The mountains in Romania are striking features towering above adjacent plains, giving dramatic scenery which belies their relatively low elevation. (The highest peak in Romania is Moldoveanu on the Fagaras ridge, which stands at 2544m high.) Alpine meadow type scenery or heavily forested slopes are found on the lower slopes, followed by grass covered slopes leading to the rocky peaks higher up. In spring and summer the slopes are alive with alpine flowers, pleasant companions to walkers. The upward journeys offer varied scenery and surroundings, sometimes gently sloped, sometimes steep. There is the occasional surprise of a narrow section of path with steep drops, or a scramble over steep and rocky sections ( usually assisted by fixed ropes). The scenery varies from dramatic rock-scapes to the more peaceful beauty of green meadows, quietly grazed by sheep and cows.

A network of signposted paths and mountain huts helps to protect local walkers and visitors, and the Salvamont (mountain rescue) maintain an emergency service and refuges at strategic points. Some areas are quite busy but it’s also easy to leave the crowds behind and explore beautiful scenery, where the only sounds are those of nature and your companions.

Within the Romanian Carpathians are a number of ranges. We centre our activities in central Translyvania, which is home to the Bucegi mountains and the Piatra Craiului and Fagaras ridges. The Bucegi are at the top end of the valley in which our sits, less than 6Km away, and can can easily be included in a long day walk. The Piatra Craiului ridge is within 8 kilometers, the Fagaras ridge, around a 60 Km drive. The Retezat mountains, a wild and unspoilt area, are 200 kms to the west.

The main centre for climbing in Romania is Busteni, on the eastern side of the Bucegi mountains, around 80 minutes drive from the house, and just off the main route from Bucharest to Brasov. This is home to near vertical cliffs soaring over 500m. Closer to home there are many crags, and 100m cliffs in Zarnesti gorge a short distance away, looked after by the local climbing club.

The tours offered below aim to provide a mixture of interesting walking and contact with the local people and culture.Walks usually wind through a variety of scenery and offer experience of the different faces of Romanian mountains.

We are happy to help organise climbing, accommodation etc on request, and have contact with local guides. We don't offer climbing holidays as such, but in the future we will be orgaising multi-activity breaks which include climbing and related experiences.

Western Bucegi, nature and sights
Dates for 2006 on application
This 8 nights itinerary uses our Riverside House as a base to explore the area. Most of the walks are local, or within a 20 minute drive, The western side of the Bucegi get relatively few walkers, so most of the time nature is our only companion, and we get to enjoy the unfolding moutain landscapes in stillness and quiet.

Hiking in the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains
Dates for 2006 on application
The 8 day itinerary below is typical, but there are a lot of walks possible in the area, and we are happy to adapt to group ideas where appropriate. The walking develops during the week to a demanding ascent of Piatra Craiului. and there is a chance to explore Romanian culture mid-week.

Both the above trips have the option of being extended by a 3 day trek along part of the Fagaras ridge.

The Carpathian Mountains, sights and history
Mixed walking and sight seeing
Dates for 2006 on application (10 days)

Yoga and activity holidays
Date: June 18-25th, August 27th-Sept. 3rd 2006
These offer 2-3 sessions of yoga daily, led by experienced teachers, mainly from the UK. Yoga and other activities are integrated to provide a revitalising and stimulating vacation. Please follow the link below for more information:
Yoga and Walking (with Karuna Yoga School)