Tâmpa Mountain in Brașov: cable car or hiking trail

Tâmpa is the mountain that rises right above Brașov's old town. You can go up in a few minutes by cable car, or on foot on one of the marked trails in about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the trail and your pace. At the top you get the city's best-known view, right next to the big "BRAȘOV" letters. Here's what to know before you go, especially if you visit in winter.

In short: cable car or on foot?

• The cable car is the right choice if you're short on time, travelling with small children or don't want the effort. The ride takes just a few minutes.
• On foot is the right choice if you enjoy short hikes: the climb is about 400 m, and the trails start at the edge of the old town.
• Both: many people walk up and take the cable car down to spare their knees.

The Tâmpa cable car

The cable car first opened in 1970 and was fully modernised in recent years, with a new installation on the same route, together with the Panoramic Restaurant on the mountain. Both reopened in autumn 2025. The lower station is on Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu, the promenade that runs below Tâmpa at the edge of the old town.

A few things to know:

• Hours can change. According to schedules published in 2026, the cable car is usually closed on Mondays for technical checks. Check the current schedule and ticket prices before you go.
• Wind can stop it. In strong gusts the cable car stops for safety reasons, sometimes without notice.
• It gets dark early in winter, so plan your trip up for the first part of the day.

The hiking trails

Tâmpa is a nature reserve, and the trails are for walkers only: bikes are not allowed on the tourist paths. Stay on the marked paths; shortcuts damage the slopes and are dangerous on wet or icy ground.

The Serpentine Path – Drumul Serpentinelor (red triangle)

This is the most popular trail and the easiest to follow. It starts on Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu and zigzags up through the forest at a steady gradient. It is about 3 km long with roughly 400 m of climbing, and rated easy to moderate. At a relaxed pace, allow about an hour to an hour and a half to the top.

Gabony's Steps – Treptele lui Gabony (yellow triangle)

The steeper option, with stone steps through the forest. It's shorter but much more demanding, and you need shoes that don't slip. In wet or icy weather, choose the Serpentine Path instead.

The Knights' Path – Drumul Cavalerilor (blue stripe)

It starts near the Weavers' Bastion and climbs to the summit via Tâmpa Saddle (Șaua Tâmpei). It's a good choice if you also want to see the city's fortifications before the climb.

Host's tip: I almost always recommend the Serpentine Path to our guests: it's easy to follow even on your first time up Tâmpa. I walk up and take the cable car down, and my knees thank me for it.

What you see from the top

The summit is at about 960 m, and from the viewing area next to the "BRAȘOV" letters you can see the whole old town: Council Square (Piața Sfatului), the roof of the Black Church, the city walls and the Șchei district. On clear days you can also see the mountains around the city.

Host's tip: My favourite moment is late afternoon on a clear winter day, when the lights come on in Council Square. From the platform by the letters you can see the whole old town light up.

Tips for climbing Tâmpa in winter

1. Shoes with good grip. The path can be icy in the shade even when there is no snow in town. On icy days, light hiking microspikes help a lot.
2. Start early. In December the sun sets before 5 pm, and it gets dark even sooner in the forest.
3. Layers and a warm drink. The climb warms you up, but at the top, in the wind, you cool down quickly.
4. Check the cable car first if you're counting on it for the way down.
5. Respect nature. You're in a protected forest area; don't leave food scraps and don't leave the path.

How to get to the foot of the mountain

From Brașov's historic center you can walk to Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu: follow the old city walls and you're at the cable car station and the start of the trails. You don't need a car or a taxi.

Host's tip: From Strada Mureșenilor 1 to the cable car station it's about a 10-minute walk, through the old town and along the walls. You can set off right after your morning coffee.

After the hike

A Tâmpa outing ends well with a coffee or a hot chocolate in the old town and a stroll along Republicii Street. If you stay in our self check-in apartments near the Black Church, you can head up the mountain and walk straight back afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to walk up Tâmpa?

On the Serpentine Path, about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your pace.

Does the cable car run in winter?

Yes, but it can stop in strong wind and has maintenance days. Check the schedule before you go.

Can I climb Tâmpa with kids?

Yes: the cable car is easy, and the Serpentine Path suits children who are used to walking. Avoid Gabony's Steps with small children.

Can I ride a bike up?

No, the tourist trails on Tâmpa are for walkers only.