Introduction
The main aim of this trip is to complete the traverse of the longest section of
the Transylvanian Alps, the Fagaras, whose 80km. of ridge rarely drops below
2000m. (6700ft.) and includes Romania's highest summit Moldoveanu (2544m, or
8480ft.). This is one of the longest, continuous, high level walks in Europe.
The trip is suitable for the strong mountain walker who is also interested in
seeing a fascinating country close-up; walking through flower strewn meadows
and farm land, along craggy mountain tops and through indigenous forests.
During the trek we have a fascinating glimpse of rural life in an almost
medieval corner of Europe. The walk starts with a visit to the magnificent Peles Castle and the Sinaia
Monastery from where we cross the Bucegi Massif to Bran. Rising to a height of
2500m above the broad Danube plain, the Bucegi Massif forms part of the
mountainous barrier that divides Transylvania, "the land through the woods"
from the flat lands of Wallachia. It is a region of pristine forests of beech
and pine. On their margins and in the alpine meadows farming goes on as it has
done for centuries - most work being done by horses and hand. Above, tower high
limestone crags, haunt of chamois and raven. Bran is a pleasant and remarkably unspoilt little town famous for its castle
which was the home of Count Dracula. This picturesquely situated fortress is
worth a visit for its own sake. After Bran we visit a small mountain village
where the group is divided to stay in several farmhouses. The local people are
very hospitable and will at one stage show you around their homes and show you
some of their handmade rugs and other artefacts. After crossing the rugged Piatra Craiului mountains we reach Paiu Foii the
Fagaras, by now fit for some long days on the magnificent Fagaras ridge. On our
return journey to Bucharest we visit Simbata Monastery and the old town of
Brasov.
 | The Romanian Fagaras Mountains
Grade B/C Detailed Dossier | Trip Summary
This partly vehicle supported trek provides a wonderfully varied trip that
includes visits to the magnificent Peles Castle. Airy ridges, pine and beech
forests, remote mountain villages whose life style takes you back 100 years
combined with a high quality and caring local service. Walking is mainly on
good paths but fitness required for some longer days. The main aim is the
traverse of the complete Transylvanian Alp ridge - one of the longest high
level walks in Europe. On the ridgeApart from hotels in towns this trek uses the excellent Romanian mountain lodge
system. These lodges vary in quality but all provide good food, some also
bed-linen and hot showers. In the lodges accommodation is generally in four or
more person rooms, but some have a two person room. The trek also includes a
unique night with the group divided amongst several homes in a village. 
Peles Castle
| Outline Itinerary | | Day 1 | Arrive in Bucharest and meet the guides. Drive to Sinaia and an atmospheric
hotel which originally belonged to Peles Castle. | | Day 2 | Visit Peles Castle and the Orthodox Sinaia Monastery. Take the cable car to
Furnica summit from where the descent leads through alpine meadows and forests
to the pleasant Pestera Cabana. | | Day 3 - 13 | Trek across the Bucegi then visit Bran Castle. After a night with a family in a
mountain village continue across the Piatra Craiului then onto the Fagaras
Ridge. We approach the ridge from the north visiting Simbata Monastry en-route.
After several days on the ridge we descend to Poiana Neamtului and waiting
transport. | | Day 14 | On the return journey visit then drive on to the ancient city of Brasov. Night
in a hotel in the old town. | | Day 15 | A few hours to roam around Brasov - good shopping opportunities - before
driving back to Otopeni Airport and the flight back to the UK. |
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