Hiking in Romania: A practical guide
Romania boasts tens of peaks over 2000 meters spread-out all over the country. So it is easy to include one in your vacation, no matter which region you choose to explore.
From the easy friendly hikes in Apuseni to the steeper more technical ones in Făgăraș Mountains, there is something for everyone, as long as you come prepared.
Hiking in Romania: What to wear
Weather is fickle once you pass 2000 meters. Rain may come or not and it may be a drizzle or a river. So you would ideally wear breathable dry pants and windbreaker, while always packing a spare pair of socks and tshirt in your backpack in case of heavy rain. Walking in wet socks can ruin a perfectly good day.
We always recommend long trekking pants – always keep a layer between your skin and any pebbles or branches or bush that might graze and scratch. If you must wear shorts (July and August are particularly warm months in Romania) then get higher socks, they also do the trick.
Your feet are the most important part of you during a hike so make sure they are comfortable. There are easier trails that go well in sports shoes but we always have a higher shoe on to keep the ankle stable. A miss-step can happen at anytime and even the least serious of accidents can be a pain if you have to walk down the mountain with a sprain.
Hiking in Romania: What to pack
We’ll start with the obvious: water! And then we’ll say it again: water! 1 to 1.5 liters should do it. You may pass by some mountain springs or an open chalet with a bar but hydration is key so don’t leave it up to chance.
While you may feel that the effort warrants a huge portion of your favourite meal once you stop at a cabin but try not to. There is still a long way down and you need your blood running not digesting. Light snacks like a banana or an energy bar, mixed nuts or chocolate are ideal for your summit break.
The summer sun burns strong even at 2000 + meters. Don’t be fooled by the breeze and the crisp mountain air, treat your day on the mountain with as much care as you would a day on the beach. That means sunglasses, sun cream and a cap/ bandana/ buff to protect your head.
Last but not least, two key pieces of equipment are a pair of trekking poles (the collapsible kind fit easily on any backpack) and a night light (just to always be prepared).
Now all that’s left is to pick your summit and enjoy! The views make it all worth it 😊.
Mersul pe jos in Romania: Acest ghid practic ofera detalii cu privire la diferitele trasee de mers pe jos pe care le poti incepe in Romania, indiferent de regiunea pe care o explorezi. De la plimbarile usoare si prietenoase din Apuseni, la cele mai abrupte si mai tehnice trasee din Muntii Fagaras, exista ceva pentru toata lumea, atata timp cat veniti pregatiti. Iti recomandam sa porti haine respirabile si impermeabile si atunci cand esti pregatit pentru a alege traseul tau favorit. Si nu uita sa iei intotdeauna niste incaltari suplimentare si o bluza in rucsac deoarece poti fi luat pe nepregatite de ploaie. Iar cand esti la cabana, mentine-ti energia cu cateva gustari usoare. Nu uita niciodata sa porti ochelari de soare, o crema si un sort/bandana/buff pentru protectie impotriva soarelui. Bucura-te de traseele superbe si de vederea uimitoare!