You may have heard of Romania for our great food, cute villages, or amazing ski slopes, but you might not have heard of our great hiking trails. Romania is full of beautiful mountains, so while you visit, we would definitely recommend taking advantage of some of our great hiking trails! Whether you enjoy more of a leisurely hike or you are someone who is more advanced, Romania has trails for all skills and levels!
1. The Retezat Mountains
The Retezat Mountains are located in the Retezat National Park, found in western Romania. These are some of the more beautiful and green mountains of Romania and they are in the b, which is considered to be the cradle of Romanian civilization. This is where you can find the ancient capital of the Dacians, Sarmizegetusa Regia. When the Romans conquered the Dacians, they decided that they enjoyed this area too and made Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana their capital as well.
The Retezat National Park is also known for its many glacial lakes, including the biggest one in all of Romania: Bucura Lake. There are many hikes that you can begin from Bucura Lake! We would also recommend visiting Gales Lake by starting at Peleaga and Papusa Peaks. If you head up to Portile Inchise, you will rise to over 2,500 meters high (a whopping 8,200 feet) and get a great view of many lakes, included a skull-shaped one!
2. Gugu Peak
Alright, maybe you have already heard enough about the Retezat National Park, but we thought Gugu Peak was worth mentioning separately. Gugu Peak is in the Retezat National Park but is located within the Godeanu mountains. Gugu Peak is famous for being “the Mountain that Disappears” because it seems like it just fades into the sky during certain hours of the day. Rumor has it that when the mountain disappears, spooky and supernatural events take place. You can check out videos on YouTube if you want to hear about different peoples’ experiences! The instructions to get to Gugu Peak can be a little bit complicated, so check out our article on how to visit Gugu Peak, or look it up on Google Maps!
3. The Seven Ladders Canyon
Located just south of Brasov, the Seven Ladders Canyon is a mountainous canyon formed by the Sapte Scari Brook. It is called the Seven Ladders because it has seven waterfalls, with the tallest one being 35 meters (115 feet) high! You can zipline your way to the canyon, or take an easy 1-hour hike. If you are heading up to Brasov by car, this is an easy stop you can take on the way!
4. Valea Doftanei
If you are staying in Bucharest, then Valea Doftanei is a great spot to plan a day trip. Just a two hour drive from the center of Bucharest, this is a gorgeous place to go to if you are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can overlook the Doftana River, which has beautiful turquoise-blue waters. You can hike around here and enjoy the views, and none of these hikes are too difficult, so these would be great if you are a beginner.
5. Ciucas Peak
The highest point in the Ciucas Mountains, this peak is located in the southern region of the Carpathian Mountains. It is a total of 1954 meters high, and your views go as far as the horizons. The only way to make it up here is to hike, so just pack a good pair of hiking shoes and a light raincoat, depending on the season.
6. The Cetatuia Hill
If you want an easy hike and amazing views, then this is the place for you! Cetatuia Hill is also known as Fortress Hill, because Cetatuia is the name of the fortress that used to be at the top of the hill (and also used to be a prison). Today, if you walk to the top, there is a restaurant where you can dine on some traditional Romanian foods!
7. The Maramures Mountains
These mountains make for a perfect spring/summer day getaway. It is lush and green and there are plenty of beautiful meadows and flowers. There are pristine lakes where you can swim, and the trails are marked and mapped so you can explore. Even though there are trails, not too many people make it out to the Maramures Mountains, so you will likely have the place almost all to yourself (or at least you won’t be running into too many people). Walk, run, or bike, or even bring a tent for a multiple-day trip. This mountain range is beautiful and peaceful and a perfect place to clear your mind and breathe in the fresh air.
8. Buila-Vanturarita National Park
This is a smaller mountain range, located in central-western Romania, near the Retezat National Park. You are likely not to run into too many tourists here, and not even that many Romanians know about this park. It is the smallest and newest National Park in Romania. We would recommend hiking down Brana Caprelor, also known as “the goat’s trail.” You can stay at Cabana Cheia, which is the cutest little cabin to stay in, complete with hammocks and a living room with a fireplace. You can leave your stuff here, and then head down limestone ridge for the day.
9. Ramet Gorges
If it is a hot summer day, this is the place to be! Ramet Gorges is located in the Trascau Mountains, in northwestern Romania. To get through the gorge, you have to wade through the water for about 2 kilometers. You don’t have to worry too much about slipping or falling – plenty of people have gone before you and have put up footholds and ropes so that you can maintain your balance. The Gorges are beautiful and it is so refreshing to cool down in the clean water!