Hiking Regions in Romania

Romania offers an impressive variety of hiking regions, ranging from high-alpine Carpathian peaks to gentle hill landscapes near the Danube. Most hiking regions in Romania (from the Southern Carpathians to Maramureș) can be conveniently reached by car.

If you are travelling with your own car, motorhome or a rental vehicle, you will need an electronic vignette (Rovinieta) on most motorways and national roads in Romania. Via our platform, you can easily purchase the digital vignette for Romania online, either valid immediately or starting on your preferred date. This ensures you are legally covered during your journey and helps you avoid fines.

In Romania, you can discover pristine mountain landscapes, ancient forests, traditional villages and spectacular rock formations. Ideal for anyone who wants to combine nature, active holidays and culture:

• Southern Carpathians: Făgăraș Mountains, Piatra Craiului National Park, Bucegi Mountains
• Western Carpathians (Apuseni Mountains): Apuseni Nature Park, Padiș Plateau, karst and cave landscapes
• Retezat and Țarcu Mountains: Retezat National Park with numerous mountain lakes
• Eastern Carpathians: Ceahlău Massif, Bicaz Gorge, Călimani Mountains
• Maramureș & Northern Carpathians: Maramureș Mountains, Rodna Mountains, traditional wooden villages
• Other hiking areas: Ciucaș & Piatra Mare Mountains, Banat Mountains & Semenic, Măcin Mountains in Dobrogea

Southern Carpathians: the “Transylvanian Alps”

The Southern Carpathians form Romania’s most alpine hiking region. Rugged ridges, deep glacial valleys and numerous peaks above 2,500 metres shape the landscape. The region is perfect for demanding mountain tours as well as enjoyable day hikes. Well-known cities such as Brașov (Kronstadt) or Sibiu (Hermannstadt) are located nearby, allowing you to perfectly combine city trips and hiking holidays.

Făgăraș Mountains & Transfăgărășan

The Făgăraș Mountains are home to Romania’s highest peaks, including Moldoveanu (2,544 m) and Negoiu (2,535 m). Multi-day trekking routes run along the ridge and are considered the “royal tours” of the Romanian Carpathians. A major highlight is the Transfăgărășan High Road, which winds through the high mountains in spectacular hairpin bends and is regarded as one of Europe’s most impressive mountain passes. You can find more detailed information in our article on the Transfăgărășan High Road.

Numerous hiking trails start along the road, including routes to Lake Bâlea, a high-altitude glacial lake at around 2,000 metres. Here you can enjoy short panoramic walks or longer hikes up to the main ridge. Typical of the Făgăraș Mountains are long ridge sections, alpine meadows and remote mountain lakes. While multi-day tours are mainly suitable for experienced hikers, shorter routes for day visitors are also available near the pass road. In summer, be prepared for rapidly changing weather, as thunderstorms and fog are common. Make sure to pack a rain jacket and layered clothing.

Piatra Craiului National Park (King’s Stone Mountains)

The Piatra Craiului National Park (“King’s Stone Mountains”) is famous for its long, narrow limestone ridge that rises like a steep wall from the landscape. The highest peak, Vârful La Om (2,238 m), can be reached via a marked ridge trail and offers fantastic views of the Făgăraș and Bucegi Mountains.

The region is a paradise for ridge hikes and alpine circuit routes. Steep forest paths alternate with rocky sections, some secured with ropes. Those looking for something more relaxed will also find shorter family hikes through forests and meadows, as well as routes to sheep farms where traditional cheese products are made. Many marked trails start around the town of Zărnești. You will also find accommodation and guesthouses here that cater to hikers. The park is also home to brown bears, wolves and lynx. Sightings are rare, but the wild atmosphere of the landscape is ever-present.

Bucegi Mountains: Sphinx & Babele

The Bucegi Mountains lie between Brașov and Bucharest and are one of the country’s best-known hiking and ski regions. Here, easily accessible high plateaus meet rugged rock faces and deep valleys. Particularly famous are the rock formations Babele and the “Bucegi Sphinx”, formed by erosion and reachable by cable car from Bușteni. Numerous panoramic trails run across the plateau, while steep ascents and via ferratas start in the valley. Many routes lead to serviced mountain huts where you can sample Romanian specialities. In winter, the Bucegi Mountains turn into a popular winter sports region. Ideal if you want to combine hiking and skiing.

