Lying hidden on the eastern shore of Europe, Romania carries its hidden magic. Through the mysterious set of castles, the ancient power of Karpati mountain and natural wonders just outside the medieval towns, Romania breathes its lifestyle.
Romania blends cultural styles, breaking out prejudices and speaking of history that is nothing but authentic. Transylvania alone is the inviting reason where the heart of Romania knocks on colourful towns and mysterious spirits.
Romania is an affordable alternative to the western richness, an escape from the ordinary world. The Danube river enriches the Romanian countryside that is silently cut by time.
Romania and its stunning nature
Shaped by the Carpathi mountains, Romania is the country where the Danube gives its call, where the Black Sea can be placed as competition to more than 3000 lakes. Among the national parks and waterfalls, not only the Carpathian mountains pulls out the strength. So where to focus?
Carpathian Mountains
The Carpathian mountains stretch from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, where Tatras in Slovakia and Poland are among the most recognizable Romanian mountains. Encircling Transylvania like the crown, they see the magic discoveries of medieval castles and fortresses.
The Carpathian Mountains are sprinkled with a dozen national parks out of 14 that exist in Romania. Splendid mountain peaks higher more than 2500 m reflect almost the alpine style.
Buila-Vânturaița is a small gem, national park filled with more than hundred caves. Călimani Park as one of the largest hosts the fantastic volcanic crater and rich flora and fauna. Bicaz-Hășmaș National Park mesmerizes the beauty of Bicaz Canyon, Red Lake and Hasmas Mountains.
Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park along the Nera river creates the breathtaking wonder of the largest romanian canyon. Few stunning waterfalls characterize the area like the majestic Bigar Waterfall. Devil’s Lake shaped by the cave’s ceiling is another charming point.
Cozia National Park is the treasure of marvelous flora and fauna. Defileul Jiului National Park is the most forrested romanian landscape located near the Jiu river.
Domogled – Valea Cernei as the largest romanian natural park bursts with natural thermal springs, lakes and caves. Rodnei Mountains Natural Park covers the stunning geological formations, few glacial lakes.
Retezac National Patk is the impressive collection of glacial lakes, waterfalls and canyons.
Among the Carpathian Făgăraș Mountains cover the most picturesque views serving as the attractive touristic destination for hiking and skiing. Impressive glacial lakes among which the largest is Bâlea Lake are the stunning wonders of nature. Its highest peaks cover more than 2500 m.
Bucegi Mountains at the Southern area specially Omu peak hide the amazing gems of Romania: Urlatoarea Waterfall, rock formation the Sphinx, Lake Bolboci and Ialomicioara Cave.
Apuseni Mountains at the western shore of Carpathian range are the home to the charming villages along the soft valleys near the Mureş River. Roșia Montană village deserves the special attention among its enchanting views. Rich nature treasure hides numerous caves, waterfalls and canyons. Scarisoara cave is the stunning underground glacier and the largest in Romania.
Danube Delta
Magnifiscient Danube is one of the major romanian attractions listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mighty river shapes the amazing canals, lakes, islands touching the rich collection of birds and fishes.
The exploring of Danube Delta in Romania finds its starting point at the big city of Tulcea where the most of the boat trips are happening. This important historic city survived the byzantic and ottoman rule, now serving mostly as a harbour than as the sightseeing area.
Tulcea is also a dividing point of the three main channels: Chilia, Sulina and St. Gheorghe. Chilia follows the line towards the ukrainian border within 104 km covering 60 % of the whole river in Romania. Sulina stands at the crossroads of the Black sea connecting Europe with Asia for centuries. The surprising fact is that it can only be reached by water. Sulina is a fantastic base for many tours across Danube.
Sfantu Gheorghe is the southern branch leading to the beautiful Sfantu Gheorghe’s beach and the Black Sea.
Letea forrest of mangrove is the unique one in Europe covering the large 2,825 hectares near Sulina branch.
Waterfalls of Romania
Bigar waterfall placed on the mossy cliff is what makes it particular. Cascada Cailor Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Romania within its 95 m enriching the Rodnei Mountains.
Duruitoarea Waterfall in Ceahlau Mountain is the small one but the magic comes from the music it creates. Serbota Waterfall in the Fagaras Mountain flows gently all the way down step by step but can be reached only by foot.
Casoca Waterfall in Podul Calului Mountain is the small, picturesque waterfall placed on the lake. Balea Waterfall in Fagaras Mountains is its famous attraction at the high level.
Valul Miresei Waterfall is known as one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Romania located within the Cluj County.
Fabulous Castles of Romania
Its particularity comes from the mountainous scenery they embraced with. The history they carry are fond of the mysterious legends of Dracula and elegance of unique architecture. Dotted across the entire Romania these castles alone are the fascinating reason to visit.
Bran Castle
Bran castle is definitely the most famous one as it preeches the existence of Dracula charmingly rising in the heart of Transylvania. Dating in the 14. century Bran castle is a national monument. Sparkling the city of Brasov and Carpathian Mountains the gorgeous views spread like pearls.
Its asymetric red towers shine by the apealing look of medieval charm at the top of the rock. The interior filled with the mystic narrow corridors and dark rooms put no shortage to fantasy.
Peles Castle
The stunning german architecture and paintings depict this royal castle in small town of Sinaia across the Carpathian Mountains. Built in the late 19. century it now stands as a museum from 1953. The large collection of rare books, medieval weapons and paintings enrich the charming decor.
Murano glass and crystal chandeliers sharpen the beauty of its rich interior. It was the first castle equiped by the electricity produced on its own. The first film projection in Romania was showcased at the castle’s theatre.
Corvin Castle
Corvin Castle or Hunyadi Castle is the hungarian heritage of the Gothic style. Built in 15. century it covers the dark historical stories.
