Exploring Romania: Travel Days Needed

Romania is a country with a rich history and diverse geography. It is the 9th largest European country by surface area and has a very rich and diverse geography. From the Black Sea coast with its fine sandy beaches to the wild, impressive Carpathian Mountains, there is plenty to explore.

Romania has something for everyone. If you are a history buff, you can visit the many famous castles, including Bran Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle), Peles Castle, and Corvin Castle. For nature lovers, there is the Danube River, which forms the Danube Delta with its vast waterways and lakes, and the picturesque hills and old-growth forests of Transylvania. Those looking for a city break can explore Bucharest, the capital, as well as other major cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.

When planning a trip to Romania, it is important to consider the time of year. Romania has four distinct seasons, with spring and autumn being the most mild and pleasant. Summer can be quite hot and dry, while winter is harsh and cold. The high season for tourism is generally from June to August, so expect higher prices and crowds during these months.

How many days you spend in Romania will depend on your interests and budget. A week is enough time to cover the essentials, but if you want to explore more of the country's untamed nature, historic cities, and epic villages, you may want to stay longer.

Bucharest: The capital city is worth a day or two

Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is worth a day or two of your time. Known as the "Paris of the East", Bucharest is the cultural, financial and industrial centre of the country.

The city has a mix of culture and architectural styles, with beautiful French-style buildings and grey, ugly communist blocks of concrete sitting side by side. The Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world, is a must-see. Wander down Calea Victoriei and Piata Romana, and explore the Old Town, with its many restaurants and hidden rooftop bars.

Bucharest has a rich history, but little remains of its past glory. During the communist era, many of the city's traditional neighbourhoods were demolished, and grand boulevards and tributes to socialism were built in their place. The remnants of this era give the city a unique, if unattractive, aesthetic.

The city is also known for its impressive parks, including Herastrau, Cismigiu, and Tineretului. During summer evenings, the parks are full of families and young people enjoying the cool weather.

Bucharest has a reputation for being unsafe, but this is largely unfounded. While there is wealth disparity, and poverty is evident, the city is safer than most Western European capitals.

The people of Bucharest are often described as unfriendly, but this is perhaps due to the social climate during the communist era, when it was dangerous to divulge too much about your personal life to strangers. It may take a little while to get to know the locals, but they are worth the effort.

Overall, Bucharest is a fascinating city, full of contrasts. It may not be conventionally beautiful, but it is well worth a visit.

Bran Castle: Visit the infamous Bran Castle, also known as 'Dracula's Castle'

Bran Castle: Visit the infamous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle

The infamous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, is a must-see when travelling to Romania. Located 25 kilometres southwest of Brașov, this 14th-century castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Transylvania. Although there is no evidence that Bram Stoker knew about this castle, it has become widely known as the home of Count Dracula and is a great day trip from Bucharest, especially for lovers of medieval history and vampires.

The castle was built by Saxons in 1377, who were given the privilege by Louis I of Hungary, and it has served as a fortress and a customs post. Although many castles of that time belonged to members of the nobility, it has been established that Bran Castle was built almost exclusively for the fortification and protection of German colonists in Transylvania. It is believed that the castle was briefly held by Mircea the Elder of Wallachia and that the Wallachian ruler Vlad Țepeș (Vlad the Impaler) passed through the Bran Gorge several times. However, most historians agree that Vlad III Dracula never set foot in the castle.

Today, the castle is a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie, the last Queen of Romania. Tourists can explore the castle on their own or by guided tour, and there is also a small open-air museum at the bottom of the hill exhibiting traditional Romanian peasant structures from the Bran region.

Bran Castle is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year. Visitors can delight in countless activities, including music festivals, children's pageants, and food fairs. There are also rooms dedicated to Transylvania's most famous count, as well as a tea house and a glass elevator that follows "Dracula's escape route".

When planning your visit to Bran Castle, keep in mind that it can get quite busy, especially during the summer months. Some reviewers recommend buying tickets online in advance to skip the queue and be prepared for a moderate walk up to the castle and some stairs inside. Overall, Bran Castle is a fascinating place to visit and will give you a glimpse into the history and mythology of the region.

Peles Castle: This castle was used in the Netflix Christmas movie series: 'A Christmas Prince'

Peles Castle, located in Sinaia, Romania, is a beautiful Neo-Renaissance castle commonly regarded as one of the most romantic castles in Europe. Construction of the castle began in 1873 and was commissioned by King Carol I of Romania, who is highly celebrated as he was responsible for the country gaining its independence. The castle boasts a royal stable, an impressive court of manicured hedges, and several statues. The surrounding area offers captivating small towns, impressive mountain scenery, and eclectic cities to discover.

The castle is easily accessible by car or train. There are several small boutique hotels in Sinaia, although a hire car will be required for the length of your stay. The entrance fee for one day is 20 RON (about 4 euros). If you are staying overnight, it is recommended to look for accommodation in Sinaia, Azuga, or Busteni.

