Perched near the summit of Mount Tâmpa, which rises dramatically above the rooftops of Brașov, the ruins of St. Leonard's Chapel are a fascinating blend of history, mystery and breathtaking Transylvanian scenery. Few spots in this part of Romania reward a short hike quite so generously.

Tâmpa stands almost 400 metres above the city, and its forested slopes form a protected nature reserve. The chapel ruins sit close to the top, where the views sweep across the entire Bârsa Land basin on a clear day. The mountain feels lush and green in summer, fiery with colour in autumn, and quietly magical under a blanket of winter snow. The dense beech and fir forest shelters brown bears, lynx and over a third of Romania's butterfly species — so keep your eyes open as you walk.

• Brașov (Cabana Casa Pădurarului) — main trail with 25 switchbacks, approx. 45–60 minutes, moderate difficulty
• Cable car from Casa Pădurarului to the summit — under 3 minutes, then a short walk to the ruins
• Knights' Road (Drumul Cavalerilor) — historic route from the Șchei neighbourhood, moderate

• Mount Tâmpa is a protected nature reserve (150 ha) — please stay on marked trails
• The 'Panoramic' restaurant at the summit offers meals and a spectacular terrace view
• The cable car makes the summit accessible for those who prefer not to hike

The chapel was built around 1714 by Brașov senator Johann Draudt, a recent Catholic convert. It was repeatedly looted, and on 10 June 1737 lightning struck inside, killing a tailor and his wife who had sheltered there. The mountain was known for many years afterwards as 'Kapellenberg' — Chapel Hill — and the ruins still carry that quiet, melancholy charm today.