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Self-Guided Trek in the Carpathian Mountains: Explore the Wild Beauty of Piatra Craiului & Bucegi

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Two hikers rest on a grassy hill, checking a map, with rocky Carpathian peaks and forests stretching before them.
Smiling shepherd in a wool coat and green hat holds a wooden staff, with his flock grazing behind him in a mountain field.
Rustic wooden fence frames a green valley dotted with haystacks, small farms, and forested slopes in the Carpathians.
Bran Castle in Transylvania, with red roofs and stone towers, surrounded by green forests and rolling hills.
Two hikers with backpacks stand on a gravel path, surrounded by autumn foliage and steep rock cliffs in the Carpathian Mountains.
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Walking & Trekking Tours

Overview

Nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi ranges offer some of Romania’s most breathtaking and unspoiled landscapes. This adventure takes you deep into the wilderness of Piatra Craiului National Park, where towering limestone ridges, lush forests, and deep gorges create a paradise for nature lovers. As you trek through traditional mountain villages and vast alpine meadows, you’ll discover a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries, where sheepfolds dot the hillsides and shepherds craft cheese using age-old techniques.

Walk in the footsteps of medieval knights as you explore Bran Castle, famously linked to the legend of Dracula, and follow historic paths that once marked the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Each day brings a new landscape to discover, from the towering cliffs of the Zărnești Gorges to the dramatic Strunga Wall in Bucegi, offering spectacular panoramic views at every turn.

With its perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, this adventure immerses you in the soul of Romania. Are you ready to hike through landscapes where legends were born and time stands still?

Highlights:

  • Trek through the wild landscapes of Piatra Craiului & Bucegi Mountains – Walk along dramatic limestone ridges, deep gorges, and alpine meadows, immersing yourself in Romania’s most stunning natural scenery.
  • Experience authentic mountain culture – Visit remote villages, traditional sheepfolds, and medieval fortifications, where time seems to stand still and local traditions thrive.

Explore the legendary Bran Castle – Step into the history and myths surrounding this 14th-century fortress, famously linked to the legend of Dracula and offering breathtaking views of Transylvania.

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Self-Guided Trek in the Carpathian Mountains: Explore the Wild Beauty of Piatra Craiului & Bucegi

Overview & Highlights
What to Expect
Itinerary
Inclusions
Gallery
Reviews
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What to Expect

Activity Level:

Challenging

Reasonable fitness is recommended to enjoy the trip. Physically demanding activities, such as hiking, kayaking , cycling are included. A very busy itinerary packed with activities. Expect regular early starts and long days.
Accommodation:

Simple

Some of our most adventurous trips feature simple accommodation, either because this allows us to stay in a remote location or is appropriate for the area visited. Simple could refer to mountain huts, homestays, camping, sleeper trains or boats. Where hotels or guesthouses fall into this category it maybe because there are shared facilities, multi-bedded rooms or limited hot water.
Unexplored Grading:

Hidden Gems

Step beyond the obvious to uncover authentic experiences and lesser-known treasures. This level balances iconic highlights with offbeat cultural sites, local artisans, and unique traditions. Ideal for curious travelers eager to explore beneath the surface while enjoying a blend of adventure and comfort.
Transportation:

Car, Minivan, Train

Reasonable fitness is recommended to enjoy the trip. Physically demanding activities, such as hiking, kayaking , cycling are included. A very busy itinerary packed with activities. Expect regular early starts and long days.
Transparent Costs:

No Hidden Fees

Your journey is our passion. With our expertise and deep understanding of the destinations, we’ve carefully selected the essential places and activities for this tour. As listed in the inclusions section, all of these are included in the price, ensuring there are no hidden costs.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in the Carpathians – Journey to Măgura

The adventure begins at Bucharest North Station, where you board an afternoon train to Brașov. As the train winds its way toward Transylvania, glimpses of medieval villages and forested peaks set the tone for the days ahead.

Upon arrival in Brașov, a private transfer takes you deeper into the mountains, where the road weaves through dense woodlands and traditional villages before reaching Măgura, a picturesque hamlet perched on a ridge between the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains. Here, life moves at a slower pace, surrounded by wildflower-strewn meadows and the distant calls of shepherds tending their flocks.

After settling into your accommodation, a homemade dinner awaits, offering a taste of the region’s rich culinary traditions. 

Highlights of the Day:

Scenic train journey from Bucharest to Brașov, passing through picturesque landscapes

Travel Details: Train from Bucharest to Brașov; Expected travel distance Brasov- Magura ~40 km Overnight in Măgura (D)

Day 2: Trek to Curmătura Hut & Zărnești Gorges

The day begins with a scenic hike into the Piatra Craiului Mountains, known as the "King’s Stone" for their dramatic limestone ridges and wild beauty. The trail winds through forests and alpine meadows, gradually opening up to breathtaking views of the rugged mountain crest. The destination is Curmătura Hut, a traditional mountain refuge tucked away in the heart of the national park.

