The Seven Ladders Canyon (Romanian: Canionul Sapte Scari) is the perfect destination for all of you adrenaline junkies! Conveniently located near Brasov (Romania), you can hike into the canyon just by taking a one day trip. You may ask where does the name come from. Simple: The hike within the canyon is facilitated by a series of metal stairs and platforms. Initially there were seven stairs, hence the name. After its recent and complete restoration back in 2013, two more stairs were added to the track, but the name didn’t change.
Summary
Take note that the Seven Ladders Canyon opens at 10 AM and closes at 6 PM, so plan your trip schedule accordingly. Wear hiking shoes and take a backpack with food and water for the road. Best time of the year to visit it? I would say summer, because it’s a great way to escape the heat of the city, but if you want to see the waterfalls with the highest water volume, plan your visit in spring. The Seven Ladders Canyon is not exactly a destination for kids, but still I’ve seen 10-11 years old completing the track. I wouldn’t recommend it for younger kids though, because there is no special safety equipment for climbing the ladders. Until now, there haven’t been reported any accidents in the canyon so please try not to ruin the statistics. Stay safe!
Dambu Morii – Sipoaia Valley
You start this trip from the village Dambu Morii. Follow the road and then the footpath. The walk takes about an hour.
Just read the signs and walk along Sipoaia River. Enjoy the view of the landscape, with the steep banks, beautiful waterfalls and green forest. Along the way you’ll see lots of zip lines, available for 50 RON. Keep them in mind on your way back, they’re so much fun!
Make a stop when you reach a wooden cabin, here you’ll have to pay the entrance fee for the canyon. Luckily, it’s really cheap. Adults pay 10 RON (a little over 2 euro) and kids only 5 RON. Now you’re only 15 minutes away of starting the real adventure!
Trekking the Seven Ladders Canyon
At the entrance of the canyon you’ll be greeted by massive stone walls. Take a moment to catch your breath and look around. Prepare for what’s waiting ahead.
The Seven Ladders Canyon is a beautiful limestone maze, with narrow walls, impressive waterfalls and breathtaking heights.
The path inside the canyon consists of metal structures (ladders and platforms). They are well anchored in the stone walls, so they are both safe and stable.
If you have fear of heights make sure you hold on tight and don’t look down when climbing the stairs. Also, be extra careful when you reach the highest ladder (almost 15 meters), because the waterfall is so close to it and it’s going to spray water over you. This causes the ladder to be more slippery.
After exploring the stone maze, nature will claim it’s rights again. The landscape will go back to being green and luxurious.
At the end of the Seven Ladders Canyon you have two options: Go on a path that takes you back to the wooden cabin (and maybe have some fun with the zip lines on your way down), or keep going to conquer Piatra Mare Peak (1843 meters). What? What’s that? Which way did I go? Of course I kept going! Let’s go together to the top!