Veronica McGee shares her adventures on the 1,400 km Via Transilvanica trail in Romania, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and small villages. They discuss historical landmarks, cultural significance, and encounters with wildlife like bears. The episode also covers backpacking meals, travel credit card benefits, Vlad Dracula's history, and the mental health benefits of embracing nature.
The unique kilometer markers on the Via Transylvanica trail in Romania ensure clear navigation for hikers.
Affordable accommodations in local villages contribute to the economic vitality of rural communities along the trail.
The Via Transylvanica trail offers scenic diversity, foraging opportunities, and encounters with wildlife like bears in the Carpathian Mountains.
Deep dives
Unique kilometer markers with artwork and easy trail navigation
The Via Transylvonica trail in Romania features unique kilometer markers made of andesite, each a piece of art, providing clear signage every kilometer for easy navigation. With orange signs on trees and posts bearing a 'T' symbol, hikers are assured of staying on track, reducing the chance of getting lost significantly. Even in challenging terrains, the signage system offers a user-friendly experience throughout the trail.
Affordable and diverse accommodations along the trail
Accommodations along the Via Transylvonica trail in Romania offer a mix of affordable options, from guest houses in the touristy Bukovina region to simpler but comfortable lodgings in local villages. With prices averaging around $30-$40 per night, hikers can enjoy comfortable beds, showers, and hearty meals. By supporting these local accommodations, hikers contribute to the economic vitality of rural communities along the trail.
Scenic diversity, wild fruit foraging, and bear safety on the trail
Hiking the Via Transylvonica offers a blend of scenic diversity, from mountain valleys to plateaus, enhancing the hiking experience. In the Bukovina region, hikers can enjoy foraging for wild fruits like strawberries, huckleberries, and raspberries, providing natural nourishment along the journey. However, caution is advised due to potential encounters with bears attracted to the forest fruits, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and making noise to prevent surprise encounters.
Exploring Romania's Diverse Landscapes
Romania offers a diverse range of landscapes for hikers, from the Carpathian Mountains to the Transylvania Plateau. With attractions like the Danube River and the Black Sea, the country boasts natural beauty and unique ecosystems. Additionally, Romania is home to mineral waters, lakes, and even mud volcanoes, providing a mix of terrains for adventurers. The Carpathians, although not too high, offer mixed forests with wildlife like bears and deer, creating a picturesque backdrop for hiking.
Encounter Cultural Richness on the Via Transylvanica
The Via Transylvanica trail presents a cultural immersion as it winds through historical villages and painted monasteries in Bukovina. The trail, marked with Byzantine-style frescoes, allows hikers to explore Romania's past and diverse linguistic heritage. From the tomb of Prince Stephen the Great to the unique monastery meals served, each stop on the trail offers a blend of history and local experiences. With well-preserved homes, medieval fortresses, and natural wonders like geothermal lakes, the Via Transylvanica is a captivating route for those seeking both adventure and cultural insights.
Listener Veronica McGee joins Jeremy to talk about her several adventures on the Via Transilvanica, a new 1,400 kilometer trail that crosses a huge swath of Romania, in Eastern Europe. The trail brings hikers through small mountain villages where they'll stay in local homes and eat home-cooked meals. The trail traverses Transylvania, and includes multiple crossings of the Carpathian Mountains. And we'll have to keep on the look out for signs of one of Romania's most famous historical residents, Vlad Dracula. The trail's website: https://www.viatransilvanica.com/en/ Our sponsor, Outdoor Herbivore: https://outdoorherbivore.com/ Chase Sapphire Preferred travel credit card: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19n/N9ZHMS41SY Questions, comments, or suggestions: trailsworthhiking@gmail.com Instagram: @trailsworthhikingpodcast
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