Canionul Șapte Scări

Useful Information

Location:	Strada Canionului, Timișu de Jos 505600. South of Brasov on DN1 towards Bucuresti. In Timisu de Jos turn left and park in town. 3 km/45 minutes hike, marked with yellow stripe. (45.5694233, 25.6426332)
Open:	During summer weather dependent daily 10-17:30. [2025]
Fee:	Adults ROL 25, Children ROL 15, Students ROL 15. Zip Line: Adults ROL 125, Children ROL 35. Half Section: Adults ROL 75. [2025]
Classification:	Gorge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	L=160 m, VR=58 m, A=980 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided, D=1 h.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Canionul Șapte Scări, Strada Canionului, Dâmbul Morii, Tel: +40-746-772-274. rplp_sacele@yahoo.com
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

2009	massive rainfall causes flood which damages the ladders.
2013	ladders modernized.
2014	zip line opened.

Description

Canionul Șapte Scări (Seven Stairs Canyon or Seven Ladders Canyon) is a narrow gorge which is crossed on a steep trail which includes seven ladders, hence the name. It seems automatic translators have problems with the synonyms ladder and stair, however the canyon definitely has ladders not stairs, so we will use the name 7 Ladders. Actually the gorge has seven waterfalls between 2.5 m and 12 m high, and the seven ladders to climb those steep parts, so probably the name is better translated the "Seven Steps". Those seven waterfalls are typically dry during summer, only at snow melt and after very heavy rains the Șapte Scări Brook is reactivated again. As a result the gorge is open during summer, closed when the water starts flowing and when there is ice and snow, becaus it is too dangerous. So while the gorge is generally closed during winter every year, the dates change and are weather dependent.

The gorge is located in the Piatra Mare Mountains south of Brașov, which are a popular weekend destination for the city. There are lots of hikes, gorges, caves, and skiing in winter. The gorge was developed long ago, but over time the ladders became quite unstable and the visit was not very safe any more. In 2013 the ladders were renovated and are now safe again, though climbing a 14 m high ladder requires some physical fitness and a head for heights. At that time also a zip line was built, which was opened one year later. So it’s possible to hike back through the forest or take the zip line. But the zip line closes one hour earlier than the gorge.

If you inted to do a hike there are numerous spots which are worth a visit. For example the Peștera de Gheață (Ice Cave) a small undeveloped ccave which is a cold trap and contains ice long after spring. Șirul Stâncilor (Piatra Mare, Rock Chain) is a series of spectacular limestone cliffs, which cand be seen easily from thrail along the foot. One quite spectacular rock is the Prăpastia Urșilor (Bears Abyss), which offers a great view. The best way to explore the area is to choose one of the numerous trail descriptions offered by hiking portals like komoot.