EsonStyle Romania Other parts of the year the town’s square is used for various other festivals. The walk should be about 25-30 minutes, but you could also take a taxi if you don’t want to walk up hill. Where to stay in Timisoara: Best for deluxe stays: Old Town Hotel. This castle is one of the most visited and most photographed castles in Romania. You will find yourselves right next to the inhabited Medieval citadel of Sighisoara. The ritual is followed by much feasting and dancing. You?ll see roadside stalls selling homemade firewater, or pop along to Teo?s Distillery in Sighi?oara to taste brandies made from different fruits. Picturesquely located on the shore of Miorita Lake, in the mountain resort Poiana Brasov, the 4-star Aurelius Imparatul Romanilor hotel offers stylish accommodation. Enjoy a boating trip to fish or watch the bird life on the 2-Day Tour from Bucharest. You might see a deer lope by or some regional birds chirping in the trees. The Piatra Craiului National Park is ideal for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, from observing animals in the wild to guided walks and sporting activities such as climbing and caving. Featuring seven bastions connected by walls of the same height, the inner fortress, also called the curtain wall, was designed to follow the shape of the terrain it sat on. Up to about 2000m the slopes are covered with spruce forests sheltering deer, bears, chamois and other wildlife. We actually did travel to Romania as part of our year-long round-the-world trip in 2016 (that’s me on the bike in Sibiu). Travelling from Bucharest or the Delta, your first stop on the coast will almost certainly be Constan?a, a relaxed seaport-cum-riviera town, dotted with Turkish, Byzantine and Roman remains, which has always seemed to keep a discreet distance from the surrounding resorts. We didn’t know anyone who had traveled there, and all we knew is there were castles and myths of vampires. Though surrounded by an industrial Communist-era town, the castle still has a true medieval feel and was used in recent years as a setting for movies like Ghost Rider 2 with Nicholas Cage filmed in 2011, among others. That?s because the region had been associated with Hungary for over a thousand years, up until the end of WWI when it was united with Romania. Though opening hours vary, you can enter the tower daily between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily, except on Mondays, for a small fee. Tell us about your additional travel tips in the comments below. And as I found out during a particularly-lively tour of the Saxon churches, Romanians will fill your glass every time you empty it. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the clock with the wooden figures, and walk out on the balcony for a great view of the city. The castle became state property in 1948 as Communism came to Romania. It?s loved by locals, as well as tourists, so plan to return to find authentic Romanian spirit. Learn more about traditional life in Romania and top up your tan at the seaside resort of Mamaia on the Constanta and Mamaia Day Trip. A forbidding silhouette of battlements and needle spires looms over Sighisoara (Schassburg to Germans and Segesvar to Hungarians); as the sun descends behind the hills of the Tarnava Mare valley it seems a fitting birthplace for Vlad Tepes, ?The Impaler. Working in Romania also allows you to enjoy all the benefits of residing in the EU, such as freedom of moving in the Schengen area, the chance to be employed and do business in the member-states with fewer requirement, as well as travel to European destinations without the need for a visa (with some exceptions). From the train station head northwest and hike up hill passing the Sinaia Monastery. Mythical home of Count Dracula, vampires, and mountainous castles, this region of Romania haunts the imagination of much of the world. The Royal Court established Bucharest as its permanent location for the Wallachian in 1698, and placed it in this former summer palace. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. Nearby, all coiled beneath Mount Tampa, are museums, medieval ramparts and the Schei quarter. It demonstrates the historical and ethnic richness of the region. Enjoy the architectural monuments created by Constantin Brancusi Romania?s greatest sculptor has bequeathed an impressive legacy of striking works of art, such as the Endless Column in Targu Jiu. As for its stunning natural beauty, the Carpathian Mountains are second only to the Alps when it comes to skiing and mountain resorts. Crater-sized potholes and the odd stray dog are your biggest challenges. You can see a real mud volcano erupting in this area. Nowadays, the city is surrounded by high-rise suburbs and virtually abandoned by the Saxons themselves, but the Old Town?s brightly painted houses, with ?eye. Appreciate the cultural heritage of wooden churches of Maramures 17. This square really reminded us of the town square in Krakow. Walking through the streets of Bran and gazing up at the Gothic castle perched on its looming cliff evokes images from F.W. Murnau?s Nosferatu, and other classic movie adaptations of Bram Stoker?s novel. With 10 square and pentagonal towers, characteristic for the region, the citadel was built to offer long-term refuge to the villagers in time of siege. Although settlers from Maramures arrived here in the mid-fourteenth century, the area remained barely populated for two centuries until Hutul shepherds moved south from the Ukrainian mountains. Katie’s bike was extremely difficult to pedal and going up hills was exhausting. Find accommodation options to stay in the Danube Delta region Pelican colony Danube delta, Romania. Sighi?oara and the churches of Biertan and Viscri, all Unesco World Heritage Sites. Explore the street of Sighisoara Sighisoara is an atmospheric medieval town with a brooding skyline of ramparts, towers and spires. During the communist years, it was ready to be demolished so as to mine the basalt underneath, but since it proved to be too much work, the citadel survived. You can take the