
Published at
The Râșnoavei Gorge: A Paradise for Hiking and Climbing
The Râșnoavei Gorge are part of the Bucegi National Park and boast a spectacular landscape. The limestone cliffs along the Râșnoava River feature a canyon with natural columns and caves, enriched with diverse flora and fauna.
Regardless of your preferences or fitness level, you can enjoy an excellent vacation here. Whether you want to relax, stroll, photograph, or engage in hiking or climbing, the Râșnoavei Gorge offers everything you need and more.
About The Râșnoavei Gorge
The area is in the Postăvaru Mountains, part of the Bârsei Mountains and the Carpathian Bend. From Postăvaru Peak, the Cheii Ridge extends west-southeast, ending abruptly at the Râșnoavei Gorges.
The canyon, formed by the erosion of Jurassic limestone rocks, stretches nearly 3 kilometers along the Râșnoava river.
The flora varies from beech, spruce, and fir on the slopes to a steppe landscape at the base with predominantly grassy plants.
The fauna includes endemic species like the saker falcon, golden eagle, Carpathian bear, lynx, deer, and roe deer. The river is rich in fish, and the banks are home to reptiles and amphibians.
Location of the Râșnoavei Gorge

Whether you’re driving from Bucharest or Brașov, you need to reach the DN73A road between Predeal and Râșnov. From there, a forest road marked with a sign leads to the Râșnoavei Gorge, taking about 45 minutes. At the end of the road, you will find a barrier where you can park and continue on foot for another 10 minutes.
From the Transylvania Inn Villa in Bran, it’s about a 19-kilometer drive, which takes 30-35 minutes via DN73/E574 and then DN73A.
Activities at the Râșnoavei Gorge
The Râșnoavei Gorge has a mild climate with eastern exposure, sheltered from the wind. The high cliffs and forest provide shade on hot days. The area’s climate, varied terrain, and rich offerings allow for numerous activities throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to hike, climb, or simply enjoy nature, the Râșnoavei Gorge provides a perfect setting for outdoor adventures in any season.
Mountaineering and Climbing
- You must have full gear, including a helmet, as the rock is brittle with cracks and overhangs;
- Most mountaineering routes have multiple pitches and are secured with pitons, with some sections equipped with bolts;
- The main climbing routes are Santinela Cheilor, Surplombele de Aur, the southern wall (Itwig cliff), and Vanga Mare;
- The Pietrele lui Solomon (Solomon’s Rocks) area is perfect for climbing enthusiasts. There are four climbing walls: the central area of the Râșnoavei Gorge, Bolovanul Prostului, Metalexpert, and Zona lui Titus. The routes are bolted, and climbing is not recommended in the rain, wet weather, or winter. However, many sections are shaded and can be climbed even in hot weather.
Bungee Jumping
The Râșnoavei Gorge has two bungee jumping installations: one for professionals with a 137.5-meter drop (the second highest in Europe) and one for amateurs at 42 meters.
Rappelling
Rappelling requires climbing gear, including a helmet, and knowledge of using static and dynamic ropes.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking trails in the area have a medium difficulty level and offer scenic views of the Postăvaru, Bucegi, and Piatra Craiului mountains.
Ziplining
The zipline is 147 meters long and takes only a few seconds to cross.
Via Ferrata
The via ferrata is a 400-meter-long route located 140 meters high, featuring ladders, cables, and metal bridges. Access is allowed only for tourists accompanied by professional climbers.
Guided Tours
There are trails you can explore in a group with a guide, who will share interesting facts about the area’s natural treasures and numerous legends.
Hiking
Declared a protected natural area in 2000, the region offers several beautiful hiking trails, which we detail in a separate section below.
Slow Travel
This approach allows you to experience not only the natural beauty but also the local culture, traditions, and famous regional dishes.
Other Activities
Paragliding, motor paragliding, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides, skiing, sledding, etc.
Visiting and Safety Rules
Wear special gear for mountaineering, climbing, and rappelling. Even for easier hiking trails, use appropriate footwear and clothing for mountain trekking. For skiing, sledding, or playing in the snow, make sure you’re equipped for winter sports.
Check the weather forecast and avoid setting out in bad or unstable conditions. Always bring a raincoat, as mountain weather can change rapidly. For longer or more dangerous trails, it’s best to go in a group. Carry food, water, and a flashlight, and always have a fully charged phone.
On longer and/or dangerous routes, it is preferable to walk in a group. Take food, water and a torch just in case. Whatever the length and difficulty of the route, whether you’re walking alone or in a group, you should always carry a charged phone.
Be aware that dangerous animals like bears, wolves, and lynxes inhabit the area. Do not approach or feed them. Dispose of waste only in designated areas.
Tourist Attractions in the Râșnoavei Gorge
The area is rich in tourist attractions. Besides the activities mentioned and the hiking trails we’ll detail below, you can visit:
- Valea Cetății Cave;
- Râșnov Fortress;
- Râșnoavei Cave;
- Râșnov Olympic Base;
- Dino Park, etc.
The town of Râșnov
The town of Râșnov is also worth visiting for its unique charm, featuring traditional Transylvanian architecture, medieval-style buildings, and 19th-20th century merchant houses, all set in a picturesque natural environment.

