Current as of: April 23, 2024 - 10:24
Transylvania Winter Walk & Snowshoe Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Romania
- Programmes: Winter
-
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: CVE
- Carbon Footprint: 21kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Mountains, woodlands, pastures and villages all covered in snow and waiting to be explored in Romania
Transylvania – the name alone conjures images of craggy mountains, gothic castles, horse-drawn carts and forests filled with hibernating bears. The reality is not that far off. Crisp winters add an extra dimension to this small corner of Europe as snow blankets the pastures, farmsteads and woodlands. Spend a week exploring this region, hiking or snowshoeing to small villages, into gorges, through valleys and up mountains as we also take time to visit a local bear sanctuary and, of course, one of the most famous castles in the world, Bran Castle, the fictional home of Dracula.
From our comfortable guesthouse in the small village of Magura, we head out to uncover the region’s treasures on foot. Snow conditions will dictate whether we hike or snowshoe; either way, we get into the wilderness. On our travels, we meet local people who still live a traditional lifestyle, learn about the regional folklore and history, enjoy the mountain scenery and, with a bit of luck, see traces of the local wildlife including wolf or bear prints in the snow.
At a Glance
- Seven nights at the comfortable Villa Hermani guesthouse with twin and single rooms; most rooms are en suite
- Six days guided snowshoeing and winter walking
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Travel by private minibus
- Sightseeing visits to castles and villages
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Experience the serene beauty of the Carpathian Mountains in winter
- Look for wolf and bear tracks in the snow
- Visit Bran Castle, Dracula's home
- Enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people
- Walk through the Prapastiile Zarnestilor Canyon, formed during the Jurassic period
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Snow conditions dictate the duration of walks and whether we hike with snowshoes or hiking boots. Exact walks will be selected by the leader at the time to best fit weather conditions and safety requirements. The walks will vary from two to seven hours, with most around four to five hours.
Temperatures are generally quite cold, averaging freezing point in the valleys, though blue skies are common in winter, especially in the mountains. In the valleys, mornings tend to be a little foggier and nicer in the afternoon. Snow can fall at any time between December and April.
Walking distances and hours stated within the itinerary are given as a guide only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Please note:The leader has the right to adapt the route and length of the walks according to weather conditions and physical condition of the group. Our local partner uses various types of snowshoes, all types are easily adjustable to shoe sizes (snowshoe designs do not vary a great deal) and are recommended for the type of terrain around Magura.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Bucharest, transfer to Magura, Transylvania
Upon arrival in Bucharest, we will be picked up and transferred to our comfortable guesthouse in Transylvania, approximately 3hr 30min drive from Bucharest. The guesthouse is in the village of Magura at about 3,410ft (1,040m) within the boundaries of Piatra Craiului National Park. Dinner on arrival will consist of a cheese and continental meat platter with bread.
Our hosts at our guesthouse, the Villa Hermani, are very hospitable and enjoy stopping to chat over a glass of local plum brandy.
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Start Magura, Transylvania
The trip starts in the village of Magura at about 3,410ft (1,040m), within the boundaries of Piatra Craiului National Park in Transylvania. However, as the guesthouse is 103mi (165km) from Bucharest Airport, we strongly recommend you join the group transfer (3hr 30min), which will take you to the guesthouse from the airport. Dinner on arrival will consist of a cheese and continental meat platter with bread. Our hosts at our guesthouse, Villa Hermani, are very hospitable and enjoy stopping to chat over a glass of local plum brandy.
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Walk to a local bat cave and the village of Pestera
Heading out on foot, our first destination today is a local cave, which is a hibernation roost for a number of bats including lesser and greater horseshoe bats. Remember to bring a torch (flashlight) with you for the visit. We then continue to the nearby village of Pestera (which translates as ‘the cave’) witnessing the winter rural life of these mountain communities. After lunch at a local pub, we return to Magura.
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Explore Kalibash villages
Magura is one of a number of villages known as the Kalibash villages. The Kalibash once fled Walachia to this remote area which, at the time, was under Austro-Hungarian rule. Here, houses stretch along hilltops like pearls on a string. Starting at our guesthouse, we hike up to Dealul Magurice (4,265ft/1,300m) where we may spot wolf, lynx and bear prints in the forest snow. Later, as we make our way back to Magura, we stop by a farm to share a hot tuica (homemade plum brandy) with the farmer.
