Experience Ecotourism in Romania - eco-certified trekking program - 4 PEOPLE

Transfer from Brasov to the starting point of the trekking tour in Bucegi Natural Park (about 30 minutes of driving). Hike on the northern part of the mountain which is wilder and no so crowded. Stop at the “Evil waterfall mill” on our route. Transfer to a local guesthouse in Bran area for accommodation — about 30 minutes of driving. (5-6 hours, medium effort, uphill/downhill walk: 800 m/ 800 m, approx. 14 km). Dinner.

Bucegi Natural Park – a well known Romanian writer wrote: "Whoever is lucky enough to see the Bucegi in a clear night, full of frost and stellar light, might understand what the Genesis was like”.
Rising high, massive and bold above the horizon, with fierce peaks and steep valleys, alpine limestone grasslands, caves, springs and waterfalls, the Bucegi Mountains look like a citadel with high walls offering a breathtaking view, especially seen from the Prahova Valley.

Breakfast. All day hike in the astonishing Piatra Craiului National Park (6 - 7 hours, medium, 16 km), crossing the amazing Zarnesti Gorges. Lunch pack or lunch at Curmatura mountain hut. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Piatra Craiului National Park - The name of the mountain came from one of the citadels built by the Hungarian Kingdom, as a custom, control and protection point, at the southern border of Transylvania, at the bottom of the mountains, at the end of XIV century. The name of the citadel in German language was Königstein.

The locals called the mountain The Stone (Piatra).

The name of the highest peak (2238 m) is called Piscul Ciobanului or Piscul Baciului - Shepherd's Peak in English language and Hirtenspitze in German language.

A century ago the Carpathians mountains represented the border between Austrian-Hungarian Empire and Valachia, the southern part of Romania. The border divided Piatra Craiului Massif exactly on the highest peak, Piscul Baciului, where was the border pillar no. 201 and a pyramide made from wood (triangulation beacon).

The Piatra Craiului Massif became a natural reserve on March 28, 1938 (Journal of the Council of Ministers No. 645), with an initial surface of only 440 ha. The Council of Ministers made this decision "due to the unique nature of the massif where there are rare species, such as Dianthus callizonus, Hesperis nivea, Minuartia transilvanica, Leontopodium alpinum, and also for the beauty of the landscape."

Sustainable, local, eco tour! The beauty of Romania lies in its countryside! See some local cottage industries, take a trek through the local mountain forests, and learn about a way of life that’s slowly disappearing.
Experience the traditional Transylvanian way of life of the rural villages of Pestera and Magura. Do a walking tour in the area visiting the Bat Cave enjoying the landscapes and village life, interacting with the locals (3–4 hours, easy to medium, up to 12 km). Now, the Bat Cave is a national natural monument, part of the National Park “Piatra Craiului”. Cave entrance is through a narrow corridor, followed by a grotto and a gallery. You can admire the Jurassic limestone formations, formed over centuries, including so-called "tears of the earth". The cave is not electrified, in order not to change the natural habitat of the bats. Visit the oldest guesthouse in the National Park, taste several varieties of handcrafted cheese. With a flexible pace and the personalised attention of your guide, it’s a unique and authentic way to experience the Romanian countryside.

Today we try to hike the highest peak of the National Park - "La Om" or "Piscul Baciului" (2238 m) - Shepherd's Peak in English language and Hirtenspitze in German language.
Duration: 6-7 hours, medium to hard, uphill / downhill 1400 m.