There are many great ways to spend a day at Peles Castle. Here are some suggestions:

• Visit Peles Castle and Pelisor Castle ("Little Peles")
• Visit the George Enescu Memorial House, Romania's biggest composer, and musician
• Visit Sinaia Monastery, which impresses with its Byzantine architecture
• Explore the surrounding mountain hikes and walking trails
• Enjoy traditional Romanian food in Sinaia, such as bean soup with smoked pork served with bread, polenta with cheese, sour cream, and fried eggs, and Romanian doughnuts with sweet cheese, sour cream, and jam (papanasi)

The best time to visit Peles Castle is during the winter, when everything is blanketed in snow, or in the fall, when the leaves are changing colour.

Transfagarasan Road: Drive along one of the world's most beautiful roads

The Transfagarasan Highway is a 90km paved mountain road that crosses the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. It is the second-highest paved road in the country and is a popular tourist attraction. The road was constructed between 1970 and 1974 as a strategic military route and connects the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. The road climbs to an altitude of 2,042 metres and is a winding route featuring hairpin turns, long S-curves, and sharp descents. It is both a challenge and a delight for hikers, cyclists, drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts.

The road is usually closed from late October until late June due to snow, but it is best to check the weather before planning a trip as it may close in summer or remain open until November. There are signs at Curtea de Arges and Cartisoara that provide information on road closures.

There is plenty of accommodation along the route, with villages and towns on both sides of the highway offering options for every budget. However, hotels on or near the highway tend to be expensive. There are also several campsites available.

The Transfagarasan Highway provides access to several attractions, including Balea Lake and Waterfall, and Poenari Castle, the residence of Vlad the Impaler, who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula.

The road has been featured on the British TV show *Top Gear,* where host Jeremy Clarkson proclaimed it "the best road in the world." However, it is not a route for the faint-hearted, as there are large sections without barriers and sheer drops of over 1,000 ft. It is important to check your brakes before driving on the Transfagarasan Highway and to be aware of shepherds using the route with their flocks.

When planning a trip along the Transfagarasan Highway, give yourself plenty of time for the crossing. It is not just vehicles that use the highway, and once shepherds enter the road, they are committed until they reach a path or grazing land. The average speed is around 40 km/h due to the topography.

The Transfagarasan Highway is a challenging and exciting drive, offering stunning views, fresh mountain air, and the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including bears. It is a must-do for anyone visiting Romania and looking for a unique and memorable experience.

Brasov: Explore the old town and medieval sections of the city's walls

Brasov: Exploring the Old Town and Medieval Sections of the City's Walls

Brasov is a magnificent medieval town in the historical region of Transylvania, surrounded by the Southern Carpathian Mountains. It is one of the best cities to visit in Romania and a favourite among many travellers.

• Piata Sfatului (Council Square): This picturesque and historic square is the central hub of Brasov's Old Town. It is surrounded by medieval buildings and is a great place to start your exploration. You can find restaurants, cafes, and shops here, as well as the Brasov County Museum of History, which was once the Council House.
• The Black Church: Officially named the Black Madonna, this Gothic-style church is one of the most alluring buildings in Brasov. It was damaged in the Great Fire of 1689, which turned its walls black and gave it its name. Outside the church, you will find a statue of Johannes Honter, a Romanian Saxon who brought the first printing press to Romania.
• Strada Sforii (Rope Street): This narrow street, proudly wearing the title of 'narrowest street in Southeast Europe', was built to provide ease of access for firefighters during the medieval era. It is said that Vlad the Impaler stole a kiss from his future wife while walking down this street.
• The Brasov Sign: While not exactly in the Old Town, the Brasov sign on Tampa Mountain is a must-see. It is an unashamed copy of the Hollywood sign and even lights up at night! The story behind it is fascinating, as it was originally put in place because Brasov was renamed Stalin during Soviet and Communist rule.
• Catherine's Gate: This gate is one of the best-preserved parts of Brasov's old Defensive Fortifications. It features five high-pointed towers, reminiscent of a Disney castle, and is representative of Brasov's proudest symbol, the crown.
• Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church: This medieval church, enclosed by walls and large wooden gates, combines Byzantine, Baroque, and Gothic elements. It houses a small old cemetery where several important Romanian figures are buried.
• The White Tower and The Black Tower: These semicircular towers were built in 1494 as observation points and are now part of Brasov's defensive wall system. The White Tower is placed near the Graft Bastion, while the Black Tower has a rectangular shape and is located on Starja Hill.
• The Blacksmiths' Bastion: This construction, first mentioned in 1529, houses the Brasov Archives with over 100,000 old documents, including the oldest letter written in Romanian, dating back to 1521.
• The First Romanian School Museum: Housed in the old Romanian school that belonged to St. Nicholas Church, this museum showcases the beginnings of Romanian printed literature. It features rare books, documents, and the oldest Bible printed on goat skin.

Brasov's Old Town is full of history and architectural beauty, with a mix of medieval and modern elements. It is a must-visit destination when exploring Romania.

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