Hiking in Romania: Via Transilvanica Trail

Follow the ancient Via Transilvanica trail through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, passing small villages, forests and rolling hills. Hike to spiritual sites like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sucevita and Moldovita monasteries and explore Bran Castle, linked to the Dracula legend. Experience traditional Transylvanian life with occasional homemade dinners and local wine shared with welcoming residents in nearby towns. Visit the Tasuleasa Social NGO and learn how this organisation behind the Via Transilvanica trail project is working to promote local economies by connecting travellers to Romania’s heritage.

Day 1: Cluj-Napoca
Buna Ziua! Welcome to Cluj Napoca – the unofficial capital of Romania’s Transylvania region. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you might like to explore this 2000-year-old city on foot or hit up the famous Piezisa Street for a drink. After your welcome meeting, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your group.
Day 2: Gura Humoroului
This morning, you’ll travel to Gura Humorului. On the way, you’ll stop at the headquarters of Tasuleasa Social NGO – the organisation behind the Via Transilvanica trail project. This 1400 km trail crosses Romania and is designed to connect diverse regions and communities by reviving rural areas through travel, storytelling and shared experience. Here, you’ll learn about their work, how the trail was created and can ask questions. After lunch, you’ll continue to Gura Humorului, where you'll check into your accommodation for the night.
Day 3: Gura Humoroului
Travel to Sucevita and visit the Sucevita Painted Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its detailed frescoes and peaceful setting. After exploring the monastery, you'll set off on today’s hike through forests, rolling hills and nearby villages, offering scenic views of the Carpathian foothills. Your hike finishes in Moldovita, where you’ll visit another UNESCO World Heritage listed painted monastery. Later, head back to your accommodation in Gura Humoroului for the night.
Day 4: Vatra Dornei
After breakfast, travel back to Moldovita, where you finished your hike yesterday. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Painted Egg Museum. Learn about the art, featured patterns and cultural significance of egg painting. After, set out on today’s hike to Sadova along the Via Transilvanica trail. This route includes short but steep climbs and takes you through quiet forests and meadows. You’ll make your way through traditional villages like Sparturi and soak up the views of the Bucovina region’s valleys. After, you'll be transferred to Vatra Dornei for the night.
Day 5: Vatra Dornei
Today’s hike starts in Paul Mestecanis. The trail to Vatra Dornei is downhill through the Carpathian landscape. As you hike, take in the surrounding Romanian countryside of quiet forests and open meadows, and enjoy wide views of the hills around you. Along the way, stop for a homemade lunch with a great view at Cabana Gigi Ursu – a nearby mountain chalet. Your hike finishes in the spa town of Vatra Dornei, known for its mineral springs, and maybe spend this evening exploring before heading back to your accommodation for the night.
Day 6: Sighisoara
Take a morning transfer to Sighisoara. After lunch explore the town on a guided walk. This beautifully preserved medieval town in Transylvania is known for its colourful houses and cobbled streets. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town at your own pace. Maybe climb the stairs of the Sighisoara’s Clock Tower or visit Biserica din Deal, also known as the Church on the Hill. Tonight, maybe enjoy dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 7: Sighisoara
After breakfast, set off on today’s hike from Saschiz to Sapartoc. This segment of the Via Transilvanica will take you through the Terra Saxonum region, known for its Saxon heritage and Transylvanian countryside. Along the way, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saschiz Fortified Church, known for its 15th-century defensive tower and Gothic architecture. After, stop at Spartoc Village – a quiet rural village that offers a glimpse into traditional Transylvanian life. Here, you’ll sit down to a home-cooked dinner made with local ingredients before heading to your accommodation in Sighisoara.
Day 8: Zarnesti
This morning you travel to Viscri for the starting point of today’s hike. Before you set off on the trails, visit the Mihai Eminescu trust – a foundation dedicated to preserving Romania’s cultural heritage. Learn how they are supporting the restoration of traditional architecture and sustainable development in rural communities. Today’s route offers beautiful Transylvanian landscapes as you hike through meadows and forests, with panoramic views of the Fagaras Mountains in the distance. Pass through traditional Saxon villages and see the UNESCO World Heritage listed fortified church in Viscri. Today’s hike ends in Cobar – a small village known for its preserved rural life and the Gospodaria Cobor, a cultural retreat that provides insight into local traditions and hospitality. Tonight, you'll sit down to dinner and a wine tasting, sampling some of the region’s local produce before travelling onto Faragas, where you'll stay tonight.
Day 9: Brasov
This morning begins with a scenic hike from Zarnesti to Bran. The trail leads gently above the mountain resort, climbing toward Măgura Peak. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views over the valleys and hills surrounding Bran and Moieciu, with the dramatic Bucegi Mountains rising in the distance. The path meanders through meadows alive with wildflowers, before opening into clearings dotted with traditional houses. There are several perfect spots to pause and capture photographs of the iconic Bran Castle before continuing on. Following the hike, visit the castle itself to explore its fascinating history. Later, transfer to Brasov for check-in, and perhaps conclude your adventure with a special farewell dinner.
Day 10: Brasov
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Brasov further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.