2-day itinerary
Weekend hiking trip from Bucharest
Bușteni is close enough to Bucharest for a proper mountain weekend without burning a vacation day getting there. This plan gets you a full day on the trails, one easier morning, and still has you home Sunday night.
Day 1, Friday
Bucharest to Bușteni
Travel up the valley
Train or car from Bucharest, about 2 hours. Trains run from Gara de Nord straight to Bușteni station, 2 minutes from Complex Caraiman.
Check in, dinner at Complex Caraiman
Our restaurant is open until 22:00. Check tomorrow's weather and cable car status over dinner, then get an early night for an early start.
Day 2, Saturday
The Bucegi plateau, the full day
Breakfast at Complex Caraiman
Breakfast runs 07:00 to 10:30. Eat properly, the plateau has nowhere reliable to buy food once you're up there.
Cable car up to Babele
Aim to be at the cable car station for one of the first departures, both for shorter queues and better light for photos on the plateau.
The Sphinx, Babele and the Heroes' Cross
All three are within easy walking distance of the upper cable car station, on mostly flat terrain. Bring a windproof layer even on a warm day, the plateau is exposed.
Walk down, or ride the cable car back
Fit hikers can walk down via Jepii Mici to Caraiman Cabin, a full afternoon on a difficult trail. Otherwise, ride the cable car back down and rest up for the evening.
Dinner at Complex Caraiman
A proper meal after a long day on the plateau, no need to go looking for it.
Day 3, Sunday
Urlătoarea Waterfall, then home
Breakfast at Complex Caraiman
A slower breakfast this time, you've earned it after Saturday's plateau day.
Easy walk to the waterfall
About 3.6 km each way, roughly 1h15 to 1h30, an easy trail that works well as a lighter second hiking day after Saturday's plateau walk.
Check out, head back to Bucharest
Trains and the road both take about 2 hours, so a midday departure gets you back to Bucharest by early evening.
Base yourself where the trip starts and ends
Complex Caraiman is two minutes from the train station, with a restaurant on site for Friday and Saturday dinner.