Exploring Romania’s High Transsilvania Trail with Team TnT
Some journeys are about reaching a destination. Others are about everything that happens along the way. Our trip to Romania’s High Transsilvania Trail was definitely the latter.
Over the course of two weeks, Team Insanire and Team TnT travelled 4,428 kilometres through six countries, explored five fascinating cities, crossed remote mountain ranges, camped deep in the forests of Transylvania and experienced some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.
What began as a journey into the Romanian Carpathians turned into an unforgettable family adventure.
Reunion in Dresden
Our route to Romania started in Dresden, Germany, where we spent the first night of the trip.
In the evening we met our friends from Team Flinke Fenneks and Team Dippser Wüstlinge, whom we had previously travelled with during the Dresden Dakar Banjul Rally. Over dinner at the beautiful Schillergarten beer garden on the banks of the Elbe, we shared stories, memories and plans for future adventures.
The next morning we explored Dresden itself. Viator and our son from Team TnT decided to climb to the dome of the famous Frauenkirche. With temperatures already climbing rapidly, the ascent was certainly a workout, but the panoramic view across Dresden’s historic centre made every step worthwhile.
We wandered through the Old Town, admired the beautifully restored baroque architecture and visited the famous Zwinger Palace before continuing eastward.
Prague in the Summer Heat
Our next stop was Prague.
The Czech capital greeted us with temperatures approaching 38°C. Sightseeing under those conditions required plenty of water and frequent breaks, but Prague’s charm easily compensated for the heat.
We visited the world-famous Astronomical Clock, crossed the iconic Charles Bridge and spent the evening enjoying a traditional dinner accompanied by dancers, musicians and even fire performers.
Before leaving the city, we visited the Old Jewish Cemetery and toured Prague Castle and the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral. Towering above the city skyline, the castle complex offers breathtaking views and remains one of Europe’s most impressive historical landmarks.
A Short Break in Budapest
The capital of Hungary became our next destination.
Budapest was also suffering through an intense heatwave during our visit. With temperatures remaining between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, even short walks became exhausting.#
One of the highlights was Margaret Island, a large green oasis situated in the middle of the Danube River. Stretching for more than two kilometres, the island provides a welcome escape from the bustling city. We admired the famous Musical Fountain, whose synchronized water displays and music performances attract visitors throughout the day.
To avoid spending too much time in the heat, we explored the island using an electric cart, allowing us to discover its gardens, pathways and historic landmarks in comfort.
The afternoon was intentionally slower. While relaxing at the hotel, Viator and our son from Team TnT attempted to repair a leaking water tank. Armed with two-component adhesive and a healthy dose of optimism, they managed to seal the damage temporarily. Unfortunately, the repair would not survive the remainder of the journey.
Later that evening we returned to the city centre. As darkness fell, Budapest revealed an entirely different character. Illuminated buildings reflected in the Danube while the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle created a spectacular skyline.
Arrival in Romania
The following day we finally reached Vințu de Jos in Romania.
After days spent travelling across Central Europe, seeing the mountains of Transylvania appear on the horizon felt like the true beginning of our adventure.
In the afternoon we met the other participants of the High Transsilvania Trail. During a shared dinner in the hotel restaurant, our guide Adrian and his son Alex, who would accompany the expedition, explained the route and the challenges awaiting us over the coming week.
The excitement around the table was impossible to miss.
Into the Carpathians
Monday morning at 9 a.m. our expedition officially began.
Barely an hour later we encountered our first obstacle.
A muddy section of trail quickly brought our Discovery to a halt. So our winch got some work to do. Within minutes we had recovered ourselves and were back on the move.
It would not be the last time.
Over the following days we travelled through a remarkable variety of terrain. Narrow mountain tracks, deeply eroded hollow ways, steep forest routes and high ridgelines continuously changed the character of the journey.
Each day included a lunch break at a scenic meadow or mountain plateau where the entire group could relax and enjoy the views.
One early highlight was a visit to Mănăstirea Afteia, a peaceful Orthodox monastery hidden in the Romanian countryside. Surrounded by forests and rolling hills, the monastery provided a striking contrast to the rugged terrain we were crossing.