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Snowshoe or walk between Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountains
This morning, we walk up to a high plateau between Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountains. In winter, this plateau is uninhabited, everything is still and a quiet serenity permeates the air giving a sense of truly being in a remote and special area. In the afternoon, we return to the guesthouse.
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Visit Libearty bear sanctuary, the village of Vulcan and Brasov
Driving down into the valley, we make our way to the largest rescue facility for brown bears in Europe: Libearty. Founded in 2005, the rescue centre is home to nearly 100 bears, most of which suffered years in captivity as dancing bears or in circuses. The walk around the bear sanctuary will last approximately one hour.
We drive to the village of Vulcan, which derives its name from the Slavonic word valc meaning wolf. This region is closely related to the history of Transylvanian Saxons who immigrated here 800 years ago from the Rhine-Moselle valleys. They built fortified churches, some of which have been designated Unesco World Heritage sites. Upon arrival in Vulcan, we are greeted with warm coffee and traditional cake in the yard of the fortified church.
From Vulcan, we drive to Brasov for a tour around town and free time to explore. We then take our evening meal in a traditional Romanian restaurant and later return to Magura by minibus.
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Walk to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's castle
Today we hike from tranquil Magura towards busy Bran where we visit Bran Castle. It’s easy to see why Bram Stoker picked this castle to be the residence of Count Dracula. The character himself was based on Vlad Tepes, aka Vlad the Impaler, Duke of Walachia and a brutal tyrant. Though Vlad himself never went to Bran, Stoker saw an image of the castle and thought it the perfect setting for his dark tale. After, we stop by Dracula’s market where we can pick up vampire-inspired souvenirs. Later, we meet the minibus and return to Magura.
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Snowshoe through Zarnesti Canyon to Piatra Craiului Mountains
This morning, we walk through a spectacular canyon, a gorge formed during the Jurassic period. We continue towards Curmatura Cabin just beneath the rocks of Piatra Craiului Mountain. The cabin is open year-round and we can relax here before going back to our guesthouse.
Altitude gain: We first walk down to the gorge 655ft (200m), then hike up 2,300ft (700m) to Cabana Curmatura, walk down again 2,300ft (700m), and hike up to Magura 655ft (200m).
Accommodation: Villa Hermani
Transfer to Bucharest Airport, fly to London
Our adventure comes to an end today. Bid farewell to Villa Hermani and start your return journey home. Clients booked on the group transfer will be transported (3hr 30min) back to Bucharest Airport.
End Magura, Transylvania
Our adventure comes to an end today. Bid farewell to Villa Hermani and start your return journey home. Clients booked on the group transfer will be transported (3hr 30min) back to Bucharest Airport.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in Magura
We spend seven nights in Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in the remote village of Magura. It’s ideally situated for our adventure, sitting at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and within Piatra Craiului National Park.
The property has twin and single rooms in a range of sizes and styles, almost all of which have private facilities (there are two rooms that share one bathroom). There is also wifi at the guesthouse; however, due to the weak internet lines in this remote location and the need to go via satellite, the hosts kindly request guests pay €5 for 750MB, which should be enough for a week of checking emails. Or you may prefer to just disconnect and enjoy the mountainous scenery from the garden or balconies.
Our friendly hosts, German couple Hermann and Katharina Kurmes, possess a wealth of knowledge on Transylvania, wildlife conservation and serve delicious homemade food.
Single supplement from CAD 380
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners are included during our stay.
Meals are a mixture of local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian specialties.
- Breakfasts usually consist of a small buffet including an egg dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, yoghurt, cereals, jam, juice, herbal teas and coffee.
- Lunches included on this trip will include the following – a picnic lunch provided by a local farmer on one day, traditional soups, and self-made sandwiches that you can choose your own fillings from the buffet in the mornings.
- Each evening there is a choice of a meat dish or vegetarian option.
