Adventure and Active Tourism in Romania

Romania’s diverse regions offer opportunities for both winter sports and water-based activities. Mountain cities and resorts are ideal for skiing as well as trekking, mountain biking, golf, hunting, fishing, caving and rafting. Coastal areas, meanwhile, are perfect for diving, windsurfing and swimming.

The Carpathians are the mountains favoured by hikers thanks to their towering peaks that exceed 2,300 metres. The most challenging trekking routes can be found on the Rodna, Bucegi, Piatra Craiului, Parang, Retezat and Fagaras mountains, whilst for a less demanding walk, the Ceahlau, Ciucas, Harghita, Trascau and Bihor Vladeasa ranges are recommended.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, Romania offers excellent trails, particularly on the Bucovina plateaux, specifically in the Neamt, Ceahlau, Cheile Bicazului areas, the Apuseni mountains, the Carpathians de Curbura and the Banatului mountains. Scenic and historic routes also make it possible to reach Romania’s highest peaks, such as the Transalpina, the road to the Urdele Pass, at over 2,100 metres altitude.

Romania’s rivers and streams offer opportunities for extreme sports such as rafting and canoeing. Among the most popular courses with enthusiasts are the Cris (Alb, Repede, Negru, Varatec, Mic, Baitei and Pietros) and Nera rivers, located in western Romania, the Dambovita in the south and the Bistrita in the east.

Finally, Romania’s gently rolling hills are perfect for golf. Numerous courses can be found near Bucharest or in Breaza, a typical Subcarpathian town, less than an hour and a half’s journey from the capital.

Winter holidays: skiing in Romania

Thanks to its snow-covered mountains throughout winter, Romania boasts ski slopes that are hugely popular with visitors.

The Postavarul and Bucegi mountains, on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, are ideal for a winter getaway. Among the most famous slopes are those at Poiana Brasov, 13 kilometres from Brasov, Predeal, roughly 145 kilometres north of Bucharest, and Azuga and Busteni, close to Sinaia. For skiing, you can also choose resorts in the Eastern Carpathians such as Vatra Dornei, Durau or Piatra Neamt.

These locations are equally appealing for summer holidays, whether you’re looking to unwind in nature or pursue other sports such as hiking or mountain biking.