Horseback Riding Vacations in Romania

Here you can gallop across extensive green meadows with the backdrop of steep mountains and stunning views, and the first-hand experience of the incredible Romanian history.

Romania: “The Carpathian Garden”

Dominated by the Carpathians, Romania is a land of legends with a past that is still very present in many medieval towns.

Its landscapes, with lush forests and mysterious mountains, offer unforgettable views to those riders who dare to enjoy a horse riding holiday in the land of Dracula.

Because to speak of Romania is to speak of Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, a region located in the centre of the country.

Transylvania displays a diversity of landscapes, from the hills and lakes in the north to the forested valleys in the south. Explore this region on horseback and travel back in time as you visit some of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

But in this Baltic country you will find other hidden gems. From natural paradises to the most cosmopolitan cities, including World Heritage Sites or beautiful villages in rural Romania.

Riding in Romania, you will also discover its Saxon architectural heritage, fortified churches and citadels.

Some interesting facts about Romania

Geography

The vast territory of Romania displays a diversity of landscapes, ranging from the Danube Delta plain to the Carpathian Mountains.

Romania can be divided into 3 regions: the Carpathians, the Transylvanian Plateau and the Lowlands.

The Carpathians stretch in an arc that separates Transylvania from the rest of the country, forming the eastward continuation of the Alps.

The Transylvania region is an elevated plateau located in the centre of the country and is totally bounded by the Carpathian Mountains.

Finally, the Lowlands are made up of a series of plains, such as the Banat, near Serbia. This area is considered the granary and the industrial hub of the country. It is drained by the Danube and its tributaries.

Hydrography and Climate

Europe's second longest river, the Danube, runs along Romania's southern border with Bulgaria before flowing into the Black Sea in the north.

Romania is a country of lakes: it has around 3500, most of them are small or medium-sized, and the largest are the lagoons and the Black Sea coastal lakes, and the lakes along the Danube bank.

Romania has a continental climate with hot and rainy summers, and long, cold winters, with mild and pleasant temperatures in spring and autumn.

The east of the country is characterized by milder temperatures thanks to the influence of the Black Sea.

Fauna and Flora

Around 30% of Romania is covered with forests, which makes it one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe.

In the Carpathians, oak, beech, elm and linden forests cover the plains where hares, foxes, deer and numerous species of birds live peacefully.

The Danube Delta is home to 300 species of birds and 160 species of fish, and it’s the largest reed bed expanse in the world.

Cities of Romania

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, Romania has been heavily influenced over the centuries by the many different peoples, cultures, religions and empires that have passed through the region, whether the Romans, Saxons, Ottomans or Austrians.

These diverse influences can most clearly be seen in Romania’s cities, with their Gothic churches, grand fortifications, medieval houses and opulent palaces.

The painted monasteries of Bucovina depict exquisite frescoes with biblical scenes and the stories they tell are all impressive.

Among the best preserved medieval towns, are Sighișoara, Brașov and Sibiu.

There are also many fortified churches and citadels, including Bran Castle on a cliff.

Romania’s capital is Bucharest.

Located on the banks of the Dâmbovita River, Bucharest boasts several lakes and the largest botanical garden in the country. It is a city of contrasts too. The four decades of communism has left a mark on architecture and you can see that in churches, palaces and other buildings.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Romania

As you can see, Romania is a very interesting holiday destination. And if you visit it on horseback, even better.

While there are horseback riding vacations across the country, we have focused on two riding holiday operators in Transylvania.

Count Kalnoky's Riding Treks

Located in Transylvania, 60 km from the city of Brasov, this equestrian centre offers horseback treks on unmarked terrain, visiting villages and discovering local culture.

The concept of their treks is to introduce their guests right into the heart of their culture, where horses have kept their original role in rural life.

