Highlights: Central Region with more than 19 crags presents a great diversity of features. The rock is limestone, except for two of the crags (Costila and Piranha in Bucegi Mountains) where the rock is conglomerate. With the newly open crags (Tamina in Piatra Mare Massif and Postavaru in Postavaru Massif) and the constant effort for re-bolting the routes according to the modern demands, Brasov Region has become definitely one of the best rock climbing regions in Romania.
Climbing: Central Region has witnessed a rapid development in establishing climbing areas in recent years. New climbing areas have been opened and old ones have been re-equipped. There is still work to be done but things are progressing in the right direction. The diversity of climbing routes gives to Brasov Region a special charm. You'll find routes with old pitons or hand-made bolts, as well as new routes that have been bolted according to international standards. Care should be taken when abseiling from the old routes as often the lower-off is a poor one. The rating system used in Romania is mixed: UIAA and French grades.
Getting here: Despite Brasov, not benefiting from an airport, the easiest way to get here is by plane. The closest international airports to Brasov are in Bucharest and Sibiu. The most well known Romanian airline companies are TAROM, Carpatair and Blue Air. There are regular trains to Brasov from Bucharest and Sibiu. Another option to get here is by train. There are daily international train routes which connect Brasov to the biggest towns of the Central Europe (Munich, Prague, Venice, Budapest) or other areas (Sophia, Istanbul, Kiev, Moscow). The Romanian road network is improving day by day, making it easy to get here by coach, from the biggest towns of Europe. You can also reach Romania by boat. There are daily boats travelling to the Danube Delta from Passau and Vienna. From there you can get to Brasov by train. If you wish to enjoy independence and flexibility of travel you can definitely drive to Brasov.
What to see: Brasov and its surroundings are an ideal place to learn more about the local traditions of the inhabitants. You can't miss the visit of the old Schei residential area, where you can still admire the old medieval houses that guard the narrow and zigzagging small roads of this old settlement. The most panoramic view of the town is from the top of the Tampa Mountain. You can reach the top by cable car, or by walking on the one of the many forest trails. Located 30km South of Brasov is Bran Castle, one of the most famous medieval castles of Romania, and also a popular tourist attraction for those wishing to glimpse Dracula's Castle. You can admire here the traditions and the popular customs preserved unaltered throughout the centuries. If you feel in the mood to have a day-trip farther in the South of Brasov, don't miss the Sapte Scari canyon in the Piatra Mare Mountains or the strangely wind and water shaped rocks Babele and The Sphinx in the Bucegi Mountains. Those passionate about history must not miss the visit of Peles Castle in Sinaia.
Climate: The ideal season for climbing in Central Region is from May until September. Most of the crags have Southern or South-Western exposure with ideal condition for climbing. Early in spring you may find water infiltrations on some of the routes. The average summer temperature is between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius. The rainiest month is June. During winter time, because of the alpine climate specific to the mountain areas, climbing in open air is only possible in a few crags and only if the weather conditions are favourable: dry weather, sun and no wind. One of them is the Tampa crag, where it's possible to climb in winter wearing just a T-shirt!
