Seven Ladders Canyon

Imagine a narrow gorge with wet stone walls, where you climb metal ladders right beside the waterfalls. That is Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Sapte Scari), one of the most unusual trails in Romania. It lies on the western side of Piatra Mare mountain, near Timisu de Jos, between Predeal and Brasov, about 130 kilometres from Gherghita.

How the canyon formed

The canyon is cut into Jurassic limestone, rock formed millions of years ago. The Valea Surii de Piatra stream, a tributary of the Sipoaia river, slowly cut through the rock, following a network of faults and cracks. This created seven steps, between 2.5 and 15 metres high, which turn into waterfalls when the water flow is strong. At their base the water has carved round hollows, known as potholes.

The canyon is about 160 metres long, with a height difference of 58 metres, at an altitude of almost 950 metres. Because the walls are very close together and steep, the route has been fitted with ladders, so it can be done without climbing equipment.

What you see along the way

• The seven waterfalls, each with its own shape and sound, strongest in spring and after rain
• The limestone walls, which come so close together that in places you only see a strip of sky
• The metal ladders fixed to the rock, climbing beside or even over the falling water
• The beech and fir forest along the access trail, with shaded paths

The canyon route is usually done in one direction only, from the bottom up, and you come down on a separate forest path. Access to the canyon is normally by ticket; check the opening times and conditions before you go, because the route can be closed in the cold season.

When to go and how much time to allow

The best time is from spring to autumn, when the ladders are not covered in ice. In spring the waterfalls are at their most spectacular, and in summer the coolness of the canyon is welcome. For the whole route, with the climb through the forest, the canyon and the descent, allow 3 – 4 hours.

One-day itinerary

• 08:00 – leave Gherghita, via the A3 and DN1
• 10:15 – arrive in the Dambu Morii / Timisu de Jos area, park
• 10:30 – walk up the forest path to the canyon entrance
• 11:30 – the ladder route, through the seven steps
• 12:30 – walk down through the forest
• 14:00 – lunch in Predeal or Brasov
• 15:30 – a short walk in Brasov or Predeal, then drive back to Gherghita

With children

The route suits older children who are used to walking and are not afraid of heights. The ladders are steep and can be wet, so keep them close and make sure they have shoes with non-slip soles. The route is not recommended for very small children.

At a glance

• Distance from Dracula Land: about 130 km, around 2 hours
• How much time to allow: 3 – 4 hours for the route
• Best time: spring – autumn, when there is no ice on the ladders
• Suitable for: adults and older children with no fear of heights
• What you will find: an access ticket, parking at the start of the trail

How to get there from Dracula Land

The distance from Gherghita to the canyon area is about 130 km, around 2 hours without traffic:

• the A3 to Ploiesti and the DN1 up the Prahova Valley, through Predeal
• after Timisu de Jos, before Brasov, follow the signs to Sapte Scari / Dambu Morii
• from the car park continue on foot along the marked forest path

Safety tips

• Wear hiking shoes, not sandals: the steps and rocks are often wet.
• Do not enter the canyon after heavy rain or when the route is signposted as closed.
• Take a light jacket: it is cool in the canyon even in summer.
• Bears live in the forests of the area; keep to marked paths and do not leave food in sight.
• In an emergency call 112.

Combine the trip

The canyon links easily with Predeal, a few kilometres away, and with Brasov, where you can spend the afternoon.

Piatra Mare mountain

The canyon is part of the Piatra Mare massif, whose main peak is over 1,800 metres high. The massif is also known for other beautiful places reached by marked trails: Tamina Waterfall, a cascade in the middle of the forest, and Prapastiile Ursului (the Bear's Chasms), a wild gorge. From Piatra Mare peak you get a wide view over Brasov, the Barsa Land and the Bucegi. For those in good shape, the canyon can be the first stop on a longer hike up to the ridge.

The right gear

You do not need climbing equipment for Seven Ladders, but a few things make a difference: hiking shoes with grippy soles, thin gloves for holding the cold, wet handrails, a waterproof jacket and a small backpack that leaves your hands free on the ladders. Leave large bags or anything that could slip between the steps at home.

Where to stay

After a day of adventure, return to quiet accommodation near Dracula Land, in and around Gherghita.