Brasov’s “Hollywood” sign is somewhat gimmicky, sure, but it’s honestly a cool feature of the Old Town’s backdrop. Plus, visitors can hike to the Brasov sign, and the trail starts right in the center of town.
Hiking to the Brasov sign atop Mount Tampa was one of the first things I did when I arrived. It’s a worthwhile activity for those visiting this charming Transylvanian city, but there are a few things to know before you start the trek.
The History of the Brasov Sign
While an obvious knock-off of the “Hollywood” sign, the Brasov sign has some interesting history.
The original sign was built in 1950, though it looked much different. Back then, the Brasov sign was comprised of Christmas trees that spelled out the name “Stalin”. This was obviously in homage to Joseph Stalin, to whom the city of Brasov was actually named after at the time, (Orașul Stalin, lit. “Stalin City”).
Then, in 1960, the city and the sign were both renamed to “Brasov.”
The Brasov sign actually isn’t the only Hollywood-esque sign in Romania. The nearby town of Rasnov has their own version of the sign as well. However, at the time of writing, that sign isn’t accessible for visitors.
Where Does the Hike to the Brasov Sign Start?
You have a few options as starting points for the hike up Mount Tampa to the Brasov sign. Conveniently, these are all located along the promenade within Parc sub Tampa in the historical center.
The two main starting points for are located behind Weavers Bastion and Ropers’ Bastion, respectively. These can both be accessed easily via the pedestrian walkway within Parc sub Tampa (lit. “Park Under Tampa”).
You can also hike to the Brasov sign from the backside of the mountain. However, visitors staying in Old Town Brasov or anywhere near the city center won’t find that convenient, as it requires a drive to get to.
How Long Is the Brasov Sign Hike?
The hike up and down Mount Tampa is 2-2.5 hours long.
The hike to the Brasov sign isn’t difficult, but it’s not necessarily a breeze. The 1,200-foot elevation gain makes for steady uphill walking. While not super treacherous, the hike will be a tough workout if you aren’t in good physical condition. I saw a few older folks who were super out of breath at the summit.
The route is common for trail runners as well, despite the terrain.
Additional Tips for Hiking Brasov’s Hollywood Sign
Here are some pointers for those planning on scaling Mount Tampa:
- Bring water and snacks: There are no vendors or anything at the top of the mountain. You’ll find some in Parc sub Tampa, but you’ll want to have at least water for the 2-hour walk.
- Go early or late to avoid congested trail: If you’re visiting Brasov in summer or on a weekend, be prepared to share the trail with plenty of hikers. It doesn’t get overly packed by any means, but if you want some solitude, go around sunrise or just before sunset.
- The views are great, but not the best in Brasov: The panoramic views of the city and distant countryside are very pretty. But, for the most memorable views of Brasov, you’ll want to head to Black Tower (Turnul Negru) or White Tower (Turnul Alb).
- You won’t be able to get pictures in front of the sign: Since the sign is so massive and the ledge at the top doesn’t extend in front of the sign, there’s unfortunately no magical angle for a photo with the sign in the background. The surrounding landscape is a nice backdrop, though!
More About Hiking in Brasov
Mount Tampa isn’t the only hiking highlight of Brasov. The city is a fantastic base for many wonderful hikes. Within 30 minutes, you can be summitting some of the tallest peaks of the Carpathians.
The Seven Ladders Canyon Hike was really enjoyable. This 4-mile out-and-back hike takes you to seven little canyons with gushing waterfalls. You can access the trailhead via a 20-minute Uber from the city.
Poiana Brasov is the hub of all things outdoors in Brasov. A ski resort in the winter and adventure center of sorts in the summer, you can also get here in 20-25 minutes. If you’re interested in mountain biking, this is also the place to head to. Several hiking and biking tour operators are headquartered at Poiana Brasov.
Finally, you can access some epic hikes by visiting nearby Sinaia. This resort town is home to the famous Peles Castle, but too many visitors miss out on world-class hiking here. There are some full-day hikes that you can reach from the center of town. You can get from Brasov to Sinaia via a 45-minute train, making it a popular day trip from Brasov. Trains are reliable since it’s a stopping point along the popular Brasov to Bucharest route.
In-Summary: Hiking the Brasov Sign
Brasov’s “Hollywood” sign is a standout feature that adds a unique charm to the city’s skyline.
Nestled above Old Town on Mount Tampa, it’s a popular spot for both locals and travelers looking to enjoy some nature and wonderful views. I’d say the Brasov hike is a must-do if you’re visiting Brasov and have the time.
The hike to the sign takes about 2 to 2.5 hours roundtrip and offers a moderate challenge with steady elevation gain and beautiful panoramas. It’s well-worth the time for anybody visiting this wonderful city.