At the hut you can savor a special homemade meal featuring a local soup and the host’s famous homemade pie—a favorite among trekkers. The warm hospitality and rustic charm of the hut make this stop a memorable part of the journey.

The return route leads through the Zărnești Gorges, where towering 200-meter-high limestone walls create a mesmerizing natural passage. As you walk through the gorge, carved by time and water, the sheer cliffs rise dramatically on both sides, making for a spectacular finish to the day's trek.

In the evening, return to Măgura for a well-deserved rest and a peaceful overnight stay in the heart of the mountains.

Highlights of the Day:

  • Scenic hike in Piatra Craiului Mountains with panoramic views of limestone ridges and valleys
  • Walk through the Zărnești Gorges, a dramatic limestone canyon with towering cliffs

Travel Details: Trekking time: ~5h30; Distance: ~15 km; Elevation: +800 m / -800 m; Overnight in Măgura (B / L / D)

Day 3: Trek to Bran Castle – A Journey Through History

Today's hike follows a picturesque ridge, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys as it leads toward one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks—Bran Castle. Built in the 14th century, this medieval fortress played a crucial role in defending the region from migratory invasions and later stood as a stronghold against the Ottoman Empire.

Beyond its historical significance, Bran Castle is also famously linked to the legend of Dracula, a character inspired by Vlad Țepeș, the feared Prince of Wallachia. Walking through its stone corridors and fortified towers, you’ll step into a place where fact and myth intertwine, creating an air of mystery around its darkened halls.

After visiting the castle, a private transfer takes you back to Măgura for another peaceful night in the mountains.

Highlights of the Day:

  • Scenic ridge hike with stunning views over the Transylvanian countryside
  • Visit Bran Castle- legendary fortress steeped in history and myth
  • Discover the Dracula legend, inspired by Vlad Țepeș, Prince of Wallachia

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~20 km; Trekking distance: ~10 km; Time: ~4 h;; Elevation: +450 m / -700 m; Overnight in Măgura (B / L / D)

Day 4: Through Pastures and Villages – Trekking in Piatra Craiului National Park

Today's trek takes you deep into Piatra Craiului National Park, a landscape characterized by rolling pastures, dense woodlands, and remote mountain villages where time appears to stand still. As you walk along ancient shepherd trails, you will encounter traditional sheepfolds scattered across high-altitude meadows, where local shepherds still practice age-old cheese-making traditions.

The route winds through lush forests and expansive ridges, offering glimpses of the dramatic limestone cliffs of Piatra Craiului. Along the journey, you will come across picturesque villages where traditional wooden houses, horse-drawn carts, and friendly locals preserve the authentic mountain way of life.

The day concludes in Ciocanu, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the mountains. Here, surrounded by pristine nature and the warmth of traditional Romanian hospitality.

Highlights of the Day:

  • Trek through Piatra Craiului National Park- crossing meadows, forests, and remote trails
  • Experience traditional mountain life- passing through villages where time seems frozen in the past

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~16 km; Time: ~6 h; Elevation: +700 m / -550 m; Overnight in Ciocanu (B / L / D)

Day 5: From Piatra Craiului to Bucegi – A Walk Through Romania’s Timeless Villages

Leaving the Piatra Craiului Mountains behind, today’s trek offers a change of scenery as you head toward the foothills of the Bucegi Mountains. The journey takes you through idyllic mountain villages, where locals tend to their flocks and craft artisanal cheeses using traditional techniques. Along the way, you’ll pass rolling meadows and dense forests, with views of the imposing Bucegi massif ahead. This route provides a gentle transition from the rugged limestone peaks of Piatra Craiului to the more rounded, forested slopes of Bucegi, offering a unique perspective on Romania’s diverse mountain landscapes.

Arriving in Moieciu de Sus, a tranquil village at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, you can breathe in the crisp mountain air and unwind in this inviting rural environment, where the sounds of nature replace the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Highlights of the Day:

  • Transition from Piatra Craiului to Bucegi, trekking through meadows and rolling hills
  • Experience life in remote mountain villages, where traditions remain unchanged

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~15 km; Time: ~5 h; Elevation: +550 m / -700 m; Overnight in Moieciu de Sus (B / L / D)

Day 6: Trek into the Bucegi Mountains – Crossing the Historic Strunga Pass

Leaving the gentle foothills behind, the trail ascends into the heart of the Bucegi Mountains, unveiling a landscape of alpine meadows, rugged ridges, and towering limestone formations. The path winds toward the imposing Strunga Wall, a dramatic natural gateway that leads further into the highlands.

