Winter hike on Magura Branului and Via Transilvanica
Sat, Feb 14
|Zarnesti / Bran
We invite you to discover a route that crosses from Zărnești to Bran, on the Bran Hill, with excellent views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains, landscapes with mountain villages, and with a return trip on the Via Transilvanica.
Date & location
Feb 14, 2026, 9:00 AM
Zarnesti / Bran
About the hike
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2025
Meeting point: Zarnesti / Botorog Fountain (or Bran) or we leave together from Bucharest by minibus or personal car
The story of our route
Our journey begins in picturesque Zărnești, the gateway to Piatra Craiului National Park. From here, we will climb Măgura Branului, a peak which will offer us a dreamy panorama of the Bucegi Mountains, Piatra Craiului and mountain villages.
We will descend to the historic Bran Castle, where we will take a welcome break. Here, you can choose to explore the legend of Dracula or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of this place steeped in history.
The road back to Zărnești takes us on the famous Via Transilvanica, a route that takes us through the heart of mountain villages, under the protective shadow of the Bran Mountain.
Route information
Itinerary: Botorog's Fountain - Bran Hill - Bran - Via Transilvanica - Zărnești
Elevation difference: 800m ascent / 920m descent
Length: 17 km
Approximate duration: 8 hours including breaks
Route type: circuit
Difficulty: medium, no technical passages or exposed areas
Who is it addressed to?
This event is for everyone who wants to disconnect from the urban hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.
If you can climb to the 4th floor without getting muscle fever the next day, you're ready for this adventure!
Required equipment
Mountain boots (required) – waterproof, with good grip.
20 - 25l backpack with waterproof cover
3-layer clothing, including a waterproof jacket
Down jacket
Ski goggles / sunglasses
Sunscreen cream
1.5 - 2 liters of water and food (snack for lunch)
Trekking poles
Hat, gloves (2 pairs), buff
Possible shack (we will announce in advance if needed)
Practical details
Hiking cost: 195 RON/person
The price includes:
Mountain hiking guide / Certified international mountain leader
Full assistance throughout the entire shift
Collective equipment
Transportation: We will organize according to the number of people, either by rented minibus or in personal cars.
Registration
To register, please fill out the form: https://forms.gle/CmxtyUSoHxds9L2Y8
Registration deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026
Cancellation policy
Cancellation more than 7 days in advance: Full refund of the amount paid (minus any bank fees) or the possibility of transferring the payment to a future tour.
Cancellation less than 7 days: Due to organizational reasons, no refund is possible. However, we offer you the flexibility to join another future tour.
We understand that sometimes plans change - that's why we try to find the best solution for each situation together.
Weather conditions: In case of adverse weather conditions we reserve the right to cancel the hike and the money will be refunded.
Contact
You can contact us by phone/WhatsApp +40 745 605 361 or at explore@upthemountains.com