The Balkan nation of Romania is a country of contrasts, with historic towns, forest trails and the peaks of the Carpathian Mountains all waiting to be explored. Transylvania, its most famous region, is where you’ll find medieval towns, mountain landscapes and plenty of opportunities to get out on foot.
Walk through Saxon villages, tackle mountain trails and make time for some of Romania’s best-known historic sights along the way. If you’re looking for an active way to see the country, a Romania walking holiday puts you right in the middle of its landscapes, history and local culture.
Step Inside Bran Castle
Bran Castle is one of Romania’s most recognisable landmarks, with its towers and turrets rising above the Transylvanian landscape. Commonly known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’, it has become closely associated with Bram Stoker’s famous novel, although the connections between the castle, the author and Vlad the Impaler are largely the stuff of legend.
Walk through its rooms and passageways, learn about its history and take in the mountain scenery surrounding one of Transylvania’s best-known sights.
Hike the Bucegi Mountains
For some proper time on the trails, head into the Bucegi Mountains, part of Romania’s Southern Carpathians.
On the Bucegi Plateau, weather erosion has sculpted the rocks into remarkable shapes such as the Sphinx and Babele, or ‘the old women’. The high-altitude trails open up wide views across the surrounding mountains, making this a rewarding place to experience Romania on foot.
Spend Time in Sinaia and the Carpathians
Not far from the Bucegi Mountains, Sinaia sits among the mountain scenery of the Carpathians. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Carpathians’, the town is home to Sinaia Monastery and Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of King Carol I.
After time spent walking in the mountains, Sinaia adds a different side to the journey, with plenty of history and architecture to take in.
See the Bears at Libearty Bear Sanctuary
Romania is home to one of Europe’s largest populations of brown bears, making wildlife an important part of the country’s natural landscape.
The Libearty Bear Sanctuary, near Zărnești provides a home for bears rescued from captivity and exploitation. On a guided visit, you can learn about the sanctuary’s work and see the bears roaming through its forested enclosures.
It’s a chance to learn more about Romania’s brown bears and the conservation work being done to protect them.
Walk Through Historic Brasov
Set beneath the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov is one of Transylvania’s best-known medieval cities and a great place to explore on foot.
Walk through its historic centre to see Piața Sfatului, the Black Church and some of the city’s colourful streets and buildings. A guided walking tour gives you a closer look at Brasov’s history and architecture.
For a different view, head up Tampa Mountain by cable car or take the trail to the top for views across Brasov and the surrounding countryside.
Take on the Seven Ladders Canyon
Just outside Brasov, the Piatra Mare Mountains offer plenty of opportunities to get active. One of the highlights is Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Sapte Scari), a limestone gorge where a series of metal ladders and walkways takes you between steep rock walls and waterfalls.
It adds something a little different to a day on the trails and is one of the more adventurous activities to experience in this part of Romania.
Trek the Piatra Craiului Mountains
Piatra Craiului National Park is known for its distinctive limestone ridge, forests and mountain landscapes.
Walking trails lead through forests and alpine meadows, with views across the Carpathians opening up as you gain height. The national park is also home to wildlife including chamois, deer and brown bears.
It’s the kind of landscape that makes a Romania walking holiday worth pulling on your boots for.
See Rural Transylvania in Viscri
The Transylvanian village of Viscri offers a very different pace after time spent in the mountains.
Known for its traditional Saxon houses and UNESCO-listed fortified church, the village has retained much of its historic character. Walk through its streets and surrounding countryside for a closer look at rural life and the heritage of this part of Romania.
King Charles III has also supported conservation work in the region, helping to draw international attention to the preservation of its traditional buildings and landscapes.
Get to Know Bucharest, Romania’s Capital
Bucharest gives you another side of Romania altogether. Historic architecture, broad avenues, parks and reminders of the country’s more recent past sit alongside the energy of a modern European capital.
Walk along Calea Victoriei or get on two wheels for a guided bike tour to cover more of the city. One of Bucharest’s most imposing landmarks is the Palace of Parliament, built during the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu and closely associated with Romania’s communist era.
After the mountains and villages of Transylvania, Bucharest makes for quite a change of scene.
Experience Romania on a Walking Holiday
Want to see Romania on foot? Our Transylvania Walking Holiday takes you into the Carpathian Mountains and through some of the region’s most interesting towns, villages and historic sights.
Walk mountain trails, visit Bran Castle and experience places such as Brașov and Viscri along the way. With guided walks and plenty of local culture packed into the trip, you’ll get to see a side of Romania that’s best experienced on foot.
