a popular side dish. Recipes vary from region to region, but the potatoes should be a little crispy on the outside and very soft inside. Onions are added and occasionally ham and garlic - the result is filling and delicious. Zacusca de vinete is a rich paste which is delicious when spread on fresh bread and traditionally made from freshly baked or roasted vegetables. The main ingredients are eggplants, red peppers and onions. Clatitele cu gem are wonderful crepes and filled with marmalade, jam, chocolate or a special Ricotta-type cheese.

Early morning we transfer to Bucharest Airport. If you are looking to extend your holiday after the trek, please contact the KE office and we can help organise a hotel in the capital. As the bustling capital of Romania, Bucharest has a number of highlights, but the number one must see is the mind-blowing Palace of the Parliament. Home to the former dictator of Nicolae Ceauescu, this mind blowing creation is the 2nd largest administration building in the world and without a doubt is an incredible piece of architecture which is beyond words. Official guided tours of the palace last just over an hour and need to be booked in advance (your hotel can easily do this). Don't forget your passport or palace security won't let you join the tour. For approximately 10 euro you get an incredible insight into the heaviest building in the world as you stroll along long marble corridors which showcase gigantic chandeliers. Although you'll only visit a handful of its 1000 rooms, it's absolutely fascinating and a Bucharest highlight. The Bucharest Sightseeing Bus offers the standard open-top hop on and hop off sightseeing tours which are a great way to get orientated or see the city if limited on time. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and there are 14 stops along the route. Strada Selari close to the Orthodox Church in the old town is a bustling pedestrian area and one of the oldest streets in the city. Once home to the city's saddlers, today you'll find a labyrinth of streets and alleys with bars, restaurants and cafes catering for all budgets and tastes.

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

A professional and qualified guide
Single timed airport transfers on arrival & departure
Accommodation as described
Meals as per the meal plan
All land transport required by the itinerary
All activities/excursions/entrance fees mentioned except where specified as ‘optional’
Travel insurance
Some meals are per the meal plan
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

A single transfer from Bucharest Otopeni (Henri Coanda) Airport to the group hotel in Sinaia, is provided in the afternoon of Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary. On the last day of the Land Only itinerary, there will be a single transfer (2.5 to 3 hours) back to Bucharest Otopeni (Henri Coanda) timed to arrive at approximately midday. If your flight schedules do not fit with these single timed airport transfers we can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation. Baneasa Airport arrivals and departures Please note that the majority of scheduled International flights arrive/depart Bucharest Otopeni (Henri Coanda) Airport, however some flights still arrive/depart from Bucharest Baneasa Airport. If your flight arrives at Bucharest Baneasa Airport you will need to take a taxi to Bucharest Otopeni (Henri Coanda) Airport if you are intending to take advantage of the single timed group airport transfers. A taxi from Baneasa to Otopeni usually takes around 20 minutes. Joining in Sinaia If you are unable to take advantage of the single timed group transfer on arrival, it is straightforward to reach the group hotel in Sinaia by train from Bucharest Gara de Nord Railway station. You should allow at least 45 minutes to reach Gara de Nord by taxi from Otopeni or Baneasa Airports. A taxi should cost around £20 for this journey. There is a regular (almost hourly) train service from Bucharest Gara de Nord to Sinaia, that takes around 90 minutes. The cost is approximately £10 - 15. You can check train times on the Romanian State Railway at www.cfr.ro.

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners are included.

Many places on this holiday have drinkable water from the tap to fill your personal water bottles. Please check with the leader at the various locations. Please take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle ) for days when drinking water out of the tap is not available. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Romanian food is excellent with a variety of influences from the Balkans. Local specialities are smoked bacon and sausages, stuffed cabbage rolls, cornmeal (similar to polenta) and served alongside fresh sour cream. You’ll find bean soups, baked pumpkin, roasted corn on the cob and oven baked potatoes, which are wonderful with their crispy skins. Romanians love soups and stews, stuffed vegetables and mouth-watering tasty pies made with spinach or mushrooms and soft cheese. You’ll come across colourful salads and wide range of soft or hard cheeses. Desserts are something of a speciality and range from dough filled with sweet cheese to mouth-watering papanash (little doughnuts served with sweet cheese and blueberries) plus crepes served with either jam, marmalade, chocolate or a ricotta-style of cheese.

Breakfasts are simple and usually consist of bread, butter, jam or honey, sometimes tomatoes, eggs or cheese plus tea or coffee. Lunches are picnic-style (sandwiches) and made up before the two trekking elements to be carried with you in your rucksack. Chocolate and cereal bars plus fruit is also available for you to take along.

Even in the huts you’ll find soft drinks and local beers to buy for a reasonable price - perfect after a day in the mountains. Most beer is European-style such as Silva, Ciucas (from Brasov), Ciuc, Timişoreana and Ursus. Romania has brown ale called bere neagra or bruna. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and the sixth biggest in Europe. Romania’s main grape varieties are the white Feteasca and the red Feteasca Regala. Aligote and Merlot are other important varieties, alongside Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rkatsiteli, Muscat Ottonel and Traminer. The national drink is a powerful brandy distilled from fruit and drank neat – don’t leave Romania without trying it!

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets. Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

During this holiday the group will spend 4 nights in comfortable local hotels and pensions in Sinaia, Bran and Brasov, where the rooms are on a twin sharing en-suite basis. The group has 3 nights in mountain huts/refuges. Accommodation in the mountain huts is dormitory style and the huts are simple with basic bathroom facilities, however, the most important aspect is their location. Each refuge has a simple kiosk where soft drinks and local beer can be purchased. The Cabana Omul is without running water and toilet facilities are extremely rustic. It's good to remember that mountain infrastructure in Romania is very simple, and accommodation options are located far apart. A real highlight though is their welcome and it's a great way to meet other trekkers. Staying in these mountain refuges also means the group can stay high in the mountains and genuinely get off the beaten track. Each hut provides a blanket so you only need to carry a sheet or thermal sleeping bag liner with you. However if you are someone who feels the cold, you may want to carry a lightweight sleeping bag. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex for the nights in the hotels and pensions (4nights). Single rooms are available for a supplementary cost for these 4 nights. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

The group will be led by a professionally qualified Mountain Guide. A second guide will accompany groups of 10 or more clients for the 3 days in the Fagaras Mountains only. There will also be a support vehicle and driver for vehicle transfers and transporting our main baggage to our hotels.

The national currency of Romania is the Romanian leu. We estimate that £120 should be sufficient to cover your extra expenditure including non-included meals, tips for local staff, drinks and souvenirs. If you expect to buy considerable quantities of soft drinks, wine or beer, or if you intend to buy expensive souvenirs, you may need more. Credit cards can be used in restaurants and you will find ATM machines at Bucharest Airport (arrivals hall) and in Sinaia and Brasov. Please note the mountains huts only take payment in local currency cash.

Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you to the leader and local team. Tipping is entirely voluntary and should be dependent on good service. We advise you to tip as a group and budget approximately £25 to £35.