Located in Hunedoara Corvin Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe. The thin stone bridge carries the impressive entrance to the fairy tale of pastel colours.
Water well of the 30 metres stands among the magnifiscient towers like the Capistrano tower or the Club tower. Three large areas of the castle are: The Knight’s Hall, the Diet Hall and the circular stairways.
Sturdza Castle
Located near Neamt Citadel in eastern Romania Sturdza is an elegant castle built in 19. century. It was a gift of George Sturdza to his wife Maria following gothic style.
Palace, church and monastery park are placed inside of this majestic complex. Once serving as an orphanage and nunnery, now it holds the impressive traces of history.
Rasnov Castle
Breathtaking views over the mountains of Transylvania encircle the Rasnov Castle from the 13. century like a fairy tale. Rasnov castle maintained the role of refuge in the war times for centuries. Located near Brasov this large complex constitutes the ancient school, chapel and well and shelter homes.
Medieval Cities of Romania
The true medieval spirit of Romania lies in its authenticity beyond the tourist tricks. Historical richness arrives from Saxon craftsmen and merchants that dates back all the way to 12. century.
Sibiu
A fairytale town full of colourful buildings was even announced as the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Upper and lower town surrounded by the river Cibin merge with the cobblestone streets and marvelous city walls. From baroque palaces to the amazing historical museums, Sibiu captures the charming alleys of ancient magic.
Sighisoara
This medieval gem imposes its meaning of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the birthplace of Vlad Draculea who inspired the creation of Count Dracula fiction Sighisoara lives its mystic spirit.
Built in 12. century by Saxons who were german craftsmen Sighisoara developed into a modern city. The old town still stands as one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. It’s one of the seven fortified romanian cities embedded with the marvelous architecture full of colours and mighty towers.
The yellow building of the Clock tower is one of the main attractions. The History Museum offers splendid views of the city kept by the charming staircase.
Magnifiscient churches of Sighisoara include the Church on the Hill where the amazing frescoes can be seen. Impressive views of the city deserve the highest point of the city leading through the Scholar’s Stairways. The Church of the Dominican Monastery collects baroque decor and oriental carpets. The Russian Orthodox Church built in the Neo-Byzantine style gives the impression of the cathedral.
Venetian House is the lovely edifice where the framed window gave the name.
Sighisoara is a very pretty town where the colourful streets and craft shops tell the stories of ancient traditions.
Brasov
Embraced by the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is one of the most touristic cities in Romania. Influenced by Saxons and a sweet blend of gothic and baroque style Brasov is a historical gem of Romania.
Black church or Biserica neagra is the gothic masterpiece of Brasov and one of the largest gothic churches of Europe. Named by the black walls that survived the fire in 17. century it repreents Brasov.
Piata Sfatului is the vibrant main square dominated by the City Hall from 15. century which was once a Medieval watchtower.
St. Nicholas Church is an amazing stone-made church permeating the mixture of rennaisance, gothic and baroque styles.
The Weaver’s Bastion is one of the well perserved ancient fortifications belonging to the defensive purposes. It’s placed just under Mount Tampa which offers stunning views of Brasov. Nowadays music concerts and operas make advantage of its impressive acoustics.
White and Black Tower are the charming introduction to the stunning views of Brasov.
Mount Tampa amazes with the soft views and the Hollywood-style letters of Brasov. It can be reached within 1 h hike or by cable car where this stunning nature reserve stretches.
Cluj Napoca
The getaway of Transylvania and Romania’s second largest city Cluj Napoca pulls its roots to the 2. century AD. Hungarian traces gave the place to the romanian authonomy in the 16. century but still carry the influences.
Some of the highlights of Cluj Napoca include:
amazing architecture reminiscenting the existence of Austria-Hungary;
St. Michael Church from 15. century built in gothic style;
Beautiful baroque Banffy Palace from the 18. century including the Art Museum;
Botanical garden from 1872. showcases the amazing collection of plants with impressive Japanese garden;
Cozy caffes that burst the city with needed relaxing time;
Timisoara
Placed at the western corner of Romania Timisoara is the third largest romanian city known as the Little Vienna. Hungarians, Ottomans and Habsburgs sharpened the image of today’s city.
Three main squares are the charming elegance that represent the city:
Piaţa Unirii or Union Square where baroque and pastel facades dominates at the viennese style;
Piaţa Victoriei or Victory Square is the vibrant mix of cultural items, flowerbeds and significant buildings like Orthodox Cathedral at this wonderful, pedestrian area.
Libertăţii Square is the place of historical significance in the past encircled by the fortress.
Romanian Traditions
Power of authentic style and learning about local culture is the compelling reason why Romania collects the points. Still land rich of traditions Romania and its hospitality Romania is a powerful blend of cultures.
These ancient traditions include:
Boboteaza or dreaming about your future husband
Holiday of Epiphany or Boboteaza in Romanian at 06. 01. is solving the future problems concerning single women. All they need is put a brench of basic under a pillow given by a priest.
Dragobete means celebrating love every February 24th. By searching for spring flowers girls and boys begin their relationships just like birds find their mate at the same time.
Mucenici is a Christian holiday signed up on March 9th when romanian people eat special dessert shaped in the number eight. It’s made of sweet dough boiled and flavoured with honey and nuts on the top.
Conclusion
Romania as a land of cultural diversity and stunning nature is not a tourist meka but should be considered as the country that fulfills the promises. Exploring the legend of Dracula and astonishing castles is what brings the most people to Romania.
The landscape so diverse where national parks speak for themselves knows no boundaries. The heart of romanian spirit lies in the traditional villages that still stay unspoiled. Romania is known by the excellent cuisine where various countries have left their traces. Romania is the land of latin spirit where people engrave the deepest memories and hospitality.
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