Toll notice: Many starting points in the Bucegi Mountains are accessed via national roads that require a Romanian vignette. Before you travel, check whether your digital vignette is already active.

Western Carpathians / Apuseni Mountains

The Western Carpathians, especially the Apuseni Mountains, are much gentler than the Southern Carpathians. Here you can expect green hills, karst landscapes and dense forests. Thousands of caves make the region an exciting destination for anyone who wants to combine nature and geology. The Apuseni Mountains are protected as the Apuseni Nature Park and offer a dense network of hiking trails, often passing waterfalls, sinkholes and viewpoints. Thanks to the moderate elevation, this region is ideal for families, leisure hikers and anyone looking for a mix of nature experiences and traditional village culture.

Apuseni Nature Park

The Apuseni Nature Park stretches across several counties and is one of the most important hiking areas in western Romania. Typical features include karst plateaus, narrow valleys, underground rivers and wide meadows with flocks of sheep. Many trails start in villages such as Gârda de Sus or Arieșeni and are laid out as circular routes. Particularly appealing is the contrast between open uplands and deeply carved gorges. Along the way, you can often stop at small farms and try products such as cheese or honey—an authentic glimpse into rural life in Romania.

Padiș Plateau & Gorges

The Padiș Plateau is considered the heart of the Apuseni Mountains and offers some of the region’s most spectacular hikes. Here you will find marked trails to natural rock arches, sinkholes and viewpoints overlooking large parts of the Western Carpathians. Popular routes run through gorges and canyons, where wooden walkways, ladders and small bridges make it easier to pass through the rocks. Depending on the route, hikes range from easy half-day walks to more demanding treks with overnight stays in simple cabanas (mountain huts) or guesthouses.

Scărișoara Ice Cave & Karst Phenomena

One of the Apuseni Mountains’ highlights is the Scărișoara Ice Cave, which contains a large underground glacier. Access is via stairs down to the cave entrance. It is definitely an impressive experience you won’t soon forget—especially in summer, when warm temperatures outside contrast with the ice inside. In the surrounding area you will discover many more caves, underground rivers and karst springs, some of which can be visited on guided tours. Ideal if you want to combine hiking with a gentle sense of adventure and discovery. Let yourself be enchanted by this unique sight and visit this one-of-a-kind ice cave.

Retezat and Țarcu Mountains

In the west of the Southern Carpathians lies the Retezat Mountains, often described as one of Romania’s most beautiful high mountain ranges. It is part of Retezat National Park, the country’s oldest national park. You can find more detailed information about the Retezat National Park in our guide. The region is ideal for mountain hikers planning multi-day trekking tours in a comparatively sparsely populated landscape. Here you will find numerous glacial lakes, many peaks above 2,000 metres and extensive alpine grasslands.

Retezat National Park

The Retezat National Park protects a vast, largely untouched high-mountain landscape. Typical features include rugged peaks and a high density of mountain lakes, including Lake Bucura, one of the Carpathians’ largest glacial lakes.

Many routes can be combined into hut-to-hut hikes. Those seeking solitude can undertake multi-day ridge hikes with a tent and bivouac gear—provided experience, equipment and weather conditions are suitable. Brown bears, deer and chamois live in the valleys; with a bit of luck, you may spot them from a safe distance. (Read more: Retezat National Park)

Țarcu and Godeanu Mountains

To the west and south of the Retezat lie other high mountain ranges such as Țarcu and Godeanu. They are much less visited but offer equally impressive ridge hikes, endless meadows and a strong sense of wilderness. If you want to experience Romania off the beaten track, you will find ideal conditions here—though usually with longer approaches and few huts.

Eastern Carpathians: Ceahlău, Bicaz & Călimani

The Eastern Carpathians run along the historic region of Moldavia and offer a varied mix of volcanic mountains, rock massifs and plateaus. Here you will find less crowded trails, small spa towns and numerous monasteries that can be easily integrated into a hiking trip.

