Hiking Tampa Mountain is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying things to do in Brasov. Tampa Mountain is the dominant geographical feature of Brasov, Romania. The mountain tops out at just over 3000 feet in elevation, rising about 1200 feet above the city below.
The location of Tampa, directly adjacent to Old Town Brasov, creates a wonderful backdrop against the historic city center. It also provides a spectacular viewpoint at the summit (plus a close-up look at the famous local ‘Hollywood’ sign) and makes for the best hike in Brasov.
Hiking Brasov’s Tampa Mountain isn’t an overly complex undertaking. It’s certainly not Everest. There are, however, several things to note. Read on for our guide to the best hike and viewpoint in Brasov.
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Hiking Tâmpa Mountain in Brasov
Hiking to the top of Tampa in Brasov isn’t straightforward. There’s nothing technical or mysterious going on, but there also isn’t a giant, flashing sign that says, “Hey, Tourist! Start here!”
The starting point of the hike is, obviously, at the base of the mountain. More specifically, it’s in the aptly named Parc sub Tampa. You can easily find this in Google Maps.
Once you reach the park, continue up the steps and down the pavement past the restaurant Sub Tampa (on your left). Just past the restaurant, there are a few more steps on the left that clearly lead up and into the woods. Take these. The trail is dirt. It starts off relatively flat before climbing upward.
To an extent, you have to find the way up yourself. There are a few trails that intersect and offshoot from the main trail, so you’ll want to make sure to follow one easy rule to reach the top: FOLLOW THE TRIANGLES!
The red, painted triangles are on trees and/or benches. If you see these, you’re going the right way.
The trail to the top is essentially switchbacks, lots of switchbacks. There isn’t any climbing or seriously steep inclines to worry about. Make sure you stay on the trail. This is for your safety and to maintain the integrity of the environment and trail.
The hike to the top of Tampa Mountain isn’t really that difficult. There are so many switchbacks that the incline is usually gradual. And the trail is almost entirely shaded beneath the cover of the forest canopy.
Overall, the hike takes about an hour. It depends on your pace. Treating my hike as more of a workout, my trek to the top was rather quick. I was also determined to reach the top and keep clear of any people behind me. You can take an extra half hour if you want to enjoy the surrounding nature in a more leisurely manner.
Once you reach the end of the trail, there is an opening and a small road. Cross this road. There will most likely be other people ahead, and you can follow them a short distance to the best view in Brasov. Here you will find excellent sweeping scenes of the surrounding countryside, the city below and an up-close view of the famous Brasov ‘Hollywood’ sign.
Brasov ‘Hollywood’ Sign
The Brasov ‘Hollywood’ sign is a peculiar sight. One of the first things that comes to mind when you see it is, “Why..?”
Honestly, I don’t know. It probably has something to do with the fame of Transylvania in books and media. Perhaps it is simply a marketing ploy.
Regardless of the real why behind the sign, it is an effective attraction. The Hollywood sign of Brasov is visible from a great distance. In the event that you somehow forget where you are, just look to the mountain!
One of the coolest things about hiking to the top of Tampa Mountain is seeing the Hollywood sign of Brasov up close. From below, it doesn’t look that large. Sure, it’s far away, and you probably assume that’s it’s larger when you’re right next to it. For my part, I was shocked to find that it is much larger than I imagined. It’s huge!
The city from the top also appears so much smaller. Again, of course it does when you’ve just climbed over a thousand feet up to look back down at it. But this is one of the things I enjoy about finding great viewpoints. The best views help to put your location, a place, into better perspective. Often, observing a settlement and the surrounding geography from a higher point provides insight into local history and why a certain location for said settlement may have been chosen in the first place.
That’s the geography/history fanatic in me. If these matters interest you, it’s another reason to hike to Tampa Mountain and enjoy the best view in Brasov.
Interestingly, the smaller nearby town of Rasnov has its own Hollywood sign. Rasnov is a cool medieval fortress town, one of many in Romania. The sign is clearly here to draw the attention of all the tourists heading to Bran Castle, but I think this sign is tacky. It doesn’t fit with the citadel and sits more like a billboard right outside the fortress walls.
Other Options to Reach the Best View in Brasov
While I recommend hiking Tampa Mountain, the scenic route isn’t an option for everyone. Luckily, there is another option to reach the top!
A cable car runs up to the top of Tampa Mountain, quickly whisking passengers past the sweaty hikers below.
A one-way ride up or down costs 15 Lei (less than $4 USD) or 25 Lei (about $6 USD) for a round trip ticket. The cable car runs from 9:30 AM to 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday. It does not operate on Mondays.
Keep in mind that the posted schedule may unexpectedly change.
The Tampa Mountain cable car takes 2-3 minutes to reach the top. However, the line for the easy way up is a different story. During busy times, the wait can be 45 minutes or longer.
Extra Tips for Hiking Tâmpa Mountain
Think Twice Before Hiking with Kids
I do not recommend hiking Tampa Mountain with kids. The trail is not stroller friendly at all. If the kids are old enough to walk, I still advise against this. There are steep drop offs right off the trail, in addition to many parts with jagged rocks. I saw a couple of people about halfway up with kids, and their expressions suggested they were second guessing this decision.
Tampa Mountain is the best view in Brasov – in fact, it’s one of the best viewpoints in all of Romania – so it’s understandable you may want your kids to enjoy it, too. In this case, opt for the cable car. And make sure to keep a close eye on them at the top. There are few barriers to stop you from taking a tumble.
Take a(n Early Morning) Hike!
Go early in the morning. The earlier you start your hike up Tampa Mountain, the fewer people you will encounter. Especially when the weather is nice, the trail gets busier in late-morning and on weekends.
A lot of people choose to take the cable car. Even when the trail seems quiet, this is evident when you reach the top. The view of Brasov is spectacular. The earlier you reach the top, the fewer crowds you will have to navigate.
Bring a Flashlight for Sunset
The view from Tampa Mountain is an excellent place to watch the sunset in Brasov. The giant sign and viewing areas are generally west-facing. However, it can be tricky to get down after dark.
After the Sun goes down, the trail will be dark. There are no lights, and there are plenty of places to stumble and tumble. For much of the year, the last cable car descends before dark. If you opt for a Sunset hike and view in Brasov, take a good flashlight. You will need it to carefully hike to the bottom of Tampa Mountain.
Tampa Mountain is the best choice for a fun hike and great view in Brasov. The perspective from the summit is hard to beat, giving insight into how local history is intertwined with the geography. Further, the trail is not especially difficult and also provides for a nice escape from the crowds of Old Town.
A visibly iconic landmark in the city, this is truly one of the best things to do in Brasov. Even if you take the easy way up, the panoramic scene of the historic city and Romanian countryside is worth the $5 and change for the ride. Watch your step, and bring a good camera. These views are unforgettable.
We have just visited and was told it was a nice cable car trip up and a 30/40 minute leisurely stroll down .. we followed the red triangles and I do a lot of walking in fields in the uk but this was a difficult, slipped and cut my knee on the jagged rocks so you do need to be prepared and not think that your going for a leisurely stroll through a nature reserve. One plus, we did see deer really closely.
Yes, it’s always important to be prepared and exercise caution. Hiking injuries are much more common going downhill, too. Add in those jagged rocks, and you have to be extra careful… Hope you were able to enjoy the view, and glad you got to see some wildlife!