2 Day Hiking in Apuseni Natural Park: Culture & Local Life

This will be a unique and complete Romanian experience: a trip in the ethnographic region known as 'Motilor Land' in Apuseni Mountains, Western Romania, where you will see the simple beauty of village life. We will go hiking to admire the natural wonders in the area, meet locals in remote mountain villages, learn about old crafts, eat delicious food and recharge our batteries in the peaceful life!

What you need to know

  • This is a private 2-day hiking trip in Apuseni Natural Park. Minimum booking required for 2 people
  • Included: transport, guidance, 1 night accommodation at a family run guesthouse, half board, local visits and activities, guided hiking trips
  • We will visit the ethnographic region known as Tara Motilor and the traditional villages of Garda, Casa de Piatra and Patrahaitesti where you will meet locals and see how they live
  • Learn about old folk crafts, traditions and the local life of villagers. Stay in a family-owned guesthouse and eat traditional Romanian dishes with homegrown and delicious local products
  • During the day you can participate in local activities or go hiking in the area. We can visit the famous Scarisoara Ice cave, the glacier from Vartop Cave and Ruginoasa ravine. Medium hiking difficulty, but routes and schedule can be adjusted according to your preference
  • Admire the peaceful beauty of Transylvanian village life, disconnect and relax in the simple countryside life!

Additional information

Transport by car into the villages. A moderate amount of walking and hiking is involved. Please bring appropriate hiking shoes, a rain jacket and a backpack.

Not included: entry fees to the caves (2-3€), lunch other personal expenses or souvenirs. Lunch and other food can be bought in the area, as well as homemade products (jams, honey, natural syrups, etc).

Early morning departure possible from Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, Turda or Alba-Iulia. We will arrange exact details after confirmation.

You will pay online 30% of the tour price. Medium cancelation policy applies to get a full refund (7 full days before the tour starts). If canceled later than this, the deposit is not refundable.


Moments to expect

  • Our first visit to a natural wonder: Scarisoara Ice Cave

    Scarisoara Ice Cave and the glacier inside it is the oldest block of underground glacier-era ice in Romania and the second largest in the world! We will descend into the cave to admire this natural wonder in Romania! Don’t forget your jacket!

    Our first visit to a natural wonder: Scarisoara Ice Cave
    Attractions included
  • Old remote villages and Vartop Cave

    We will travel to Garda Seaca Valley and hike to the Stone House Hamlet: a small village inhabited by 20 families, with old houses spread out on the hills. The place is very remote and scenic, as you will see.
    Nearby there is the the glacier from Vartop Cave, a natural monument since 1957 very rich in concretions. It was here the oldest trace of Neanderthal man was discovered - let's go looking for it!

    Old remote villages and Vartop Cave
  • Meet other locals from Tara Motilor and play a traditional instrument!

    Next we will visit another beautiful hamlet in Apuseni Mountains: Patrahaitesti. First, we visit a local craftman and his small museum with ethnographic items. Next, we go to a lady who plays the famous tulnic, an ancient - and unique - musical instrument with a superb sound over the valley! She will perform a live demonstration to display her amazing skills and you will have the chance to play the instrument yourself!

    Meet other locals from Tara Motilor and play a traditional instrument!
  • Hike to Ruginoasa Ravine - an unique phenomenon!

    After we taste the homemade delicious pancakes and blueberries liquor from Patrahaitesti village, we will go on a short hike to Ruginoasa Ravine (Groapa Ruginoasa), a famous and interesting natural phenomenon in the Western Carpathians, also a protected area. Ruginoasa is a giant ravine formed by rain and erosion and still very active - a truly unique sight to see!

    Hike to Ruginoasa Ravine - an unique phenomenon!
2 x 300 Euro
How to book this tour?
  1. Choose how many people and when
  2. Request a booking and fill in your details
  3. Flexible payment and cancelation
  4. Guide answers in 24h
  5. Children prices

Cancelation & refund policy

Easy

Sends us or the guide an email 24h before the tour informing us you can't make it and you'll get a full refund of your payment, no questions asked.

Location details

  • Starting point: Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu
  • Nearest airport: Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu
  • Nearest train station: Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu
  • Landscape: Countryside, caves, hills.

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