StepMe Italy Romania Bulgaria Entrance to the citadel was possible through six richly ornamented gates, placed on the defense lines. The castle was built in the 14th century by John Hunyadi on the site of an old fortress. Not far away lies the castle of Bran, known best to foreign travellers as Dracula’s Castle. Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu had the road built in response to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. I will try to add this to my next trip to Romania. Open for visitors as a museum, it is a popular tourist attraction. So if you ever find yourself in the region of Maramures, don?t miss riding the Mocanita, the nostalgic steam train of yesteryear. Seemingly out of nowhere, the towering Carpathian Mountains are suddenly right in front of us. You can also visit the famous Rope Street, the most narrow street in Romania and one of the most narrow in Europe. Because it has preserved so well its traditions, Breb annually attracts foreign photographers who want to capture one of the rare prints of the past in romanian villages. And of course, stay in the charming hotels in Brasov. Ignore the Dracula souvenir shops near the entrance and wander through the quaint castle. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. It was in operation for 38 years, with interruptions and bombings during the wars, until in 1948, it was taken over by the Communist government. Here are nine of the most amazing castles in Romania you didn?t know existed. It’s a dark, spooky, and truly memorable experience. Really weird. And that’s why we love the Praid Salt Mines. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Tourist Attraction in Romania by Jordan Napiun es 8 - Mahanaim bekasi. The Danube Delta, a UNESCO natural reserve, is another significant natural attraction with the third largest biodiversity in the world. Other parts of the year the town’s square is used for various other festivals. Its highlights include the Black Church, the medieval walls, and the nearby Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle. But the wood carving is the main asset of the castle, probably matched only by the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains which surround the castle like in a perfect postcard. Therefore, you will always find the right accommodation in this country. This is a great chance to pick up some traditional souvenirs to take home and learn how different items are made, including rugs, textiles, pottery, glass items, and many others. In the winter there is a ski resort next to the lake, but in the summer it is a great spot for hiking. Hill stations are cooler than lowlands, with fresh air and mild temperatures. There’s much more you could add to visit, but all in all it’s a good list. Keep it charged with an Anker Battery Pack, this one can charge your phone up to 7 times. 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. In spring and autumn, layers and comfy shoes are key, and for winter, pack warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots. The man who inspired the novel stayed in Bran Castle for one uneventful night. The Carpathian Mountains are a winter wonderland, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Eastern Europe. In fact, there is no evidence at all that Bram Stoker was even aware of the existence of this castle. After a while of sweating it out, I took a look at her bike and her brake was stuck on for the rear tire. So if you ever find yourself in the region of Maramures, don?t miss riding the Mocanita, the nostalgic steam train of yesteryear. This city’s landmarks are some of the most beautiful in Romania. Not that that should preclude Pelisor Castle from being one of the best places to visit in Romania. Several small streets radiate from Ovidiu Square in the center, and since you are there, you can also visit the Archeology Museum. When we lived in Romania, Vidraru Lake was one of our favorite places to visit in summer. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights of German-Saxon origin, its main purpose was to protect the southern border of Transylvania from invasion of the Tartars. We rode with FlixBus throughout Eastern Europe and loved how comfortable and cheap they are. This allows for a much more affordable stay in Romania than in the summer. If you wish to experience Romania's full-fledged beauty, it would be better to travel to Romania in autumn or spring. If the Eastern Carpathians are the widest, the Transylvanian Alps are the highest and the Western Carpathians are known for their gentle slopes and limestone formations. You’ll be able to sample and buy local fares, such as cheese, wine, and meats. Today is has stood the test of time and is still standing amongst the largest castles in Europe, in large part thanks to a recent (fancifully) restoration effort after a calamitous fire and decades of neglect. The painted churches of Bucovina are an exquisite example of Byzantine art. A peasant- citadel, the fortress was designed as a refuge for people of three villages, represented by the three roses on its coat of arms. These cities represent the heart of Romania with their vibrant cultural scenes and rich history. Nonetheless, Romania’s Palace of Parliament is an interesting place to visit. The castle is only 28 km away from Brasov, so you can easily visit it on a day trip. 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. If you find yourself in this gorgeous country with incredible landscapes and history, then here are the places you absolutely must visit in Romania. Stroll up the the Botanic Park for a nice peaceful setting, don’t forget your picnic lunch. The glacial lake was formed into the rugged stones of the Fagara. You can sterilize your water right out of the tap with this UV light. With three tiers of 35-foot-high defensive walls and an intricate system of towers and gates, it should come as no surprise that Beritan was never conquered in medieval times. The memorial took 15 years to build and was unveiled on 18 September 1938 by King Carol II, just in time for WW2. It is situated in the heart of Romania, in Dracula?s Transylvania, being easy to get to from any part of the country. It is packed with clubs, restaurants, and many beaches. