A 4-day hiking, biking & kayaking journey through Transylvania’s untamed landscapes
Discover the wilder side of Transylvania on this active adventure, designed for those who love to explore remote landscapes on foot, by bike, and on the water.
Over four days, we’ll hike through spectacular gorges, navigate steep limestone trails, and paddle along the Olt River, tracing its natural loops. Along the way, we’ll cycle through wooded steppe landscapes, visit an ancient oak tree, and cross volcanic terrain—all while keeping an eye out for wildlife.
For those seeking an extra challenge, a via ferrata climb in the dramatic Vârghiș Gorges is available. The adventure also includes an unforgettable bear observatory experience, where we’ll witness the Carpathian brown bear in its natural habitat.
This journey is a perfect blend of endurance and discovery, offering a deeper connection to Transylvania’s landscapes, trails, and wild places.
Are you ready for your next adventure?
Who Is This Tour For?
This active adventure is ideal for travelers who love combining physical activities with wildlife experiences and cultural discovery. A reasonable fitness level is recommended for hiking, biking, and kayaking, with flexibility for via ferrata enthusiasts looking for an additional challenge.
Visits
- Racos volcanic site
- Varghis Gorges (hike and via ferrata)
- the oldest oak tree in Romania and possibly in all entire Europe
- Olt river paddling adventure along Turzun
- bear hide in the wilderness
- Viscri – UNESCO fortified church and village
Program
Day 1: Arrival & Settling into Mercheasa
We welcome you at the airport and then drive together to the peaceful village of Mercheasa, where you’ll settle into a cozy, locally owned guesthouse. After a home-cooked meal and time to relax, we’ll introduce the upcoming adventures and prepare for the explorations ahead. Depending on your flight schedule, if time allows, we set off on a gentle afternoon e-bike ride through a landscape of wooded steppe and rolling hills.
After returning to the village, we’ll have dinner and we’ll use the evening to unwind amid the calm of rural Transylvania.
Day 2: Hiking the Vârghiș Gorge & Bear Observatory
Highlights: Hiking or via ferrata, wildlife tracking, bear watching
The day begins with an immersive hike in the spectacular Vârghiș Gorge, where limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and lush forests make for a thrilling journey. For those seeking an extra challenge, an optional via ferrata route (medium to difficult level) offers breathtaking views over the gorge and surrounding wilderness (all gear provided).
As we trek, we’ll keep an eye out for animal tracks and signs of wildlife.
In the evening, we venture into the forest for a unique bearwatching experience, observing brown bears from a secluded hide as dusk settles over the landscape.
Day 3: Mountain Biking to Ancient Oaks & Kayaking on the Olt River
Highlights: E-biking across volcanic landscapes, visiting the Racoș volcano, kayaking on the Olt River
Today is a full day of active exploration, combining mountain biking and kayaking.
We start by riding through open meadows and wooded steppe to visit the legendary Mercheasa Oak, estimated to be over 900 years old, before continuing toward the dramatic Racoș volcanic site with its basalt columns and colorful crater.
From Racoș, the route takes us toward the winding Olt River, which loops around the forest of Turzun basaltic hill. Here, we switch gears and hop into kayaks for a relaxing downstream paddle of around 13–14 km (approx. 3 hours), letting the river carry us through a peaceful wilderness corridor.
We return to Mercheasa in the evening, with time to relax and enjoy the calm of the countryside after a rewarding day on land and water.
Day 4: Cultural Heritage & Farewell
Highlights: Short hike or bike ride, UNESCO village Viscri
We start the morning with an easy-paced hike or bike ride through the nearby hills and forests, soaking up the last peaceful views of the region.
Afterward, we head to the UNESCO-listed village of Viscri, renowned for its beautifully preserved fortified church and traditional architecture. Wandering through its cobbled streets, you’ll catch a glimpse of Transylvania’s rich cultural heritage and timeless rural life.
After lunch, we say farewell and transfer you back to the airport, carrying with you memories of an adventure that moved with nature at every step.
Extended Tour
Extensions are possible.
Check out our other tours in the area of Sibiu and Brasov. Extra days and activities can be added to this tour.
It can also be extended by combining it with tours in other areas.
Extra days can be added to the last day in Zarnesti, where some great cycling routes exist. Or hiking and wildlife observations in Kingstone National Park. Alternatively, we can go hiking or e-biking on the Terra Saxorum segment of Via Transylvanica.
This nature adventure trip can be adjusted as per your interest.
Difficulty level
Medium difficulty level. Average cycling distances are below 30km/day.
Paddling is easy, we’re going downstream, the river is pretty calm but might have some shallow places, depending on the season, where we might need to get out of the kayaks and pull them through the water for a few meters.
Hikes are easy with some moderate steeper climbs in the Varghis Gorges.
Via ferrata is moderate to difficult, prior experience with VF or climbing is required
Reservations
This tour is recommended to be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
Prices
The final price is influenced by many factors that not all depend on us.
Please contact us to get your detailed customized program and offer.
The price usually includes all tour expenses starting with your arrival in the country.
The offer you will receive can be adjusted if you choose to modify some of the details.
Extra info
Other transfers are also possible if you intend to stay longer after our tour together.
We provide you with bicycles (we recommend doing the tour on electric bicycles but on request, we can also provide regular bikes), helmets, bike panniers, and a repair kit. We provide the kayaks with paddles and life jackets. And for the optional via ferrata we provide the harness and straps.
Wild Heart of Transylvania – 4-Day Nature and Wildlife Tour from Mercheasa
If you love the idea of discovering this remote corner of Transylvania but prefer a slower pace, we’ve got you covered.
Our Wild Heart of Transylvania – Nature & Wildlife Tour offers a more relaxed alternative, with easy walks, time for birdwatching and animal tracking, and access to the most beautiful hidden spots in the region — all without the physical challenge.
👉 Explore the Wildlife Tour and let nature reveal its secrets at your own rhythm.