Ceahlău Massif

The Ceahlău Massif is often called the “Holy Mountain of the Romanians” and is one of the Eastern Carpathians’ most iconic hiking destinations. Marked trails lead through forests and over rock steps to a high plateau with bizarre rock formations and wide views across the surrounding mountains. Popular starting points are hiking villages such as Durău. A mountain hut on the plateau allows you to experience sunrise or sunset in this special mountain world.

Bicaz Gorge & Red Lake

The Bicaz Gorge (Cheile Bicazului) is a spectacular canyon with vertical rock walls, cut by a narrow road winding through the gorge. Above the gorge, hiking trails lead to viewpoints offering deep views into the canyon and the surrounding rock formations. Nearby is the Red Lake (Lacul Roșu), a natural dam lake whose tree stumps in the water create a unique backdrop. Around the lake and the gorge, there are numerous loop trails for half-day and full-day hikes.

Călimani Volcanic Mountains

The Călimani Mountains are among the largest volcanic massifs in the Carpathians. Trails lead through former craters, across wide highlands and past sulphur springs. In places, the landscape looks almost lunar and is especially exciting for those interested in geology. Due to the elevation and long distances, hikes in the Călimani Mountains should be planned carefully. In fog, navigation can be challenging. However, you will be rewarded with unusual landscapes that are rarely found elsewhere in Europe.

Maramureș & Northern Carpathians

Northern Romania around the Maramureș region combines traditional village culture and untouched mountain landscapes. Many customs, building styles and agricultural structures seem to have been preserved from past centuries.

Maramureș Mountains & Rodna Mountains

The Maramureș Mountains and the neighbouring Rodna Mountains offer a wide range of trails, from gentle meadows to alpine peaks. In the Rodna Mountains, you will find some of the highest peaks in the Northern Carpathians as well as alpine cirques with small mountain lakes. Many routes can be planned as hut-to-hut hikes or multi-day treks. Trails often pass through traditional mountain villages defined by wooden architecture and small farms. Especially during haymaking and harvest season, the cultural landscape here is truly unique.

Wooden Churches & Traditional Villages

The Maramureș region is famous for its wooden churches with tall, pointed towers, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sights can be easily combined with gentle hikes from village to village, allowing you to enjoy the landscape at a relaxed pace. If you stay overnight in a traditional guesthouse, you can try local dishes, home-distilled spirits and homemade products—an ideal complement to a hiking day in the Northern Carpathians.

Other Noteworthy Hiking Areas in Romania

In addition to the major regions, Romania has many smaller mountain ranges that are ideal for day hikes and short breaks—especially if you are visiting certain cities or regions anyway.

Ciucaș & Piatra Mare Mountains

Near Brașov, you will find the Ciucaș Mountains with their bizarre rock spires and the Piatra Mare Mountains. The latter are especially known for the “Șapte Scări” Gorge (Seven Ladders Gorge): a short but impressive route takes you up metal ladders through a narrow gorge—a highlight for adventurous hikers. Along the ridge of the Piatra Mare Mountains, an airy high trail offers views over the Burzenland region and the Southern Carpathians. Thanks to Brașov’s good connections, both mountain ranges make excellent weekend destinations.

Semenic & Banat Mountains

In the country’s southwest near the Serbian border lie the Semenic and Banat Mountains. Gentle peaks, extensive forests and small mountain villages define this region. In winter, the Semenic Mountains are also a popular ski area, while hiking and cycling are the focus in summer. Anyone looking for a mix of quiet nature tourism and lesser-known regions will find many options here away from the main travel routes.

Dobrogea & the Măcin Mountains near the Danube

In eastern Romania, between the Danube and the Black Sea, lies the region of Dobrogea. Here rise the Măcin Mountains, known as Romania’s oldest mountain range. While the peaks are not high, geologically they are among the oldest mountain formations in Europe.

In the Măcin Mountains National Park, you will find well-marked trails, themed paths, a cycle route and even riding trails. The landscape combines rocky knolls with steppe vegetation and oak forests—ideal for leisurely hikes and spring or autumn trips when temperatures are pleasant. The proximity to the Danube Delta makes the area especially appealing: you can combine a hiking holiday in the Măcin Mountains with boat trips in the delta and a detour to the Black Sea coast.

