Romania

Having less than one week to hike Romania’s Carpathian Mountains is quite a challenge. The endless choices make selecting a few hikes seem an impossible task. We surmounted that obstacle by choosing only local hikes within a few minutes walk or drive of our AirBnB cottage above the town of Bran. Two major mountain ranges border the town: Piatra Criaului to the West and Becegi to the East. The photos that I chose below were taken on during the day hikes we made this past week, with one of Bran Castle thrown in for good measure. The spring wildflowers were in full bloom. Enjoy!

View towards the village of Simon from the ridge behind our cottage above Bran

Viola from high on the ridge behind our Bran Cottage, converted from a shepherd’s hut

Maggie in Zarnesti gorge. Numerous placards explained the geology and botany as well as detailing some climbing routes on the limestone cliffs.

A Yellow Wagtail in Zarnesti Gorge. It was tough to get this little guy in focus.

Bark beetle trails in pine, Zarnesti Gorge

Bran Castle, a 15 minute walk from our cottage. Perhaps the inspiration for Dracula’s castle in Bram Stoker’s novel.

Simon creek, south of Bran. A pleasant walk to the start of the climb into the Bucegi Mountains.

Alpine Meadow wildflowers, including butter cups and forget me nots, Bucegi Mountains

We emerged from a long climb through the woods into this lovely meadow in the Bucegi Mountains above Simon Valley.

Cascada Maura Dracului, Bucegi Mountains

European Columbine *(Aquilegia vulgaris)* at Cascada Maura Dracului

Another view of one of the cliffs in the Bucegi Mountains, near Cascada Maura Dracului

We are now enjoying some relaxing days in the Danube Delta, the largest wetlands in Europe, bird watching and enjoying the laid back ambience of Sulina, Romania. Next week it will be on to Peru, for an extended trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash.

Happy trails,

The Vagabond Hiker

Hiking Romania’s Carpathian Mountains

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