Winning tip: the Piatra Craiului mountains

This range in the southern Carpathians forms a narrow, saw-like ridge, which is about 17 miles long. The highest peak is the “La Om” at 2,238 metres. Try the north–south ridge trail, which is both challenging and rewarding. Starting at either Plaiul Foii in the north-west, or Curmătura in the north-east or Brusturet chalet in the south. Climbing up on paths can take up to two hours but at the top, there are breathtaking views in every direction. The descent at the southern end leads into a karst landscape of deep gorges and pitted slopes, and caves within.
Beleganian

Adventures in “Middle Earth”

The Caras-Severin region offers many biking, kayaking and trekking opportunities … Boat down the Danube gorge. Marvel at the carved bust of King Decebal, ruler of Dacia (ancient Romania) – it is straight out of Lord of the Rings. Ponicova Cave has splendid chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. Visit the magical Bigăr waterfall, in the Cheile Nerei-Beusnita national park. One of the most unusual and beautiful waterfalls in the world, again you could be forgiven for imagining yourself with the elves in Middle Earth. In spring and summer, you can raft on the Nera river or go hiking, canyoning and cycling and horse-riding.
Benjamin Peter Smith

Transfagarasan Highway

The Transfagarasan Highway through the Carpathians is a breathtaking series of bends rising to over 2,000m; it’s been described as the most exciting road in the world. Hire or bike a car from Sibui for under £20 a day, go wild swimming at Lake Balea for some wild swimming, then head to Polenari. Visit Dracula’s castle – without a guide, if you dare. Ask at villages for accommodation – many families will put you up for a small charge.
gonca

Bear watching in Transylvania

The Carpathians are home to around 5,000 brown bears, providing excellent opportunities for bear watching. We stayed at a guesthouse on the Zabola Estate, an hour’s drive from Brasov, and they arranged for a ranger to meet us at a hide, next to one used by Ceausescu (ironically, the bear population increased during the communist period, as the dictator was the only person allowed to hunt them). You need plenty of patience, but after a couple of hours, we were rewarded with the sight of two cubs playing in the forest clearing for around 45 minutes, under the watchful eye of their mother.
zabola.com
larabrunt

Wildlife, culture and cooking in the Carpathians

Last spring, we stayed with award-winning guide Dan Marin who tracks bears, wolves and lynx. He takes day walks and tours in the Carpathians, focusing on wildlife and culture. His wife, Luminita, is an amazing cook who also gives cooking lessons, which were great fun. Rooms are spacious and have wood burners. Dan is also committed to supporting local community projects.
transylvanianwolf.ro
Nanda Whiles

Live the rural life near Sibiu

Orlat is at the foot of the Carpathians in a region that has unique cultural, ethnographical and historical heritage. Stay at the Ileana guesthouse and let owner Dorin cook you an amazing dinner from ingredients he grows in his garden. Visit local artisans and find out how to make bricks or horseshoes. Or head up Cindrel Mountain with the sheep and admire the pristine landscape. And if you want to throw a bit of culture into the mix, it’s worth the 12-mile drive to medieval Sibiu.
facebook.com/PensiuneaIleanaOrlat
Larysa09