With a natural show full of colors, from the green of the forests to the blue of the sea and the Danube, picturesque Romania impresses not only with the beauties it has displayed for thousands of years, but also with the diversity of adventures that all these places offer.
In Romania, extreme activities can be done almost in all corners of the country. Photo. Shutterstock
I’m flying over a hill
One of the most popular places for paragliding is Brașov, especially the Postăvarul and Bunloc areas. The rates for a tandem flight, i.e. together with an instructor, usually start from 500 lei. In addition to the adrenaline of the flight, there are also many tourist attractions nearby: you can visit the Râșnov Citadel, the famous Bran Castle, the impressive Black Church and the Council Square.
In Sibiu there are several ideal places to enjoy a paragliding flight. The rates are between 300 and 600 lei for a tandem flight. After your sky-high exploration is over, you can stroll through the historic city center with its Bridge of Lies, climb the Council Tower, or step back in time by visiting the Brukenthal Museum.
Those who want to try such an experience are advised to make reservations for paragliding flights, especially during the peak seasons – spring and autumn – when the weather conditions are most favorable. For the safest possible flight, those who want to venture into the sky should make sure that the operators have all the necessary certifications and that they use the appropriate safety equipment.
Free fall at 200 km/h
Located near the Capital, Clinceni Airport is the ideal place for those who want to experience skydiving. The rates for a tandem jump vary between 1,300 and 2,850 lei. In the area you can explore Bucharest by visiting the Palace of Parliament (by appointment), the Romanian Athenaeum, Herăstrău Park, museums and memorial houses, but not only that. In the evening, a special experience can be the one at the “Admiral Vasile Urseanu” Astronomical Observatory, “the only public observatory in Bucharest and within a radius of hundreds of kilometers”according to the official website, where you can also find out about the astronomical phenomena that take place and can be followed from Romania.
You can also jump with a parachute from Cluj-Napoca, where the Dezmir Airport is located. The rates for a tandem jump are similar to those in the Capital. After the unforgettable flight, those who dared to “navigate” through the high sky can visit the Cetățuia, Unirii Square, the Botanical Garden and the Art Museum. At the same time, nearby is the town of Turda, where you can visit the famous salt pan, a spectacular underground space that makes you forget about the hot summer days.
Beyond the mountainous areas, you can also jump with a parachute on the coast, at the Tuzla Airport. The rates vary between 1,300 and 3,000 lei for a tandem jump that gives you a unique perspective on the Romanian coast and maybe even life. In the area, adventurers can go to the beach or visit Piața Ovidiu in Constanta, the wonderful museums and the “Carol I” Mosque, but not only that.
“Whether we’re talking about the 50 seconds of free fall at 200 km/h until the parachute opens, or the 5 minutes of flight with the parachute open, we promise you won’t forget them!”, TNT informs us Brothers on the official website.
The best season for skydiving is between May and October, the weather conditions being ideal for such an activity that is done with an advance appointment. Instructors recommend that those who want to conquer the sky wear comfortable and tight clothes and avoid loose clothing, and shoes should be sports.
Skydiving is an extreme adventure, but also a very rewarding one. Photo: Shutterstock
Adventures at height: Via Ferrata
Romania has some of the most spectacular and accessible via ferrata routes in Europe, perfect for adventurers with more or less experience. One of the most amazing trails and the longest in Romania is the Via Ferrata “Astragalus” Trail. Inaugurated by Constantin Lăcătușu, the first Romanian mountaineer to reach Mount Everest at a height of 8,848 meters, the route is an ongoing project of the Romanian Mountaineering Club. Located in the Cheile Șugaului Natural Reserve, Bicaz Chei locality, the trail is the first project of its kind in Romania built according to Western standards. The incredible views and moderate difficulty make Via Ferrata “Astragalus” an ideal place for those who want to test their limits and enjoy a success. “The route can only be traveled after paying an access fee and registering with the site administrator at the Ecolog cabin”according to the via-ferrata.ro website.
Those who try their hand at this area can walk through the Natura 2000 site where there is a unique plant, identified for the first time in the world here: Astragalus pseudopurpureusthe one that also gives the name of the route.
“Wild Ferenc” trail
Also, another trail, located in the Cheile Bicazului, is the “Wild Ferenc” Trail. And in this area, the spectacle of nature captures your senses and transforms you into an authentic mountain adventure. The impressive gorge that stretches for several kilometers is crossed by the Bicaz river, and on the hiking trails in the area you can see a lot of amazing views.