Valea Cetății Cave
Landslides covered Valea Cetății in Râșnov for a long time, and the Valea Cetății Cave became visible only in 1949. From then until 2010, the cave was accessible only to passionate speleologists who were willing to crawl through its low galleries. After careful development work, the cave was opened to tourists and declared a Protected Natural Area of National Interest and a natural monument.

You will walk along the visitor path on transparent boards designed to provide safety while preserving the cave’s natural, spectacular decor, filled with small lakes, stalactites, and other formations shaped by nature in the white limestone.
If you’re lucky enough to attend one of the concerts performed here by the Brașov Philharmonic Orchestra, you’ll be amazed by the sensational acoustics of the Great Hall.
Râșnov Fortress

Râșnov Fortress has a long and tumultuous history, with roots dating back to the Daco-Roman era, possibly even earlier. The first substantial fortification was built by the Teutonic Knights and local Saxons between 1211 and 1225. The ancient wooden structures were lost to fires over the centuries.
Today, the fortress is one of Romania’s most significant medieval monuments, consisting of defensive walls, towers, and houses—the former fortified settlement of the Saxons of Râșnov.
Currently, the fortress is closed for extensive restoration, but you can still explore the garden for free. From there, you can see much of the exterior, admire the ruins of an old basilica, and take stunning photos.
The journey from Râșnov to the fortress is delightful, whether you walk, take the mini-train (titicar), or ride the funicular (inclined elevator—be sure to check the operating schedule).
Râșnoavei Cave
For nature explorers and speleology enthusiasts, Râșnoavei Cave is a special attraction. Its spectacular formations and labyrinth of galleries (some of which require crawling) make it worth a visit.
The visitor route is about 390 meters long and should be done with a speleologist or knowledgeable guide.
The cave can flood after rain, so it’s best to avoid visiting during wet conditions. Always bring waterproof clothing, a flashlight, a fully charged phone, and some food and water.
You can reach Râșnoavei Cave via two marked trails from Râșnov: one takes about an hour, and the other an hour and a half.
Râșnov Olympic Base

The Râșnov Olympic Ski Jumping and Biathlon Base is one of the most modern sports centers of its kind in Europe.
Construction on the Valea Cărbunării began in 2009, and since its completion, Râșnov has boasted the only sports infrastructure in Southeast Europe that meets the latest standards of the International Ski Federation.
Hiking Trails in the Râșnoavei Gorge Area
From the Râșnoavei Gorge and its surroundings, you can choose from several hiking trails:
- Râșnoavei Gorge – Poiana Secuilor – Trei Brazi: 1.5 hours, easy difficulty;
- Râșnoavei Gorge – Șaua Calului – Poiana Secuilor: 2.5 hours, medium difficulty;
- Râșnoavei Gorge – Șaua Calului – Postăvaru: 4 hours, medium difficulty;
- Cheișoara – Poiana Aviatorilor: 2 hours, medium difficulty;
- Cheișoara – Valea Cărbunari: 4 hours, medium difficulty;
- Cheișoara – Avenul Groapa de Aur – Vanga Mare – Postăvaru: 4 hours, medium difficulty.
Where to Stay? Choose Transylvanian Inn and Enjoy All the Comfort for an Exceptional Mountain Experience!
If you want to explore the Râșnoavei Gorge or the entire Brașov area with friends, staying at the Transylvanian Inn in Bran is a great idea.
The comfortable rooms have balconies with stunning views of Bran Castle, Râșnov Fortress, and the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains. The restaurant offers a menu of delicious dishes and a spacious terrace with a superb panorama.
The Transylvanian Inn is about 19 kilometers from the Râșnoavei Gorge, a 30-35 minute drive via DN73/E574 and then DN73A.
You can enjoy a day trip that combines the wilderness of the mountains with the comfort of a villa in nature. Leave in the morning after a delicious breakfast (the staff can also prepare cold snacks to take with you) and you’ll have plenty of time to explore hiking trails or enjoy numerous activities in the area. Return at dusk, when new culinary delights, aromatic elderflower juice, fine wine, and more await you. Then relax on the terrace, in the garden, or in the privacy of the library with a panoramic view.
For more details, visit https://transylvanianinn.ro.