2025 Trip on Via Transilvanica - Vatra Dornei to Tășuleasa Social 

June 24th - June 28th

About Via Transilvanica

Via Transilvanica is Romania’s first long-distance trail for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Stretching 1,400 kilometers from Putna to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, it passes through over 600 communities, weaving a path across some of the country's most stunning landscapes. Inspired by iconic routes like the El Camino, Pacific Crest Trail, and Appalachian Trail, Via Transilvanica is also the largest outdoor artistic sculpture exhibition in the world, celebrating Romania’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

About the Tour

Join us for a 4-day hiking adventure along the Via Transilvanica, exploring the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of Bucovina and Transylvania. This immersive experience takes you through pristine mountain landscapes, serene forests, and charming Romanian villages, while fostering connections with fellow travelers and the communities we visit.

Sign Up HERE

🌿 Experience the Magic of Via Transilvanica! 🏕️

This unforgettable journey takes you from Vatra Dornei to Tășuleasa Social, the birthplace of Via Transilvanica. Over the course of four days, you’ll hike through diverse terrains, challenge yourself physically, and be inspired by the beauty and history of Romania.

The Route & Difficulty:

• June 24th – Meetup in Vatra Dornei

• June 25th – First day of hiking: Vatra Dornei → Poiana Negrii / 21km / Hard 🏔️

• June 26th – Second day of hiking: Poiana Negrii → Lunca Ilvei / 21km / Easy 🌲

• June 27th – Final day of hiking: Lunca Ilvei → Tășuleasa Social / 21km / Moderate 🏞️

• June 28th – Departure from Tășuleasa Social

👥 Age Requirement: 18+

Expect stunning mountain views, peaceful forests, and authentic Romanian villages, making this journey a truly immersive experience.

Who Can Join?

This trip is open to adventurous adults (18+). Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to long-distance trekking, this supportive group adventure will challenge your limits, deepen your connection to Romania’s landscapes and culture, and leave you with lasting memories.

Cost 

     Cost: $600/person

✅ What’s Included

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Transportation (including luggage transfers and shuttle services between points on the route)

• Professional guide services

❌ Not Included

• Flights

• Personal expenses

• Optional transportation from other cities (available for larger groups at an additional cost)

** We highly recommend that you consider making a significant donation to the Via Transilvanica project (we suggest $200/person) and express your gratitude to your guide after the trip with a generous tip. Please note that the total cost does not cover any donations to the project.

‼️Accommodation Notice: Due to group size, accommodations may be split across different guesthouses in some locations. Not all accommodations offer private bathrooms, and participants may need to share rooms with fellow travelers.‼️

How to Sign Up

📩 Interested in joining? Please fill up the pre-registration form by April 25th, 2025:

Sign Up HERE

Email us at [email protected], for any questions! If you can’t join this trip but still want to explore Via Transilvanica this summer, let us know—we can help you organize your own adventure!

📢 Stay connected! Join our WhatsApp group for updates, packing tips, and trip details.

Let’s make 2025 a year of adventure, discovery, and meaningful connections in Romania! 🇷🇴✨

Packing & Travel Tips

Check our Traveler’s Guide for full recommendations. Essentials include:

• Multiple pairs of socks

• Gel bandages for blisters

• Waterproof hiking shoes

• Sport shoes for pleasant weather

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

Traveler's Guide (Putna-Vatra Dornei) - English

Ghidul Drumetului (Putna-Vatra Dornei) - Romanian

2021 Trip Donations VT Gala VT FAQ VT Donors

Welcome to Arhaic Volunteering Camp!

About the Camp

The Arhaic Volunteering Camp is an annual initiative organized by the Arhaic Association, Ambulanța pentru Monumente, and the Romanian United Foundation. This Camp makes part of the cultural immersion program at RUF and brings together passionate individuals dedicated to heritage preservation and hands-on restoration work.

Key contributors include Valeria Lehene, President of the Arhaic Association and an experienced architect with over 20 years at the Sălaj County Directorate for Culture. She is joined by Bogdan Ilieș, a historian and researcher specializing in wooden churches, who holds a Ph.D. in History and leads the "Ambulanța pentru Monumente" civic program in Sălaj County. Together, they provide expertise, mentorship, and guidance, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience for all participants.

