Seven Ladders Canyon (Brașov): Visitor Guide
Plan a safe and scenic day trip to Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul 7 Scări) near Brașov. Learn how to reach the Dâmbul Morii trailhead, what the ladders feel like, how the 4-km zip-line works, and the official regulations that keep visitors and the gorge protected.
Why the canyon stands out
Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul 7 Scări) is a 160‑meter gorge carved into Jurassic limestone on the western flank of the Piatra Mare Mountains, just south of Brașov. The Șapte Scări Brook drops through seven stacked waterfalls—the tallest plunges 35 meters—which is how the canyon earned its name; the 58-meter profile published on the official site and local hiking guides such as My Hiking Way note that the gorge is about 58 meters deep and now features nine metal ladders after the 2013 rehabilitation. Together with the city of Brașov, it is one of the area’s flagship half‑day adventures.
The Local Public Forest Administration of Săcele upgraded every platform, ladder, and handrail so visitors can move through spray zones without technical gear. Their official overview puts the canyon at roughly 948 meters above sea level and positions it as the gateway to longer hikes on Piatra Mare Peak. That combination—short, dramatic, and extendable—makes Seven Ladders perfect if you want a change of pace between museum days and heritage walks in Brașov’s Old Town.
Trailhead & approach
The classic approach starts in Dâmbul Morii, a small resort area 20 minutes south of Brașov on DN1/E60. Park near the picnic meadow or arrive by train to Timișu de Jos, then follow the yellow stripe trail through spruce forest. The Forest Administration estimates about one hour on this approach trail, while experienced hikers clock 60–90 minutes depending on pace and photo stops. Official guidance • field reports
Getting to Dâmbul Morii is straightforward:
- Drive or rideshare: Follow DN1 toward Predeal and turn at the Dâmbul Morii camping entrance; paid parking fills fast on weekends.
- Train + walk: Regional trains on the Brașov–Predeal/Sinaia line stop at Timișu de Jos; from the station it is a short walk to the yellow trailhead.
- Local transit: Combine Brașov buses or taxis with a short Bolt ride—our Transportation in Brașov guide covers trusted operators and fares.
The entrance kiosk sells canyon tickets and, when the zip-line is open, combo passes. After you exit the gorge you can return via the red dot trail, continue uphill to Cabana Piatra Mare, or link the day with wildlife experiences at the nearby Libearty Bear Sanctuary.
Climbing the seven waterfalls
Expect mist, echoing water, and narrow corridors. Once you scan your ticket, metal footbridges guide you over the creek and toward the first ladder. Each waterfall has its own climb—some rungs hug the rock at 80–90 degrees, others lean gently, but only one person is allowed per ladder to keep loads safe.
The canyon crossing usually takes 30–45 minutes, according to the Săcele Forest Administration. The refurbished ladders sit close to rushing water, so gloves help with grip and warmth. Even in midsummer, canyon temperatures hover around 10–15 °C, and spray means your clothes will pick up moisture quickly.
After the final ladder you emerge onto the forested plateau. Follow the red dot shortcut to loop back, or stay on the yellow stripe toward Cabana Piatra Mare (1629 m) if you want a longer summit day—My Hiking Way rates the full loop at 16 km with 1,160 m of gain.
Zip-line & add-on adventures
Seven Ladders also hosts Romania’s longest continuous zip-line network: 4 km of cable split into 37 segments, the longest measuring 273 m according to the Forest Administration’s official overview. Riders start near the canyon exit and glide down Șipoaia Valley on progressively longer lines. Harnesses, helmets, and gloves are issued on site, and there is a separate kid-friendly circuit.
In high season the canyon, zip-line, and Cabana Piatra Mare usually operate together, so you can mix a morning climb with an adrenaline loop and still return to Brașov for an evening stroll or a meal from our multi-day Brașov itinerary.
Safety rules to respect
The Local Public Forest Administration publishes detailed regulations for both the canyon and the zip-line. The highlights worth memorizing:
- Pay the posted fee at the hut and enter only during official hours—winter closures (roughly December to February) and storm shutdowns are strictly enforced.
- Enter in suitable mountain footwear and layers; minors must be accompanied by an adult, and children under seven need helmets plus harnesses (available for rent).
- Follow the one-way flow (bottom to top) and avoid blocking ladders or bridges for photos; step aside on the red-dot bypass if you only want forest scenery.
- There is no GSM coverage in the gorge, humidity is high, and rocks can shed debris—pack gloves, keep electronics secured, and know that emergencies require calling Salvamont (112 / 0‑SALVAMONT) once you regain signal.
Review the full regulations for crossing the canyon before you go. Respecting the code keeps crowds moving and preserves the delicate limestone walls that make the gorge so photogenic.
Plan your visit
Best season: Late spring through early autumn offers stable weather and a healthy water flow. Shoulder months (May–June, September) tend to be quieter than peak summer weekends. For temperature trends and packing advice, skim our Brașov weather guide.
Time of day: Aim for a morning slot (around 09:00) to avoid queues at the first ladders. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly on Piatra Mare, so early starts buy you a safety buffer.
What to pack: waterproof shell, light gloves, microfleece, and a drybag for cameras or phones. Bring cash—card readers sometimes lose signal—and a reusable bottle to refill at the picnic area.
Combine the canyon with Brașov’s urban highlights, an evening in Poiana Brașov, or the ethical wildlife experiences up the road in Zărnești. The mix of city culture, mountain air, and mindful tourism is what makes Brașov shine.
Official information
Schedules, maintenance closures, and ticket bundles change seasonally. Check the Local Public Forest Administration of Săcele for the latest details: canionul7scari.ro.
