Ready to explore the villages of rural Transylvania and the high trails and valleys of the Piatra Craiului Mountains? Discover some of Romania’s most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up Transylvania’s unique culture on this inspiring self-guided walk. All part of the Carpathian Mountains range, you’ll hike through breathtaking scenery, passing through or staying in traditional mountain villages. This trip would suit moderately experienced walkers with moderate fitness, but no mountain experience is necessary.

Day 1: Bucharest - Brașov: founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels, Brașov has a distinct medieval ambience

Day 2: Brașov – Mount Tampa – Bran | 7km: Start your hike in the Tampa mountain overlooking Brașov. The view from the summit is spectacular, offering a panoramic view of the city. You can take the cable car to the top and go down on foot (round trip about two hours). Transfer to Bran, where you can visit Bran Castle a.k.a. Dracula’s Castle

Day 3: Bran – Moieciu de Sus | 18km: Walk to the shepherds’ village of Simon, known for its special smoked cheese. The path is of easy to medium difficulty, through forests and meadows, with great views of both the mountains and the Bran area with its mountain villages. Continue to Moieciu de Sus, set in the foothills of Bucegi Mountains.

Day 4: Moieciu de Sus – Măgura | 22km: Trek deep into Piatra Craiului with its jagged ridges, spectacular views, a variety of trails and sights, and the silence that reigns in this stone fortress of the Carpathians. Visit Fundata, the highest village in Romania and travel back in time while passing the village of Sirnea, where less than 300 people live in old homes wrapped with shingles. At the end of the day, you will reach Măgura village, located at an altitude of 1,000m above sea level, right in the middle of Piatra Craiului National Park. Spend the next two nights in a charming guesthouse in Măgura with the beautiful landscape right at your fingertips.

Day 5: Circular walk Măgura | 5 to 10km: A gentle and nice route, crossing the beautiful mountain village of Pestera. On your way, explore the famous Pestera Lilecilor (Bats Cave). Your next walk brings you high up the Piatra Craiului massif, where you can enjoy its narrow ridge, shaped like a spine of a gigantic dragon.

Day 6: Măgura – Zărnești | 15km: Walk through Piatra Craiului National Park, crossing the impressive Zărnești Gorges up to Curmatura hut and then continue to your guesthouse in Zărnești.

Day 7: Rasnov – Brașov | 16.5km: Short transfer to Rasnov Fortress, located on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian Mountains. From there you cross the Postavarul Mountains, walk to up to Poiana and then you descend to Rasnov with an overnight in Brașov.


*Please note this trip is only available from the end of April until early October, with the weather best in June – September.