Carpathian Mountains & Castles

From $890 pp

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Bookable From

    April - October

  • Trip Style

    Self-Guided

  • Country

    Romania

  • Physical Rating

    Average

Overview

Romania’s breathtaking landscapes and castles await you on this 8-day self-guided walking trip through the Carpathian Mountains.

Reconnect with nature and encounter rare local flora and fauna. Trek to see gorges, clearings, and woods. A visit to “Dracula’s Castle”, laden with a long and storied past, also adds to the uniqueness of this trip. 

Walking around traditional villages, where time seems to have stopped, and exploring the 14th-century Bran Castle, the castle that inspired the story of Dracula, you will go back in time and learn about Romania’s rich past. Multiple hikes will unveil the natural beauty of this pastoral country, present in its mountains, gorges, meadows, and cliffs.

Highlights

  • Walk to the mountain hut of Curmatura and Zarnesti gorges
  • Explore the outstanding “Dracula Castle”
  • Trek in the National Park of Piatra Craiului
  • Ramble through scenic sheepfolds
  • Hike to Strunga Wall
  • Climb up to Gutanu Clearing
The rolling green hills of Romania's Carpathian Mountains are in the foreground, where there are several hikers heading down a grassy trail. Snow capped hills are in the background.
A woman walks along a dirt road in Romania's Carpathian Mountains on a sunny day. Tree-covered hills and some snow capped mountains are in the background.
A chamois, deer-like animal that also looks a bit like a goat, stands perched on a green grass hill dotted with boulders, silhouetted against a bright clear blue sky.
Bran Castle, a blocky beige building with pointed red brick rooftops, sits majestically against a cloudy blue sky with dark thin trees in the foreground.

Your trip will be an immersive cultural experience emphasizing both the nature and food of Romania. Relish an exquisite home-cooked soup and pie at the authentic mountain hut of Curmatura. Pass through villages boasting a long-standing tradition of cheese making (and if you encounter shepherds, ask them to try their cheese!). Stay in a guesthouse and enjoy the opportunity to experience local traditions up close.

This self-guided walking holiday through the Carpathian Mountains is perfect for independent travelers. If you’d like to have a guide or join a small group of other travelers, check out this similar trip.

Seasonal Notes

The country’s rich history and stunning landscapes are much enjoyed if traveling in spring and summer. Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings.

This trip is available from April to October. Sometimes snow lingers through April or May, and it can arrive as early as October. This may affect the last day of hiking on this itinerary. If that is the case, we will replace this activity with a transfer to Brasov for an overnight in the city.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bucharest [Romania] (Arrival day)

Our agent will meet you in Bucharest city center or at Bucharest North Train Station, to give you your documents (road book, maps, etc.). The trip therefore starts at Bucharest North Station (or at Bucharest OTP Airport, changing trains at Bucharest North) with a train Bucharest - Brasov (2:45 hours), followed by a private transfer to Magura (1:00 hour).

There are several train options depending on the arrival flight and if the clients want to stop in Brasov to visit this beautiful medieval city, but the main option is Bucuresti Nord 15:15 – Brasov 17:37 followed by the private transfer to Magura.

Dinner and accommodation in Magura.

Day 2 Piatra Craiului Mountains (~5.5 hours | 15 km | ~9 miles | +800m gain | -800m descent)

Walk in Piatra Craiului (“King’s Stone”) mountains to the authentic mountain hut of Curmatura. Breath-taking views of the mountain ridge and the valley around the hut. The clients can enjoy the host’s unique recipe, special lunch, local soup, and a delicious pie!

On the way back to the guesthouse, the clients will cross the mesmerizing Zarnesti gorges with 200m high vertical walls (around 5h, 13km, +800m, -800m).

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Possibility for an extension.

Day 3 Bran Castle (~4.5 hours | 12 km | ~7 miles | +300m | -600m)

Today’s walk goes on a small ridge leading to Bran Castle. This castle was built in the 14th century and had a role of defence against the migratory people. Later it protected Transylvania from Ottoman invasions. The castle was also associated with the fictional character of Dracula, who was based on Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia.

Private transfer to the same guesthouse the night before, (around 4.5h, 12km, +300m, -600m).