During this trip your main bag will remain with the support vehicle and you will have access to this at the overnight accommodation on days 1, 3, 6 and 7. During the days of trekking from hut to hut, you’ll only need to carry minimal overnight items in a daypack. With careful packing you should not need to carry more than about 8kgs. There is no baggage limit other than that imposed by your international carrier but we do ask you to restrict your baggage to one main bag and one daypack.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis and recommend that you book your flights to Bucharest Otopeni Airport. Please refer to the 'Joining arrangements and transfers' section of the trip dossier for further details. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the trip is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'. If flying from the UK, Ryanair, EasyJet, Blue Air & Wizzair offer direct flights to Bucharest from London airports. Blue Air also operates a service from Liverpool & Wizzair offer a flight from Glasgow. Other airports & carriers may be available. Click on the 'Flight information' link below for further information on booking low cost airlines. Alternatively if you would prefer to book a 'flight inclusive package' using scheduled airlines from the UK please contact our flights department for a quote. Whilst flight prices are likely to be more expensive you will benefit from full financial protection.

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required , and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website .

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The unit of currency in Romania is the Romanian New Leu.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking holiday getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. We would suggest that you adopt a regular exercise routine leading up to your trip. Running, cycling and swimming are good for developing better stamina. Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in the boots you intend to trek in.

The main season for trekking in Romania is from July to September and the weather is generally good. We can expect daytime, valley temperatures of between 20ºC and 25ºC, dropping to 12ºC at night, sometimes less dependent on the altitude. As with any mountain area, there is always the risk of mixed weather including rain, wind and the occasional storm.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware ’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

The Rough Guide to Romania

Never Mind the Balkans, Here's Romania - Mike Ormsby

Lonely Planet Romania and Moldova

The Mountains of Romania Cicerone Guide - James Roberts

Dracula - Bram Stoker

Transylvania and Beyond - Dervla Murphy

Romania - Bucharest and Beyond

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You should bring the following items:

Hiking boots

Trainers / approach shoes

Trekking /walking trousers

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof overtrousers

Thermal leggings

Thermal baselayer shirts (2 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)

T-shirts and/or casual shirts

Fleece jacket or warm jumper

Warm gloves

Earplugs (for the mountain huts)

Daypack 40 litres

Headtorch and spare batteries

Sun protection (including for lips)

Water bottles 1L x2 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

Sleeping bag liner (for the huts)*

Washbag, toiletries and wetwipes

Small Towel

Antibacterial hand wash

Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium) painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.

* Those who feel the cold may consider taking a lightweight sleeping bag for the September departure. Please note that blankets are provided in the huts, however a sheet sleeping liner is needed as sheets are not provided.)

The following items are optional:

Trekking poles (highly reccommended)

Insect repellant

Pen-knife (remember to put all sharp objects in hold baggage)

Travel clothes

Small padlock

Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Great experience ★★★★★

Excellent trip overall, Leader Gabriel was full of information and always made use feel completely safe. Accomadation was excellent, hotels and the mountain huts. The mountains and routes exceeded all expectations. The Romanians were very friendly hosts. Would recommend the trip very highly. Hints:- The photos on the wed page don't do the area justice! Joining location at airport could be added to trip notes.

Not a vampire in sight! ★★★★★

Exactly what I hoped ★★★★★

This trip delivered every thing I wanted...culture, amazing experiences, tough challenges and more! The guides were excellent and I can not fault this trip.

Amazing tour! ★★★★★

Our tour was fantastic. Even though it rained and was super foggy, our trip was fantastic. This is a true “7” rating, and not for a beginner. The accommodations are as described, and the towns where the hotels are located are very cute. Our guide was fantastic, the people on the tour interesting and fun to be with, and the hikes each day outstanding. Romania is a great place to visit. I highly recommend KE for this trip.

Demanding trek with outstanding group ★★★★

Traveller Reviews

Great experience, not a vampire in sight, exactly what i hoped, amazing tour, demanding trek with outstanding group, magic in the mist, other trips you might like.

High Tatras Trekking - The Carpathian Mountains

Poland , Tatras

Summit Rysy on this spectacular hut to hut trekking holiday through the High Tatras Mountains in Poland and Slovakia, plus explore Krakow.

US$1,505 without flights

Trekking the Ridges & Summits of Bulgaria

Bulgaria , Rila Mountains

Trekking holiday in the Rila and Pirin mountains of Bulgaria with time to explore Sofia and Rila Monastery

US$1,100 without flights

Across the Julian Alps to Triglav

Slovenia , Lake Bled

Superb European hut-to-hut trekking holiday in the Julian Alps of Slovenia including Mount Triglav and stay in Lake Bled.

US$1,775 without flights

Across the Julian Alps to Triglav - Private Mathieson

Dates & prices.

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

Adults from

More Information

Trekking The Transylvanian Alps With Flights Without Flights
Departure Reference: ROM /01/24/
This trip departs the UK on Sun 30 Jun returning to the UK on Sun 7 Jul This trip begins on Sun 30 Jun and ends on Sun 7 Jul
This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
Single Supplement Price: US$220 - 4 nights when in hotels and pensions

Download Trip Notes

Departure Reference: ROM /02/24/
This trip departs the UK on Sun 28 Jul returning to the UK on Sun 4 Aug This trip begins on Sun 28 Jul and ends on Sun 4 Aug
Departure Reference: ROM /03/24/
This trip departs the UK on Sun 8 Sep returning to the UK on Sun 15 Sep This trip begins on Sun 8 Sep and ends on Sun 15 Sep
This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
Departure Reference: ROM /01/25/
This trip departs the UK on Sun 29 Jun returning to the UK on Sun 6 Jul This trip begins on Sun 29 Jun and ends on Sun 6 Jul
Departure Reference: ROM /02/25/
This trip departs the UK on Sun 27 Jul returning to the UK on Sun 3 Aug This trip begins on Sun 27 Jul and ends on Sun 3 Aug
Departure Reference: ROM /03/25/
This trip departs the UK on Sun 7 Sep returning to the UK on Sun 14 Sep This trip begins on Sun 7 Sep and ends on Sun 14 Sep

Land Only Information

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay , whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

Contact Hours

Your wishlist.

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.

{{ result.locations['country'] }} , {{ result.locations['region'] }}

{{ result.duration }} days from

{{ result.fromPriceWithoutFlights }} without flights

{{ result.fromPriceWithFlights }} with flights

Holiday Search

7-Day Peaks of Romania [Shared Group Trip]

A 7-day shared, small group hiking trip starting on 29 Jun, 20 Jul, 24 Aug and 7 Sept 2024. Tour runs ONLY IF min. 4 people are registered.
Mountain cabins have very limited places during peak season. You must register at least 30 days in advance to secure your spot.
INCLUDED: licensed mountain guide with 10+ years of experience, all transfers, 7 nights of accommodation with breakfast, 7 dinners, 6 lunch packs for the hiking days, entrance fees to national parks and Bran Castle
NOT included: drinks, personal expenses, travel insurance, tips
We'll hike in 3 of the most beautiful and challenging mountains: Bucegi, Piatra Craiului and Fagaras.
We 'ride' the ridge of Piatra Craiului to summit La Om peak (2,238m). We cross the mighty Fagaras to summit Moldoveanu (2,544m), the highest in Romania
Very good hiking experience + physical condition + hiking gear required. Hikes will be medium-to-hard difficulty. No special equipment needed
Visit of Brasov and Bran Castle included. Optional on day 4: bear watching program.

