28 July, 2020

Since we ticked the Ciucaș Mountains in one day, we had to look for other attractions on Sunday. This is how the choice fell on the Seven Ladders Canyon and the Piatra Mare Peak.

• SEVEN LADDERS CANYON:

It is located in the county of Brasov, in the Piatra Mare Mountains. The canyon was formed into limestone by a stream, called the Valea Șurii de Piatră. The Canyon is 160m long, has 58m difference level and is composed of seven waterfalls, each has a ladder which helps the people to cross the water. After the renovation in 2013, it has installed two more ladders, currently are 9.

It promised to be a nice summer day and it was Sunday. The Seven Ladders Canyon is one of the most visited natural attractions in Romania. It is easily accessible and it is not difficult to cross it. It can be visited with families with children. That way we knew we only had a chance to walk through on time and avoid queuing, if we arrived early. We got up early and were there for the opening. We weren’t the first, but even the big crowd was behind us.

USEFUL INFO: It’s worth getting there as soon as possible. There is little parking and it is not pleasant to line up.
USEFUL INFO: Be sure to find out about opening hours and ticket prices before you get there.

• HIKE:

The hiking trail was marked with a yellow bar and starts from the end of Dambul Morii. After a 1 hour – 45 minute walk we arrived at the entrance of the Canyon. You need to buy an admission fee to visit the Canyon.

After we bought our ticket we put on our waterproof, warm jacket and headed out full with excitement into the canyon. The ladders were renovated very nicely. We couldn’t talk because the sound of the water dripping beside us, below us, above us, but we enjoyed the view.

USEFUL INFO: It is worth taking gloves with you, the ladders are very cold.

Unfortunately, we crossed the canyon quickly and then we continued to follow the yellow lane which was running through the forest, at first slowly, then rising steeply up, all the way to the Piatra Mare Chalet.

USEFUL INFO: At the exit of the Seven Ladders Canyon, you can turn back at the red dot sign. The red dot passes through the forest and just leads back to the entrance of the canyon.

The Piatra Mare Chaletis located at 1629 m height. The chalet was built by the nearby fellows of the Transilvanian Carpath Asociacion and is still cared for by them. Friendly hosts provide accommodation and food to those who need it in the best possible way.

USEFUL INFO: You can buy hot food, soft drinks, beer, chocolates at the chalet, BUT no water! There is a spring not far from where you can get it for free.

From the chalet we continued on the blue triangle and red lane sign   then at a crossroads we followed the path marked with red lane all the way to the peak of Piatra Mare 1844 m. Again we had beautiful, sunny, clean weather. The city of Brasov below us was clearly visible. This section is a popular starting point for paragliders. Even then, the sky was full of them.

After a short rest, we went back to the Piatra Mare Chalet, where we tasted their beans with sausages. I can only recommend it!

With a full belly, full of experiences, we started down at the red lane and blue lane sign and then the trail was split in two, we continued on the red lane which led back to the Dambul Morii, which was our starting point.

USEFUL INFO: Needless to say, after the bear experience, when the two of us were in the forest, I blew my whistle before every bend, if there is a bear let us hear from a good distance.

If you have a day off or half a day around Brasov, visit the Seven Ladders Canyon, it is wonderful in all seasons.

My Strava recording

Wikilock trailmap: