Although I had known about this unique place in the center of the country for many years, I kept avoiding deleting it from the list of local destinations, knowing how popular it is throughout the tourist season. At the beginning of June, I still had a free morning when I was heading from Sinaia to the peaks of the Ciucaș Mountains and, having nothing else to visit in the area, I entered the route that leads to the Şapte Scări Canyon, starting from the town of Timișu de Jos, a few minutes from Brașov. The approximately one-hour route follows the valley of the small stream that flows quietly from the heights of the Piatra Mare massif, most of the time passing through the forest and only towards the end has a few ascending sections. Wanting to be among the first visitors to be able to take a few photos with a tripod and without tourists, I planned to arrive at the entrance to the canyon as early as possible. On the route, I overtook a few groups and arrived a few minutes before the opening at 9 am.
The Seven Stairs Canyon is one of the most spectacular and interesting in the country, although its length is only about 160 meters. The real attraction, however, comes from the difference in level and the unique way in which it was arranged for visiting, with a series of stairs and metal walkways that often pass over or through swirling waterfalls. There are a total of seven steps with variable heights, the highest ascent being made on a staircase of over 10 meters, perfectly vertical and often partially under the spray of a waterfall. Although I had seen a lot of photos of the arrangement of the route through the canyon, the reality hit me right from the first staircase and even though I do not suffer from altitude sickness, I had a few moments when I felt like I was on the verge of extreme sports. Especially looking up the 10-15 meters of the highest vertical staircase, I wondered how people with children of several years old make it through this adventure route.
The canyon is only climbed in the ascending direction, returning to the starting point, where tickets are purchased, on another forest route that bypasses the canyon. The whole adventure takes approximately 45-60 minutes, and for those who want to continue the experience, the longest zipline route in Romania runs along the valley, with a total length of 4 kilometers, arranged in 37 sections with different lengths and degrees of difficulty. Other hiking trails continue to climb to the Piatra Mare Peak and other attractions located near it.
The final experience after walking through the Şapte Scări canyon is a positive one and I recommend that you try at least once in your life the exciting sensations that can be experienced only in a few other places in the country. However, it is not a destination for everyone, and if you have problems with heights or climbing perfectly vertical stairs over longer distances, I would not recommend trying it. Also, do not start the trail without proper hiking equipment, and if you visit it during the colder periods, you should know that some passages are made under or through the waterfalls in the canyon!
Accommodation near Seven Ladders Canyon
Rating 9.4 from 229 reviews!
Located in Timisu de Jos, just a few minutes from the start of the trail to the 7 Stairs Canyon, this unit offers rooms with modern design and superior facilities, as well as a restaurant or parking!
Rating 9.3 from 98 reviews!
The accommodation unit is located right at the entrance to the Seven Stairs Canyon, offering excellent services, rooms with all utilities, restaurant, bar, terrace, garden and private parking!
Rating 9.6 from 189 reviews!
Located in the town of Săcele, just a few kilometers from Timișu de Jos, this highly rated guesthouse offers accommodation at excellent prices in welcoming rooms, as well as a playground or parking!