Additional information

Registration closes 30 days before departure. Tour will run ONLY if a minimum of 4 people are registered. If only 2 people are registered cost will be recalculated with an option for cancelation and full refund. Equipment required: min 20L backpack, hiking boots, wind + water proof jacket. Hiking sticks can be rented (30 Euro / person for the entire trip) 50% deposit payment required when booking. Fully refundable if you cancel 30 days before the tour starts or if tour is NOT confirmed. Balance must be paid 30 days before departure. Not refundable after that. IMPORTANT - if our guide considers your physical condition, experience or equipment is not adequate or can endanger the group's safe journey (especially for Fagaras Mts) he reserves the right to refuse to take you on the trail. Safety is our #1 priority.

Moments to expect in the peaks of Romania tour:

[day 1] fly into romania & meet in brasov.

If you fly into Bucharest Otopeni Airport or Sibiu Airport, we will transfer you to Brasov (included in the price). You can also fly into Brasov in which case dinner is on us! The group will meet at 18:00 for a debrief and short guided tour of Brasov Old Town. Overnight at a centrally located guesthouse in Brasov.

[Day 2] Enter Piatra Craiului National Park

After breakfast we drive to Piatra Craiului Mts and settle into our family-owned, authentic mountain guesthouse in the picturesque, high-altitude mountain village of Magura. We do a full-day medium-difficulty warm-up hike to get familiar with the area and why this National Park is considered the most beautiful in the country. [6h hike - 14-20 km - 600m uphill / downhill]

[Day 3] 'Ride' the crest of Piatra Craiului & summit

Today we have a mighty goal: to cross the impressive limestone ridge of Piatra Craiului Mts. and summit La Om Peak (2,238m), the highest here. This will be a difficult hike with technical sections. But the reward up in the sky will be worth it! [8h hike - 16 km - 1,200m uphill + downhill]

[Day 4] Bran Castle, Bucegi Mts and... bears?

After breakfast we leave for a quick visit of Bran (Dracula) Castle, since now you've seen it from La Om. After that we pick up the trail and go up into Bucegi Mts, known for their deep valleys and steep cliffs. Or, alternatively, you can choose to do a wild bear watching program in the afternoon [extra 120 Euro/person depending on group size].

[Day 6] Enter the mighty Fagaras Mts

Today we meet the most challenging, highest and wildest mountains in Romania. We go on a ride on the famous Transfagarasan Road and from Balea Lake we hike on the ridges of Fagaras Mts to Podragu Cabin (shared dormitory) where we set up base. CAUTION: Fagaras Mts are the most difficult and dangerous, with narrow rocky trails going on cliffs and some sections with cables - 6h hike - 7 km - 800m downhill + uphill

[Day 7] Summit Moldoveanu Peak

Today we conquer Romania's highest peak at 2,544m. An ambitious objective comes with its challenges: though a short distance, the wind is strong, the air is cool, the weather unpredictable and the terrain sloppy and dangerous. But the reward is worth it so let's hope for good weather! Return to Podragu Cabin. - 7h hike - 12 km - 700m downhill + uphill

[Day 7] Descend & return to Brasov

From the heights of Fagaras Mts (2,200m) we descend to the plains of Transylvania into the small city of Victoria at 700m altitude! Going downhill is easier but not less challenging! From Victoria we drive back to Brasov and arrive in the evening (18:00) at our centrally located guesthouse. Free time for rest, dinner and Brasov. [6h hike - 17 km - 1,500 downhill]

[Day 8] Tour ends and transfer to airport

The next day we say goodbye and you'll be transferred to Otopeni, Sibiu or Brasov airport with some amazing memories!

Cancelation & refund policy

This tour has a special cancelation policy set by our guide. For more information please check page 2 from the What you need to know section on the previous page.

Location details

Starting point: Brasov
Nearest airport: Bucharest Otopeni, Brasov or Sibiu
Nearest train station: Brasov
Landscape: Mountains, rocky

Other tours nearby

customisable

Transfagarasan Road & Hiking Day Trip in Fagaras Mts

Start from: Brasov

small group
fixed dates

7-Day Carpathian Splitboard and Ski Tour: The Freeride Adventure

Start from: Brașov

1, 2 or 3 Day Hiking Trip in Fagaras Mts: Summit 4 Peaks in One Day!

Start from: Sibiu

4 times a year we prepare a newsletter with local stories, places and our special insights about Romanian culture and local life that will inspire you to visit our country and have an authentic local experience. Would you like to get it?

Hiking the Transylvanian Alps

Hut to Hut on Romania’s Făgăraș Traverse

Transylvanian Alps Slide Show

A challenging and memorable “hut to hut” adventure in the high Carpathians of central Romania also known as the Transylvanian Alps. Complete an exciting multi-day traverse along the main ridge of the Făgăraş Mountains–one of the longest continuous high mountain traverses in Europe. The traverse will take you over Romania’s three highest peaks (Moldoveanu, 8,350 feet; Negoiu, 8,317 feet; and Viştea Mare, 8,291 feet). Round out your Romania adventure with visits to the splendid medieval town of Sighisoara (a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site), and a sampling of Transylvania’s treasury of castles, monasteries, and fortified Saxon churches.

Note that this is a very challenging itinerary intended for experienced mountain hikers only. Daily elevation gains can exceed 5,000 feet. Lodging is in very basic mountain refuges.

Day 1 Overnight in Sinaia This morning, depart Bucharest to travel to the mountain town of Sinaia, the “Pearl of the Carpathians,” nestled in the Prahova Valley with the Bucegi Mountains rising abruptly to the west. A short walk along shady forest paths brings you to the Sinaia Monastery and its 17th century church whose interior walls are covered by frescoes. After lunch, visit the opulent, neo-Renaissance Peles Castle commissioned by Romania’s King Carol I in 1873 as well as the more intimate Pelisor Castle built by Carol for his eventual successor Ferdinand and his wife Marie. Enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional foods this evening.

Day 2 Overnight in Moieciu de Sus Ascend into the Bucegi Mountains by cable car. From the Babele Chalet strike out on a “warm up” hike across the expansive high plateau that forms the central portion of the range. A trail will lead you to the summit of Omu Peak. Depending on weather and other conditions, there is the possibility of completing a traverse of the Bucegi Mountains via the Drum Granicerilor (“Guard’s Road”) all the way to the village of Moeciu de Sus in the northwestern foothills of the mountains. Overnight at a small hotel in Moieciu de Sus.

Day 3 Overnight at Cabana Negoiu After breakfast, travel by vehicle to the western end of the Fagaras Mountains. We’ll ascend to the Negiou mountain hut from the Poiana Neamtului passing by the Barcaciu mountain refuge along the way. This is a lovely hike, partially in the forest and partially above timberline offering good views toward the peak of Negoiu, Romania’s second tallest mountain.

Day 4 Overnight at Cabana Lac Balea This will be a long day on the trail, but the reward will be some of the most scenic high-country landscapes in Romania (and all of Europe for that matter)! The route will take you directly over the summit of Negoiu peak, past the lovely alpine tarn known as Lac Caltun and over the peak of Varful Laitel (one of the best vantage points in the Fagaras Mountains). Pass through the inviting grassy meadows below the distinctive tower-like peak of Varful Paltinului before descending to the very comfortable Cabana Lac Balea built on the shores of an alpine lake just off the Trans-Fagarasan Highway.