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti was founded in 1998 by a Romanian woman, Cristina Lapis after she witnessed three bears in a small cage in a restaurant being used to attract customers. The castle was built in the 14th century by John Hunyadi on the site of an old fortress. Although the invasion never came, we?re left with one magnificent drive. Choose any of the Delta villages with accommodations and get a local to take you down the canals for a tour. At this time, you can expect temperatures of around 30 degrees Celcius with plenty of sunshine, compared to about 6 degrees Celcius and rain in December. This “Borgo Pass” was made popular thanks to a reference in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula as the entrance to the domain of Count Dracula. Inspired By Maps is not liable in any manner whatsoever for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising out of the access, use or inability to use this site or any third-party website. Historically gates were reserved for noblemen, but today they are raised as a sign of wealth and pride across the entire Maramures region. Others continued to do what they were taught by their ancestors. Romania surprised us and we really can’t wait to return and see more of the country. It is hard to convey the true magnitude of this project at the time as 40,000 toiled over six years to mammoth construction, a first of its kind in Romania, and as much of a monument to the countries communist past as the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest or the Transfagarasan Highway. Whilst in Romania I had a week to explore the gorgeous towns and castles nearby, but soon discovered there is so much more to see and do in Romania than first meets the eye. A little farther along, the trees part and we were suddenly on the Romanian prairies. We visited Bran Castle and Peles Castle and we had very nice weather. Republishing the content on this blog (including text, photography, etc.) is strictly prohibited. Roman, Tatar, and Turkish culture have all influenced Romania’s third-largest city. You can’t, of course, but this list will help, and so does the Romania Lonely Planet. Keep on the path that leads straight to the castle. With lush green forests and live fires, Romania rarely fails to attract nature lovers. Expect lively beaches, bustling nightclubs, and plenty of sunbathing. Therefore, in this article I?ll give you an overview of the most interesting sites to visit there. Based on this criterion, several people renovated old houses and estates, or just built entirely new buildings. Used as a summer residence for the royal family, the castle has multiple towers and 160 rooms, many of them dedicated to different cultures. To help you plan a memorable trip, here is a list of the best seasons to visit Romania. I'm here to share unique insights and hidden wonders. These serve the city’s unique fusion cuisine, which is very delicious. It might be hard to believe, but several of these churches are still in use, despite the fact that the German community disappeared in the 20th century. It is here that you can find the occasional houses and small villages, and a way of life that vanished years ago in most other places. But its most impressive collection is in the Armory Room, where 4,000 pieces of weapons and armor are displayed. Regardless of this, the medieval dramatic architecture, intriguing history, and a well-stocked museum displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie mean Bran Castle is not to be missed on any Romanian road trip. We receive a small commission on any purchases you make, which really helps to keep this website running. I hope to visit all the fabulous places you recommend. Some of these formations have very interesting shapes, so they received names like: the Enchanted Castle, the Dwarfs House, the Water Lilly Lake, the Old Men?s Council and so on. Built in the 14th century by the city council, it was a simple gate tower until the rooftop had to be replaced following a fire in 1676. To find out more, visit the phenomenal museum onside. Stroll up the the Botanic Park for a nice peaceful setting, don’t forget your picnic lunch. While reading your post I was thinking to visit this place as soon as possible. I would have probably had to stop around every curve to take pics also. Mountains, at an altitude of 2,034 metres (6,673 feet). But no drive has ever been more stunning, more awesome and intimidating, than doing a Transfagarasan Highway Road trip in Romania. The second most populous city in Romania is also blessed with a cornucopia of primarily Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture and a remarkable set of mid-century styles buildings that make wandering its neighborhoods even more appealing. The access is just a few meters away from the road. Longer or shorter tours, like this one, can be organize into the delta of Danube. Built-in the early 1970s as a strategic military route ( in case of a Soviet invasion) the construction of this paved mountain road crossing the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains was once thought impossible due to its extreme alpine environment. Its old strategic towers, cobbled streets, colorful buildings and ornate churches look like from the pages of story book. Built by the Saxon colonists beginning in the 12th century, these fortifications stand as fine examples of the advanced technology and culture typical of the Germans from Transylvania. There are some horror stories about dissidents having been convicted of working to their deaths to construct this place. And though we only have a short break in the clouds, we manage to grab a few shots. On the other hand, if the countryside is not you cup of tea, you can opt for Grand tour of Romania, exploring cities, castles, fortresses, museums and many other tourist attractions. It is hard to convey the true magnitude of this project at the time as 40,000 toiled over six years to mammoth construction, a first of its kind in Romania, and as much of a monument to the countries communist past as the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest or the Transfagarasan Highway. You should plan on spending at least a couple of days here in order to properly explore it. Late spring and early autumn, particularly May, June, September, and October, are also excellent for experiencing the region’s natural beauty and painted monasteries. For foodies, Sibiu is one of the top cities in Romania. Based on this criterion, several people renovated old houses and estates, or just built entirely new buildings. As soon as they arrived, the realized the need to protect themselves and began constructing the fortified churches. Built in Sinaia, one of the most famous mountain resorts in Romania, Peles Castle is one of the major tourist attractions in the country. