This short hike in the Transylvania Highlands starts in Sigashora and leads to a preserve of ancient oak trees (Rezervatia de Stejari Seculari). The hike begins at the outskirts of the village, winds its way up through a peaceful hillside forest, and tops out on the Breite Plateau.
Difficulty: Easy
Type of Hike: Well-maintained trail/road/fields
Time: 90 minutes
Distance: 3.2 kilometers one-way
Number of Wrong Turns: 3
The Trailhead
Keep an eye open or you’ll walk right by it. It’s a grassy lane near a bus stop, helpfully marked by two large tourist information signs. You can either walk from town (about 20 minutes) or take a bus.
On The Hike
It’s November in Romania so the day started off cloudy with a light drizzle, but by the time I hit the plateau, the sun started to shine, eventually transforming into a gorgeous late fall afternoon. At 74 hectares, the Breite Nature Reserve is the largest grassland plateau in Europe. There are 500+ oak trees here with ages ranging from 200 to 800 years old.
You can drive up to the preserve and I walked back to town this way which was about 5 kilometers, most of along the highway so I don’t recommend going this route. Still, it’s a nice place to take a walk (minus the wild dogs).
Where To Stay
The Breite Oak Tree Reserve is located in tourist-friendly Sighișoara. The Old Town here is worth a visit with all its towers, cobblestone streets, and churches. It’s off-season so I managed to grab a room at the four-star Korona Hotel for only $33 USD per night and there are plenty of spots to stay in and around the city center. Here’s a few shots of the area:
Final Thoughts
After steep hikes in the mountains to the south, it’s nice to aimlessly ramble on a Sunday afternoon without worrying too much about bears, snow, or getting lost. If you find giant oaks calming or if you’re searching for a rock that has no earthly business in a Romanian field, then make some time to knock this hike out.
Helpful Links
Transylvania Highlands Tourism Website
Breite Oak Tree Reserve Wikipedia
Tourist Map of the Reserve