Day 5 Overnight at Cabana Podragu Depart Lac Bâlea on foot bound for the Podragu Chalet. From Lac Bâlea the trail ascends quickly to reach the Şaua Caprei and the calm waters of Lac Capra just on the other side. The trail proceeds along the main ridge of the Făgăraş descending into cirques, crossing ridges, and traversing narrow mountain passes. After about six hours on the trail you’ll reach the Şaua Podragului, the mountain pass that provides access into the Podragu Lake basin. Descend into the basin and arrive at the Podragu Chalet perched above its namesake lake, the deepest in the Făgăraş.

Day 6 Overnight at Cabana Valea Sâmbătei This will be another long, but supremely scenic day on the trail. After breakfast, hike out of the Podragu basin to regain the Făgăraş main ridge. Head east along the undulating ridge crest toward the peak of Viştea Mare. The ascent steepens to bring you to the summit of the peak. From the summit of Viştea Mare, you can walk to the summit of Moldoveanu (Romania’s highest at 8,350 feet), only a few minutes away along a ridge-top trail. Continue eastward from Moldoveanu along the rugged main ridge to the Fereastra Mică a Sâmbătei, a mountain pass above the Sâmbăta Valley. From here, leave the Fagaras main ridge and descend into the Sâmbăta Valley where you’ll overnight in a mountain refuge at an elevation of 4,600 feet above sea level.

Day 7 Overnight in Sighisoara A three hour hike from the Valea Sâmbetei refuge will bring you to trail’s end near the Brancoveanu Monastery. Spend some time visiting the monastery; don’t miss the beautiful painted chapel on the second floor! After the visit to the monastery you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch in Ucea village on the north slope of the Fagaras Mountains. After lunch travel by vehicle to Sighisoara, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Spend the evening at a comfortable hotel within the walls of the old citadel.

Day 8 Overnight in Bucharest Travel by vehicle from Sighisoara toward the town of Brasov to visit the Bran Castle perched on a rocky promontory. The castle was originally built in the 14th century as part of Brasov’s city defenses. This castle has become associated with the Dracula story even though the Wallachian prince Vlad Tepeş (often recognized as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s character) may have had only a fleeting association with the castle. Following lunch, continue by vehicle to Bucharest. Celebrate the conclusion of your adventure at a dinner featuring Romanian foods and music.

Special Notes Please note that the hikes on this “hut-to-hut” itinerary are graded as “moderate” to “very strenuous.” You should be comfortable hiking over rocky, mountain trails and be capable of daily elevation gains of as much as 5,000 feet. Four consecutive nights are spent in mountain refuges, three of which are very basic. Showers are available on two of those four nights (at Negoiu and Lac Balea). You should be prepared for “dormitory-style” sleeping accommodations (in rooms of 3-14 bunks per room) at the Negoiu, Podragu and Sambata refuges. Private double rooms may be available at Cabana Lac Balea where the standard of accommodation is quite comfortable. Blankets, sheets, and pillows are provided by the refuges, but you may wish to bring your own sleeping sack/liner. Toilet facilities at Negoiu, Podragu and Sambata refuges are very basic and shared and some are in separate out-buildings. The Cabana Lac Bâlea features modern western-style bathrooms with sink, shower, and toilet.

THIS TRIP IS NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED. Over the years, Mountain Hiking Holidays has developed and operated trips to a variety of destinations including this one, but not all trips are offered every year. If you are interested in joining a scheduled departure of this trip in the future, please send us an email and let us know. Click to send us an email.

Meeting point is in Bucharest, Romania. Five nights of accommodation in basic mountain refuges; three nights in hotels. Mid-summer is our favorite season for this trip.

Mountain Hiking Holidays

Trips for the adventurous hiker since 1996

PO Box 86250, Portland, OR 97286-0250, USA

[email protected]

Quick Links

Trip Reservations

Our Hiking Style

Passport Information

Trip Evaluation

Client Log-in

Adventure Transylvania

Immersive Romania tours

Romania hiking tour

Transportation Private minibus
Accomodation 3 Stars Hotels
Departure from Bucharest
Best season June - October
Tour type Hiking
Meals All meals
Language English
Fitness level Moderate to hard
Group Size 2-6

Join us on a Romania hiking tour across the stunning scenery of the Carpathian Mountains. We will lead you along less-known trails known only to locals, revealing Romania’s hidden marvels.

This is a celebration of the great outdoors, not a competition. We will stay at a beautiful lodge on the outskirts of Bucegi National Park, from which we will begin our daily walks with ease and comfort.

We’ll return to the lodge each evening, with light packs and unhurried mornings, to enjoy the warmth of a hot shower and the comfort of a nice bed. But make no mistake: this is not a walk in the park. The hikes are challenging, yet don’t require any specialized skills. Rest assured that there will be no ropes involved in our journey. Join us for an unforgettable experience.

Bucegi National Park
Piatra Craiului National Park
Bran Castle
Ialomitza Cave
Zarnesti Cayon

Let's start the adventure as we pick you up from Bucharest, the airport, or the hotel, and set off on a 3 hours drive across the Carpathian Mountains to Transylvania!

We'll kickstart your Romania hiking tour with a short but picturesque hike to the "Transylvania Amphitheater" (a panoramic viewpoint) where you can witness stunning views of the majestic mountains we'll conquer in the next few days.

Then, it's off to our cozy lodge in Bran, a charming town at the edge of Bucegi National Park, where we'll spend 5 nights without worrying about packing and unpacking every day. Let's make this trip unforgettable!"

Let's hit the road to the trailhead at Zarnesti Gorges! Our journey begins with a gentle hike through a narrow limestone canyon, a former cave whose ceiling collapsed millions of years ago, creating the breathtaking Zarnesti Gorges.

After about 3 hours of hiking, we'll arrive at Curmatura chalet where we'll indulge in a hearty lunch on the terrace surrounded by stunning jagged peaks and fairy-tale meadows. On our way down we'll follow a different route facing the dramatic western ridge of Bucegi National Park

Head back to our cozy lodge in Bran for a well-deserved overnight stay

Distance 13 km, ascent 600 Meters, descent 600 meters – Duration about 5 hours

We drive just 10 minutes to the head of the trail, where our gentle ascent begins alongside charming households filled with grazing sheep, chickens, and cows. After only 45 minutes, we'll arrive at the tiniest and most remote village, Maguricea. Here, houses sit atop the mountains without roads, and some even without electricity, yet people have lived there for centuries.

Two more hours later, we'll reach today's highest point where we will enjoy our picnic lunch surrounded by fabulous views

As we make our way down, we'll explore the scenic Magura Village and later visit Bran Castle in the afternoon. This medieval masterpiece was built in the 14th century and witnessed countless battles during its 600-year existence. You'll also learn how Bram Stocker chose this castle to be the home of the terrifying Count Dracula! What an adventure! Finally, we'll transfer back to our cozy lodge in Bran to rest and recount the day's events

Distance 10 km, ascent 300 Meters, descent 300 meters – Duration about 5 hours

Today we'll take it a bit easier We will explore the medieval city of Brasov. As a young fugitive prince, Dracula spent several years in Brasov, an important community whose support was crucial to his return to the throne of the neighboring country, Wallachia (at that time Wallachia and Transylvania were separate countries) Enjoy a guided walk through this 13th century Saxon city. The main highlight is the Council Square, the Gothic Black Church – blackened by a fire more than 300 years ago – and the “Rope Street” – one of the narrowest streets in Europe. Outside of the city walls, we get to the Black Tower for an amazing panorama over the old Brasov.

