Last updated on September 16th, 2025 at 10:39 am
If you’re planning a trip to Brașov and want to combine fresh mountain air, spectacular landscapes, and a shot of adrenaline, the Seven Ladders Canyon (Romanian: Canionul Șapte Scări or Canionul 7 Scări) is the perfect day trip. Hidden in the Piatra Mare Mountains, just a short drive from Brașov, this narrow limestone gorge located at an altitude of 948 meters, has become one of Romania’s top outdoor attractions. With a personal or rented car, or with the help of a guide, a day trip from Bucharest is also possible.
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What makes the Seven Ladders Canyon special? A series of metal ladders and platforms that take you right alongside waterfalls rushing through the canyon walls. Originally named after its seven vertical ladders, the canyon was fully renovated in 2013 for improved safety, and today visitors climb nine ladders of varying heights, the tallest rising over 15 meters.
Whether you’re an adventure lover looking for a unique hike, a family searching for a fun nature escape, or simply curious about Romania’s natural wonders, the Seven Ladders Canyon delivers. On top of the canyon walk itself, you can extend your hike deeper into the Piatra Mare massif or try the zip-line park — one of the longest in the country, stretching 4 km with 37 routes.
Guided tours with pickup from Brasov or Bucharest:
From Brasov: Small-Group 7 Ladders Canyon Day Trip. Check availability for your dates and latest prices.
From Brasov: Day Trip to the Seven Ladders Canyon. Check availability for your dates and latest prices.
From Bucharest: Bear Sanctuary and 7 Ladders Canyon Day Trip. Check availability for your dates and latest prices.
How to Get to Seven Ladders Canyon from Bucharest or Brasov
Getting to the Seven Ladders Canyon is fairly straightforward, whether you’re coming from Bucharest or already staying in Brașov.
From Brașov:
The canyon is located just over 10 km (6 miles) from Brașov, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip. You have a few good options:
By car or taxi: Driving is the easiest and fastest way to get there. Just set your GPS to “Dâmbul Morii” (the trailhead village) — the drive takes about 20 minutes. If you don’t have a car, a local taxi or rideshare service is a convenient alternative.
By bus: Take the 17B bus from the Brașov railway station area to Timișu de Jos, a ride that takes about 25 minutes. From there, follow the marked yellow trail to the canyon entrance (about an hour’s hike). Buses run roughly once per hour, and tickets are very affordable.
From Bucharest:
Bucharest is around 170 km (105 miles) from Brașov, so the best way to do this as a day trip is to:
Take a train or bus to Brașov: Direct trains run frequently from Bucharest North Railway Station (2.5–3 hours). Buses are also available and take a similar amount of time.
Continue to Dâmbul Morii by car, taxi, or the 17B bus as described above.
Prefer to skip the logistics?
For a hassle-free experience, you can book a guided day trip from Bucharest or Brașov, which includes transportation, a professional guide, and plenty of time to explore the canyon safely. Guided tours are perfect if you don’t want to worry about bus schedules or trail navigation.
Quick Facts and Notes – Seven Ladders Canyon
| Location | Piatra Mare Mountains, near Brașov (Dâmbul Morii starting point) |
| Trail Difficulty | Easy to moderate (family-friendly, but involves ladders) |
| Hiking Time | ~1 hour to reach the canyon entrance + 30–45 minutes through the canyon |
| Ladder Heights | 2 to 15 meters (9 ladders in total) |
| Entrance Fee | Adults 25 RON, children and students 15 RON |
| Other Activities | Zip-line park (4 km long, 37 routes), extended hikes to Piatra Mare Peak |
| Best Season | Late spring to early autumn (avoid rainy days for safety) |
Take note that the Seven Ladders Canyon opens at 10 AM and closes at 6 PM (last entry at 5:30 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. In winter, please note that access to the canyon is prohibited, for obvious safety reasons.
Many guides (and even the canyon’s official website) promote the Seven Ladders Canyon as a family-friendly experience — and it can be, provided you use your best judgment. Older children with good self-control and no fear of heights usually handle the ladders just fine (I’ve seen 10-11 years old easily completing the track), but younger kids might get distracted, which could increase the risk of slipping.