A Hiking Holiday in Romania by Car

A hiking holiday in Romania is ideal if you travel by your own car or motorhome. Many of the hiking areas described—from the Southern Carpathians and the Apuseni Mountains to Maramureș—are accessible via well-developed national roads. This gives you flexibility and makes it easy to combine small mountain villages, remote valleys and different starting points for your hikes.

Please note that an electronic vignette (Rovinieta) is required on most motorways and national roads in Romania. Motorcycles are exempt, but cars, motorhomes and most commercial vehicles are subject to the vignette requirement. Via our platform, you can easily purchase the digital vignette for Romania online, either valid immediately or starting on your preferred date. You can also use our free route planner to plan your drive to the most beautiful hiking regions and see the suitable toll products at a glance.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you an unforgettable trip to Romania and lots of enjoyment while exploring its diverse hiking regions. When planning your trip, remember that an electronic vignette (Rovinieta) is required on most motorways and national roads in Romania. Motorcycles are exempt, but cars, motorhomes and most commercial vehicles do require a vignette. In addition, separate fees apply for some Danube crossings (bridges and ferries). You can find more detailed information in our articles about tolls and vehicle classes in Romania.

Via our platform, you can conveniently purchase the digital vignette for Romania online—either valid immediately or starting on your preferred date. Buy your digital vignette with us and benefit from our multilingual email support and a simple ordering process with no waiting time. You can also use our free route planner to plan your trip to Romania’s most beautiful hiking regions and have the appropriate toll products displayed. If you have any questions about your digital vignette or Romania’s toll regulations, the DMC team will be happy to help. Just contact us by email.

FAQ: Hiking holiday in Romania by car

Do I need a vignette for my hiking holiday in Romania?

Yes—as soon as you travel by car, motorhome or commercial vehicle on Romanian motorways and national roads, you need an electronic vignette (Rovinieta). This also applies when travelling to many hiking regions such as the Southern Carpathians, the Apuseni Mountains or Maramureș. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.

Does the vignette also apply to remote mountain villages and hiking car parks?

The vignette is not tied to specific destinations, but to the use of toll roads (motorways and national roads). If your access routes to mountain villages, cabanas or hiking car parks use these roads, your vehicle must have a valid vignette. Pure forest roads or unpaved tracks are generally not subject to the vignette requirement, but they are usually only reached after using national roads.

From when—and for how long—should my vignette be valid?

Your vignette should be valid no later than the moment you cross the Romanian border with your vehicle or use the first road that requires a vignette. Via our platform, you can activate the digital vignette with a preferred start date and align it precisely with your travel plans.

Why a digital vignette and not a sticker vignette?

The digital vignette is linked directly to your licence plate—no sticking, no scraping off, and no risk of an incorrectly applied sticker. It can be booked online, activated immediately or set to start on your chosen date.

Can I buy the digital vignette at short notice?

Yes. The digital vignette is valid immediately after online purchase or can be flexibly set to a preferred date. This makes it ideal for planned trips. Optional cancellation protection may also be available. However, you must have the vignette before using motorways—purchasing it afterwards is not possible.

Is Romania’s digital vignette also valid in other countries?

No. Vignettes are country-specific. We also offer digital vignettes for Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Switzerland—ideal for a cross-border road trip. If you are travelling through other countries on your way to Romania, please note that you will need a different vignette for each country.

What happens if I am checked without a valid vignette?

Anyone driving a vehicle that requires a vignette without a valid Rovinieta in Romania may face fines. Checks are carried out using camera systems and spot inspections. To avoid unnecessary costs during your hiking holiday, you should buy the vignette in advance and carefully check the details (licence plate, validity period).

Does the vignette also cover bridges, Danube crossings and special toll routes?

No. The electronic vignette covers motorways and national roads, but not certain bridges, Danube crossings or special toll routes. Additional fees apply for some bridges and ferries. You can find an overview of toll regulations and vehicle classes in our guides.