Hike to the top of Mount Tampa – a 2.5 hours trail starting from the historic center of Brasov. At the top, you will get an amazing view over the medieval town 200 meters below your feet.

Explore the 13th-century, mountaintop fortress at Rasnov Fortress. One of the most spectacular strongholds of Transylvania, built in the 13 Th century by the Teutonic Knights, Rasnov Fortress is one of the top 10 snow castles in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler

The fortress was enlarged by the villagers of Rasnov and it became a small walled city protecting the villagers from the invaders. The villagers had to build an impressive 480 feet deep well, to get the vital water needed during prolonged sieges, weeks or months long. The construction took 17 years of hard labor, under precarious conditions.

Return for the night at Bran

The trail starts at 1100 meters altitude up to the scenic Strunga saddle at 1900 meters altitude. At this point, we cross the former border between Transylvania and Wallachia. World War 1 trenches are still visible here as this spot was heavily disputed by the Romanian and German armies This is a good spot to take out our lunch box and enjoy the scenery. We continue around the back of a jagged ridge then start our descend through a small smoothed opening in the ridge. The descent gets steeper as we approach the bottom of the valley but nothing dangerous.

Return to the lodge for the night Distance 18 Km Ascent 850 Meters Descent 850 Meters Duration 6.5 Hours

If your return flight is in the afternoon, we can pack another short hike in the morning to the scenic village of Fundata, for a last epic view of the Carpathian mountains

Transfer back to Bucharest Airport or a hotel in Bucharest.

Please allow a 3-hour drive from Bran to Bucharest airport if you plan to fly out the same day

The Cost Includes

Accommodation - in hotels (3*** and 4 ****)
Meals - All Breakfasts | All Lunches | All Dinners
Entrance fees - All entrance fees to all the castles and
museums from the itinerary
Transport - All transportation with private air-conditioned minibus
English Guidance - English-speaking guide will assist you
throughout the entire tour

Not included

Alcoholic drinks

The tour involves walking for about 10.000 steps a day. Old historical buildings like castles have lots of stairs and no elevators. You must be able to stay active at least 5 hours a day

All hotel rooms have ensuite bathrooms with showers or bathtubs You will be able to charge your batteries in the hotel rooms every night and in the minibus during the day

Yes. There are ATMs pretty much everywhere along the way

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. The internet in Romania is typically fast and reliable

Important items you should have – comfortable walking shoes – light rain jacket or umbrella – in the summer – sunscreen – in the cold season a set of warmer clothes

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Best Price Guaranteed
No Booking Fees
Professional Local Guide

Featured Trips

Complete Tour of Romania

Transylvania castles tour

Related trips.

Romania walking tour

Switzerland
New Zealand
United Kingdom
United States

Tours to Romania

Romania is home to the Transylvanian Alps, gothic architecture and of course Dracula. A group tour here is like stepping back in time - the locals get around in horse and carts alongside everyone else whizzing around in their Dacias! Take a trip with Explore to discover the highlights of this intriguing country.

Ways to explore Romania

Walking and trekking, boat journeys, short breaks, discover our romania tours.

Enter a land of ancient customs and myths of vampires on our Romania tours. Follow your expert local tour leader to discover medieval towns and painted monasteries and cruise along the pristine waters of the Danube Delta. For the active among you, take a look at our cycling vacation in Romania ; pedal along quiet country roads and explore Gothic castles before uncovering diverse wildlife in the Piatra Craiului National Park or explore on foot with our Romania walking vacation through the imposing Carpathian Mountains. Considering a trip to Romania but new to small group travel? We've answered some of your most-asked questions .

Our most popular Romania tours

Grand tour of romania, serbia and bulgaria.

Walking Romania - Transylvanian Alps Trek

Best of Romania and the Danube Delta

Cycle Romania

Winter Adventure in Romania

Transylvanian Long Weekend

Romania tour highlights

Uncover the myths of Dracula in Transylvania, stay in an ice hotel in the mountains, go in search of diverse birdlife on the Danube Delta, and hike along the verdant footpaths of the Carpathian ranges on our tours to Romania. Here are a few of our Romania tour highlights:

Transylvania

Winter wonderland adventure

Brace yourself for a chilly yet magical tour on our Romania Winter Adventure to view all of Romania’s must-see sights draped in a blanket of white snow. A popular highlight of this trip is an overnight stay in an ice hotel. Sleep on frozen beds and head to the ice bar for a warming brew of hot wine punch. To get the blood pumping, don some snowshoes for a walk in the enchanting winter wonderland and go in search of stalactites and stalagmites in the tunnels of the Transfagarasan Highway.

Wildlife trips

Romania’s Carpathian Mountains accommodate over 6,000 brown bears, one of only a few healthy populations in Europe, and their conservation is of great international importance. For a chance to see these bears in their natural habitat, join our five-day Romania Short Break Tour . As dusk falls, hunker down in a hide at a dedicated observatory and keep a lookout for bears foraging for food in the forest. Alternatively, embark on our Romania and Danube Delta Tour to cruise the myriad of channels of the Danube Delta. The second-largest river delta in Europe, this region is a haven for an abundance of bird species. Go in search of white pelican, pygmy cormorant, heron, egret and whitetail eagle, and relax on the sundeck as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the thriving marshlands.

Carpathian Mountains

Explore Romania’s magnificent Carpathian Mountains on foot on our Romania Walking Vacation . Trek through the unspoiled verdant countryside with lush pine forests and colorful meadows, and feel drawn to the gleaming white limestone ridge of the Piatra Craiului (The Royal Rock). As you ascend, keep a look out for brown bear, wild boar and even lynx, and discover far-reaching panoramic views of the southern Carpathian Mountains at the summit.

Solo vacations in Romania

If you are planning to travel alone to Romania, our small group tours are perfect for solo vacations . Join like-minded adventurers and make new friendships as your local tour leader shows you all of the must-see sights as well as some of the roads less traveled.

Best time to go to Romania

Romania has a continental climate with warm, pleasant summers and very cold, snowy winters. Temperatures tend to be cooler in the mountains than in the cities all year round.

Brace yourself for a chilly yet magical tour of Romania from January through to March. Many of Romania’s must-see sights will be draped in a blanket of white snow, and there are a variety of snowsport activities on offer.

Uncover blankets of purple crocuses veiling the hillsides of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains in Spring. Or visit during the Autumn months to see a spectacular sea of burnt orange and crimson red leaves flowing through the valleys, and to join in with the country’s Harvest festivities.

An adventure travel company you can trust

Unforgettable experiences.

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small groups

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Romania tour reviews

Average customer rating:

Independent service rating based on

Need some inspiration for your Romania tour?

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure tour

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

7 questions answered about your first walking trip

More to Explore
Series & Movies

Published Apr 9, 2024

From Ensign to Commander Ro: The Essential Ro Laren Watch List

How Ro Laren saved Starfleet by breaking the rules.

