Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Eastern Europe
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10 best Hiking & Trekking Eastern Europe tour packages
Compiled by
SteffEastern Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- Semi-Private Tour; Serbia, Bulgaria & Romania from Belgrade to Bucharest
- Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
- Walking Romania - Transylvanian Alps Trek
- Experience Ecotourism in Romania - eco-certified private trekking program
- Hiking in Slovakia (small group minimum 2 people & maximum 8 people)
- Hiking on the Via Transilvanica in TERRA SAXONUM
- Summits of the Transylvanian Alps
- Hiking on the Via Transilvanica in TERRA SICULORUM
- Reaching the highest peaks in Romania: Moldoveanu Peak (2544 m) & Negoiu Peak (2535 m)
- Transylvania Winter Walk & Snowshoe
The trails through Eastern Europe showcase diverse terrains. Visitors walk Rila Mountains to UNESCO monastery, cross Shipka Pass trails, and follow Plovdiv's ancient Roman paths. Historic cities and natural wonders await with expert guidance.
Duration 8 days Destinations Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range up to 90 year olds Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 527 mi Operator Choose Balkans From
- NZ$3,585
Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We have attended many tours and this one is the top experience for us.”
Feng ying, traveled in August
The 77km route winds through Eastern Europe's most dramatic trails, from Babia Gora National Park to the Tatra Mountains. Walking paths include UNESCO Dunajec Gorge, Slovakia's peaks, and traditional mountain culture in Zakopane. Daily walks span 14-17km with expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Krakow, Babia Gora National Park, Zakopane, Oravice, Trzy Korony, Pieniny National Park Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 163 mi Operator Explore! From $2,850
9% Off- NZ$2,580You save $270
Walking Romania - Transylvanian Alps Trek
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hike along Piatra Craiului ridge was the top highlight of my trip.”
Andrew, traveled in September
The route connects Bucegi Plateau to Piatra Craiului ridge. Technical sections include a 300m scree descent, Zarnesti Gorge crossing, and walks from historic Padina hut to Curmatura mountain refuge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bucharest, Sinaia, Piatra Craiului, Zarnesti, Moeciu de Sus Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Distance 181 mi Operator Explore! From $2,410
18% Off- NZ$1,970You save $440
Experience Ecotourism in Romania - eco-certified private trekking program
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hike 10/10 - The effort was consistent, around 11 - 14 km hicked daily. The accomodation 10/10 - was perfect and the food was plenty.”
Constantin, traveled in December
Magnificent trails wind through Bucegi and Piatra Craiului parks with daily 14km walks. An 800m ascent leads to Evil Waterfall Mill and potential summit of Shepherd's Peak (2,238m). Traditional mountain villages showcase authentic local life.
Duration 4 days Destinations Brasov, Bucegi Natural Park, Piatra Craiului, Magura, Pestera Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Distance 58 mi Operator Active Travel From
18% Off- NZ$1,529
The mountain paths of Eastern Europe test hikers, from High Tatras' 9-hour Kriváň ascent to Slovak Paradise's 17.7km Prielom Hornadu route. Metal ladders aid technical sections while pristine mountain lakes and valleys unfold below.
Duration 8 days Destinations Krakow, High Tatra Mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park, Poprad Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 165 mi Operator Experience Slovakia From
18% Off- NZ$2,009
Via Transilvanica winds through historic Saxon territory. Daily 15-24km paths pass UNESCO-listed Biertan fortress and medieval Sighisoara. Breite Plateau's ancient oaks and authentic village culture highlight the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sibiu, Crit, Saschiz, Malancrav, Biertan Age Range 18 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 106 mi Operator Carpathian Travel Center From
18% Off- NZ$2,946
Duration 8 days Destinations Magura, Piatra Craiului, Bucharest Age Range up to 80 year olds Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 88 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
18% Off- NZ$2,640
The Via Transilvanica stretches 129km through Szekler territory. Steep ascents at Atia and Odorheiu Secuiesc lead to UNESCO-listed Dârjiu church and Sighișoara citadel. Comfortable guesthouse stays include daily luggage transfers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sibiu, Praid, Târgu Secuiesc Age Range 18 to 85 year olds Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 229 mi Operator Carpathian Travel Center From
18% Off- NZ$1,473
Romania's highest mountains await on this demanding trek. The route includes exposed Strunga Doamnei passage, visits to 50+ glacial lakes, and summits of both Moldoveanu (2544m) and Negoiu (2535m) peaks with expert mountain guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sibiu, Cartisoara, Negoiu, Podragu, Moldoveanu, Curtea de Arges, Cozia Age Range 18 to 65 year olds Operated in English, German Distance 237 mi Operator Carpathian Travel Center From
18% Off- NZ$2,678
Winter adventures await from Villa Hermani (3,410ft). Trails lead through Piatra Craiului National Park, Zarnesti Canyon, and snowshoe routes between dramatic mountain peaks. Romanian hospitality and local traditions enrich each day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bucharest, Magura, Pestera, Vulcan, Brasov, Bran, Piatra Craiului Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 219 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
18% Off- NZ$2,640
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Eastern Europe
- Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
Our trip leaders are not on this list & they were excellent! Flexible, accommodating, supportive and fun!
