Renowned for its enchanting landscapes and history, Romania is a Eastern European jewel waiting to be explored. From medieval towns to dramatic mountain ranges, this diverse country offers attractions to suit any visitor’s taste.
- Bran Castle: Known as Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle is a quintessential medieval fortress set amidst the Transylvanian Alps. Explore the castle’s eerie halls while admiring its architecture and learning about the legend of Count Dracula.
- Peles Castle: Located in the Carpathian Mountains, Peles Castle is a magnificent Neo-Renaissance masterpiece. Once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family, this opulent castle offers a glimpse into the country’s royal past, with its ornate interiors and expansive gardens.
- Danube Delta: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Danube Delta is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Take a boat ride through this wetland, home to diverse flora and fauna, and witness the tranquility of its vast network of canals, lakes, and reed islands.
- Merry Cemetery: Located in the village of Sapanta, the Merry Cemetery is an unconventional, brightly painted graveyard. Each tombstone is adorned with whimsical epitaphs, providing a colourful and humorous outlook on death and life.
- Palatul Parlamentului Palace of the Parliament: In the heart of Bucharest stands the Palace of the Parliament, a colossal structure, second largest administrative building in the world and reputedly the world’s heaviest building. Take a guided tour of this grandiose edifice to admire its lavish interiors, vast halls, and views of the city.
- Sighisoara Citadel: Explore the impeccably preserved medieval citadel of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Count Dracula). Stroll through its cobblestone streets, admire the colourful houses, and ascend the Clock Tower for panoramic views.
- Painted Monasteries of Bucovina: Eastern Romania is home to a collection of dazzling painted monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the intricate frescoes that depict biblical scenes and religious stories, showcasing the region’s rich religious and artistic history.
- The Transfagarasan Road: An engineering marvel, the Transfagarasan Road winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering vistas along the way. As you ascend, you’ll witness landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and even the Balea Lake.
- Constanta Casino: Located on the shores of the Black Sea, the Constanta Casino is an iconic Art Nouveau landmark. While currently closed for renovations, its elegant architecture and coastal setting make it a must-see when visiting the city of Constanta.
- Turda Salt Mine: Experience an underground wonderland at the Turda Salt Mine. This vast complex hosts saline chambers transformed into an amusement park with underground lakes, mini-golf, and even a Ferris wheel. It’s an otherworldly adventure you shouldn’t miss.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems:
- Maramures: Step back in time in the rural region of Maramures, renowned for its wooden churches and traditional rural life. Witness the famous Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, visit the UNESCO-protected wooden churches, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals.
- Bucegi Mountains: Escape the crowds and hike through the Bucegi Mountains, a nature lover’s paradise. Discover landscapes, hidden caves, and the mystical Sphinx and Babele rock formations that hold many legends.
- Viscri: Explore the village of Viscri, where time seems to stand still. Admire its fortified church, stroll through its cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured houses, and experience the authentic rural lifestyle.
- Scarisoara Ice Cave: Venture deep into the Apuseni Mountains to reach the Scarisoara Ice Cave, one of the largest ice caves in the world. Admire the colossal ice formations suspended from the cave ceiling and be transported to a frozen wonderland.
- Ceahlau National Park: Traverse the untamed beauty of Ceahlau National Park, home to mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and mystical legends. Hike to the peak of Toaca for panoramic views, or explore the flora and fauna that call this park home.
- Calnic Fortress: Visit the well-preserved Calnic Fortress, a fortified castle in Transylvania. Wander through its atmospheric rooms and towers, and learn about its history as a defence against invasions.
- Mud Volcanoes: Venture to the unusual geological phenomenon of the Buzau Mud Volcanoes, where gas trapped beneath the Earth’s surface causes the clay to bubble.
