The Carpathian mountains are an incredible riding paradise for modern haidooks
Stay overnight in a cozy mountain cabin, eat at a small shepherd’s house
Experience nature like never before
The Haidook Trail is based on the life of the famous “haiduc” Radu Anghel, the Romanian Robin Hood. In the center of Romania, the bandit wandered around the mountains of Leaota and Bucegi at the beginning of 19th century.
The vast pathless area of woodland offered good hiding places to outlaws. Canyons and table mountains rise in this wild landscape. Rivers, small lakes, and waterfalls provide pleasant refreshments. In picturesque villages, stories are still told about the gangs of thieves and the Romanian haidooks.
Today we find an incredible riding paradise where outlaws once hid.
The Haidook Trail is a diversified trek through an ever-changing landscape.
This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, as determined by the guide. Depending on the duration of your staying and your experience we can select the best itinerary for each day.
On the first day, we will meet at Potcoava Mountain Hideaway (www.potcoava.ro) and transfer into the mountains. At the foot of the mountain Leaota, the small village of Runcu is the starting point for the Haidook Trail. We get on the horse at Potcoava and ride for 2-3 hours, depending on the pace, until we reach the little mountain cabin in the woods, which will accommodate us for the entire trip. During the welcome dinner, which will be served around 9 PM, get to know your guide and chat about the upcoming days.
Mount up after breakfast. The trail weaves through a mountainous landscape that appears rugged or soft – depending on the season. The air is pleasantly aromatic, and there is a peacefulness with only the sound of nature. High above on a mountain range, a small shepherd cottage enjoys an incomparably beautiful position and invites for a picnic. Follow the route in the afternoon and return to the cozy cabin.
Ride to the high plateau of Românescu, where the merging of the north and south on Border Guard's Road (Drumul Granicerului) is a remarkable sight. Dense forests cover the land. The temperatures are pleasantly cool, and springs and brooks along the way provide refreshment. Enjoy only hearing the wind in the trees, the singing of birds, and the brook splashing. We go along the roads that offer protection to famous local haidooks such as Radu Anghel. We take time to observe wild animals and forestry. We stop for a quick meal at lunch, and afterward, we travel back to the cabin on a different path. Enjoy a Haidook menu and a glass of wine in a rustic environment in the evening.
The agile Haflingers climb over an overwhelming landscape. In spring and summer, the deep green forests blink through grey rock formations, and during Indian Summer days of autumn, the woods shimmer like gold.
Vast meadows, in which cattle and sheep graze, give us amazing views over valleys and mountains. Enjoy your picnic lunch spot in the open air. After lunch, enjoy trots and canters as you approach the great table mountains. During dinner, discuss the adventures of the past days.
After a 9 AM breakfast, we ride back to Potcoava Mountain Hideaway for another 3 h of adventures through the forest paths. Lunch at Potcoava around 1 pm, followed by a transfer to Bucharest airport if you didn’t come by car. If you are flying on the same day, please make flight arrangements no earlier than late afternoon.
Lodging is planned in a cozy remote mountain cabin fully equipped to enjoy life off-grid, providing twin-bedded rooms and en-suite baths.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
The local cuisine is excellent, and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the dishes produced in the area.
A variety of beverages are included.
Cozy cabin in the forest on the shore of a small river. In the evening, we gather around the fire pit to tell stories.
The fireplace is the place to stay close if the weather becomes chilly in the evenings. A glass of Romanian wine will go smoothly with the day’s memories.
Base Price
1200 lei (aprox. 240 eur) per day/person (transport to and from Potcoava not included). Discounts are available for groups of more than 4 people.
Transportation
Group transfers to and from Bucharest airport are available upon request.
Wildlife reveals itself to the traveler seeking a connection to Mother Nature.
You will feel privileged to meet the greatness of these unspoiled places.
Explore the gallery for a short preview of your next extraordinary horseback riding experience!
Potcoava Mountain Hideaway, Runcu, Dambovita, Romania.
Transfers can be arranged from and to Bucharest airport upon request.
Phone: +4 0741.600.900
Email: contact@potcoava.ro
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