*The County Directorate for Culture is the state institution at the local/regional level, and is responsible for monitoring the national cultural heritage, including architectural heritage.

Our Vision

Restoring the Past, Shaping the Future: A Volunteering Journey of Heritage and Heart

Our camp is more than just a journey back to our roots, it’s a step forward in cultural preservation and personal development. We aim to instill a deep appreciation for Romania’s rich heritage, highlight the importance of community service, and empower participants with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact.

Why This Camp?

• Cultural Connection: Experience authentic Romanian village life and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions that shaped our ancestors.
• Conservation Efforts: Play an active role in preserving Romanian history by helping restore a historic wooden church.
• Personal Growth: Develop new skills, build lasting friendships, and experience the fulfillment of making a tangible difference through volunteer work.

Our Mission: Why We Are Organizing This Camp

Our objective is multifaceted, aiming not only to connect diaspora children with their rich Romanian heritage but also to instill a sense of responsibility, community, and cultural pride. Below, we outline the core reasons and aspirations behind this unique camp experience:

1. Cultural Connection: We aim to provide diaspora children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Romanian rural cultural heritage. By experiencing village life, historical monuments, and the traditions that have shaped our identity, we hope to forge a lasting bond between them and their ancestral land.

2. Unique Experiences: The camp offers a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing participants to engage in volunteer activities that bring them closer to the countryside's way of life, the current social realities of Romania, and the care we dedicate to our monuments. This engagement aims to provide a clearer understanding of their roots and identity.

3. Promoting Our Cause: We seek to raise awareness about the activities of our association and to highlight the beauty and significance of the Sălaj region, which is often overlooked by tourists. Showcasing traditions, monuments, and crafts, we endeavor to revitalize interest and appreciation for these cultural elements.

4. Education on Historical Preservation: It's essential for the younger generation to understand what a historical monument signifies, even if it's not among the most prominent or visible. We teach the importance of preserving our heritage, helping them realize the value of these monuments, which might not be immediately apparent.

5. Cultivating Appreciation for Romanian Culture: Our goal is to teach Romanian children to develop a deep appreciation for the importance of our culture. Through hands-on experiences and engagement, we aim to instill a sense of pride and connection to their cultural heritage.

6. Working and Learning Together: We offer a collaborative work experience among friends and peers, providing opportunities to meet new people, engage in physical work, and see the tangible results of their efforts. This process is designed to be enjoyable and fulfilling, emphasizing productivity and accomplishment.

7. Educating Our Children: As parents and educators, we wish to teach our children about our culture, its origins, and to appreciate our Romanian values and cultural heritage in great detail. It's about passing on knowledge and pride from one generation to the next.

8. Raising Awareness with RUF: We aim to increase awareness about the Arhaic organization and the mechanisms available for fundraising in support of Romanian organizations. By collecting funds for our organization and specific projects, we strive to enhance communication, awareness, and financial support for our cause.

Through this camp, we aspire to create a transformative experience that enriches, educates, and connects participants with the cultural heritage that is rightfully theirs, fostering a generation that values and preserves its rich history and traditions.

Stay in Touch:

Sign up on our website: Romanian United Foundation 

Join our WhatsApp Community: Trips to Romania

Like us on social media: Facebook and Instagram

Welcome to the fascinating regions of Transylvania, Moldova, Banat, and Muntenia!

The registration for this trip is closed, if you you are interested in hiking on Via Transilvanica this summer, please email us at [email protected] and we can help you organize your trip!

About Via Transilvanica

Via Transilvanica is a long-distance trail for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. 1,400 kilometers long, it crosses the country from Putna to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, passing through over 600 communities. Via Transilvanica is inspired by other worldwide long-distance trails, such as the El Camino, Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Via Transilvanica is also the largest outdoor artistic sculpture exhibition in the world.

About the Tour

Our 4-day Via Transilvanica hiking tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage of Transylvania. Let us guide you through the heart of this legendary regions, following the trail of the newly established Via Transilvanica hiking route, and discover the hidden gems of this incredible part of Romania.

More Photos

Organizers: Our tour is organized by a team of experienced and professional guides who are passionate about Romania's natural beauty, culture, and history. They will lead you through the hiking route, making sure you experience the best of this route during your trip.