If you are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements please let us know at the time of booking. One night we will have dinner in a traditional Romanian restaurant in Brasov, this meal is not included and you should allow approximately 100 Romanian lei (€20) – without drinks – for this.
Transport
Transfers between the airport in Bucharest and Villa Hermani will normally be by Mercedes Sprinter bus. Local transport will be by private minibus.
Weather & Seasonality
Romania has a continental weather pattern. Winter is normally cold but crisp with clear skies, though heavy snowfalls are common. Skies tend to be clearer in the mountains while in valleys and cities it may take a little longer, usually until lunch time, for the fog to clear. Generally, as long you dress for cold weather, winter is a nice time to visit the region.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Guesthouse: Villa Hermani, Sat Magura 130, Măgura 507133
Phone: +40 740 022 384
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bucharest Airport (OTP)
Getting to Villa Hermani
The guesthouse is approximately 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
The guesthouse is approximately 100mi (165km) from the airport. Therefore, we highly recommend you join the group transfer or organise a private transfer. It is possible to reach the start hotel by taxi, but it will cost around €200. If you decide to make your own way, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of the Exodus group on arrival at the guesthouse. Please contact Exodus as soon as possible to discuss your arrangements to meet the group.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Snowshoes and poles are provided.
- Walking boots: three- or three/four-season waterproof walking boots with semi-rigid soles and good ankle support. These will strap into your snowshoes
- Good quality waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers and gaiters
- Warm fleece
- Warm hat and gloves
- T-shirts, lightweight trousers and light fleeces (occasionally we experience unseasonably warm days)
- Medium-sized daypack (approximately 30 litres): Occasionally, you might need to carry your snowshoes strapped to the outside of your pack. Packs with a lid or adjustable side straps are well suited for this.
- Large refillable water bottle
- Thermos flask for tea/container to carry lunches
- Sunglasses and lip protection
- Blister kit (some people find they are more prone to blisters with snowshoes)
- Sit mat (or small square of Karrimat) for taking lunches in the snow
- Sunscreen
- Yaktrax – a lightweight and easy-to-use ice-traction device. They provide greater stability while walking on snow or ice
- Trainers/comfortable shoes for the evenings
- Head torch/torch/flashlight for the bat cave visit
- Your normal daily clothes
Practical Information
Visa
Romania
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Romania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/romania
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/romania
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/romania/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Romania.html
Vaccinations and Health
Romania
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and tuberculosis (TB). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Romania's time zone: Europe/Bucharest (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Romania's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Romania's currency: Romanian leu (RON)
ATM Availability
There is an ATM machine in Zarnesti, Brasov and Bran. Credit cards are useful only for major souvenir purchases in cities or in emergencies. Should you wish to exchange money locally, good condition euro notes are usually the easiest to change. But you can also change British pounds and US dollars in banks or recognised exchange shops. Travellers cheques are often difficult to exchange. Do not change any money on the street as it is illegal. We recommend you don’t change money at Bucharest airport, as they offer a very poor exchange rate. Only exchange money in banks, hotels and recognised exchange shops.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Drinks with meals are not included. Snacks are not included and you may wish to buy souvenirs. Please note that prices are constantly changing in Romania. Allow 100 Romanian lei (€20) for the dinner in Brasov (without drinks). Prices for drinks can vary depending on what you choose and where you eat and drink. A beer, for example, is 8‐10 lei (€2‐€3), and a glass of wine is 10‐20 lei (€3‐€5). A bottle of wine is from 60 lei (€10).
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but is customary in Romania. Our Romanian leader will offer guidelines on appropriate tipping. In restaurants it is usual to tip 10 percent of the bill.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of 75-100 lei (€15-€20) per client. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the local staff at the guesthouse. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For the local staff we recommend to budget approximately 50-75 lei (€10-15) per person.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Read more about our other initiatives here
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income that is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. On this trip, we stay and hike in the National Park Piatra Craiului.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Our local partners are members of the Romanian Ecotourism Association (AER) so are actively involved in ecotourism initiatives, including founding a local eco association in the village, which involves projects such as waste management and collection.
- As this is a walking holiday it provides a low-impact way of exploring the destination.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.