Best Hiking Trails in Romania

Romania’s location and geography mean that it is a prime location for hiking. Seemingly never-ending national parks, monstrous mountain ranges and a biodiverse landscape means that there is something new to look at every step of the way. When putting together this list, we could only choose a handful of hiking routes, a tough task considering just how many there are to choose from. We’ve looked at adding something for everyone here and we’d love to know what your favourite routes are too! 

Apuseni Mountains

Located in the famous Transylvania region of Romania, the Apuseni Mountains are a hiker’s paradise, with mountainous ranges and dense forest areas, there is just so much to explore! The park is mostly formed by limestone which has caused the beautifully sculpted region to develop undulating hills and mysterious caves.

There is a number of accommodations available, however, if you’re looking to experience the park to it’s full potential, we’d suggest packing a tent and camping for a day or two. The park is home to roughly 400 caves, some of which are open for adventures to explore, however, make sure you pack suitable health and safety equipment before venturing into the unknown!

Retezat National Park

Located towards the west of the country, with the closest towns and cities at least 20KM away, the Retezat National Park is somewhere that you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The nearest towns are Petrosani to the east and Targu Jiu to the south and a small town called Hateg to the north. Home to glacial lakes and rugged mountainous peaks, the park will reward visitors with truly breathtaking views.

The park, like many others in the country, is snowy in the winter, making it a great place to fit some skiing into your schedule. Or, during the summer months, the temperature warms up and hikers take to the numerous trails to explore the park fully. There is a small selection of accommodation nearby the park such as cabins and chalets.

Sighisoara – Breite Oak Tree Reserve

Unlike the others on this list, this is a slightly more specified route, but it’s equally gorgeous and a slightly shorter, more accessible route than others. It starts in the centre of Sighisoara, one of the towns that plays host during our Dracula Castle Romania experience, and takes roughly an hour to reach the reserve from the centre of the town. Signage for the reserve is almost non-existent so make sure you grab a map from the tourist information in the town and ask for detailed directions.

Piatra Crailui Mountains

Located roughly 20km from the city of Brasov, the Piatra Crailui mountain range is the longest and highest in the country measuring over 15 miles long! On either side, there are glacial lakes and densely wooded areas which make for diverse panoramas. The mountains for a saw-like edge that carves through the national park in which they are set. The route can be strenuous in places and depending on how far you walk, can take up to two days to complete. There are limited options for accommodation nearby but all will be welcoming and warming when you walk through the door.

Fagaras Mountains

Situated at the heart of the country, the Fagaras Mountains are a picturesque range that dominates the surrounding landscape. When visiting the Fagaras Mountains, ensure that you pack appropriate equipment as the terrain can be challenging and weather can change quickly.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you could either be greeted with glorious blue skies and warm weather or snowy grounds and brisk winds; remember to layer up! If you’re driving to the mountains, you’ll likely be navigating one of the most iconic and photographed roads on the planet, the Transfagarasan. Known for its hairpin bends and scenic vistas, it is a pure driving spectacle.

These are just a handful of the amazing hiking locations on offer in Romania. If you would like to experience a real taste of this beautiful and diverse country, why not get in touch or check out our Romania experiences?

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