At the same time, the Via Ferrata Retezat route can be found in the Retezat National Park, one of the most spectacular mountain regions. After completing the route, you can explore the natural beauties of the National Park, you can admire Bucura Lake, the largest glacial lake in our country, and Peleaga Peak, the highest point of the park, these are just some of the unmissable attractions.
The via ferrata routes in Romania are of different degrees of difficulty. Photo: Shutterstock
Here too, people who want to rent the necessary equipment to climb such routes must make an appointment. They are also advised to wear comfortable clothing suitable for mountain activities, and mountain shoes with good grip are essential. In some areas there are also easy routes that can be done even by those who have not had such an experience before.
The sled runs… and in the summer
Another type of mountain adventure is bobsleigh. Alpine Coaster, located near the town of Toplița, is the longest bobsleigh track in Romania, with 1,900 meters (including curves). This experience is ideal for adrenaline and nature lovers of all ages. The rates for a ride on the Alpine Coaster vary between 25 and 30 lei.
Harghita is famous for its thermal baths and mineral waters with therapeutic properties. After a thrilling ride on the slopes, adventurers can relax by taking thermal baths or explore the area by hiking in the mountains with a picnic.
“Sleigh? Summer? Why not? At around 800 meters long, the summer sled takes both young and old on an adrenaline-fueled adventure, on a course full of twists and turns that you finish with only one wish in mind , to start over”those from Păltiniș Arena also broadcast on the official website. Just a few minutes away from Păltiniș, the Cindrel National Park opens up as a vast land to explore. With hiking trails that take you to imposing peaks, this mountain park is the ideal place for a revitalizing experience in the middle of nature. Brave hikers can climb up to Cindrel Peak, at an altitude of 2,245 meters.
With all sails up
Nature lovers can discover the waters of our country by kayak, letting themselves be carried away by the currents of adventure. Beyond the spectacular landscapes and unique biodiversity, in kayak tours you can explore special places from a new perspective. From the mysterious silence of the Danube Delta and the impressive views of Lake Bicaz, to the thrilling routes on Olt and Mureș, every kayak route is a memorable adventure. Both beginners and experts can find options tailored to their level of experience. In some areas, kayak tours are combined with experiences of a night under the open sky, sleeping in a tent, and evenings spent by the fire on which food is prepared in the cauldron. It is possible to make shifts of only a few hours, but also shifts of several days, as happens on the Dobrogean side of the Danube.
Scuba diving has become more and more popular. Photo: Shutterstock
Through the depths
In an era where we are looking for more and more ways to escape from everyday life and try new experiences, diving lovers find a refuge in the deep waters of Romania. From the underwater landscapes of the Black Sea to the mysteries of mountain lakes, diving offers a unique experience, perfect for amateur or experienced adventurers.
For those who want to explore the depths of the seas and admire the biodiversity of an ecosystem, the Black Sea is a fascinating world. On the Romanian coast, specialized centers organize scuba diving trips in which they offer participants the necessary equipment, as well as a unique experience under the guidance of professional guides. Rates start from around 200 lei, but can reach several thousand lei for those who want to obtain official certifications in scuba diving.
Also, Lake Bicaz, located in Neamț County, is a remarkable destination for diving, offering a unique underwater landscape and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking for adventure and relaxation in nature. This reservoir, created by the construction of the dam in the 1960s, is known for its clear and deep waters, which hide a fascinating world.
And the scuba diving sessions at Lacul Vidraru take you to a unique underwater experience thanks to the spectacular mountain landscape that surrounds it. Its deep and clear waters hide a unique underwater landscape, ideal for explorers who are passionate about nature and adventure. Lake Siriu, Lake Izvorul Muntelui and some natural mountain lakes, as well as Vama Veche, 2 Mai, Mangalia, but not only, are just some of the places in Romania where you can dive.
From fear to euphoria
For those looking for thrills and an intense dose of adrenaline, bungee jumping proves to be one of the most desired extreme experiences in our country. In Cheile Râșnoavei, located near the town of Râșnov, there is one of the most impressive locations for bungee jumping in Europe. Starting from a height of 140 meters, the jump takes you through a carousel of emotions. In just a few seconds you go from fear to ecstasy. The rates for such high jumps vary between approximately 300 and 500 lei.
