Hiking in Romania: Via Transilvanica Trail

Buna Ziua! Welcome to Cluj Napoca – the unofficial capital of Romania’s Transylvania region. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you might like to explore this 2000-year-old city on foot or hit up the famous Piezisa Street for a drink. After your welcome meeting, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your group.

This morning, you’ll travel to Gura Humorului. On the way, you’ll stop at the headquarters of Tasuleasa Social NGO – the organisation behind the Via Transilvanica trail project. This 1400 km trail crosses Romania and is designed to connect diverse regions and communities by reviving rural areas through travel, storytelling and shared experience. Here, you’ll learn about their work, how the trail was created and can ask questions. After lunch, you’ll continue to Gura Humorului, where you'll check into your accommodation for the night.

Travel to Sucevita and visit the Sucevita Painted Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its detailed frescoes and peaceful setting. After exploring the monastery, you'll set off on today’s hike through forests, rolling hills and nearby villages, offering scenic views of the Carpathian foothills. Your hike finishes in Moldovita, where you’ll visit another UNESCO World Heritage listed painted monastery. Later, head back to your accommodation in Gura Humorului for the night.

After breakfast, travel back to Moldovita, where you finished your hike yesterday. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Painted Egg Museum. Learn about the art, featured patterns and cultural significance of egg painting. After, set out on today’s hike to Sadova along the Via Transilvanica trail. This route includes short but steep climbs and takes you through quiet forests and meadows. You’ll make your way through traditional villages like Sparturi and soak up the views of the Bucovina region’s valleys. After, you'll be transferred to Vatra Dornei for the night.

Today’s hike starts in Paul Mestecanis. The trail to Vatra Dornei is downhill through the Carpathian landscape. As you hike, take in the surrounding Romanian countryside of quiet forests and open meadows, and enjoy wide views of the hills around you. Along the way, stop for a homemade lunch with a great view at Cabana Gigi Ursu – a nearby mountain chalet. Your hike finishes in the spa town of Vatra Dornei, known for its mineral springs, and maybe spend this evening exploring before heading back to your accommodation for the night.

Take a morning transfer to Calimanesti, the jewel of the picturesque hills of the Târnavei Mici Valley. It is one of the most important wine-growing regions in Transylvania, and perhaps in Romania. Enjoy included wine tasting before continuing to Sighisoara. After lunch explore the town on a guided walk. This beautifully preserved medieval town in Transylvania is known for its colourful houses and cobbled streets. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town at your own pace. Maybe climb the stairs of the Sighisoara’s Clock Tower or visit Biserica din Deal, also known as the Church on the Hill. Tonight, maybe enjoy dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

After breakfast, set off on today’s hike from Saschiz to Sapartoc. This segment of the Via Transilvanica will take you through the Terra Saxonum region, known for its Saxon heritage and Transylvanian countryside. Along the way, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saschiz Fortified Church, known for its 15th-century defensive tower and Gothic architecture. After, stop at Sapartoc Village – a quiet rural village that offers a glimpse into traditional Transylvanian life. Here, you’ll sit down to a home-cooked dinner made with local ingredients before heading to your accommodation in Sighisoara.