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This makes for the perfect photo, capturing the chaotic essence of this fantastic highway. However, thankfully he was unsuccessful, and they are still here and free for you to enjoy. In late Roman documents, the Eastern Carpathian Mountains were referred to as Montes Sarmatici (meaning Sarmatian Mountains ). We could produce an entire article on the highlights of Bucharest alone but suffice to say there are trendy cafes, grand villas, communist scars, and museums to keep you occupied for a few days. It has a rich and varied cultural agenda, with internationally renowned theater, jazz, and other arts events. It was in operation for 38 years, with interruptions and bombings during the wars, until in 1948, it was taken over by the Communist government. And we will bet you a good meal there won’t be another tourist, or soul, around for miles. It was built between 1970-1974 and was set to make the connection between Muntenia and Transylvania as a strategic military road. The width of the street is meant to be wide enough for one man to carry two buckets of water. The Carpathian accretionary wedge is made of several thin skinned nappes composed of Cretaceous to Paleogene turbidites. There are seven villages with fortified churches in Romania on the UNESCO World Heritage site. There is no way you can avoid the Black Church, as it is one of the largest churches in Eastern Europe. But on my dream list is still Danube Delta with its hundreds of birds species and wildlife. April and October offer warm temperatures and thinner crowds, but you might need your umbrella. The map can be downloaded, printed, and used for educational purpose like map-pointing activities. Though due to its arbitrary meandering, it can be difficult to capture its scope in a single shot. The town is also famed as a center of carpentry and wood-painting. Brasov is one of the best cities in Romania to visit all year round. After adventuring up 13km of paved road, you are rewarded with mountain top tranquility, starry skies, unbelievable vistas, and smiling hosts. In addition, there is also an international conference center and three museums, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Communist Totalitarianism, and the Museum of the Palace. The castle was built in the 14th century by John Hunyadi on the site of an old fortress. In Australia, the Great Ocean Road, and the desolate expanses of the Nullarbor rank as two of our favourites. Visiting Romanian vineyards is a popular tourist activity. Not far away lies the castle of Bran, known best to foreign travellers as Dracula’s Castle. They may look haphazard, but the methodology is very meticulous, and you can read about it here. It is here where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of haystacks. These cookies do not store any personal information. Start from the picturesque villages of Sibiu and end up at Balea Lake, a glacier lake situated at 2,040 meters altitude. It formed as a result of the constant tug-of- wall between world powers in the surrounding area and a desire to put cultural development of the country above everything else. Located on significant migratory routes and providing sufficient conditions for nesting and hatching, the Danube Delta is a sanctuary for birds from six major ecoregions of the world, including the Mongolian, Arctic and Siberian. Remember that the Ceahlau Mountains are wilder and less accessible than other mountains in the country. A Gothic attraction, the Black Church is one of the most important things to see in this city. The access is just a few meters away from the road. There are a number of cultural festivals and carnivals that take place during this time. The leaves are deeper shades of orange and vibrant red as if days or weeks had passed since our morning departure. The highway would be used to send troops over the Carpathians to defend the country against a possible Soviet invasion. On the Romanian side, they are divided into the Eastern Carpathians, the Transylvanian Alps, and Western Carpathians. You can also hike or bike the many paths around the town, which give sweeping landscape views of the 13th-century village surrounded by green pastures and dense oak forests. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Romania is such a gorgeous country, I am glad we captured its beauty well. You can download it, print as many pages as you need, and get everything booked, organized, and accounted for using our colorful guides, documents, and printables. Even the roads are not always the best, the landascapes that ?show up. Eventually, the earth becomes too steep even for switchbacks and the road enters a long, dark tunnel through the summit ridge. It is hard to convey the true magnitude of this project at the time as 40,000 toiled over six years to mammoth construction, a first of its kind in Romania, and as much of a monument to the countries communist past as the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest or the Transfagarasan Highway. Stay with us now. We promise you we have saved some of the best for last. We also use Hotels.com because you can build up reward points to use toward free stays. May to September are great months to visit this region; June and August will give you the highest temperatures, often hitting the high 20s. Seemingly out of nowhere, the towering Carpathian Mountains are suddenly right in front of us. Even the Post Office, the Town Hall or the shop buildings keep this habit. If you find yourself in Bucharest for a few days, consider coming to see a concert for the full experience. Built for three stages of defense, it features the lower, middle, and higher citadels, each with its own walls, towers, and inner buildings. The most surreal moment of the climb is when dense clouds begin forming in the valley below us. Nothing more. So don’t go expecting vampires and bats. The monastery only 100 km away from Brasov, so it’s easy to visit on a day trip. In Romania, it is usual to divide the Eastern Carpathians in Romanian territory into three geographical groups (North, Centre, South), instead in Outer and Inner Eastern Carpathians. Visiting Romanian vineyards is a popular tourist activity. Elegantly curved balconies dominate the interior design, while a top-floor tea house provides a superb view of the bookstore below. Several small streets radiate from Ovidiu Square in the center, and since you are there, you can also visit the Archeology Museum. Whether you’re looking to rent a car in Europe or fly into one of the major Romanian cities, these services can help you out. The hall was once used for balls and fancy receptions. Bra?ov is considered to be a winter resort because very close there are some of the most important ski slopes in Romania.