The classic Carpathian Mountains ‘Haute Route’ takes you along the mighty Fagaras Ridge to Moldoveanu, Romania’s highest summit. This is the adventurous mountain trekker’s dream.
- Climb Moldoveanu, Romania’s highest peak
- Traverse the stunning Fagaras Ridge
- Trek to ‘Castle Dracula’
- Look out for wolves, bears & the elusive lynx
The mighty mountains of the Fagaras, often referred to as the ‘Alps of Transylvania’, provide the opportunity for one of Europe’s best and most intoxicating ridge walks. With stunning views along the way, this immense ridge is revealed in all its glory, culminating with an ascent of Moldoveanu (2,544 metres), the highest peak in Romania.
There is also some time spent trekking in the equally stunning Piatra Craiului National Park, home to wolves, bears and the elusive lynx. You’ll trek through rural Transylvania to ‘Castle Dracula’ and round off the trip nicely with two nights in the Bohemian city of old Brasov.
Staying in mountain huts and chalets provides great opportunities for stargazing, bringing you closer to the night sky and a fantastic end to a day of walking.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Bucharest & transfer to Zarnesti
Fly from the UK to Bucharest, where you will be met and transferred to Zarnesti.
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Day 2: Trek Piatra Craiului ridge to ’La Zaplaz’ rock formation
Enjoy a circuit walk beneath the wilder side of this most impressive mountainscape. Follow a gentle trail alongside a small stream to reach a clearing where there is an igloo style shelter. Now higher and closer to the sheer stone walls looming above, you will be able to fully appreciate why Piatra Craiului translates as ‘The King’s Rock’. Reach an interesting rock formation known as La Zaplaz, traversing onwards to another forested spur, before descending sharply to the valley floor to your starting point.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 1,100 m | Descent: 1,100 m
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Day 3: Drive to the mighty Fagaras Mountains; trek to Balea Lake
Travel overland to the mighty Fagaras Mountain range, following the Transfagarasan Highway. Reach the Balea waterfalls, from where you start your trek to ascend to the very scenic Balea Mountain Lake.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 770 m | Descent: 175 m
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Day 4: Trek past the Dragon’s Window & along mountain ridge
Ascend steadily to the main ridge, past the Dragon’s Window and Goat Lake. Traverse along and just below the impressive ridge, to a small col where you’ll descend to Cabana Podragu.
Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 750 m | Descent: 700 m
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Day 5: Summit Moldoveanu; descend via Bears Den
Climb to Saua Podraglui and ascend to the summit of Varful Moldoveanu, the highest mountain in Romania, for spectacular panoramic views. Descend towards the ’Bears Den’ and walk steadily down into the Sambata Valley to the Cabana Sambata.
Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 1,050 m | Descent: 1,700 m
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Day 6: Steady descent to Sambata village; transfer to Brasov
Head down and out of the Fagaras mountains to Sambata, where you have the option of visiting one of the wealthiest monasteries in Romania. From Sambata transfer to the Bohemian city of Brasov.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 757 m
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Day 7: Walk to ’Castle Dracula’ in Bran
Discover rural Transylvania on a delightful walk to ’Castle Dracula’ at Bran. Enjoy fine views of Piatra Craiului and the even higher Bucegi Mountains on the far horizon. You will then continue to ascend steadily from Magura, rising above a rocky limestone outcrop. Descend to Bran and visit ’Castle Dracula’.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 890 m
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Day 8: Transfer to Bucharest & fly back to the UK
A single group transfer to Bucharest for your flight back to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £995 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,175 per person
- Single room supplement: From £90
- Walking grade: Demanding to Strenuous
- Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
- Max alt: 2,544m
- Group size: 4-12
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 2 nights, pension x 2 nights, mountain hut x 3 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Luggage transfers on some days
Next Steps
| Year | Starts | Ends | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Holiday Status | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | |||||
| 2024 | 22 Jun | 29 Jun | £995 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | 14 Sep | 21 Sep | £995 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
