Translyvanian Castles Walk

Walking information

You mostly follows tracks and paths through forest and meadows. On most days the walks will start and finish on country roads as you depart and arrive in the villages, these are sometimes tarmacked but more often are gravel.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN BRASOV

After your flight to Bucharest or Sibiu you will be transferred to your first hotel in Brasov (2hr 20 min from either airport). This transfer is included if we book your flights, or an optional extra if you book your own. Spend the rest of the day exploring this rich city, with its own castle, famous Black Church, historic old town and viewpoints over the city.
You stay at Curtea Brasoveana, Brasov

Day 2: BRASOV TO RASNOV 17KM/10.5MI/5.5HR/+580M/-580M

Leaving the streets of Brasov behind, you enter the forest and ascend up to a more open area of pastures. This provides a nice contrast to the first section of the walk. Easy walking takes you to the high point for the day. where you re-enter the forest for a winding descent to Rasnov. The route is generally well way-marked. There is a chance to visit Rasnov castle when you arrive.
You stay at Pensiunea Casa Rasnoveana, Rasnov (breakfast and evening meal at local restaurant)

Day 3: RASNOV TO BRAN 15KM/9.5MI/4HRS/+400M/-270M

Today makes a nice contrast with yesterday’s route as there is no forest walking. The walk is in three distinct parts. The first is on completely flat land, thereafter you gradually climb up into hilly terrain getting increasingly close to the mighty Carpathian Mountains. Finally, you reach villages and more houses before descending to the small town of Bran, with its magnificent castle.
You stay at Casa din Bran Inn Cuisine (breakfast).

Day 4: BRAN TO MOIECIU DE SUS 18KM/11.25MI/5HRS/+800M/-600M

Leaving Bran, you walk towards the mountains until well within the forest. From there, you have a climb through forest until you are rewarded with alpine views down to your destination and a magnificent panorama of mountains. Thereafter you descend steeply through pastures straight down to Moieciu de Sus.
You stay at Pensiunea Vlahia Inn (breakfast and evening meal at local restaurant)

Day 5: MOIECIU DE SUS TO MAGURA 21KM/13.25MI/5.75HRS/+770M/-700M

Another varied day - and the longest walk of the trek. Apart from fairly short sections in the forest, much of the time you will be walking past farms and through villages, but with the impressive Carpathians often in view.
You stay at Pensiunea Hodaita, Magura (breakfast and evening meal at local restaurant)

DAY 6: MAGURA CIRCULAR OPTION 1 - 11KM/ 6.75MI/3HRS/+450M/-450M

This route provides ample opportunity to see rural life and farming practices whilst enjoying magnificent views of the mountains. You pass caves in limestone cliffs which are home to several bat species. It is essential to take a torch if you wish to go in.

OR

MAGURA CIRCULAR OPTION 2 - 7.5KM/ 4.75MI/3HRS/+370M/-370M This option is relatively short but involves a very steep ascent and quite a steep descent, followed by an easy walk back to Magura. You go up and behind the rocky summits visible from your accommodation and it feels quite remote up there. The views are great – you will see your routes to the south and over to Zarnesti to the north and across to Rasnov, as well as the huge ranges of the Craiului and Bucegi mountains.
You stay at Pensiunea Hodaita, Magura (breakfast and evening meal at local restaurant)

Day 7: MAGURA TO ZARNESTI 14KM/8.75MI/4.75HRS/+600M/-850M

This is a spectacular day to complete the trek, walking in the Piatra Craiului National Park. After a steep descent from Magura, you walk along the impressive Zarnesti gorge, carved through the limestone. A lengthy ascent then follows up to the trek's high point with superb views. A descent through forest and pasture land takes you down to the valley and an easy walk to your accommodation.
You stay at Pensiunea Hora cu Brazi, Zarnesti (breakfast and evening meal at local restaurant)

Day 8: LEAVE ZARNESTI

You are transferred to Bucharest or Sibiu airport (2hrs 30 mins), in time for your flight home. This transfer is included if we book your flights, or an optional extra if you book your own.