- Transylvanian Village Life in the Carpathian Mountains: An Eco-Certified Experience
We have been on dozens of tours all around the world, and this tour in the Carpathian Mountains ranks as one of the best. It was well planned, the overnight places were excellent, the food was remarkable, and the guide was awesome. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a challenge, great sights and a never to be forgotten experience. Michael and Renate
- Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
At the end of August, my son went on a guided hike of the Rila and Pirin mountains in Bulgaria with Traventuria Ltd. Here is an account of the tour from his perspective: Tour guide: Alexander Serafimov (Alex). Alex was an absolutely fantastic tour guide. He was knowledgeable about the mountains both in terms of flora and fauna. His English was immaculate (first language Bulgarian) but he also proved his multi-lingual abilities plenty of times on the tour! Overall, the best tour guide I have ever had. The tour at a glance: the tour went through both the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges, of which I completed 3 of the main peaks (Polizhan, Musala and Vihren) as well as the beautiful 7 Rila Lakes. We were a small group (6 individuals, all English speaking). It was without doubt the most enthralling journey each day, with the scenery changing ever so often. Lush forests, rocky mountains and sharp faces met us each day. Also note, that this particular hike is challenging and requires a great deal of fitness. In total, the tour lasted 7 days. Extras: There were many extras that were thrown in that we did not even know we would be getting! 1. Guided tour through Bansko and Sofia with Alex, again very knowledgeable especially about the history of these places. 2. Almost every night we had dinner at a different restaurant and one night we had a traditional Bulgarian experience where we sang and danced through the streets of a small village! The restaurant decision is left in the hands of the tour guide by Traventuria and Alex did a great job of picking the best and most diverse places. 3. Cable cars, chair lifts, transfers all included without extra charge. 4. A goodie bag at the start of the tour. Importantly, none of these things came at any extra cost. Overall: Traventuria was extremely well organised from the start. Alex was a star of a guide. The trek through the mountains was breathtaking. A must for any trekking enthusiast.
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Eastern Europe
What are the most challenging hiking trails in Eastern Europe and how difficult are they?
Eastern Europe's toughest trails wind through Bulgaria's Rila Mountains and Romania's Fagaras Mountains. The trek to Moldoveanu Peak in Romania takes hikers up 2544 meters through 17-23 kilometer daily routes. Bulgaria's Musala Peak trail reaches 2925 meters requiring 6-7 hours of steady climbing each day. The routes feature technical sections with loose rock and steep ascents. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Andy was an excellent guide and really made the challenging trails manageable though you definitely need good fitness for the 700-1000m daily elevation gains." Basic mountain huts like Zamkovského Chata in Slovakia and Podragu Hut in Romania provide places to rest along these routes.
When is the best time to go hiking in Eastern Europe?
The hiking season peaks from June through September when paths are clear and temperatures mild. The Rodopi Mountains in Bulgaria burst with wildflowers in May and June while July and August work best for high-altitude routes. Slovakia's High Tatras welcome hikers from June to October with July providing extra daylight for longer treks. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Late September is good time for colours in the Tatra Mountains with different landscapes many glacier lakes and deep forest walks."
What type of accommodation can I expect on multi-day hikes?
Eastern European hiking routes blend mountain huts with hotel stays. The High Tatras feature traditional shelters like Zelené Pleso Hut and the historic Téryho Chata at 2015 meters. In Bulgaria's Rila Mountains options range from the upscale Grand Hotel Smokovec to basic mountain refuges. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The combination of authentic mountain huts and local guesthouses gave us a perfect taste of mountain culture - the Barcaciu hut in Romania's Fagaras Mountains was particularly memorable with its cozy atmosphere and hearty local food."
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Eastern Europe?
The mountain ranges support rich wildlife especially in protected zones like Romania's Piatra Craiului National Park and Bulgaria's Rila National Park. Balkan chamois frequent the karst slopes near Wichren Peak while rare edelweiss flowers dot the highlands. The High Tatras house populations of marmots and golden eagles. One TourRadar traveler reported: "During our hike through the Fagaras Mountains we were lucky enough to spot wild chamois on the rocky slopes and even found some rare edelweiss flowers near Moldoveanu Peak." Local guidelines advise keeping distance from wildlife.
How well-marked are the hiking trails in Eastern Europe?
Most established trails use clear marking systems particularly in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains and Slovakia's High Tatras. Color-coded paint marks on rocks and trees guide hikers while major paths like the E4 and E8 through the Rila Mountains have excellent maintenance. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The trails in the High Tatras were incredibly well-marked making self-guided hiking feel safe and manageable though having the detailed route descriptions from our tour operator added extra security." Romania's remote Carpathian sections may have less obvious markers making guided tours advisable.
How accessible are Eastern European hiking destinations?
The main hiking regions connect to nearby cities. Sofia serves as the gateway to Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains while Kosice or Poprad lead to Slovakia's High Tatras. The Romanian Carpathians link through Bucharest or Brasov. As one TourRadar traveler explained: "The transfers from main cities were well-organized though some mountain areas like the Yagodina Family Hotel require 3-4 hour drives but the stunning locations make it worthwhile."