Route: The 4-day hiking tour on the Via Transilvanica from Atia to Darjiu will take you through some of Romania's most beautiful and historic landscapes. You will be crossing wide terraces of rolling hills, passing through forests and meadows and traveling along river valleys. Along the way, you'll get to observe local wildlife and take in breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. 

Route: ATIA - DARJIU

Distance: 88 km

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights (5 nights Pensiune + 1 night Tasuleasa) 

Cost (estimate): $750/person

What's included: Accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide services. Not included flights or personal expenses. **

Transportation: (by bus, included in the total cost)

• Tasuleasa - Atia
• Darjiu - Tasuleasa

**We highly recommend that you consider making a significant donation to the Via Transilvanica project (we suggest $250/person) and express your gratitude to your guide with a generous tip. Please note that the total cost does not cover any donations to the project.

!!!Please keep in mind that because we are a large group in some places, we will need to rent two different guest houses to sleep!!!

Program:

Day 1 (June 29th)

Meeting point: Strada Train Vuia 204, Cluj-Napoca 
Time: 2 PM

Arriving in Atia (Corund) to sleep for the night. The group will get the chance to socialize and meet each other over dinner.

Pensiunea Zona Verde (Corund)

Day2 (June 30th) 

Atia - Lupeni / 17km / medium difficulty 

Kotyogó Restaurant & Pension

Vendegvaro Panzio

Day3 (July 1st)

Lupeni - Odorheiu Secuiesc / 25km / medium difficulty

Gizi Csárda

Páva City

Day4 (July 2nd)

Odorheiu Secuiesc - Rares / 23km / easy difficulty

Nagy-Homoród Étterem és Panzió

Day5 (July 3rd) 

Rares - Darjiu / 27km / medium difficulty

Orban Panzio

Ramocsa Szálló

Day6 (July 4th) 

Travel by bus or car to: Tasuleasa Social

Camp Fire

Day7 (July 5th) 

Departure time to Cluj: 9 AM 

We will depart from Tasuleasa Social.

It will be a wonderful journey from Atia to Darjiu and ending with a great experience at the Tasuleasa Social, the birthplace of Via Transilvanica! You will experience the diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country. Thank you for joining us and we hope you will enjoy your trip as much as we do!

If you require additional information about the trail or suggestions on what to pack for the trip, you can refer to the traveler's guide below. It is advisable to bring multiple pairs of socks, gel bandages specifically designed for blisters, a pair of waterproof hiking shoes, and another pair of sport shoes suitable for pleasant weather conditions. Additionally, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Since we won't be sleeping in tents, there is no need to bring any camping-related items.

Please stay connected with us on WhatsApp by joining our group: VT Adult Trip 2024

Traveler's Guide (Atia-Darjiu) - English

Ghidul Drumetului (Atia-Darjiu) - Romanian

Recommended list of equipment

More Details

2021 Trip Donations VT Gala VT FAQ VT Donors

Stay in touch: Join our WhatsApp group.

Welcome to the fascinating regions of Transylvania & Bucovina, Romania!

About Via Transilvanica

Via Transilvanica is a long-distance trail for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. 1,400 kilometers long, it crosses the country from Putna to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, passing through over 600 communities. Via Transilvanica is inspired by other worldwide long-distance trails, such as the El Camino, Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. Via Transilvanica is also the largest outdoor artistic sculpture exhibition in the world.

About the Tour

Our 5-day Via Transilvanica hiking tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage of Bucovina and Transylvania. Let us guide you through the heart of this legendary regions, following the trail of the newly established Via Transilvanica hiking route, and discover the hidden gems of this incredible part of Romania.

The trip was absolutely marvelous!

Join Us Again in 2024

Donate to VT

More Photos

Organizers: Our tour is organized by a team of experienced and professional guides who are passionate about Romania's natural beauty, culture, and history. They will lead you through the hiking route, making sure you experience the best of this route during your trip.

