1

1. That's about 10C during the day, -1C at night? Temperatures in early April should be a bit higher than that in Brasov itself, but they're about right for higher up in the mountains

2. Yes, there are trails starting directly from Brasov, from Sibiu less so.
But I don't think they would be enough for 5-10 days. If hiking is your priority it would be best to change base every few days.

3. In many villages, although not in absolutely all, around Brasov and Sibiu you can find fairly affordable guesthouses (pensiune)

4. Mountain huts (cabana) aren't simple shelters, they're actual accommodation units.
The conditions they offer vary very much, ranging from hostel-like to small hotels. Prices are usually low.
Reservation is usually done by phone and is a good idea for the ones located on busier trails, especially if you go during the weekend. But in general they won't turn you away even without reservation.

2

Great! Thanks a lot!

3

Your informations are basically correct. Brasov area is nice, Sibiu area as well, easy access from and to all main cities, including Bucharest, but a bit crowdy for my tastes, as this are popular mountains resorts in Romania. I would suggest to you to try *Stana de Vale*( there are buses from Sibiu to the closest main city in Stana de Vale region that is Oradea - about 7 hours drive from *Sibiu*(here I suggest to visit Paltinis region and get acommodation in Rasinari village), also Bistrita region - about 5.30 hours from Oradea, and seek for Pasul Tihuta region(within 28 milles from Bistrita city) where you can also stay on Hotel Dracula, but I assure you no vampires will attack you, or you can stay on many, many huts/villas you will encounter(named here "agricultural pension") Probably, if this suits your budget it wouldn't be a bad idea to rent a car(starting from 20-25£/day). I suggest to you to have bears deffensive tools, because in the past summer several incidents were reported due to bear-humans encounter caused of the dry season it has been in Romania and lack of food for the wild animals that were obligated to search close to human community areas, so you need to be careful from that point of view. From Bistrita, if you wish, you can head south to *Sfantu Gheorghe*(within 160milles distance) and seek for Valea Zalanului region, a place where Prince Charles comes every year for the undisturbed rural sites. Have a nice trip and enjoy your stay in *Transylvania*!

4

For easy access from town to mountains try Sinaia. There are some trails up the mountain, or once on top, at Corta 2000 (meters) from the ski station there are some hikes. It's also a nice unpretentious little town, warmer/friendlier feeling than the historical Sibiu, and just big enough to give you a choice of places to eat/drink, and is esily accessible by train from Bucharest. But there could be even more trails in my opinion. Sinaia was also the only town of those we went to that had that wonderful "Dracula style" of houses (kind of like the film the Addams Family). If anywhere near Sibiu you need to hire a car for one day (min) but 2 or more better, and drive the Transfagarasan Highway - stunning, but problem if you're going in April, as usually only open from later June to end Aug. We used Economy Car Rental, who used Autonom in Sibiu, and they were great. There are villages on the far side from Sibiu that are as plain as anything but have wonderful private home accommodation. Try Pensiune Nicky for really nice rooms and a warm and inviting family (Nicky & Cornelia Tarasi) in a truly rural setting with no trimmings. It is near to Curtea de Arges, and on a nice circular route from Sibiu.

5

There are lots of great hikes in Romania.
In April though few areas might not be accessible yet due to avalanche dangers etc.

My advice would be not to miss Piatra Craiului (starting point Plaiu Foii guest house after passing through Zarnesti)
Another great starting point is Busteni (nearby Sinaia) with excellent options to hike Bucegi mountains.

Which ever you'll choose you won't regret it.