cable car back down if you?re feeling tired, but I?d recommend Globetrotters take a leisurely stroll down the far slope of the mountain instead. Restaurants and bars give a good reason to stop here during your visit to the city. There?s not much choice at Moldovita, but plenty at and around the other monasteries. Ignore the Dracula souvenir shops near the entrance and wander through the quaint castle. Over the next few centuries, they built seven fortress towns, known as the Siebenburgen, and hundreds of fortified churches. To the southwest a long gallery bridge leads to the isolated Neboisa Tower (from the Serbian nje boisia or ?be not afraid?), built by Iancu in 1446?56. You?ll see roadside stalls selling homemade firewater, or pop along to Teo?s Distillery in Sighi?oara to taste brandies made from different fruits. While a surprising number recall violent deaths, like that of the villager killed by a ?bloody Hungarian. An architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance-Gothic style, it?s got everything you?d expect from a medieval castle. The standard hard cheese is known as cascaval, while cas is a less salty version of feta, and telemea is a soft and creamy white cheese matured in brine. By the end of the 18th century, it was auctioned off, and the new owner took everything of value and left the citadel in disrepair. Language English Deutsch Francais Espanol Italiano Cesky. If you want to find out more about the city, here are six interesting facts about Bucharest that you may not have heard of. It?s open Tuesday through Sunday, but since hours vary, check the site for opening times. Have a taste of traditional Romanian food Romanian cuisine tends to be filling and wholesome, with menus dominated by meat, in common with the rest of the Balkans. By the end of the 18th century, it was auctioned off, and the new owner took everything of value and left the citadel in disrepair. Visit the National Museum of Natural History in Bucharest The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Romania, your essential guide for visiting Romania. Although the tourist industry focuses on Bran castle in Transylvania, which has almost no connection to the Dracula myth (aside from the fact that he may have attacked it on occasion),Cetatea Poienari (Poienari Castle, aka Dracula?s Castle) was once Vlad the Impaler?s residence, and its location in the foothills of the Fagaras mountains makes for a wonderfully dramatic setting. And if museums aren’t your thing, explore the off-the-beaten-path things to do in Bucharest. To the east the Council Hall is similar to the Knights Hall, divided by a row of columns. You?ll typically be taken up to a forest hide at dusk, and although patience is key (which is why it?s unsuitable for young children), there?s about an eighty percent chance of seeing a brown bear in its natural habitat. What a joke! Good job compiling information from the net. You could also take a train from Bucharest or from Budapest, Hungary by way of Cluj-Napoca, but be warned, Romania?s transit infrastructure is crumbling. In recent years Romani music has shown an extraordinary growth in popularity. Back then, the road was called Mogo?oaia Wood-Paved Road, because it was paved with wooden planks. In the village at the base of the castle, you can wander a medieval garden or explore the bustling market offering all manner of vampire-related wares. We?re delighted that you?ll be spending time in our homeland. The width of the street is meant to be wide enough for one man to carry two buckets of water. We may also change or adapt the walk if weather or other circumstances make it necessary, either before or during the walk. In this full-day tour from Brasov, you will discover 3 of the most beautiful and important touristic sights that Romania has to offer. However in 1997 a tree-ring study showed that the wood used in many churches. Attend the Measurement of the Milk Festival At this enjoyable and unusual spectacle, Transylvanian shepherds vie to see who has the most productive animals. If you can only see one church in Bucharest, this is it. Enjoy a boating trip to fish or watch the bird life on the 2-Day Tour from Bucharest. It?s peasant food, meant to shore up energy for long work days of rural labour. The process was incredibly user-friendly, and their team’s responsiveness and support were top-notch. Finished in 1388, it was built to defend Transylvania?s borders. Make sure you're ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners. The church from Magura village, near Zarnesti city, Brasov county, Transylvania, Romania. Where to stay in Brasov: Best for charming vibes: Casa Mandl is set in the centre of Brasov, in the historic Council Square, and offers stylish accommodation with views of the Black Church and the Tampa Mountain, free WiFi, and public parking 200 m from the building. A tour to Rural Romania bringing you to the rural region of Maramures, a place with beautiful natural landscapes where traditions such as wood carving have been maintained for generations. This 4-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a shared lounge and to a terrace. The walk should be about 25-30 minutes, but you could also take a taxi if you don’t want to walk up hill. We didn’t know anyone who had traveled there, and all we knew is there were castles and myths of vampires. The floors of the station are paved with a beautiful marble that?s actually made out of over 80-million-year-old marine fossils. We really liked FlixBus when traveling around Europe because they were comfortable and cheap. An architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance-Gothic style, it?s got everything you?d expect from a medieval castle. The nave has late Gothic vaulting, and there?s a fine Passion altarpiece (1450?60). Legends say that the city got its name from a shepherd called Bucur that once settled in this area. Lounge in the sunshine on the Black Sea coast Strewn with lively resorts and sandy beaches, the Black Sea coast offers everything from wakeboarding to kayaking, while Constanta is a cultural hub