Route: The 5-day hiking tour on the Via Transilvanica from Putna to Vatra Dornei will take you through some of Romania's most beautiful and historic landscapes. You will be crossing wide terraces of rolling hills, passing through forests and meadows and traveling along river valleys. Along the way, you'll get to observe local wildlife and take in breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. You'll also get to visit several historic sites, such as the Putna monastery, Valea Putnei open-air ethnographic museum and the old churches of Vatra Dornei. Come explore Romania's natural beauty and rich heritage on this memorable journey!

Route: PUTNA - VATRA DORNEI

Distance: 100 km

Duration: 7 nights (5 nights Pensiune + 2 nights Tasuleasa) 

Cost (estimate): $650/person

What's included: Accommodation, meals, transportation, and guide services. Not included flights or personal expenses. **

If you don’t need transportation, please let us know before you make the final payment)

Transportation: (by bus, included in the total cost)

• Cluj - Putna
• Vatra Dornei - Tasuleasa
• Tasuleasa - Cluj

**We highly recommend that you consider making a significant donation to the Via Transilvanica project and express your gratitude to your guide with a generous tip. Please note that the total cost does not cover any donations to the project.

Day 1 (July 5th)

Meeting point: Strada Traian Vuia 204, Cluj-Napoca 400394, Romania

Meeting time: 14:00 (2pm)
Travel time to Putna by bus: approx. 5 hours 

Arriving at Pensiunea Florinel in Putna to sleep for the night. The group will get the chance to socialize and meet each other over dinner.

Pensiune Florinel
+40 745 896 596

Day2 (July 6th) 

After breakfast we will start our first day visiting the historic Putna Monastery. The first hiking day will begin from Putna going to Sucevita (17km) with a relatively easy hiking trail. Arrival at Sucevita for accommodations for the night at Pensiune Karisma Kriss.

Pensiune Karisma Kriss
+40 747 771 341

Day3 (July 7th)

After having breakfast, we will depart from Sucevita and head towards Vatra Moldovitei, which is approximately 21km away. This particular hike is said to be the most challenging section of the entire route. However, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the effort. Along the way, we will have lunch. Upon reaching our destination, we will check in at Pensiune Crizantema.

Pensiune Crizantema
+40 745 922 447

Day4 (July 8th) 

The difficulty level for this day is moderate to high. The hike covers a distance of 22km from Vatra Moldovitei to Sadova. The day will finish with accommodations in Sadova at Pensiunea Alvy Iezer.

Pensiunea Alvy Iezer
+40 722 654 601 

Day5 (July 9th) 

The hike for this day is considered to be of moderate difficulty with a distance of 21km, starting from Sadova and ending at Pasul Mestecanis. The night accommodations will be provided at Pensiunea Luceafărul.

Pensiune Luceafărul

+40 744 383 573

Day6 (July 10th) 

For our last day of hiking we will leave Pasul Mestecanis and finish at Vatra Dornei (20km), with an easy to moderate difficulty level on the trail. From Vatra Dornei we will travel by bus to Tasuleasa for accommodations. 

Tasuleasa Social 

Day7 (July 11th) 

Tasuleasa social volunteers will give you a tour of the Tasuleasa Campus where you will find many interesting things to do and see. The night will end with a bonfire and saying goodbye to another awesome adventure.

Day8 (July 12th) 

Departure time: 8:00am (TBD) 
Travel time to Cluj by bus: approx. 2 hours and 30min.

We will depart from Tasuleasa Social by bus back to Cluj after breakfast.

It will be a wonderful journey from Putna to Vatra Dornei and ending with a great experience at the Tasuleasa Social, the birth place of Via Transilvanica! You will experience the diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country. Thank you for joining us and we hope you will enjoy your trip as much as we do!

If you require additional information about the trail or suggestions on what to pack for the trip, you can refer to the traveler's guide below. It is advisable to bring multiple pairs of socks, gel bandages specifically designed for blisters, a pair of waterproof hiking shoes, and another pair of sport shoes suitable for pleasant weather conditions. Additionally, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Since we won't be sleeping in tents, there is no need to bring any camping-related items.

Traveler's Guide (Putna-Vatra Dornei) - English

Ghidul Drumetului (Putna-Vatra Dornei) - Romanian

More Details

2021 Trip Donations VT Gala VT FAQ VT Donors

Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

Registration is: CLOSED

Camp VIATA

Location: Straja, Hunedoara

Dates: July 9th-16th, 2022

Ages: all ages (5-18)

Documents (RO):

• Formular Inscriere
• Permisiunea Parintilor
• Regulament & Program

Whatsapp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LdXEYH8yivlGRpHqqFmfco

How did you like the Straja Camp? Send us your feedback.