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 4 Piatra Craiului National Park (~5.5 hours | 16 km | ~10 miles | +750m | -750m)

Trek in the National Park of Piatra Craiului taking in pastures, sheepfolds, woods and scattered villages. The customers will cross traditional villages where time seems to have stopped, and they will end the day in a beautiful and traditional mountain village. (around 5.5h, 16km, +/-750m or shorter option available: around 5h, 14km, +/-600m).

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 5 Bucegi Mountains (~5.5 hours | 16 km | ~10 miles | +750m | -750m)

This morning the route leaves Piatra Craiului Mountains, with an easy walk with picture perfect landscapes through lovely villages sheltering small and olden houses, at the foot of Bucegi Mountains. The locals are livestock breeders, therefore the village has a long standing tradition of cheese making. (around 4h, 13 km, +250m, -350m). Possibility for a longer walk.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 6 Strunga Wall (~6h | 18km | ~11 miles | +900m | -900m)

Trek towards the Bucegi massif. A long hike that you will not forget: impressive landscapes and sights of the impressive Strunga Wall, crossing two passes, the Strunga and the Strungulita, and passing by a mountain shelter upon the former Transylvanian – Wallachian border (around 6h, 18km, +900m, -900m).

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 7 Gutanu Clearing (~6h | 18 km | ~11 miles | +750m | -850m)

The hike continues in Bucegi Mountains, going up to Gutanu Clearing with excellent views towards the dramatic cliffs above. Starting with June, you can encounter shepherds alongside their flocks, and even ask to taste the cheese they prepare themselves. Take your time and enjoy these remarkable landscapes (around 6h, 18km, +750m, -850m).

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Note: if you make this trip in late April or the beginning of May, the snow could melt late in some years. In this case, we will replace it with a transfer to Brasov and overnight in Brasov (a small extra cost if you want an upgraded hotel). Same for October if the snow arrives earlier.

Day 8 Bucharest (departure day)

Private transfer from Simon to Brasov and then travel by train to Bucharest. End of the journey.

Breakfast included

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Welcome and briefing

  • Day 1 & 8 train transfers

  • All accommodations

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 7 dinners

  • Baggage transfer

  • Guidebook & hiking maps

  • Assistance always reachable

  • International flights

  • Transport to the starting point and from the final point (Bucharest North Train Station)

  • Site visits

  • Meals not mentioned

  • Alcohol & drinks other than water

  • Personal expenses & souvenirs

  • Insurance, Visa, Taxes, Tips

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

  • Deposit per person

    30% of the trip price

  • Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person

    $890 pp

  • Single Supplement

    $175 pp, min. group size of 2

  • Solo Traveler

    $1,200 pp, must be a very experienced hiker

Optional Add-ons

Bear Spray: $15 per person

One-Way Private Transfers (1-3 people; Inquire for vans for 4-6 people):

  • Bucharest OTP Airport to train station/city center: $40
  • Bucharest OTP Airport to Magura: $185
  • Bucharest city center to Magura: $195
  • Simon to Bucharest OTP Airport: $175
  • Simon to Bucharest city center: $185

Extra night in Bucharest OR Brasov, in a 3* hotel, shared room OR private room:
$95 per person per night

Sustainability

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity.

  • Environmental Initiatives

We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest just to get closer to your starting point for the walk.

  • Economic Initiatives

All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.

  • Sociocultural Initiatives

We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Average" mean?

A medium level of fitness is required, with the longest walking day lasting up to 6 hours.

What are the accommodations like?

Accommodations include 7 nights in guest houses run by local families in traditional mountain villages. Bathrooms are private unless there's an exceptional case needed for two rooms to share one bathroom based on group size and guest house availability.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring the following for your hiking trip:

  • Waterproof tracksuits (breathable Goretex type jacket and possibly trousers)
  • Warm fleece jacket
  • Sturdy walking boots (preferably already worn)
  • Lightweight sneakers for walking around towns
  • Backpack for day hiking (20-35l)
  • Telescopic hiking poles
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Gloves
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Headlamp (some rooms are not equipped with lamps close to the bed)
  • Snacks & energy bars for the day
  • Credit card & a small amount of cash

What about my luggage?

Luggage will be transferred from one guest house to the other.

Can I do this trip as a solo traveler?

It is only available for very experienced hikers. Contact us for more information.

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