Graphic illustration of the Bajoran Ro Laren

StarTrek.com

The Bajoran Ro Laren earned the admiration of Star Trek: The Next Generation viewers by speaking candidly. Without asking for permission.

Born in the year 2340 on Cardassian-occupied Bajor, Ro Laren's earliest memories are of personal and cultural loss. At seven years old, she was forced to watch her father die by interrogation. She spent almost 10 years in and out of refugee camps. Ashamed by what she perceived as Bajoran weakness, Ro Laren grew desperate. Anything was better than watching her people suffer. So, she joined Starfleet.

Ro Laren beams aboard the Enterprise-D via transporters in 'Ensign Ro'

Ro Laren beams aboard the Enterprise-D, "Ensign Ro"

Ro rose in rank from Ensign to Commander with well-documented authority issues that include a body count and a court martial record. People lived, and died, by her decisions. But despite an open contempt for rank, and her one-time defection to the Maquis, Starfleet command was her natural path. Transformation is one of Ro's attributes.

In honor of the serially disobedient ensign, here are some of Ro Laren’s defining moments on her climb towards Commander.

" Ensign Ro ," Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 5, Episode 3)

In Picard's Ready Room, Ro Laren displays her typical demeanor - surly, arms crossed - in 'Ensign Ro'

Classic Ro Laren vibes, "Ensign Ro"

You know you’re a Star Trek legend when your debut episode is your name.

Ensign Ro reported for duty on the U.S.S. Enterprise -D under orders from a shifty Admiral Kennelly. Kennelly needed Captain Jean-Luc Picard's help with a revolutionary Bajoran named Orta who was causing trouble for the Cardassians, and now Starfleet, following a recent attack on Federation colony Solarion IV. A diplomatic approach to engage Bajor was suggested, and Kennelly had just the Bajoran for the job.

Enter disgraced ensign Ro Laren whose name instantly draws anger from Picard. In infamous Starfleet history, Ro's disastrous away mission on Garon II is the stuff of nightmares. According to Starfleet records, eight crew members of the U.S.S. Wellington died because she failed to follow orders. Still, Kennelly insists on Ro's appointment aboard the Enterprise . Guess she’s seriously reformed....

Jean-Luc Picard and Ro Laren approach Keeve on the surface of Valo II in 'Ensign Ro'

Jean-Luc Picard and Ro Laren at a refugee camp on Valo II, "Ensign Ro"

"Ensign Ro" demonstrates Ro Laren’s greatest asset. Her complete disdain for Starfleet formality means that she has no qualms telling Picard the true score of the Cardassian Occupation. She suggests, forcefully, that Starfleet's "diplomatic" efforts would be better spent in the camps on Valo II. And by episode's end, Ro's authenticity rises to the surface. She is compassionate to Bajor. And she tells the truth, even when it is against protocol or dangerous to do so.

After Kennelly's underhanded deal with Cardassia is exposed, Ensign Ro tells Picard that she’ll, actually, maybe, stick around. But only if she is allowed to break uniform code by wearing a Bajoran earring .

" Disaster ," Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 5, Episode 5)

Close-up of Ro Laren as the bridge of the Enterprise loses power in 'Disaster'

Ro Laren reacts to scenario on the disabled bridge, "Disaster"

Wherein everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. When a catastrophic phenomenon leads to a hull breach and a rapidly deteriorating containment field, only three Enterprise -D crew members are on or near the bridge — highest-ranking officer Counselor Troi, Chief Miles O'Brien, and Ensign Ro.

Cut and dry Ro recommends a full separation from the Enterprise 's saucer section. Brutal, but hear her out; since no life signs or survivors were detected in the breached area of the ship, a separation maneuver would ensure that the rest of the vessel doesn't imminently combust. Ro Laren — strategist for a disaster.

" The Next Phase ," Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 5, Episode 24)

Ensign Ro Laren and Geordi La Forge stand directly in front of each other with their hands lifted and palms touching in 'The Next Phase'

Ro Laren and Geordi La Forge touch hands, "The Next Phase"

Ro Laren inhabits the spirit of teamwork in this version of a ghost story.

After being beamed away during an explosion aboard a Romulan ship, Ensign Ro and Geordi La Forge discover that they are no longer "with the living." Instead, they’re out-of-phase transporter ghosts whose patterns are no longer detectable to the Enterprise crew. While stuck in dematerialized limbo, Ro introduces the idea of them being Borhya , the Bajoran concept for a "spirit." When La Forge offers a scientific solution for their non-state, Ro is quick to problem solve, carrying out an investigation alongside Geordi and Data on the "other side."

By episode end, a corporeally-realized Ro admits that she's been pushed into another way of thinking about life after death. Or, life after traumatic transporter accident.

" Rascals ," Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 6, Episode 7)

Guinan and Ensign Ro (both in their kid bodies) peek past a doorway in 'Rascals'

Guinan and Ensign Ro, in their kid form, peek around the corner, "Rascals"

Who knew the Ro Laren watch list includes two transporter accidents?

When Captain Picard, Ro, Guinan, and Keiko O'Brien are regressed to the adolescent ages of 10-12, the scenario is inconvenient. Or… a therapeutic exercise? With a little nudge from Guinan, Ro is able to reclaim the part of her past she described as "long" and "depressing." She even draws a portrait of her mother in crayon.

" Preemptive Strike ," Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 7, Episode 24)

With tears in her eyes, Ro Laren in Maquis attire grieves the death of Macias in 'Preemptive Strike'

Ro Laren cries over Macias' death, "Preemptive Strike"

Ro Laren, the traitor?

Ro's sympathies to the Maquis, a resistance group opposed to the Occupation, led to her defection from Starfleet in this monumental episode.

Ro's redemptive path under Starfleet had been fought and hard won, and a single, undercover mission alongside a Maquis leader named Macias led to a crisis of faith. While Picard couldn’t recognize her motivations, we understood why Ro defected. She had met a parental figure in Macias, a proud Bajoran who loved spicy hasperat like her dad and had the same appreciation for playing Klavion . Inspired by this leader, Ro reclaimed an identity worth fighting for, like her father once fought for. So, she left for that same cause.

Her only regret, Riker conveyed, was that she had let her captain down.

" Imposters ," Star Trek: Picard (Season 3, Episode 5)

In the 10 Forward holoprogram, Ro Laren and Picard are across each other at the bar in 'Imposters'

Ro Laren and Jean-Luc Picard have a frank discussion, "Imposters"

AKA, "How the hell is Ro Laren back in Starfleet?!"

Always capable of a comeback, Ro Laren wore the pips again, this time as a commander in Starfleet Intelligence.

Commander Ro's sacrifice in Star Trek: Picard "Imposters" is a full restoration of her heroic status. True to her nature, she acts boldly and with conviction, engendering trust through uncomplicated honesty. When Ro confides to Admiral Picard that a Changeling infiltration has permeated Starfleet's highest level, he has no choice but to believe her.

There is still a depth of feeling in their relationship, after all — Picard's disappointment over Ro's betrayal, Ro's anger at Picard's righteousness. It's a stalemate of spurned hope, but the important fact remains; Commander Ro’s intelligence, hidden on her signature Bajoran earring , saves Starfleet from what’s to come.