CAMP IDEOLOGY

Adventure for a living. We help young people to become responsible, trustworthy, honest and persevering citizens, able to contribute to their own development and the common good.

https://www.noi-orizonturi.ro/tineri/tabara-viata/

DATES: 2 July - 8 July 2022

Age: 5-11 yrs old

LOCATION: Harghita ( about 3 hrs from Cluj)

TRANSPORTATION: camp can organize bus transportation for location in Romania of our choice for extra cost

PRICE: 1750 lei ( about $400) per child per week

Group discount: for every 10 children, 1 child free ( which 'free' child amount equally reduces the other 10 kids)
30% downpayment and remaining balance June 20th. We will send one payment and parents will send as one payment

HOUSING:
in small hotel setting; same sex
2-4 children in one room
each room has its own bathroom

Alpine housing

https://www.alpinstraja.ro/

One adult sleeps on same floor

FOOD: three meals a day cooked on premises

lunch is always a bagged lunch

NOTES: please advise them of any allergies

snacks between meals

SLEEP HOURS: 8 am wake up; 9:30pm sleep

if tired is tired can go to bed earlier

ELECTRONICS: 1 hour at diner between 7-8 pm; can call parents at this time

GROUPS: 10-15 kids per group, per age with 3-4 instructors per group
groups based on age, distinction of capability and experience--not based on age

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Romanian mostly, but English is known

DOCUMENTS:

• Forms to complete: Child vaccine history (will be available soon)
• Everyone will email them to me and I will send one email to camp boys ad girls mixed for activities

COVID: negative PCR test 48 hrs before arrival; all camp workers are vaccinated and tested

MASKS: no masks are required to he worn by kids or by camp workers

2021 Trip Donations VT Gala VT FAQ VT Donors

More Photos

Get ready to embark on your trip to Transylvania. On this page, you will learn everything you need to know about the Via Transilvanica trip, taking place July 2nd-12th, 2020.

Via Transilvanica is a 1,000 km hiking trail that will reposition Romania on the world tourism map. Together we will discover the backcountry of Transylvania.

Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

Learn more about previous year trips:

• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159398228968159
• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159407213778159
• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159404528088159
• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159412329433159
• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159403604518159
• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159402999938159
• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159399299888159
• https://www.facebook.com/mihai.lehene/posts/10159399046483159

Trip Organizers:

This trip is organized by Mihai Lehene in collaboration with Alin Useriu of Tasuleasa Social, the nonprofit behind Via Transilvanica.

Trip Cost:

The actual lodging and food during the trip are very cheap. You only pay for your own expenses, so this may be variable, but our estimate is about $1,000 per person, including travel, room & board (excluding international air fare). This does not include any donations or fees/funds for either Romanian United Fund or Tasuleasa Social. Donations are always welcome and highly encouraged.

Trip Route:

Arrival: Cluj, July 1st

Hiking Route:

Jul 3: Hike from Sarmisegetuza Regia to Fundatura Ponorului

Jul 4: Hike from Fundatura Ponorului to Hobita (Retezat)

Jul 5: Hike from Hobita to Salasul de Sus

Jul 6: Hike from Salasul de Sus to Salasul de Sus (circle)

Join the Group:

A small group will meet in Cluj on or around July 1st in the evening.

The next morning, groups from Cluj, Zalau, Baia Mare, Alba Iulia will start towards Sarmisegetuza Regia.

The main group meets on July 2nd, at Cetatea Malaiesti, near Sarmisegetuza Regia. On that day, we will join the Via Transilvanica section launch at 12 PM. A second meetup point is the Sarmisegetuza Regia Parking lot, at 4 PM. We start hiking on July 3rd in the morning.

Some people may desire to join the second leg of the trip, July 7 - July 9, at Tasuleasa Social.

Stay in touch: Join our Whatsapp group.

Confirmed participants:

Updated as of: January 1st, 2022

View our trekking and day by day person count spreadsheet.