The Kalnoky family, one of the last aristocratic families in Transylvania, personally cares for their guests, encouraging sustainable equestrian tourism and sharing their love of horses.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the ride is quite varied. They offer two types of accommodation:

• Count Kálnoky’s Guesthouses: These cottages date back to the 19th century and are located within spacious gardens in the village of Miklósvár.
• Prince of Wales Cottages: This was the private nature retreat of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, and the cottages lie nestled among the meadows and hills of the Zalan Valley.

Both properties have been carefully restored to maintaining their original Transylvanian authenticity.

On their multi-day treks, riders will get an insight into the reality of the region by staying 2 nights in villager's homes.

Their Horses

They have horses of different breeds, some were home bred and others were bought from other breeders.

Their horses are highly intelligent and well-mannered to ride, so they are well suited to riders of intermediate riding ability and above.

Their current breeds are the Hussar’s Shagya-Arabian, Lipizzaner, the Hungarian Cavalry’s Gidran, and Lipizzaner’s sure-footed crosses with mountain ponies.

Their horseback rides

For those wishing to experience Transylvania’s unspoilt countryside and unique culture, they organize two riding trips: a long 6-day ride and a short 3-day ride.

The short ride is a combination of trail riding and cultural tours, which include local castles.

Aspects to consider:

• Riding days are generally between 3 and 6 hours in the saddle, with breaks to rest and for lunch.
• Rides are led by two guides, one English speaking.
• They take a maximum of 8 riders in each riding group.
• They accept riders of up to 90 kg bodyweight.
• The rides are at a moderate pace overall, with routes taking you through forest and up and down mountain tracks.
• You should be comfortable and secure in the saddle at a walk, trot and canter and used to riding in open country and over different types of terrain.
• When moving accommodation at night on the circuit outings, luggage is transported for you by back-up vehicle.

More information about them on their website: riding.transylvaniancastle.com.

Equus Silvania

Tucked away into the pastures on the edge of the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, lies Equus Silvania, a guesthouse and riding centre that passionately combines international standards and animal treatment with Romanian traditions, cuisine and lifestyle.

Bárbara and Christoph Promberger founded Equus Silvania in 2004. Since 1993 they both have been actively involved in large carnivore and nature conservation in Romania in addition to their equestrian tourism activities.

From Equus Silvania they continue to contribute to nature conservation. Equus Silvania is a proud partner and supporter of Foundation Conservation CARPATHIA, which has the goal to create a world-class wilderness reserve in the Southern Carpathians.

Their Horses

Their herd of over 30 horses is a good mixture of pure and half-bred horses, mainly breeds of Hungarian origin such as Shagya-Arabian, Kisberi and Gidran.

All these breeds are characterised by an outstanding willingness, endurance, beauty and good nature, and they prove their qualities again and again on all their rides.

Their riding programs

At Equus Silvania, they run day rides as well as week programs.

These are their week-long rides:

• Centre Based Rides: Over the course of the week, you will have three day-rides in the saddle, returning to the guesthouse each evening, as well as a two-day trek with an overnight stay in tents.
• Transylvania Trail Rides: Experience a horseback journey over 200 km through the rolling hills of Transylvania, visiting some colorful villages along the way.
• Winter Rides: Cantering over meadows with snow-dust clouds flying into the air is an unforgettable experience. This program includes 5 days riding and one day with visits to some of the cultural highlights of the area.

Other activities

Besides their horse riding programs, Barbara and Christoph want their guests to discover the beautiful Transylvanian landscapes and enjoy this natural and tranquil environment.

That’s why they run a series of activities:

• Cultural tours: Visit the most emblematic villages in the area. Viscri, Sighisoara and Brasov are some of the options.
• Hiking: Explore the area on short strolls in the Stramba valley using the old cart tracks.
• -Wildlife Watching: Romania is home to one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe. A local bear hide offers the chance to see spectacular wild bears in their natural habitat.

More information about them on their website: equus-silvania.com.

The Transylvanian plateau, the plains, the Danube, the Romanian Carpathians or the Black Sea, all of them blend together in the unique Romanian geography, providing unforgettable horseback rides.

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don't know where to start?

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