Crossing the Strunga and Strungulița passes, once vital routes between Transylvania and Wallachia, the hike provides a glimpse into the past, where shepherds and traders traversed these same trails. Along the way, a remote mountain shelter stands as a testament to the region’s rich pastoral history.

For those seeking an even greater challenge, an optional extension leads to a spectacular 360° viewpoint that offers a breathtaking panorama stretching from the dramatic cliffs of Piatra Craiului to the expansive ridges of the Bucegi Mountains.

After a rewarding day in the high mountains, return to Moieciu de Sus for another tranquil evening in this serene village.

Highlights of the Day:

  • Traverse the historic Strunga and Strungulița passes, once key routes between Transylvania and Wallachia
  • Optional viewpoint extension, offering a superb 360° panorama of the Carpathian landscape

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~13 km; Time: ~5 h; Elevation: +900 m / -900 m; Optional extension: +4.7 km; +200 m / -300 m; Overnight in Moieciu de Sus (B / L / D)

Day 7: Across the High Pastures

The journey through the Bucegi Mountains unfolds, revealing expansive alpine clearings, dramatic cliffs, and pristine wilderness. The trail ascends toward Gutanu Clearing, a stunning plateau where the rugged limestone walls of the Bucegi massif rise majestically above the rolling meadows. Here, the landscape opens up to wide, panoramic views, providing a sense of serenity and vastness that characterizes the Carpathian wilderness.

As you walk through the open pastures, the rhythm of mountain life reveals itself. Beginning in June, shepherds ascend to the highlands with their flocks, upholding a centuries-old tradition of transhumance. The melodic sound of sheep bells echoes across the hills, and if you desire, you can pause at a sheepfold to taste fresh, handmade cheese—a simple yet treasured aspect of the local mountain culture.

The descent winds through dense forests and gentle valleys leading to Șimon, a quiet village nestled in the heart of the mountains. Here, traditional wooden houses and the warm hospitality of the locals create a peaceful and authentic atmosphere for an evening.

Highlights of the Day:

  • Trek through the Gutanu Clearing, with spectacular views of the towering Bucegi cliffs
  • Experience life in the high pastures, meeting shepherds and tasting traditional mountain cheese
  • Stay in Șimon, a picturesque village surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~18 km; Time: ~6 h; Elevation: +750 m / -850 m; Shorter versions available: 9 km or 15 km; Overnight in Șimon (B / L / D)

Day 8: Farewell to the Carpathians – Return to Bucharest

After a week of exploring Romania’s breathtaking mountain landscapes, it’s time to say goodbye to the Carpathians. A private transfer takes you from Șimon to Brașov, where you board the train for the return journey to Bucharest. As the train winds through rolling hills and past historic villages, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable trails, towering peaks, and the timeless traditions you’ve encountered along the way.

For those with extra time, Brașov is well worth an extended stay. This medieval city, with its charming Old Town, cobbled streets, and vibrant squares, offers a perfect way to end the trip. You can explore its historic sites in a half-day visit before continuing to Bucharest, or stay an extra night to fully soak in its atmosphere.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~ 40km; Train journey Brașov to Bucharest (B / - / -)

Included in The Price

  • Comprehensive materials for your self-guided trip: Technical description of the itinerary, map with itinerary traced out, contact list, technical sheet.
  • Accommodation: 7 nights in guesthouses, double occupancy with private facilities, except for 1 overnight in Ciocanu an one overnight in Simon
  • Meals according to itinerary (B-breakfast; L-lunch; D-dinner)– 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics and 7 dinners
  • Transportation as per program 
  • Return train ticket economy class Bucharest- Brasov- Bucharest
  • Luggage transfer between each accommodation location
  • Local VAT & Taxes

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  • Flight tickets
  • Personal travel insurance – compulsory to ensure the highest level of care and safety during your journey
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and drinks not included in the program
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Entrance fees
  • Any other extra fee which is not shown in the program

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Image Gallery

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Isolated wooden cabin on a green hillside, reached by a dirt path, surrounded by open fields and scattered trees.
Panoramic view of rolling Carpathian hills covered in green meadows, trees, and scattered farms under a blue sky.
Rustic wooden barn on a grassy slope, mist rolling in from the forested Carpathian peaks behind it.
Small wooden cabin on a sunny hillside, with a rustic fence and tree shadows across the bright green grass.
Traditional wooden house with red roof in a green meadow, with snow-capped Carpathian Mountains in the background.
Local woman in traditional embroidered vest serves cheese and drinks to smiling hikers at a rural homestay in Romania.
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