Tampa Cable Car and Tampa Mountain, Brasov (must see)

Tampa Mountain is the mountain that looms over Brasov. It is now a nature reservation with multiple walking paths and historic structures. The mountain is part of the Carpathian Mountains.

The stunning, majestic mountain is reachable by foot. It takes about an hour to walk to the top using walking trails that range in difficulty. Another option is the Tampa Car Cable, which takes tourists near the summit, with its panoramic view of the city. It is only a five-minute walk on the path to reach the viewing platform.

Most of the mountain is a nature reserve, established in 1980 due to the rare animal species and plant species that are found there. Animals one might see at Tampa Mountain include brown bears, wild boar, lynxes, wolves, and a variety of birds and insects. Several rare plants are protected.

Historic structures on Mount Tampa include the ruins of one of the seven castles of Transylvania. The Brasovia Citadel was built around 1218. It was demolished by the townspeople in the 15th century and many of the stones were used to fortify the new fortress in the valley. All that remains today are ruins and a 1:100 scale model.

Other buildings, monuments, and ruins located on Tampa Mountain include Knife-Makers' Tower, Shoemakers' Tower, St. Leonard's Chapel, the Russian Monument of 1849, the Statue of Arpad, the Shooting House, the City Aqueduct, and the Restaurant in Grota Bethlen. The Brasov sign is a popular spot for photos and is located directly at the Tampa Cable Car stop.

Tampa Cable Car is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday.