Mountains and Legends of Romania

Carving their way through Romania’s pastoral landscapes, the wild Carpathian Mountains create a rugged backbone for eastern Europe, especially in the Transylvanian Alps, Romania’s legend-filled heartland. On this intriguing journey, we enjoy spectacular hiking in an undisturbed mountain realm where time stands still—shepherds tend their flocks, horse carts are more numerous than cars, and fortified Saxon villages retain their traditional character. Transylvania’s architectural treasures await us, too, including the striking Baroque city of Brasov, with its historical monuments, stunning Castle Bran—legendary lair of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula)—and absolutely medieval Sighisoara, an atmospheric World Heritage Site and Romania’s most enchanting town.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Sinaia / Bucegi Mountains

After meeting in Bucharest, we head out to lovely Sinaia, nestled in a deep valley in the Bucegi Mountains, a limestone chain with some of the best hiking in Romania. We catch a funicular to a ridgetop at 6,600 feet for a panoramic hike below the sheer peaks of Caraiman (7,700') and Costila (8,250'). The meadows here are ablaze with wildflowers, from grape ferns to edelweiss, and the terrain above the treeline is the abode of chamois.

Days 3-4
Brasov

We enjoy a hike in the Piatra Mare (“Big Rock”) Mountains, where the highest summit is 6,100 feet. Our choice of hiking routes includes a trail to the pestera de gheata (“the ice cave”), to the beautiful Tamina waterfall, or a route across the “seven ladders,” steel ladders bolted to a wall in a mountain canyon. Our next hike takes us into the peaks of the Postaravu Mountains where, in clear weather, we have 360-degree views. Overnights are in Brasov, a timeless gem of a city set at the foot of ancient mountain passes and known for its wealth of beautifully preserved Baroque architecture.

Days 5-6
Sighisoara / Castle Bran / Transylvanian Alps

After a morning hike that ends near a dramatic 13th century hilltop fortress, we head for picturesque Bran, the little town that holds the mysterious castle of Dracula fame, perched on a rocky bluff and looking just the way a vampire’s castle should. It is one of the best preserved examples of medieval architecture in Romania. Overnights are in charming Sighisoara, Romania’s most atmospheric medieval town. With its battlements and spires, this World Heritage Site is an open-air museum.

Days 7-8
Sibiu

As we head to 12th century Sibiu, with its intact defensive walls and well-preserved Saxon homes, we explore on foot among fortified Saxon villages built in the Middle Ages and dotted with unique Romanesque and early Gothic churches. A hike from Sibiu brings us into the rolling, wooded realm of the Cindrel Mountains, one of the most remote regions of the Transylvanian Alps.

Days 9-12
Fagaras Mountains / Bucharest

In the craggy, spruce- forested Fagaras Mountains, Romania’s highest peaks, we hike long-distance ridgetop trails that wind through a glacier-carved landscape of limestone outcrops and sparkling lakes. Overnights are in a rustic wooden lodge built for hikers. Return to Bucharest on Day 11 and depart on Day 12.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3, Moderate. It features vehicle-based sightseeing with mountain hikes and accommodations in hotels. On two nights (Day 9 and Day 10), meals and lodging are in an Alps-style lodge built for hikers. The rooms in the lodge are ver basic but have private bathrooms.

Hikes will range from three to six hours. Each day's hiking will take us through wooded valleys, alpine meadows, and among small villages and farms. Lunch will be either in a village, a picnic spot amid the beauty of the surroundings, or in a mountain cabana. A support vehicle will transport the group's luggage between towns, so you'll only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (sweater, camera, water bottle). As on any of our trips in the Alps, you should come prepared for changeable mountain weather and bring sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jacket with hood, and extra layers for warmth.

Although you carry only a daypack, there are steep ascents and descents, so for your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots for maximum comfort on the trail.

Romanian cuisine is filling and hearty rather than gourmet, tending toward meats and stews. With Romania’s German and Turkish past, items like sauerkraut, smoked pork, moussaka, and pilaf are also on the menu. There are several local European-style beers, and the national strong drink is tuica, a powerful plum brandy. Romania also has some excellent wines. Typically, our breakfasts will be omelettes, cheese, and salami. Lunch and dinner will often include meat and vegetable stew topped with sour cream. There will sometimes be game meat available, such as venison. For vegetarians, there are always vegetable dishes and salads. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM.

Outside of the cities, we stay in a variety of best-available small hotels. Rooms in these hotels are not always of uniform or international size. However, our leaders try their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole.

Explanation of Trip Levels