Through the Forests of Transylvania
The landscapes of Transylvania are truly extraordinary.
The Romanian Carpathians contain some of Europe’s largest remaining areas of ancient and semi-natural forest. Vast beech and spruce forests cover the mountains while remote valleys remain almost untouched by modern development.
For hours at a time we could drive without seeing any settlements.
Although we never encountered bears, we frequently shared the landscape with shepherds leading enormous flocks of sheep and cattle across the mountains. Watching these traditional ways of life continue in the remote highlands felt like a glimpse into another century.
One evening we camped beside a small crystal-clear river where everyone took the opportunity to cool down after another hot summer day.
At night, silence returned to the mountains.
Challenges on the Trail
While the scenery was stunning, this was not simply a sightseeing tour.
The trails demanded concentration and teamwork.
At one particularly muddy section on a mountain ridge, our Discovery became firmly stuck in a swampy area. This time Team TnT played a key role in assisting with another winch recovery. It was exactly the kind of situation where cooperation between vehicles becomes essential.
The highest point of the expedition took us to approximately 2,100 metres near Vârful lui Pătru, one of the most prominent peaks in the Șureanu Mountains. From there, endless forested ridges stretched to the horizon in every direction.
Evenings often ended around a campfire. Adrian carried a chainsaw and axe in his vehicle and normally prepared enough wood for everyone. However, due to the extremely dry conditions, open fires were not always possible and safety understandably took priority.
Ironically, despite some muddy sections, dust became one of the biggest challenges of the week. During convoy driving, dense clouds of dust frequently reduced visibility to just a few metres.
A Discovery Family
One aspect of the trip felt particularly special.
Of the five participating teams, four arrived in Land Rover Discoverys.
We had:
- Two Discovery 3s
- One Discovery 4
- One Discovery 5
Even our guides travelled in a Discovery 1.
Only a single Ineos Grenadier stood apart from the Land Rover crowd. Nevertheless, the “outsider” was warmly welcomed and quickly became part of the group.
For Discovery owners, it almost felt like a family reunion on wheels.
Bran Castle and the Legend of Dracula
After saying goodbye to our fellow travellers on Saturday morning, we continued to Bran Castle.
Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” the medieval fortress stands dramatically on a rocky hill overlooking the surrounding valleys. While the connection between Bran Castle and Bram Stoker’s Dracula is largely based on myth rather than historical fact, the atmosphere is undeniable.
The narrow staircases, defensive towers and centuries-old rooms create a fascinating experience. Combined with the surrounding Carpathian scenery, it is easy to understand why the castle has become one of Romania’s most famous landmarks.
Friends, Wine and Northern Romania
From Bran we travelled north towards Satu Mare, where friends with Romanian roots welcomed us warmly.
The drive itself showcased even more of Romania’s beauty. Rolling hills, traditional villages, sunflower fields and distant mountains accompanied us throughout the day.
During our stay we visited the family’s vineyard and learned more about local winemaking traditions. We also explored the city centre of Satu Mare before continuing our journey toward Poland.
Kraków and a Difficult Lesson from History
Our final major stop was Kraków.
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Kraków combines magnificent architecture, lively squares and an extraordinary cultural heritage. The historic Old Town, centred around the enormous Market Square, was a wonderful place to spend our final morning abroad.
In the afternoon we visited Auschwitz.
No travel destination can truly prepare you for the emotional impact of this place. Walking through the former concentration camp was one of the most powerful and thought-provoking experiences of the entire journey.
The evening that followed was filled with reflection and conversation.
Homeward Bound
After reaching Wrocław (Breslau) that evening, only the final leg of the journey remained.
The next day we crossed the remaining kilometres back home.
Looking back, this adventure was far more than an off-road trip through Romania. It was a journey through landscapes, cultures, history and friendships. We crossed six countries, drove 4,428 kilometres, visited five cities and shared countless unforgettable moments with Team TnT.
The High Transsilvania Trail certainly delivered spectacular mountain scenery and challenging off-road driving.
