Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival of guests to Sibiu. Depending on the arrival time, drive to the nearby village of Rasinari. During a substantial dinner and a glass of Romanian Schnapps called Tuica, in the Badiu Guest House, we discuss our hiking week. Mr. Badiu spoils his guests especially culinary, but also with his hospitality. Overnight stay in the guest house of Mr. Badiu, www.pensiunea-badiu.ro.
Day 2: This day begins with an easy hike from Rasinari through the Roma village of Prislop, up to the Rosegarden, 1.000 m above sea level. From here everyone is free to decide whether he wants to climb up the Peak of Magura Cisnadiei, situated at 1.304 m above sea level. However, the landscape of the peak offers a great view on the Sadu Valley and on the Transylvanian highland. The descent takes us through the Silvercreek Valley to Cisnadioara. Here we can find another fortified church from the 13th century. Then we return to Rasinari by carriage. Mr. Patru and his horse Soimu bring us back to our guest house.
Hiking trail of 18 km, start-height: 500 m alt., highest point: 1.304 m alt. (Magura Peak) or 1.050 m alt. (Rosegarden), height difference: 600 m alt. or 800 m alt., easy to medium difficult hiking trail.
Day 3: After breakfast we visit the highest climatic spa of Romania, Paltinis. After a 25 km long drive, our next hike begins. We start at approximately 1.400 m altitude and comfortably reach on a pleasant forest road the Oncesti Peak, at 1.713 m altitude. From here it goes on through a dense forest on an excellent hiking trail and we reach 1800 m altitude. Crossing an alpine hayfield we reach the Surdu Peak at 1.970 maltitude. The relatively easy return path leads us back to our starting point, Paltinis. Relaxation awaits us in the garden of Mr. Badiu.
Hiking trail of 16 km, start-height: 1.400 m alt., highest point: Surdu Peak 1.970 m alt., height difference: 570 m alt., easy to medium difficult hiking trail.
Day 4: Today we change our location, but before leaving Marginimea Sibiului, we don’t want to miss the former European Capital of Culture of the year 2007, Sibiu. During a guided tour through Sibiu, we will learn about the Bridge of Lies and the Great Square, and hear interesting stories about the protestant parish church of Sibiu. Then it goes on to Bran, where we visit the famous Dracula Castle. Afterwards we go to our guest house Mosorel in the village of Magura. The village is situated at 1.100 m altitude and offers great views on the Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului. Dinner and overnight stay in the Magura guest house www.cazarepensiunemagura.ro.
Driving route of 187 km, approx. 2 to 3 hours of drive.
Day 5: After a day of relaxation it’s time for a hike. We start on an easy hiking trail in the village of Magura, passing along dairies, and reach the Petrului Peak (1.452 m alt.). Here we can admire the mightiness and splendor of the Piatra Craiului Mountain. With a little bit of luck, we can encounter wild animals, because Piatra Craiului is the home of bears, lynxes and mountain goats. After a well deserved lunch break on the peak, it goes down to the ravine of Zarnesti. The last part of our hike brings us uphill, back to our guest house.
Hiking trail of 15 km, start-height: 950 m alt., highest point: Petrului Peak 1.452 m alt., height difference: 500 m alt., easy hiking trail.
Day 6: We begin our hiking day from the guest house and climb down to the ravine of Zarnesti. The short path is known to us from the previous hiking day. We continue uphill to the Curmatura Cottage (1.470 m alt.), where we stop for lunch break. Fresh soups are prepared here for hikers. Depending on the desires, it goes to the Piatra Craiului Mica (1816 m alt.) or we remain at the same altitude. We return across Poiana Zanoaga to our Mosorel guest house in the village of Magura.
Hiking trail of 16 km, start-height: 1.100 m alt. at the Mosorel guest house, descent to the ravine up to 850 m alt., ascent to the Curmatura Cottage at 1470 m alt. At choice for each individual: ascent from the cottage to the Piatra Craiului Mica peak at 1.816 m alt., height difference: from the ravine to the cottage 620 m alt. or from the ravine to the “Piatra Craiului Mica” peak 966 m alt. medium difficult to difficult hiking trail. From the Cabana Curmatura cottage to the “Piatra Craiului Mica” peak there are some places that require climbing as well as to be vertigo free!
Day 7: We leave the Carpathians before noon and drive to Brasov. Here we visit on a guided city tour, the biggest church of Romania, the Black Church, as well as “Strada Sforii” (the String Street) and the Catherine’s Gate. Brasov was in the middle Ages one of the most important commercial cities of Transylvania. Time in the afternoon is at the guests’ disposal. Farewell dinner and overnight stay in Brasov.
Day 8: Depending on the departure time of guests, drive to the airport of Sibiu.
