Hike Tampa mountain
Looking for a perfect blend of city sightseeing and nature? The hike up Tampa Mountain is a delightful urban escape that starts right from Brasov’s medieval center. As you begin your walk from Council Square, you’ll find well-marked trails that wind their way up this iconic mountain – just look for the Hollywood-style BRASOV sign at the top, it’s your destination!
The trail is nicely maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, taking about an hour to reach the summit at a leisurely pace. While there’s definitely some uphill climbing involved, plenty of benches along the way offer perfect excuses to catch your breath and admire the increasingly spectacular views of the old town below.
Once you reach the top (or take the cable car if you’re short on time), you’re rewarded with a stunning panorama of Brasov’s terracotta roofs, Gothic spires, and the surrounding Carpathian mountains. The summit also has a restaurant where you can grab a cold drink or a snack while soaking in the views.
Pro tip: Head up in the late afternoon to catch the sunset, when the old town starts twinkling with lights – it’s magical! Just remember to bring a flashlight for the walk down if you stay after dark.
Visit Brasov Zoo
Nestled in the forested outskirts of Brasov, the recently renovated zoo offers a surprisingly modern and thoughtful wildlife experience. Gone are the cramped cages of old – today’s Brasov Zoo features spacious, natural-looking habitats that give animals plenty of room to roam and express their natural behaviors.
The zoo’s layout makes smart use of the hilly terrain, with winding paths that take you through different themed areas. You’ll find European wildlife like brown bears and wolves, alongside exotic species such as big cats and various primates. The enclosures are designed with both animal welfare and visitor experience in mind, with good viewing angles that don’t compromise the animals’ comfort.
What’s particularly impressive is how clean and well-maintained everything is. The staff clearly takes pride in their work, and you can often catch them during feeding times, where they share interesting facts about the animals and their care routines. It’s an ideal half-day activity, especially for families with children.
Aventura Park Brasov
Looking for an adrenaline rush with a view? Aventura Park in Brasov offers an exciting treetop adventure that’s suitable for both beginners and thrill-seekers. Set in a beautiful forest just outside the city, the park features multiple courses of varying difficulty, letting you progress from easy warm-ups to more challenging routes.
Each course combines zip lines, rope bridges, swinging logs, and other obstacles that will test your balance and courage – all while being safely harnessed. The friendly instructors provide thorough safety briefings and are always nearby to offer tips or assistance if needed.
What makes this park special is how it’s integrated into the natural forest setting. As you move from tree to tree, you’ll catch glimpses of Brasov’s cityscape and the surrounding mountains. It’s a unique way to spend 2-3 hours, combining physical activity with fun challenges. The park is well-maintained, and all equipment is regularly checked and updated to ensure safety.
Canionul 7 scari / Seven Ladders Canyon
Just a short drive from Brasov, Seven Ladders Canyon offers an exhilarating mix of hiking and waterfall climbing that feels worlds away from the city. The trail starts with a pleasant forest walk, but the real adventure begins when you reach the canyon itself – a stunning natural gorge where metal ladders and platforms guide you up alongside seven gorgeous waterfalls.
The climb isn’t particularly difficult but delivers plenty of excitement as you ascend next to rushing water, with the metal ladders and walkways securely bolted into the rock face. The sound of cascading water, the cool spray in the air, and the dramatic rock formations create an almost mystical atmosphere in the narrow canyon.
The entire circuit, including the forest trail and canyon climb, takes about 2-3 hours at a relaxed pace. While the ladders might seem intimidating at first, they’re extremely sturdy and well-maintained, making this activity suitable for anyone comfortable with heights and basic climbing. Don’t forget your camera – the views are spectacular!
Poiana Brasov
Situated at 1,020m altitude, Poiana Brasov is Romania’s premier mountain resort, with the magnificent Postavaru Peak (1,799m) rising right from its heart. Just minutes from Brasov city, the resort offers year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, the resort comes alive with skiers and snowboarders enjoying its varied runs, while summer transforms the slopes into a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers.
The journey to Poiana is an experience itself – as you wind up the mountain road from Brasov (where our condo is perfectly situated), you’ll watch the city views unfold below while Postavaru’s peak beckons above. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the summit is accessible to all – take the scenic cable car ride to the top, or challenge yourself with a rewarding hike through pine forests.
Beyond winter sports, Poiana Brasov offers horseback riding, tennis courts, and plenty of restaurants serving hearty mountain cuisine. After a day of outdoor activities, you can unwind while enjoying the fresh mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding Carpathians.
Bran Castle
Just 40 minutes from Brasov stands Bran Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky hilltop and famously known as “Dracula’s Castle.” While the Dracula connection is mostly clever marketing – Bram Stoker never actually visited, and Vlad the Impaler’s historical connections to the castle were minimal – the fortress itself is still a fascinating piece of medieval architecture worth exploring at least once.
The 14th-century castle’s winding staircases, secret passages, and period-furnished rooms offer an authentic glimpse into Transylvanian history. Its most notable genuine resident was Queen Marie of Romania, who turned it into a stylish royal residence in the 1920s. Her apartments are particularly interesting, showing a more refined side to this supposedly spooky castle.
Yes, it can get crowded, and the surrounding area has embraced the vampire theme with souvenir shops and themed attractions. But if you go early or in the off-season, you can still appreciate the castle’s genuine historical charm and stunning mountain setting without the tourist crush.
Amfiteatrul Transilvania
Perched high above the Transylvanian countryside, Amfiteatrul Transilvania is one of those hidden gems that takes some effort to reach but rewards you spectacularly. The final stretch up a winding gravel road might test your vehicle’s climbing abilities, but what awaits at the top will leave you speechless.
The location offers what might be the most stunning panoramic view in all of Romania – an uninterrupted vista of both the jagged peaks of Piatra Craiului and the majestic Bucegi Mountains rising dramatically from the rolling hills below. The natural amphitheater setting creates the feeling of floating above the landscape, with nothing but mountains and sky surrounding you.
The on-site restaurant makes the most of these views with its outdoor seating, serving up authentic Romanian dishes that taste even better in the mountain air. Whether you come for lunch, sunset drinks, or a full dinner, the combination of breathtaking scenery and hearty local cuisine makes the journey absolutely worthwhile. Just remember to book ahead on weekends – views this good tend to draw a crowd!
Mercheasa's Oak ( Stejarul de la Mercheasa )
Deep in the rolling hills of Transylvania, about an hour’s drive from Brasov, stands a natural monument that stops visitors in their tracks – the mighty Oak of Mercheasa. This gentle giant is one of Europe’s largest oak trees, with an astounding circumference of 9.3 meters and reaching 21.3 meters into the sky. Estimated to be several centuries old, it’s a living connection to the region’s distant past.
The journey to see this majestic tree takes you through a picturesque landscape of undulating hills and ancient oak forests that characterize this part of Romania. When you finally reach it, the oak’s massive trunk and sprawling canopy create an almost mystical presence. Its enormous branches stretch out like protective arms over the surrounding meadow.
Standing beside this natural wonder gives you a profound sense of time and nature’s endurance. The peaceful setting, away from tourist crowds, allows for quiet contemplation of this remarkable tree that has witnessed centuries of history unfold beneath its branches.