Close-up of Ro Laren on the Titan-A's viewscreen moments before the Changeling bomb is detonated in 'Imposters'

Ro moments before the Changeling bomb is detonated, "Imposters"

"Imposters" is a fittingly complicated end to the life of Ro Laren. To some, she is Starfleet's persona non grata, a habitual rule-breaker whose brashness had led to casualties. To others, her ability to stand and die for a fighting chance, either with Starfleet or the Maquis, makes her a strong contender for best in command.

And her final act is a trademark. After discovering that a Changeling bomb was planted on her shuttle, Admiral Picard orders Ro to turn her vessel around so that she can be beamed to safety.

Commander Ro refuses.

Get Updates By Email

Robyn Belt is a writer, editor, and journalist (Startrek.com, Marvel.com) who loves thinking about the real and speculative science of Star Trek. DS9, TNG, SNW super-fan. Find her on Twitter @robyn_belt or Threads @robynbelt_.

In addition to streaming on Paramount+ , Star Trek: Picard also streams on Prime Video outside of the U.S. and Canada, and in Canada can be seen on Bell Media's CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave. Star Trek: Picard is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Filtered and stylized of a Progenitor from 'The Chase'

Watch CBS News

Sonequa Martin-Green bids farewell to historic role on "Star Trek: Discovery"

By Analisa Novak

April 4, 2024 / 12:07 PM EDT / CBS News

As "Star Trek: Discovery " ventures into its fifth and final season, Sonequa Martin-Green is preparing to say goodbye to her groundbreaking role as Captain Michael Burnham, the first Black female captain in the franchise's storied history.

Martin-Green recalls the weight of realizing she was making television history.

"It was overwhelming at the time. And I it was heavy, but God really blessed me with it, and I learned so much from it. I learned so much about who I am as a Black woman. And I learned that I don't have to fight for my value or my worth, because I definitely felt that way," she said.

When she first started in the role in 2017, Martin-Green said she still had a lot of internalized racism she had to navigate. But just like the show, Martin-Green said she has always been about pushing forward with hope.

"At the time, I thought, 'This is all about hope.' Hope is at the center of this franchise. It's our responsibility to keep that moving forward. People can think what they want to think but they need a chance to grow," she said.

In addition to her on-screen achievements, Martin-Green has also made significant strides behind the camera, ascending from lead actor to executive producer. Her dual role has allowed her to shape the series' direction.

Martin-Green said that the final season of "Star Trek: Discovery" will go "bigger than we had ever done before." Despite not knowing it would be their last season, the team, led by showrunners Michelle Paradise and Alex Kurtzman, fought for and received the opportunity reshoot the series' finale.

As "Discovery" comes to a close, Martin-Green hints at the possibility of continuing the story through a feature film.

"We love these characters. We love the people. We love the story," she said.

Analisa Novak is a content producer for CBS News and the Emmy-award-winning "CBS Mornings." Based in Chicago, she specializes in covering live events and exclusive interviews for the show. Beyond her media work, Analisa is a United States Army veteran and holds a master's degree in strategic communication from Quinnipiac University.

More from CBS News

Wilmer Valderrama celebrates 1,000th "NCIS" episode

ERNEST on new album and overcoming a heart attack at 19

John Legend, Rae Wynn-Grant discuss new memoir published by Legend's imprint

Threat made to murder victim was a joke, says suspect

IMAGES

Walking Romania
Trek Transylvania: Trek challenge to Romania
Trek Transylvania: Trek challenge to Romania
Trek Transylvania: Trek challenge to Romania
Trek Transylvania: Trek challenge to Romania
Trek Transylvania: Trek challenge to Romania

