Transylvania Walking Holiday

Day 2 - Sinaia – Bucegi Plateau - Pestera

Route Statistics : Various options ranging from 8km, 200m ascent and 300m descent (shortest) to 14km, 1500m ascent and 1000m descent (longest), between 3-7 hrs walking.

You will spend today in the Bucegi Natural Park. Bucegi is believed to be the Dacians’ (ancestors of Romanians) holy mountain Kogainon, on which their God – Zalmoxis resided in a cave.  On the plateau, the wind and rain have turned the rocks into spectacular figures known as the “Sphinx” and “Babele” (the old ladies), whose existence supported the mystical role of the mountains. You can either walk the whole route or shorten the route by taking a taxi or the cable car (included). Together with the guide, the group will decide on the best option, given the weather forecast, and ability of the group. You will then climb up to 2000m/2200m on the mountain plateau. From here you will spend a few hours exploring the plateau and discovering the many strange rock formations that have made these mountains famous: the mushrooms, the old ladies, the Sphinx etc. You will then descend through a mix of woodland and vast open spaces shaped by glaciers until you reach the Ialomita river valley, and your overnight accommodation which is situated at 1600m. Dinner is not included but available at the Cabana. (Please note luggage will not be transferred to Cabana Alpina but will be transferred directly to Moieciu de Sus)

Accommodation: Cabana Alpina, Pestera

Day 3 - Pestera – Padina – Moieciu de Sus

Route statistics: 14km, 4-5 hours walking, 400m ascent / 1000m descent 

After breakfast you climb the western ridge of Bucegi massif until you reach Strunga ( The Saddle). This is an ancient passage for shepherds and their flocks, villagers from Valachia to Transylvania and also, during the time of the Austrian – Hungarian Empire, smugglers of all kind! In front of you lies Bran Country, with a landscape, shaped by millenniums of pastoral and traditional ways of life, made of houses, summer lodges and haystacks dotting the green hills. You start descending along the big limestone and granite walls, then into the woods, heading to Moieciu de Sus village.

Accommodation: 3* Poiana Soarelui Guesthouse, Moieciu de Sus

Day 4 - Moieciu de Sus – Bran

Route statistics: 13km, 4-5 hrs walking, 350m ascent and 700m descent

Today you cross the forests and meadows at the feet of Bucegi Mountains in order to reach Bran, home of ‘Dracula’s Castle’. You start with a short but steep climb, then follow a steady walk, slowly descending through the forests, meadows and  summer lodges and hay barns, down to Simon valley opening into Barsa land. Along the winding path you have excellent views of the Piatra Craiului limestone ridge to the west and the steep walls of Bucegi Mountains to the east. Then you reach the long Simon valley with its nice households. Finally you will pass by Bran Castle, perched on a rocky escarpment before you continue a short way down to your overnight accommodation. Today you will also participate in a ranger led bear observation visit.

Accommodation: 4* Guesthouse, Bran

Day 5 - Bran – Magura

Route statistics: 12km, 3 – 4 hrs walking, 750m ascent and 350m descent

Today you check out of your accommodation in Bran, and visit Bran Castle (included) before you climb on towards the high mountain village of Magura. Your path zig-zags north and south of the ascending ridge, from sunlight to shade, from hay meadows to wild forest, up to the Magura peak. A quick descent brings you to the centre of this typical mountain village, where you find your overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: 3* Samedru Guesthouse, Magura (Dinner included)

Day 6 - Magura – Piatra Craiului Mountains - Magura

Route statistics: 15-17 km, 6-8 hr walking, 700m-1000m ascent and descent

Today is a circuit in Piatra Craiului National Park of The King’s Rock – one of the most beautiful mountains in Romania. This very rocky, thin high limestone strip, 22 km long, is considered a geographical accident of the Southern Carpathians, due to their gentle peculiar profile in contrast with the enormity of the surrounding landscape. Today’s route starts with a stroll through the village, followed by a short descent and then a section of the Zarnesti Gorge, a narrow limestone passage leading up to the wooded slopes of Piatra Craiului Mountains. You then cross a patch of virgin forest which opens out into the meadows at the feet of the craggy eastern side of the Northern Ridge. The last climb of the day is through green meadows which ascend smoothly to the Curmatura Hut.
From here, depending on the weather and ability of the group you might have the option to climb Piatra Mica peak (1811m) – which is 350m above the Curmatura Chalet – and involves some limestone scrambling, three sections with fixed chains, some narrow ridge walking and a technical 400 m descent on a difficult path through the forest.  This summit loop can be bypassed if preferred. The descent from Churmatura Hut takes you to Zanoaga Meadows and its old sheepfold, then a steep descent through the woods will bring you back to the start of the gorges. In the afternoon, one final climb will you get back to Magura

Accommodation: 3* Samedru Guesthouse, Magura (Dinner included)

Day 7 - Magura – Zarnesti - Brasov

Route statistics: 9km, 4 hr walking, 300m ascent / 750 descent, 

After breakfast, time for one last easy walk in a landscape that is typical of Romanian high mountain hamlets, with scattered houses, meadows dotted by haystacks and the occasional summer lodges. You first climb to the Galbinarea saddle with it’s wide open views of Bucegi and Piatra Craiului. Then follows a long descent to Zarnesti, the little town at the foot of the mountains where your Romanian mountain trail reaches an end. After a beer or an ice cream on a local terrace, you will take the train to Brasov (approx. 40 mins).
Brasov is one of Transylvania’s major cities, with a colorful medieval centre, one of the best preserved in Romania, housing The Black Church – the largest between Vienna and Constantinople, the City Council Square, and the medieval ramparts erected by the Saxon colonists. You will have ample time to discover the city on a guided walking tour.

Accommodation: 3* Schuster Boarding House, Brasov

Day 8 - Depart

After breakfast, a private taxi (included) will take you the short distance to Brasov train station where you will catch a train to Bucharest Airport (approx. 3hrs). All flights must depart after 1500.
Alternatively, extend your stay and discover the delights of Bucharest.