Image: Rock formations along the trail to Vârful Ciucaș.
Highlights
– Useful information on how to plan a hiking trip to Vârful (Peak) Ciucaș in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania.
Time of Visit: September 2025
Duration of Visit: One Night
Description
Ciucaș Peak at 1,954 meters is the highest peak in the Ciucaș Mountains of Romania and part of the Southern Carpathians. The Ciucaș mountain is known for its dramatic rock formations, rolling alpine meadows and panoramic views. Its landscape is a mix of gentle slopes and rugged cliffs, creating a visually striking contrast. The peak itself is easily recognizable, framed by unique sandstone and conglomerate rock towers shaped over millennia by wind and rain.
The area around Ciucaș Peak is rich in biodiversity. Forests of beech, spruce and pine at lower elevation gradually give way to alpine vegetation at higher elevation. Seasonal wildflowers color the meadows in summer, while the crisp mountain air and silence of the high ridges create a serene atmosphere. The Cabana Vârful Ciucaș (or mountain lodge), located on the mountain’s slopes, serves as a popular resting point for trekkers and offers a welcoming stop in the heart of this natural setting.
Activities
There are many hiking trails around Ciucaș Peak and in the Ciucaș mountains. We picked the lollipop trail that originated from the mountain lodge. The mountain lodge is only a couple of miles from the peak. It is the only accommodation in the area and would make a good base for explorations if you plan to hike around this part of the Carpathian Mountains.
The lollipop trail is just over four miles long (6.5 kms) with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet (300 meters). It takes between 2.5 to four hours to complete depending on your ability and how long you linger to take photos and rests. If you want it to be more challenging, you can start at the Varful Ciucas parking lot by the highway. This would stretch the hike to over nine miles with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
Our experience with hiking trails in Romania is that it takes the direct route. Seldom did we encounter switchbacks. So most of the time, it is just a straight up approach. This requires surefootedness, especially when going downhill.
How To Get There
We did not see any bus stops on our way to the Ciucaș Peak parking lot from Brasov so you would need to rent a car. Between the parking lot and the mountain lodge is a dirt road that is passable by a regular passenger car except for the last 200 meters where it is on a steep (close to 45 degrees) grade.
But the mountain lodge has a paid shuttle service. You just have to call or message the lodge to be picked from the parking lot. The shuttle is a 4×4 pick-up truck with makeshift benches on the back if there are more people than regular seats. It takes less than 30 minutes to make the drive. Google Maps has the mountain lodge’s email address and Whatsapp number.
The mountain lodge also serves food and drinks at reasonable prices.
Where To Stay
Brasov is about an hour away from the parking lot. So you can leave early and make it a day hike with plenty of time to drive back. We stayed in Anto Apartments which is an hour and half away from the parking lot. The apartment is new, spacious and modern. It is one of the rare accommodations find during our travels in Romania.
We also stayed in Cabana Vârful Ciucaș for one night. Do not expect much from the rooms in this mountain cabin. It is in need of renovation. However, the views are fantastic.
How To Get Around
As stated earlier, you need a rental car to get to the Ciucaș Peak Parking lot. Once at the parking lot, call or text the mountain lodge for the pick-up to take you to the hike’s starting point.
We used the Komoot app as our hiking guide.
Expected Expenses
Prices are in Romania lei and per person unless noted otherwise. Expenses are paid at the mountain lodge which accepts credit card payments.
Ciucaș Peak parking lot: 20/day
4×4 Shuttle: 25 up, 30 down
Summary
The Ciucaș Mountains is a popular hiking destination because of its accessibility and scenic diversity. There are several trails to choose from at different difficulty levels. We chose the lollipop loop trail that originated from the Cabana Vârful Ciucaș to the peak. The peak itself was not jaw dropping but the scenery along the trail is what makes hiking to Vârful Ciucaș worthwhile. The unusual rock formations and rewarding viewpoints are just pleasing to the eyes.
This part of the Carpathian Mountains is not as busy as other hiking destinations. This allows for a quieter and more immersive mountain experience. The combination of unique geology, sweeping views, and a relatively accessible climb makes Vârful Ciucaș one of the most appealing hiking destinations in the Carpathians.