Safety equipment can be rented on-site, and children under 7 are required to wear it. Even if your kids are older, it’s worth considering helmets and harnesses for extra peace of mind. The trail has an excellent safety record, and with the right preparation and supervision, you can keep it that way.
1. Dambu Morii – Sipoaia Valley
Your adventure starts in the small village of Dâmbul Morii, just a short drive from Brașov. From here, follow the road and then pick up the yellow line trail, which will guide you all the way to the canyon entrance. The hike takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on your pace, and is considered moderately easy, though there are a few steeper sections that might get your heart rate up.
The path follows the Șipoaia Creek, winding through a lush forest with fresh mountain air and the calming sound of running water. Along the way, you’ll spot small waterfalls, steep canyon walls, and mossy rocks, making it the perfect place to pause for photos or even enjoy a quick snack. Some visitors bring a picnic and take a break in this idyllic woodland before continuing to the canyon — a great idea if you want to make the most of the day.
You’ll also pass by several zip lines crisscrossing the valley, which you can enjoy either before or after your canyon hike. Prices are quite reasonable: 125 RON for the full section, 75 RON for half, and 35 RON/30 min for kids (operating hours: 10 AM – 4:30 PM).
After roughly an hour of hiking, you’ll reach a wooden cabin, where you pay the entrance fee for the canyon: 25 RON (≈5 EUR) for adults and 15 RON (≈3 EUR) for children. From here, you’re just 15 minutes away from the first ladder and the start of the real adventure!
2. How to Hike the Seven Ladders Canyon
At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by massive limestone walls that instantly make you feel small — and excited. Take a deep breath and get ready for the real adventure ahead.
The Seven Ladders Canyon is essentially a narrow limestone gorge cut by the Șipoaia Creek, featuring seven main waterfalls (plus a few smaller ones) and a series of metal ladders and platforms that help you climb your way through this natural wonder. The ladders were completely renovated in 2013, making them safe, sturdy, and well-anchored into the rock.
Climbing through the canyon is a unique mix of hiking and vertical climbing, and the sound of rushing water follows you everywhere — above, below, and right next to you. The tallest ladder is nearly 15 meters high, positioned right next to a waterfall that sprays mist onto the steps, so be extra careful here as it can be slippery.
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.
Once you finish the ladders, the canyon gradually opens back up, and you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery again.
- Gloves are highly recommended — the metal ladders can be very cold, especially outside summer months.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip, since the platforms and ladders can get wet.
- If you’re scared of heights, focus on the steps and keep a steady grip — most people find it manageable and rewarding once they push through the first ladder.
- Allow 30–45 minutes to climb through the entire canyon, depending on the crowds and your pace.
3. Walk Back, Zip Line or Continue to Piatra Mare Peak
At the end of the Seven Ladders Canyon you have two options: you can either continue the yellow trail up to Piatra Mare Peak (1843 meters) and Chalet (for a longer, more challenging hike) or follow the red dot trail back through the forest to return to the entrance area. On your way down, you can also have some fun by using the zip lines.
Conclusion: Day Trip to the Seven Ladders Canyon
The Seven Ladders Canyon is one of those rare places where adrenaline, nature, and sheer beauty come together perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a unique day trip from Brașov, this adventure delivers — with rushing waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the thrill of climbing high ladders right in the heart of the Carpathians.
It’s a moderately challenging hike, but with proper shoes, a bit of courage, and maybe a pair of gloves, it’s absolutely doable for most visitors. Plus, the recent renovations have made it safer and more accessible than ever.
So, if you’re in Brașov and wondering how to make the most of your day, put the Seven Ladders Canyon at the top of your list. It’s one of Romania’s most exciting natural attractions, and trust me — the views (and the bragging rights) are worth every step.
Guided tours with pickup from Brasov or Bucharest:
From Brasov: Small-Group 7 Ladders Canyon Day Trip. Check availability for your dates and latest prices.
From Brasov: Day Trip to the Seven Ladders Canyon. Check availability for your dates and latest prices.
From Bucharest: Bear Sanctuary and 7 Ladders Canyon Day Trip. Check availability for your dates and latest prices.