COMMENTS

The Beginner's Guide to Hiking in Romania
Everything you need to know about hiking in Romania.. The majority of travelers who visit my home country seldom choose Romania for its mountains. They usually come for Dracula, medieval towns like Sighișoara and the capital city of Bucharest, overlooking the country's most impressive attraction of all, the majestic Carpathians.. I am here to ask you to look beyond the usual tourist ...
MTB Trek Romania
Fondata in 1976, Trek este una dintre cele mai mari si mai importante companii din industria bicicletelor din lume, cunoscuta pentru inovatia si calitatea produselor sale. Trek produce o gama larga de biciclete, inclusiv biciclete de munte, biciclete de sosea, biciclete electrice, biciclete de calatorie si biciclete pentru copii.
Hiking in Romania & Transylvania
One of our guides and two happy hikers on the highest peak in Romania. The highest point in the Romanian Carpathians is in Fagaras Mountains and is called Moldoveanu Peak which reaches a maximum altitude of 2,544m (8,380 feet). The second highest peak is also in Fagaras - Negoiu Peak at 2,535m. And then there are 10 other mountain peaks over 2.500m (mostly in Fagaras) and 47 over 2,400m (7,875 ...
Hiking In Romania
The hiking trail around the lake is a moderate level of difficulty and has several beautiful sights to see, including the lake, the Bâlea Waterfall, Lady's Lake and Lady's Valley. 3. Retezat Mountains. Trek through the Retezat Mountains and see the many glacial lakes dotted around the rugged land. This is one of the most scenic places in ...
Hiking in Romania: The 15 Best Spots
Hiking Romania from Sighișoara. A UNESCO-listed site, this cute town is only home to about 28,000 people and certainly has a village feel to it. High up in the mountains, it can be a trek to get here by train as I did!
10 Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Romania 2024/2025
Village Life in Transylvanian Carpathians Mountains, an eco-certified program. Gregory Stromberg 27 Jun, 2022. 5. The Carpathian Mountains of Romania are stunning and we enjoyed each day of hiking this beautiful area. Kosten our hiking guide was knowledgeable and adjusted our daily hikes per our requests.
Top 10 Hikes and Walks in Romania
Walks in Romania enjoy enormous variation thanks to an extraordinary array of landscapes. The Carpathian Mountains flow through the country's centre in one vast swoop, as though painted in with a single swish of a brush. With stunning, heady peaks and fantastic trails along ridgelines and through traditional mountain villages, once here you may never want to leave. While hikes in Romania's ...
10 Best Trails and Hikes in Romania
Ready to check out the best trails in Romania for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? AllTrails has 1,094 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Romania to ...
5 Off the Beaten Track Hiking Areas in Romania
From there a 4 or 5-hour steep hike reaches some of the most impressive peaks of the massif - Vânătoarea lui Buteanu (2507m) and Negoiu (2535m - the second highest peak in Romania, and in Făgărași). 5. The Retezat Mountains. The Retezat Mountains, peaks and lakes. Photo: Getty.
The most beautiful long-distance hikes in Romania
Long-Distance Hiking · Romania. Bucovina segment on Via Transilvanica trail. Top Stage 1 Open. 137.4 km. 41:50 h. 4,453 m. 4,106 m. The segment of the Via Transilvanica trail that covers the Bucovina region. It starts from Putna Monastery and ends at Tătaru. 137 km and 7 days of great natural landscapes.
Best Hiking and Trekking Tours in Romania [2023]
Romania is a fantastic yet undiscovered and wild destination for hiking and trekking tours! With the Carpathian Mountains dividing the country and occupying almost 55% of the land area, there is so much to explore, natural wonders to admire and peaks to summit! The most popular mountain ranges for hiking trips are Fagaras, Bucegi, Piatra ...
Trekking in Romania: Get Ready for a Real Adventure
With a duration that varies from three days to a couple of weeks, these routes have all you need to. Discover five great itineraries for trekking in Romania. 1. Via Transilvanica: Looking for the Romanian identity. Starts: Putna (Neamt County) Ends: Drobeta Turnu Severin (Mehedinty County) Duration: a couple of weeks.
Bucegi Hiking Trails
Peak 8166 ft. Climb 5344 ft. Descent 9511 ft. This is a basic overview of a unique multi-day hike for Bucegi National Park, one of the best places to hike in Romania. This 3 day trek follows a wide range of diverse Bucegi hiking trails, all of which are color-coded. The trail starts near the popular village of Sinaia and ends at Romania's most ...
Walkopedia
Walking, hiking and trekking in Romania. Romania has some of the world's best walks, hikes and treks, ranging from famous mountain hiking and trekking trails such as in the Fagaras and Piatra Craiului to deep gorges to historic and cultural areas (Transylvania's Saxon South) to the wetlands of the Danube Delta.. So, walking, hiking and trekking tours and holidays in Romania are so varied ...
Romania: 3-day hiking trip in Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains
You will have to walk on rugged, mountainous terrain for 10-12 hours each day with a lot of elevation gain. Day 1: 21 km, 2240 m elevation gain, 1430 m elevation loss. Day 2: 21 km, 1193 m elevation gain, 1868 m elevation loss. Day 3: 21 km, 1470 m elevation gain, 1610 m elevation loss. The hike in the Bucegi Mountains is of medium difficulty.
Trekking The Transylvanian Alps
Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. 8 days from. US$1,480. without flights. View Dates & Prices. Walk & Trek. Guided Group. CHALLENGING. A superb mountain journey through Romania's Transylvanian Alps to Moldoveanu (2544m) the highest peak and enjoy the medieval gem of Brasov.
The Best Hiking Trails in Romania
Find the best Hiking trails in Romania. Discover the most beautiful places, download GPS tracks and follow the top routes on a map. Record your own trail from the Wikiloc app, upload it and share it with the community. Find the best Hiking trails in Romania. Discover the most beautiful places, download GPS tracks and follow the top routes on a map.
Surmont Bike Shop
Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 - Purple Flip To Trek Black Fade. 3245 lei. unisex. Trek. Marlin 6 Gen 3 - Galac.. Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 - Galactic Gray To Lithium Gray Fade. 4495 lei. unisex.
2024 Romania Hiking Group Trip: Carpathian Peaks
A 7-day shared, small group hiking trip starting on 29 Jun, 20 Jul, 24 Aug and 7 Sept 2024. Tour runs ONLY IF min. 4 people are registered. Mountain cabins have very limited places during peak season. You must register at least 30 days in advance to secure your spot. We'll hike in 3 of the most beautiful and challenging mountains: Bucegi ...
Romania Travel Guide
Tourist's budget. Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher. from 79 to 111 USD. You can find out more about travel costs and prices in Romania via the Prices link.
Romania Hut to Hut Hiking Tour
A challenging and memorable "hut to hut" adventure in the high Carpathians of central Romania also known as the Transylvanian Alps. Complete an exciting multi-day traverse along the main ridge of the Făgăraş Mountains-one of the longest continuous high mountain traverses in Europe. The traverse will take you over Romania's three ...
Romania hiking tour
Day 1 : Welcome to Romania. Let's start the adventure as we pick you up from Bucharest, the airport, or the hotel, and set off on a 3 hours drive across the Carpathian Mountains to Transylvania! We'll kickstart your Romania hiking tour with a short but picturesque hike to the "Transylvania Amphitheater" (a panoramic viewpoint) where you can ...
Romania Tours
Carpathian Mountains. Explore Romania's magnificent Carpathian Mountains on foot on our Romania Walking Vacation. Trek through the unspoiled verdant countryside with lush pine forests and colorful meadows, and feel drawn to the gleaming white limestone ridge of the Piatra Craiului (The Royal Rock). As you ascend, keep a look out for brown ...
From Ensign to Commander Ro: The Essential Ro Laren Watch List
The Bajoran Ro Laren earned the admiration of Star Trek: The Next Generation viewers by speaking candidly. Without asking for permission. Born in the year 2340 on Cardassian-occupied Bajor, Ro Laren's earliest memories are of personal and cultural loss. At seven years old, she was forced to watch her father die by interrogation.
Sonequa Martin-Green bids farewell to historic role on "Star Trek
April 4, 2024 / 12:07 PM EDT / CBS News. As "Star Trek: Discovery " ventures into its fifth and final season, Sonequa Martin-Green is preparing to say goodbye to her groundbreaking role as Captain ...

The Beginner’s Guide to Hiking in Romania

You can actually drive through the mountains

Things to Know When Hiking in Romania

Enjoy the view

Adrienn Takács

Urban Exploration In Decaying Bucharest

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Pedal's final frontier

Trek Ureche Cadru Diamant Thru Derailleur Hanger FX Sport Thru Axle

Trek Ureche Cadru HNGR ABP UDH DS 22 BK

Trek Ureche Cadru Sus Bolt AXL ABP2 142 DS B

Trek Bicicleta Fuel EX 8 Gen 5 Rage Red to Dnister Black Fade Large 2022

Trek Bicicleta Wahoo 24 Trail Plasma Grey Pearl 2024

Trek Bicicleta Wahoo 24 Trail Power Surge 2024

Trek Bicicleta Wahoo 20 Trail Plasma Grey Pearl 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 4 Matte Galactic Grey 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 4 Matte Deep Dark Blue 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 5 Matte Keswick 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 5 Lava 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint ALR 5 AXS Crystal White 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Dark Aquatic/Carbon Smoke 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Marigold/Nautical Navy 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Era White/Emerald Iris 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Matte Blue Sage 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Radioactive Coral 2024

Trek Bicicleta Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS Matte Deep Smoke/Gloss Olive Grey 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Matte Deep Smoke Black 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 9 AXS Multicolor 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Matte Deep Smoke Black 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 AXS Multicolor 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Black Matte Deep Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 Multicolor 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Juniper Green 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 6 Pro Matte Deep Smoke Black 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 AXS Crystal White 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 AXS Carbon Red Smoke 2024

TREK BICICLETA Domane+ SLR 7 AXS Mercury Grey 2024

CATEGORII PRODUSE

Hiking In Romania – 5 Epic Romanian Mountain Walking Trails

Romania Hikes

2. Făgăraș Mountains

3. Retezat Mountains

4. Apuseni Mountains

5. Piatra Craiului Mountains

Hiking Romania FAQ

2. What is the best month to hike in Romania?

Mark Whitman

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices.

Eastern Europe , Europe , ROMANIA

Related Posts

When to Hike in Romania?

How to Get to Romania?

Hiking in Romania from Bucharest

#1 Prahova Valley

#2 The Sphinx and the Old Ladies

#3 Măcin Mountains

Hiking Romania from Brașov

#4 Mălăieși Cabin

#5 Ciucaș Mountains

#6 Vulture Lake

#7 Lower Bucegi / Bran-Moeciu

#8 Piatra Craiului National Park

Hiking Romania from Sibiu

#9 Bâlea Lake/ Transfăgărășan

Hiking Romania from Cluj

#10 Apuseni National Park

#11 Tarnița Lake

Hiking Romania from Sighișoara

#12 Saxon Villages