15 Hikes in the Carpathians, Compared

1.Piatra Craiului National Park Private Hiking Tour from Brasov

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $126Our pick

Set out from Brașov with a private mountain guide for a 6 to 9 mile hike in Piatra Craiului National Park. Your guide chooses between routes based on weather and your group’s ability. Expect forests, gorges and shepherd country, plus a possible sheep-farm stop from June to September. Bran Castle is an optional stop on the drive back, at your own expense.

“Good weather, great scenery and a very knowledgeable and proficient guide in Bogdan. A really wonderful day out. It was perhaps a little difficult for him as I was so much older and slower than my day trip companion. But speaking for myself I had a beautiful day with lots of laughs, enjoyed a delicious soup lunch at the refuge and got home safely. What more could you ask?”

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2.Private Hiking OR Climbing Experience in beaufitul gorges

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $78

Choose a guided hike or a via ferrata climb in Cheile Turzii, also called Turda Gorge. The climbing route takes about two hours and needs no technical experience, but you should be comfortable with heights and in decent shape. Cluj Tours provides safety equipment, bottled water, and round-trip transfers from Cluj-Napoca. Groups are capped at eight.

“It was the afternoon and evening after a rain, and it was absolutely stunning. Some fog was in the gorge, and the sunset was insane. Guide was super nice and had lots of knowledge for the trip and for surrounding areas. I would recommend being physically fit for this activity, as it was somewhat difficult at points. Climbing and hike was so cool.”

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3.Hike to Poenari Fortress, Vidraru Dam, Argeș Monastery – Private

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $167

From Bucharest, travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide to Curtea de Argeș Monastery, Poenari Fortress and Vidraru Dam. Expect a long mountain day, a 1,480-step climb if the fortress is open, and possible route changes. Guides named on past trips include Bogdan and Victor.

“This was an amazing tour, and our guide, Bogdan, was the very best! He went out of his way to provide snacks, drinks, stopped for getting us fresh fruit at a local roadside stand, and even made a few extra stops along the way to show us some amazing landmarks rich in Romanian history. Our drive along the Transfagarasan Hwy was everything we expected and more! The drive was beautiful and we saw more than 15 wild brown bears, including mothers with cubs and large male bears. The views from the top of the Highway were spectacular, and we were fortunate to have snow-covered Carpathian views, yet clear roads. Would…”

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4.Sibiu: Cindrel Mountains Hike with Traditional Brunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 5.5 hours · from $68Best value

Leave Sibiu for a guided 4 to 5 hour hike in the Cindrel Mountains, with forest paths, meadows, mountain views and stories about local history and legends. Alex is the guide named for this outing. Finish at MGS Cabin, where you can add a traditional brunch made with local products.

“Es war eine wunderschöne Wanderung mit einem sehr leckeren Frühstück / Brunch. Alex hat interessante Geschichte über Sibiu und Umgebung erzählt, wir würden gerne den Tour jederzeit wiedermachen.”

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5.Day Hike in Carpathian Mountains for all levels in five areas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $102

Spend about six hours hiking in Piatra Craiului National Park with a mountain guide. The route can be adjusted to your group’s fitness and appetite for a challenge, passing through forest and mountain meadows, with a hut stop possible. Guides include Ovidiu, Eni, Gabriel and Rako. Transport from Brasov and park fees are included; meals are not.

“The hike in the mountains was absolutely amazing! Our guide has many years of experience in the mountains and was very knowledgeable. A real paradise for hikers!”

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6.Private Daytrip Hike to Bucegi Mountains

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $300

Leave Bucharest at 9:00 am in a red Dacia Duster for a private day in the Bucegi Mountains. Your guide leads a forest hike through Zănoaga Gorge to Scropoasa Lake and Seven Springs Waterfall. Snacks and bottled water are included, and guides Alex and Georgiana have both led outings. Plan for about eight hours, with roughly four hours in the mountains.

“The day we went we drove through thick fog and arrived in a downpour. Alex offered to drive us to the lake and waterfalls rather than hike in the rain. We were dead set on hiking so we hiked. The hike is moderately challenging and through a beautiful forest along the gorge. The color of the lake, even in the rain, was beautiful. We then hiked to the waterfall which was truly beautiful. Alex provided a wonderful lunch and snacks along the way. He filled us in on information about the area. As we returned on the hike the sun came out to warm us up and give us a…”

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7.Day Hike PRIVATE – Piatra Craiului National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 4 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $96

Set out from Brașov with a private English-speaking guide for a hike in Piatra Craiului National Park, including the dramatic cliffs of Zărnești Canyon. The route can be adjusted to your fitness and interests. Guides named by past hikers include Eni, Radu Ursu, Paul, and Valentin, though your assigned guide may vary.

