Some of the most beautiful travel destinations are found amongst the peaks and woods of the Carpathian Mountains. For all of you mountain lovers out there, I’d like to share some of my favorite walking, camping and hiking sites. The Carpathians are the second largest European mountain range. They span an arch starting in the Czech Republic and going through Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania, and a little of Serbia.
Romania hosts a little over a half of the entire range. I grew up amongst the mountains here. They are incredibly diverse and beautiful, offering a multitude of trails for those of us always looking forward to the next weekend in the great outdoors, or even just for a few hours’ walk in the heart of nature.
Carpathian Mountains: Trails Around Brasov County
The city of Brasov is located in the midst of the Carpathian Mountains, and many of the most popular hikes can be found in this area. It’s built around Tâmpa (960m), with great walks through the woods at its base. The 400m elevation gain can be done in about an hour at a leisurely pace. The small mountain is also great for trail running. If you’re short on time, or if you’re not able go up on foot, there’s a cable car that will take you right to the top. The view of the city from the observation point there is stunning.
The closest peak to Brasov, Postavarul (1799m) is also home to the largest ski resort in Romania. Its twin peak Piatra Mare (1843m) offers a very nice view of the city and the other summits surrounding it. They’re both great for day hikes, have multiple trails, and both have a chalet or cabin close to the top.
Carpathian Mountains: Piatra Craiului National Park
Despite its relatively small size, Piatra Craiului massif is one of Romania’s hardest mountains to conquer. The “summit” is actually a 25-km long ridge that can be traversed in about 10 hours’ time, with a maximum height of 2238m. There are very few water sources, and you’re entirely exposed on the top. A few chalets and cabins close to the base are great starting points for day or multi-day hikes. The multitude of trails offer breathtaking views of the slopes around you and the valleys and small cities below, as well as the magnificent Bucegi mountains in the distance. Piatra Craiului is a 1 hour train ride from Brasov.
Brasov can easily be reached by train or bus from Bucharest. It will be a 2 to 3 hours ride depending on the traffic. Approaching the city from the south side, the road enters the mountainous region and brings you though the many switchbacks right to the most beautiful city in the middle of the Carpathian mountains.
