Romania is a great destination for hiking and trekking trips! Why?

Because the Carpathian Mountains occupy 28% of the country and with foothills added that’s almost 55% of the country’s land area. The highest peak is Moldoveanu at 2.544 m and there are 14 others above 2.500m to conquer. But the biggest reason why hiking in Romania is so popular is because of the unspoilt landscapes and natural settings that it offers. Untouched by industrialization and civilisation, nature is very well preserved inside Romania’s mountains which makes it an ideal home to a diversified wildlife and vegetation.

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will have many hiking trails and trekking trips to choose from, with rewards in the form of spectacular views. The Carpathian Mountains in Romania are divided into 3 major sections:

1. Southern Carpathians (from the Danube River to Brasov area)
2. Eastern Carpathians (from Brasov to the Northern border with Ukraine)
3. Western Carpathians (in the Western part of Romania)

The best hiking routes are in the mountain ranges of Fagaras, Bucegi, Piatra Craiului and Retezat (Southern Carpathians), Apuseni and Trascau (Western Carpathians), Calimani and Rodnei (Eastern Carpathians).

Hiking in Romania without a licensed mountain guide can be risky because there are few (if any!) maps, boards or information points about trails, markings and mountain refuges in English. The few locals that live along hiking routes know little English and won’t be of much help. And there are areas with weak cellural reception.

So there’s no other way to put it – hiking in Romania requires local knowledge, guidance and preparation. Do not underestimate the Carpathians – their wilderness and rugged character can quickly become a danger to your safety and there are frequent reports of people stranded in the mountains on their own, waiting to be rescued. That's why Romanian Friend works only with licensed mountain guides and our tours are carefully created by them.

Here are the most popular mountain ranges for hiking trips in Romania, easily accessible from Romania’s major cities:

• Fagaras Mountains

Also called Transylvania’s Alps, Fagaras Mountains are located in the heart of Romania and undoubtedly offer our country’s most dramatic landscapes. According to Top Gear's hosts here lies the best road in the world: Transfagarasan Road, one of Romania’s top tourist attractions. But mountaineers will also be pleased: here are Romania’s highest peaks and most challenging ridges, meaning hikes are more difficult but also more rewarding! Moldoveanu Peak which at 2,544 is the highest in Romania and Negoiu, the 3rd highest, await – but a trekking trail to conquer them needs to be well prepared. Luckily, we know the right mountain guides for that!
The Fagaras mountain range is also rich with glacier lakes, Balea Lake being the most famous one. The lake sits at the top of Transfagarasan Road and is accessible by cable car all year round (depending on weather conditions). During winter, besides off-piste skiing in the Transfagarasan valley, you can enjoy a warm drink at the Balea Ice Hotel! Fagaras Mountain range is easily accessibly for hiking trips from Brasov and Sibiu.

• Apuseni Mountains and National Park

The Apuseni Mountain range is the main massif in Romania’s Western Carpathians. While it doesn’t stand out with remarkable heights (the highest is Bihor Peak is at 1,849 m), the natural wonders found within and charming traditional villages spread around the hills (the ethnographic region known as Motilor Land) will exceed your expectation. That’s why the entire area is part of Apuseni Natural Park and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Transylvania. These lands with picturesque hills and dense woodlands offer more than meets the eyes: over 200 fascinating caves are open for visitors, deep caving and speological exploration; some remote areas perfect for dark sky observation; karst formations with narrow canyons ideal for mountaineering, rappelling, via ferrata, white water rafting and many others!

The most popular sights in Apuseni Natural Park are: Scarisoara Glacier and Ice Cave, Rusty Ravine, Scarita Belioara Reserve, Bears' Cave and Bride's Veil Waterfall. Nearby is also Turda Gorge, an enclosed miracle oasis of nature also popular for hiking and via ferrata adventures. Apuseni Mountains and Natural Park are easily accessible from Cluj-Napoca, but also from Oradea and Timisoara.

• Retezat Mountains and Natural Park

The hidden jewel of the Carpathians, the Retezat Mountain range in South-Western Romania (near Timisoara) was a couple of votes away from being included in a list of The New 7 Wonders of Nature. Part of the Southern Carpathians, Retezat Massif is located in Hunedoara County between the cities of Petrosani and Hateg. Its highest peak is Peleaga at 2.509 meters high and on their way to the summit hikers can choose from numerous routes of varying difficulty and admire the many glacial lakes. These parts of Romania are mostly untouched and the sights offer a breathtaking natural beauty.

Retezat Mountains are also among the most difficult mountains for hiking and an above average physical condition is needed. Multi-day trekking tours require advance and serious planning. We know licensed mountain guides from Timisoara and Bucharest that can take you on a tour, just let us know. The city of Timisoara is the closest starting point but you can also consider hiking in Domoglead - Cernei Valley Natural Park or Nera – Beusnita National Park, which have natural wonders of their own.

• Bucegi Mountains

The Sphinx and Babele rock formations found in Bucegi Mountains (entry from Busteni) are well-known symbols of Romania’s Carpathian Mountain. Thousands of tourists beat the trails of this mountain range each year to admire these two fascinating rock sculptures crafted by nature and the views of the surrounding area. Caraiman Cross, a monument dedicated to World War I fallen soldiers towers over a cliff nearby and is also a major attraction as is Omu Peak, the second highest in Romania at 2,505 m.

At the base of this mountain range there are many resorts (Sinaia, Busteni, Azuga and Predeal) which can be used by mountain-lovers as a base to explore the area, whether during summer for winter sports. And with famous attractions such as Peles or Cantacuziono Castle nearby, this has to be on your list! Hiking in Bucegi Mountain is easy to do on day trips from Bucharest or Brasov.

• Piatra Craiului Mountains and Natural Park

Probably the most picturesque mountain range in Romania, Piatra Craiului Mountains can be seen in the distance from Brasov. Their white continuous ridge scratches the ski in the distance forming a small arc. The villages of Magura, Moeciu or Sirnea at the base of the mountains are the highest villages in Romania at 800m and are representative for traditional Romanian village life, with sheep or cow herds crossing the paths of hikers. Inside Piatra Craiului Mountains you shouldn’t miss Zarnesti Gorges – a narrow canyon that will isolate you from the outside world. And while you’re hiking in the mountains, be sure to look for Bran Castle perched on a ridge nearby!

Piatra Craiului is one of our favourite hiking destinations in Romania and we have day hikes from Brasov and Bucharest that can take you there!