- Private Dates: May – October
“Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.”
— Dracula, Bram Stoker
This evocative line from Dracula captures the mystique of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains—a place once seen as the edge of civilisation, steeped in folklore and legend. But for modern-day travelers, this region offers something far more vivid: a deeply immersive experience in nature and culture.
On this guided trek through Transylvania, you’ll explore a landscape teeming with life. Vast forests, meadows rich in wildflowers, and hills untouched by modern agriculture offer a sensory feast. With over 190 bird species and a good chance of spotting roe deer, chamois, hedgehogs, or other small wildlife, the area is a haven for nature lovers.
Each day of the trek brings you higher into the green folds of the Carpathians—through shaded woods, across ridge lines, and into villages full of charm and unexpected colour. Some perch on hilltops crowned with castles or churches; others are nestled in valleys, built in a mix of old traditions and new creativity.
Along the way, you’ll meet warm-hearted locals. Greet them with a cheerful Bună (Hello) and you’ll often be met with genuine smiles. Hospitality here isn’t just tradition—it’s a way of life.
- Visit historic old towns with many intriguing castles, including Dracula`s Castle itself
- Walk along the impressive Zarnesti gorge, carved through the solid limestone
- Rise through the Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of mysterious woodlands
Daily Itinerary for Romania – Alps of Transylvania hiking:
Day 1: Arrive in Brasov
Make your way to Brasov where we’ll meet at 6pm for a trip breaving and welcome dinner.
Spend the rest of the day exploring this rich city, with its own castle, famous Black Church, historic old town and viewpoints over the city.
- Night at guesthouse in Sebesul de Sus,L/D
Day 2: Brasov to Rasnov trough forests and pastures
Our guided hike starts as we leave the cobbled streets behind and enter the quiet of the forest. We’ll make a steady ascent through the trees until we reach open pastures with sweeping views—a refreshing contrast to the shaded woodland trail.
From here, the path continues gently upward to the highest point of our walk, where we’ll take a break and enjoy the scenery before beginning a winding descent back through the forest toward Rasnov. Along the way, your guide will share local stories and insights into the region’s nature and history.
Once in Rasnov, we’ll have the option to visit the impressive hilltop fortress, Rasnov Castle, before concluding the day.
- Hike: 17km
- Night and dinner in Ransom (B/D)
Day 3: Rasnov to Bran via the Path of Outlaws
Known locally as Calea Haiducilor, which translates as Path of the Outlaws, we follow a forested track all the way to the village of Sohodol. Gradually climbing through pine forest until we reach a clearing with views over the surrounding mountains and villages. You are getting increasingly close to the mighty Carpathian Mountains. From Sohodol we descend to the small town of Bran, with its magnificent castle.
- Hike: 13km
- Night in Bran
Day 4: Bran to Moieciu de Sus
Leaving Bran, we walk towards the mountains. From there, you have a climb through forest until you are rewarded with alpine views down to our next destination and a magnificent panorama of mountains. Thereafter we descend steeply through pastures straight down to Moieciu de Sus.
- Hike: 18km
- Night in Sus
Day 5: Moieciu de Sus to Magura
Another varied day – and the longest walk of the trek. Apart from fairly short sections in the forest, much of the time you will be walking past farms and through villages, but with the impressive Carpathians often in view.
- Hike: 15km
- Night in Magura
Day 6: Magura circular hike
Todays circular rout is an ample opportunity to see rural life and farming practices whilst enjoying magnificent views of the mountains. You pass caves in limestone cliffs which are home to several bat species. It is essential to take a torch if you wish to go in.
- Hike: 8km
- Night at Magura
Day 7: Magura to Zarnesti
This is a spectacular day to complete the trek, walking in the Piatra Craiului National Park. After a steep descent from Magura, you walk along the impressive Zarnesti gorge, carved through the limestone. A lengthy ascent then follows up to the trek’s high point with superb views. A descent through forest and pasture land takes us down to the valley and an easy walk to our accommodation.
- Hike: 16km
- Night at Zarnesti
Day 8: Travel back to Bucharest
After breakfast we travel to Bucharest by a fast train (2.5hrs) where this tour ends.
Costs:
- From 2600.00€ per person
Included in the costs:
Organisation, local UIMLA-mountain leader guide, all nights with half board in standard double rooms in hotels, luggage transfer, all ground transportations from Brasov to Zarnesti, castle entrance
Guide for Romania – Transylvanias castle and village walk:
This tour is guided by Iuliana Enache, born and raised in the Romanian mountains. Iuliana a former mechanical engineer lives with her family in the French Alps since years but knows “her” Transylvanian mountains since her childhood.
Start and End of Romania – Transylvanias castles and village walk
This tour starts in Brasov and ends in Zarnesti.
Brasov is served by a direct train from Bucharest (2.5hrs). We can organise a shuttle from Zarnesti to Brasov where you can catch the train back to Bucharest. We can also organise a privat shuttle from Bucharest to Brasov and from Zarnesti back Brasov.
Facts About Romania
There is no doubt Romania has been through some troubled times, but since the end of Ceauşescu’s communist regime in 1989 it has gradually been on the up. With many of the conveniences of a western destination, combined with a unique eastern European charm, it offers a great mix of adventure and comfort.
Romania’s terrain is spectacularly varied and rich in wildlife; from forested mountains to white sandy beaches. There are also pretty medieval towns, legendary castles and ancient settlements to visit.
- Currency: Romanian Leu, plural Lei (L) – €1 = approx 5 Lei
- Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours
- Language: Romanian
- Telephone Services: +40 to dial in (00 40 from UK)
Transylvania
The area of Transylvania, covering parts of central and western Romania, is widely associated with vampire mythology. Bran Castle, just outside Brasov, is thought to have inspired the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The image of high mountain peaks, wooded valleys and looming castles is not inaccurate but Romanians are keen to emphasise that there is more to the region than ghost stories.
Accommodation
We sleep in small, village hotels and country inns with private en-suite bedrooms.
Packing list for Romania Alps of Transylvania hiking
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Equipment
- Walking boots – comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. Low cut mountain walking shoes are ok’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
- Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
- Backpack– 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap and a waterproof cover
- Water container – 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
- Short gaiters – useful for tours in the early season, but not essential
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket and over trousers
- Waterproof over pants
- Walking Pants
- Shorts/skort
- Sun hat
- Warm hat
- Thin gloves
- Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
- Fleece jacket/shirt
- Socks – technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
- Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
- Thermal leggings – optional
Comfort
- Sunscreen
- Lip salve
- Sunglasses – eye protection is essential
- Tissues
- Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
- Book/Kindle/Music
Documentation
- Passport, plus a paper copy
- Travel Insurance
- Credit Card
- Cash – Euros
- Waterproof bag for documents
Personal First Aid (All guides are first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit)
- Personal medication – if required
- Antiseptic cream/spray
- Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
- Blister plasters
Additional Items
- Slippers for use in accommodation
- Clothing for use in accommodation and towns
- Toiletries – including shampoo/shower gel as not all accommodations provide this
- Swimwear for pools and spas
- Camera
- 1 Medium sized – kitbag/holdall/suitcase
Your luggage will be moved most days by a taxi driver. Please restrict yourself to one bag of approximately 15kg (33lbs) per person
Next Post
