Romanian Carpathians: 4x4 Camping Trip

Our meeting point is a charming, rustic guesthouse in the gentle hills of the Carpathians, not far from the picturesque village of Sibiel near Sibiu, where time ticks a little slower. After check-in, you can expect a warm welcome in a family atmosphere – a place where hospitality is a big deal. To kick off the adventure, there’s a communal dinner with authentic, traditional Romanian cuisine: freshly baked bread, spicy sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), creamy polenta with brânză (sheep cheese), and of course, a glass of homemade țuică (plum schnapps) for toasting. In a sociable round, you get to know the group – with stories, laughter, and the first hint of adventure in the air.

The first day of the tour starts relaxed around 10 am (as on the following days). But before we set off, we immerse ourselves in the colorful bustle of a traditional Romanian market. Among fragrant fruits, homemade cheese, fresh vegetables, and handmade treats, we stock up on the last supplies – and experience a truly authentic cultural moment. Shortly thereafter, we leave the paved roads and follow lonely paths along a crystal-clear, rushing creek – the perfect introduction to our off-road adventure. In no time, we leave civilization behind and reach the first foothills of the wild and romantic Cindrel Mountains. Nature reveals its rough, untamed side: dense forests, spectacular views, and exciting passages where our off-road vehicles can show what they’re made of. A real adventure kick with high adrenaline and freedom factor!

Today is all about nature, freedom, and true off-road feeling. We spend the whole day in the breathtaking Cindrel Mountains, far from civilization. Over lonely tracks, bumpy forest paths, and hidden trails, we wind our way through a landscape that seems to have stopped time. Along the way, we encounter shepherds with their flocks of sheep, wandering amidst the vast mountain landscape: an authentic image that lets us dive directly into the traditional life of the region. At numerous points, incredible panoramic views open up, taking our breath away: endless forests, gentle hills, and rugged mountain slopes playing with light and shadow. Perfect for pausing to enjoy the silence – and of course, for a few unforgettable photos.

Today we welcome a change of scenery: we bid farewell to the Cindrel Mountains and embark on a new section of our 4x4 adventure. After a short, relaxed asphalt stage, we dive into the impressive world of the Western Carpathians, also known as the mysterious Muntii Apuseni. The landscape changes. It becomes rougher, wilder, and fascinatingly different. We traverse the Transylvanian Ore Mountains, where wide valleys, dense forests, and dramatic rock formations merge into a backdrop straight out of a movie. Time and again, the spectacular views force us to stop and marvel. A true highlight of the day: the route along the narrow, winding paths at Gemsenstein – a place that truly lives up to its name. With a bit of luck, we even spot the namesakes of this area – wild chamois, frolicking on the steep slopes.

Today we delve deep into the land of the Moți – what the residents of this remote region of the Western Carpathians have been called for centuries. The route takes us through a landscape full of myths, wild nature, and hidden treasures. A special highlight: we undertake a small but spectacular hike through a narrow canyon, where a cool and crystal-clear stream winds through steep rock walls. The scenery feels like it’s from another world: rugged, untouched, and simply magical. Later in the day, we look forward to a cultural highlight: visiting a medieval monastery from the 13th century, quietly and majestically nestled in the landscape – a place of peace and history, perfectly suited for a moment of reflection. Our stage destination lies at the foot of the “Sleeping Giant”, an impressive mountain massif that lives up to its name through its shape. There, we set up camp and enjoy the evening atmosphere amidst majestic nature.

To conclude our off-road vehicle adventure, true highlights await us once more: we traverse the Western Carpathians on dreamy high-altitude routes that reward us with enchanting landscapes and spectacular panoramic views. Every kilometer feels like a postcard motif. The route takes us over charming off-road tracks, through lonely forests, and across wide mountain ridges, where you can literally feel freedom. One last time, we enjoy pure driving pleasure amidst untouched nature, with the wind in our face and the feeling of being very close to the soul of this country. Looking back on the past days fills us with a deep sense of gratitude: we have experienced Romania up close – with all its originality, its hospitable people, centuries-old traditions, and the breathtaking variety of its legendary landscapes.