Solomon’s Rocks caught my eye while looking for a hike locally while in Brasov in Autumn. I enjoy a good hike and had a free day to do some freestyle walking. This was a great hike while on my stay in Brasov in the early autumn. I chose a start point of a church I had spotted on the outside of the city. I had admired this area from the top of Mount Tampa earlier in the week.
Biserica Sfânta Treime
The starting point was when I disembarked a taxi at Biserica Sfânta Treime. This was a quick £2 journey from the town centre. Biserica Sfânta Treime, which is also known as the Church of St. Trinity, a beautiful Orthodox church with some fantastic views from its grounds.
Hike to Solomon’s rocks
From the church, I headed by road through the villages, then up a mountain valley until reaching Str. Valea Rece, which I turned off the road and into the woods. You can reach this point using the number 50 bus from Brasov. This bus ends at the picnic ground at Solomon’s rocks.
There was a small stream on Str. Valea Rece alongside the path, which I then headed up some steep slopes into the woods. There was a semi trodden path through this area of walking, which was constantly inclined and getting further from the roads. I checked good old Google maps and was heading in the right direction. After a while, I could see the stones and cliffs of Solomon’s rocks ahead. This was a great place to sit and enjoy the view. Also was an opportunity to catch my breath before descending a windy road into the rocks.
The Rocks – Pietrele Lui Solomon
I reached an opening which was quite impressive and was alone, or so I thought, in a very special environment. There were cliffs, trees, a stream, and stone pillars around me. I followed the stream down towards a picnic area to grab a seat and soak up the atmosphere. On one slope was a small group who had set up a few hammocks in the trees, possibly had camped there or setup for some R&R.
Picnic Area
Next, I continued into a stone valley that led me to a picnic and barbecue area which had a few small groups enjoying lunch. I sat on a nice table next to a stream, this time out with the Ursus for some local lager to refresh myself and enjoy the vibe of the area.
Pietrele lui Solomon
Solomon’s rocks, or Pietrele Lui Solomon, are in the north-western part of the Postăvarul Massif. Just between Mount Tâmpa and the Stejerișul Mare nature reserve, being crossed by the Valea cu Apă river, a tributary of the Șcheiu river.
Solomon’s stones represent a natural area in whose territory there are several geological formations. This includes limestone cliffs, rocks, crevices and towers. The area is very biodiverse and has a vast variety of fauna, birds and mammals. Some local mammals include wild boar, marten, lynx, foxes.
Walk To Poiana Brasov
After enjoying the surroundings and a few drinks in the stunning surroundings, I was in a quandary. I had brought with me far too little to drink and stay hydrated, and the weather was warm. The walk to Poiana Brasov is uphill all the way. I was in two minds but went to find the start of the marked path and, low and behold, spotted locals filling bottles from a spring.
Drinking Mountain Spring Water
I had empty bottles too, so joined the queue to fill mine up. The walk was on hurray. The water from the spring was delicious and ice-cold. This was very welcome and enabled me to continue on the adventure rather than getting a bus back to Brasov.
Start of Forest Path
They clearly mark the entrance to the marked path to Poiana. It leaves from the road, near to the bus stop and car park.
This was a steep walk in a serpentine manner for the first part of the hike. There were spots to enjoy the views when the trees allowed.. This might be different during winter and intrigued to find out. After the steep hike, the path levelled out and headed along the top of a wooded valley, a spot I sat on a tree off the path hydrating with the spring water I had got earlier. I sat in silence, hoping to spot some local wildlife; I heard movement but spotted nothing other than birds enjoying the day.
The Road to Poiana Brasov
I then continued uphill until I hit the main road into Poiana Brasov. I bumped into some fellow hikers, a Romanian couple. The girl was a seasoned hiker, but the guy was very concerned with bears and wanting to know if I had seen it? This raised a smile because of the girl’s reaction to the fear.
The Ski Resort out of season
Next, I walked on a path alongside the road into the ski resort. As it was not skiing season, most places on the way seemed closed for mid-afternoon drinking.
I finally found somewhere with activity and get a table and enjoy an Ursus beer and admire the mountains.
I explored the mountain resort for a while, then returned to Brasov on the number 20 bus.