Romania walks

The ascent of the three peaks of Tibles, the natural border between the Bistrita-Nàsàud and Maramures counties.

A balcony trail 180 metres above the Danube. Almost directly above the river, you’ll see the boats plying its waters and the cliffs on the Serbian bank. After a short climb and a walk across a plateau, several vantage points offer ever-changing views as you continue your hike.

Climb the ladders to reach a tiny hamlet on the steep slope of a valley. Woodland and meadows alternate. After crossing the River Cerna via a suspension bridge and climbing ladders to get over a rocky outcrop, you’ll head up through the forest and reach the meadows where you’ll come across horses. Then, along a balcony path, you’ll pass a church and some farmhouses. The descent is through the forest and the return journey is via the road.

This circular walk to the Curmătura hut from Fântâna lui Botorog offers a lush, green setting. The route begins with picturesque gorges before climbing through woodland and meadows. At the end of the trail is a viewpoint from which the view stretches from the valley up to the cliffs and limestone ridges above. Information boards explain the distinctive features of the environment in several languages. The descent takes place through pastures before returning to the woodland. From the viewpoint, you can reach a pass and the ridges via a walk described here and named ‘Round trip to the Șaua Padinii Închise Pass’.

These 500 metres of elevation gain will take you up to the Carpathian sky, offering impressive panoramic views. The route starts in the forest and ends on rocky terrain – very steep limestone with a few sections where you may need to use your hands. Once at the pass, you’ll discover the green Barsa valley.

Magnificent karst formations await you after you’ve crossed a dense forest: arches, faults, gullies and caves. The climb is steep through the forest and becomes even steeper once you emerge, to the extent that cables have been fixed into the rock face. This challenging route, known as La Zaplaz, was first opened in 1886. From the top, the view stretches across the entireZărneştivalley. See the practical information below regarding access rights and safety.

A gentle, easy walk of around 3½ hours starting from Lake Balea (on the Transfăgărășan road) to visit two peaks in the Carpathians, including one of Romania’s highest peaks (Vanaturea lui Buteanu). Park just after the tunnel (when approaching from Curtea de Arges) by the lake after the tunnel (please note: the car park gets very busy).

A hike starting from Salva station, near Năsăud in northern Romania, leading to the village of Zagra, the starting point for a multi-day hiking route.

A short walk in the forest, on the heights of the village of Aluniș, in Romania.The village is quite isolated as the road leading to it is not yet tarmac-surfaced, though it is passable. Tourists are therefore very rare there, and you can go for a walk encountering only farmers and shepherds.

A walk in the hills above the village of Bichigiu, in northern Romania.This is the domain of bears and wolves, but also of foresters and shepherds.

Walk from Suplai to Zagra via the Holy Trinity Monastery (Mănăstirea Sfânta Treime), also known as Bichigiu Monastery. There is only one slightly steep section in the last two kilometres (the same as on the hill route).The only difficulty is the length of over 23 km.