Rich in culture, history and wildlife, this recent addition to the European Union remains a destination of choice for the discerning walking enthusiast. Explore Transylvania’s mighty Southern Carpathian Mountains from the dramatic, high ridges of the jagged Fagaras range, the forests and Karst plateaux of the Apuseni, to the remote Rodnei range in the mythical Maramures, following well-marked trails. Stay in a variety of accommodations from remote, rustic mountain lodges, to friendly Transylvanian guesthouses renowned for home cooking, and boutique hotels in the major Transylvanian cities. Walks Worldwide now offer tailor-made guided itineraries to the various mountain ranges of Transylvania offering walkers a unique and personalised itinerary. With several low cost airlines flying to Bucharest, as well as scheduled airlines too, it’s never been easier to visit legendary Transylvania. Here’s a typical itinerary to whet your appetite and enjoy ‘fantastic’ trekking in the fabled land of Dracula.From the capital Bucharest, a 2hr train journey leads to the Prahova Valley and a night in the resort of Sinaia - surrounded on both sides by the Carpathian Mountains and commonly referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Carpathians’. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a ‘must see’ visit to the fairytale Peles Palace, before travelling further up the valley for spectacular views towards the Bucegi Mountains. Take a cable car up onto the Bucegi plateau for a moderate, circuit walk to Caraiman Cross. Returning to low level, explore hidden alleys and narrow streets of bohemian Old Braşov often likened to a mini-Prague - without the drunken stag parties! Here, stay in the delightful Bella Muzuca boutique hotel situated by the main square. Steep, forested mountain slopes characterise the town’s setting, and bears are often seen on the outskirts, together with the odd wolf. From Rasnov’s ancient fortress there are impressive views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. Later, discover the real history of ‘Dracula’s Castle’ at Bran, then drive to Piatra Craiului National Park, dominated by the 12-mile-long ‘knife edge’ of Piatra Craiului ridge (over 2,000m), staying at Elena’s guesthouse, where Tranylvanian home cooking takes on new meaning. From the trailhead, walk through forest, ascending above the tree line, to reach limestone rock formations at La Zaplaz. Traverse the Piatra Craiului massif before returning by road to Pension Elena in Zarnesti for a slap-up meal accompanied by Tuica – local hooch! Continue north to the brightly painted traditional UNESCO World Heritage Village of Viscri, famous for it’s 12th Century Fortified Church, then visit Sighisoara, a famous medieval citadel - birthplace of the ‘real’ Dracula, Vlad Tepes. Walk to the timeless village of Magura on the opposite side of the Piatra Craiului ridge, a stunning location with expansive views of the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains. From Zarnesti, early evening visits to remote bear hides high in the forests allow excellent opportunities to see wild Bear, and possibly Lynx and Wolf before transferring to Bucharest and homeward flights.
Guided treks costs from £795 p/p including boutique hotel and guesthouse accommodation, most meals, walk transfers, cable car fees and entrance fees.
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