“Fantastic experience at Piatra Craiului National Park thanks to our amazing guide, Radu Ursu. Good profesional and marvellous partner. We have very good moments and beautiful landscapes to remember.”

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8.Private Full-Day Hiking Tour in Piatra Craiului National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $104

Set out from Brasov at 8:30 am for a private, guided hike in Piatra Craiului National Park. Expect a 12 to 15 km, medium-difficulty route with canyons, limestone scenery and a stop at Cabana Curmătura. Guides associated with the tour include Radu, who grew up hiking here, and Ramona, who explains the local environment.

“I have had zero experience in hiking/trekking. But like me, if you have Radu as your guide, you are in safe hands and great company!”

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9.1 day CARPATHIAN PEAKS & CHALETS hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $72

Set out from Brașov at 9:00 am for a guided Carpathian hike capped at eight people, with private transport and stops at Curmătura Chalet and Zărnești Gorges. Guide Andrei has led hikes toward different local peaks, and can adjust the pace to your ability. Bring water and snacks; chalet lunch costs extra.

“Amazing hike! It’s a hard way up but worth the hike and the view! Andreij was super friendly and helpful!”

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10.4-Day Carpathian Trek: Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,070

Spend four days hiking from Brasov through the Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului National Park, with a licensed guide, private transfers, guesthouse stays, and meals. Expect forest trails, mountain villages, Zarnesti Gorges, and an optional hard climb to a 2,238-meter summit. Guides have included Bogdan, Mihai, and Radu, though assignments can vary.

“My husband and I loved this experience. Radu, our guide, was knowledgeable and very helpful. He carefully planned the route for each day and supported us with a bit of extra equipment to deal with a lot of snow. We stayed at Villa Hermani, an absolute gem în Măgura village, with a very special management and chefs. We warmly recommend this experience - professional and well organised”

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11.Private Hiking to Bucegi Natural Park from Brasov

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $110

Set out from Brașov with private guide Adrian for a full-day hike in Bucegi Natural Park. Ride to Râșnov, walk through the Mălăiești glacial valley, pause at the chalet, then choose a medium or difficult route toward the 2,000-meter plateau. Lunch and park entry are extra.

“Great value for money and exceeded expectations beyond belief! Adrian was great company and very knowledgeable about the task at hand and as well as a wide range of Romanian history topics. He provides many other services besides the hike that I would strongly consider. Many thanks again Adrian! I had the best time and hopefully more people can experience the same.”

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12.Brasov: Private Fagaras Mountains Trekking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9 reviews · 9 hours · from $188

Travel from Brașov with a private English-speaking guide, drive the historic Transfăgărășan Road and hike from Balea Lake toward Capra Lake. If weather allows, the route may continue to 2,507-meter Vânătoarea lui Buteanu; otherwise, enjoy a walk around the lake. Guides Mihai and Bogdan have led outings here.

“Had a wonderful trip . Fantastic views at the top!! Despite the weather, the guide amended the walk as the wind was too strong to walk along the ridge so still had a great time. The guide was very kind and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone”

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13.Day Trek to Romania’s Rooftop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $248

Leave the city at 7 am for a private, guided trek in the Romanian Carpathians. Plan on about six hours on foot, with transport, a helmet, and national park fees included. Guides Stefan and Andrei have led memorable outings, though the route can change with conditions. Food and any cable car ride cost extra.

“Because of the cold weather, our amazing guide Stefan took us on a canyon hike that turned out to be a better option for us. It was beautiful, exhilarating, and great fun. Viator should list this canyon hike as an option. We stopped for a great breakfast on the way because it was early. Stefan always made sure we were safe and comfortable. And he took great pictures we will treasure forever. Thank you!”

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14.Hiking thought the best mountain villages in Romania-Private tour from Brasov

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $102

Leave Brasov at 8:30 am in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an authorized mountain guide. Spend about two hours at Amfiteatrul Transilvania, then six hours on paths through the forests and meadows of Moieciu de Sus. Ramona has guided the trip, though your guide may vary. Food and drinks are not included.

“This was an absolutely fantastic trip! The views along the ridge line of the Bucegi mountains were stunning. Ramona was an excellent guide, gave us great tips on Romanian food and knew the area very well. You get to hike through a post-card like landscape and see amazing views from the Bucegi mountains. The surrounding village had no tourists and the landscape was remote and gorgeous. Our favorite trip by far.”

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15.SB05 – Carpathian Heights: Hiking to Bâlea Cascada & Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 day · from $141

Set out from Sibiu with an English-speaking hiking guide and a group of no more than eight. Visit 60-meter Bâlea Waterfall, then hike about 1.5 to 2 hours to Bâlea Glacier Lake at 2,034 meters. Bring lunch, sturdy shoes and a jacket. Transport is included; a cable car, if used, costs extra.

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