with a fine restaurant scene. Explore the beautiful grounds and admire the Carpathian Mountains, sitting high just behind the castle on the Castle Tour with An Expert Guide. One all-natural bar will last me up to 3 months and they smell great. It?s peasant food, meant to shore up energy for long work days of rural labour. Hall (immediately to the right), with its rose-marble pillars, a display of weaponry and a statue of Iancu. The Unirii Boulevard was also ordered to be like the Champs-Elysees, only bigger. The official nationwide body for homestays is ANTREC. Bucur is also the root of the Romanian word ?bucurie. The policies of former Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu also forbade hunting in the country, so it?s teeming with wildlife, especially bears. Bucharest, Romania?s capital city and the gateway to the region, is a dynamic city with a vibrant cafe culture, compelling museums and unusual architecture. Named for a fire that almost consumed it during the 17 th. Mythical home of Count Dracula, vampires, and mountainous castles, this region of Romania haunts the imagination of much of the world. The citadel can be visited anytime, and there is no entrance fee. We rode with FlixBus throughout Eastern Europe and loved how comfortable and cheap they are. There are many tales and legends about the incredible church; decide for yourself which to believe. When walking down the backside of Mount Tampa, you get a taste of the pastoral wonder of Transylvania. The Danube Delta is a paradise for wildlife, and after years of environmental neglect culminating in Ceausescu?s plan to drain the Delta for agricultural use, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1990, with over 500 square kilometres strictly protected, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site the following year. Used as a summer residence for the royal family, the castle has multiple towers and 160 rooms, many of them dedicated to different cultures. George sit opposite the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. While the medieval Saxon architecture has survived, the population has dwindled. In the village at the base of the castle, you can wander a medieval garden or explore the bustling market offering all manner of vampire-related wares. Cultural and bohemian, it has a thriving music scene, and the stark towers of the town's Gothic church rise dramatically to the skies. Listen to folk and Romani music Don?t miss the fantastic, irrepressible sounds of Romanian folk and Romani music. Explore more things to do in Romanian capital with our guide to the Coffee, cocktails and communism in Bucharest. Though a small citadel, Deva was important in stopping invasions of Transylvania because of its location overlooking the Mures River and the surrounding valley. Vampires aren?t real, but the joys of Transylvania, from its flower-crested hills to its medieval towns to the wooden churches built by the Saxons, very much are. Travelling around Transylvania, described as ?the last truly medieval landscape in Europe?, feels like you?ve gone back 100 years. It?s a great place to have a morning coffee and pastry before starting your day, or to relax with a pint in the late afternoon after having seen the city?s many historic sites. It has beautiful Oriental, Byzantine, Italian Renassiance and Romanian motifs, as well as an open-air collection of stone crosses and artifacts from demolished churches in the city. It fell once to Transylvania?s own ruler when those living there rebelled against him. It offers Globetrotters a delightful mix of gorgeous landscape and rich medieval history. The region is much more than Dracula and vampires, even if the historical Vlad Dracula was born here in the 15th century. Corvin Castle is a large building with tall and diversely colored roofs, towers and myriad windows and awesome balconies adorned with stone carvings. On this trip, discover Bucharest, the Danube Delta, Bucovina and Transylvania with Dracula's castle. Its ancient citadel is surrounded by battlements and fortifications, and lurking beneath this show of splendour is the bloodthirsty story of Vlad the Impaler, alleged to have been born here. Inside the impressive building is a magnificent collection of cultural treasures. You could also take a train from Bucharest or from Budapest, Hungary by way of Cluj-Napoca, but be warned, Romania?s transit infrastructure is crumbling. Cutting across the country are the sinuous Carpathian mountains. The process was incredibly user-friendly, and their team’s responsiveness and support were top-notch. In contrast, Romania?s natural beauty is largely untouched. This site is owned by Apa Digital AG, Bahnhofplatz 6, 8854 Siebnen, Switzerland. Located in a historic building, Casa Savri welcomes its guests with a blend of modern amenities and traditional Transylvanian Saxon architecture and decors. Explore the largest salt mine in Europe, Slanic Prahova, and the botanical reservation of the Berca Muddy Volcanoes. Restaurants and bars give a good reason to stop here during your visit to the city. Romania has some of the best internet speeds in the world. The Old Town or citadel is unmissable, dominating the newer quarters from a rocky massif whose slopes support a jumble of ancient, leaning houses, overlooking the steps leading up from Piata Hermann Oberth to the main gateway. It is pretty fascinating walking through each differently themed room. Inside the Romanesque basilica, spectacular frescoes are a highlight. With spires that pierce dramatically upwards, atmospheric interiors and dimly-lit crevices, it?s easy to see why this small citadel inspired Bram Stoker?s spooky tale. Inherited by her daughter, Princess Ileana, the castle became state property for a while when the communist regime took over in 1948. We actually did travel to Romania as part of our year-long round- the-world trip in 2016 (that’s me on the bike in Sibiu). After years of opposition from locals, the Romanian tourism board announced plans to develop ?vampire tourism. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.