Many budget travelers (including me) indulge in worldwide airport lounge access, so we can experience luxury while still slumming it in economy. Ok We are not going to say this is one of the top Romania tourist attractions, but if you are on a road trip, chances are you will pass close by, so why not make the stop. If you loved this, you might also like: Let us know what you think and the most beautiful places in Romania We could easily have made this list Top 100! Even today, religious services are still held regularly here as they have been for over 700 years.

Concealed in the impenetrable forests of the Carpathians, Sarmizegetusa Regia is one of the most magnificent and enigmatic sites in Romania. Ok, not technically a place in Romania but an experience you should seek out.

On the home stretch now of the top 50 most beautiful places in Romania. Today, both are accessible to the public through onsite museums but are also occasionally used events organized by the former royal family. Europe's longest river ends its journey in an idyllic 4,200 sq-km wetland of floating reed islands, marsh and shifting sandbars by the Black Sea. The Battle of Mreti was a battle fought during World War I between Germany and Romania in which German attempt to crush the last Romanian army failed, but the Romanians also failed to regain their territory.

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. Or you can always just take a picnic lunch and enjoy its peaceful tranquility without the physical exertion. Today, Bran Castles private owners are happy to keep playing this up to keep tourists flowing in. Villagers dress like extras in a Brothers Grimm movie, while folk music and dance is celebrated at festivals such as Augusts Hora de la Prislop. This is because Romania is the largest producer of sunflowers in Europe, with around 1 million hectares sown, although interesting Romania also has some of the least productive farms in Europe. The only big change made was on the roof, which was renovated with thin pieces of wood -11,000 in total- according to the traditions of the region and the inside decorated with a mix of the local traditions and our owners own touches. Visit the city of Iasi to find the beautiful Neo-Gothic building that houses Romanias Palace of Culture. Still, it was then subject to a decade-long court case. A beautiful bear sanctuary hidden in the historic oak forests above the town of Zarnesti in Transylvania is now open to guests. It was rebuilt and destroyed many times over the centuries taking its dramatic form we see today in the 14th-century. The Valea Cetii Cave and surrounding natural protected area are all exceptional beautiful however, the standout highlight has to be the jaw-dropping Cathedral Hall reached through a short walk through an ancient forest. Painted Monastery in Romania | Alex Moise/WikiCommons. We promise you we have saved some of the best for last! King Carol I constructed this castle at the end of the 19th century as a summer home. While there is plenty to discover in the town, Trgu Jiu is famous as the home ofConstantin Brncui, a pioneer ofmodernismand one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th-century. One of the most famous castles in Romania if not the world, initially built-in 1212 and destroyed just a few decades later in 1242 by Mongols.

Top vineyards include Murfatlar, Sarica and Niculitel, working with Romanian grapes such as Feteasca and Babeasca alongside more familiar varieties. Still, this association was one that theCommunist Party of Romaniaused in tourism in the 1970s to encourage tourism as they sought to develop a closer relationship to the West. At night, there are communal areas to cook food and a fireplace to meet other guests around. There is also small boat rides possible and for bunging jumping off the 166m dam face for those who are braver. What To Know For A Overnight Trip Into The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone! Most travelers lament not allowing enough time to explore Cluj-Napoca fully dont be one of them! Eschew sunlight and fresh air for this subterranean labyrinth complete with a sci-fi theme park, health spa, and Ferris wheel. And this spot is no exception. Find out how to make the most of your time in Romania by using our map of highlights as well as details of travel times in Romania and more info on what to see and do. This, along with the colorful outfit many locals still proudly wear, ensure the Maramure is often referred to as a living museum of Old Europe. Every motif is said to reflect the personality of the houses inhabitants so we will leave you to guess what some of those colors and shapes say about the occupants. You are likely to have these awe-inspiring and powerful spaces all to yourself. For those who are less confident driving in hectic streets, use either pick up or drop off your rental car for your Romanian road trip in Bucharest and explore the metropolis on foot. Yes Sarmizegetusa Regia is as ancient as it is mysterious! Light shows, Wi-Fi, television, playgrounds, amusement rides, 3D Cinema, a coffee shop, and a naturist drugstore can all be found down here. Salina Turda bills itself as ahalotherapy center and well as a veritable destination to discover the (surprisingly fascinating) history of salt mining. Apuseni's forested ridges are home to elk, owls and eagles, while startling limestone rock formations conceal a subterranean wonderland - a nether world of spectacular caves with rare bats, underground glaciers and prehistoric fossils. Sucevita is the largest and most heavily fortified against Eastern invaders. Romania isnt just all mountain passes, castles, and medieval villages there are also underground salt mines. While a mountain path at this spot in the Carpathian Mountains is said to have existed for millennia, it was the Germans during WW2 who initially turned it into a road for military reasons. A long way off the almost Disneyland-esque appeal post-communist capitals like Tallinn and Prague, the grit of Bucharest adds to its appeal and ensures its pockets of hidden glory are only found my the deserving. Before the museums moved in, the building served as the Administrative and Justice Palace. She then made it her personal mission to rescue bears who were languishing in small and rusted cages at restaurants and petrol stations and create a sanctum for them. Built in the early 16th century, this Romanian Orthodox cathedral is dedicated to Dormition of the Mother of God and is regarded as one of Romanias most prestigious religious sights.

Sadly Romania lost over 27,000 men, though the tenacity of their spirit was also shown as Germany lost almost twice as many soldiers (47,000). Dance the night away around a Bonfire with folk dancing and plenty of music. Take a trip through Transylvania and you might be surprised as to what you might find. Just pay attention to the curves! Wondering the best film to see before you travel to Romania? Located 120 meters below the ground, this is one of the oldest salt mines known to man and today houses a futuristic modern art theme park complete with an underground lake with rowboats, spa treatment rooms, a bowling alley, and mini-golf. This belief is connected with the local Dacian culture and results here in bright illustrations and dark humor being exhibited on gravestones. Their outstanding construction, the balance of the characters, and the arrangement of the colors mingle perfectly with the surrounding countryside. However, it took until 2007 for the modern Transalpinato develop after an enormous project, which was a 148 km dirty road transformed into a modern highway. Yes, there are more coming up! Its location in theFgraMountains means youll pass it if you take the TransFgraHighway, but Blea Lake is worthy of a spot on this list in its own right. While the Transfgran Pass might be the most famous Romanian Road theTransalpinaorDN67C isactually the highest road in the country with an elevation is 2,145m above sea level. In dire need of repair, this Monastery was first documented in 1512. The most prominent of which is the 64-meter-high Clock Tower that was built in 1556. Wander around a medieval town preserved in time at the base of theCarpathians. Turns out, it was possible however its creation came at a high financial and human cost, including hundreds of lives, and over six million kilograms of dynamite. All rooms feature traditional Romanian decor and furniture, but thankfully WiFi is also offered. The 1989 demonstrations against Nicolae Ceausescu with led to bloody revolution, are referred to asthe spark over avery dry haystack, and in the past,freedom fighters would hide in the haystacks to escape Turkish forces. Take a moment to enjoy your surroundings, and a hot drink, at the serene Blea Lakebelow the highest mountain in Romania. Interestingly, Romania is one of the few countries in the world actively considering restoring its monarchy with recent polls showing half of the population believes monarchy to be a better organizational form than a republic.

Horezu is renowned for its bounty of sculptural detail, its committed portraits, and its painted decorative works as well as its architectural purity. The exterior walls of a handful of monasteries were painted in colorful frescoes in the 15th and 16th centuries. As an Amazon Associate Inspired By Maps earns from qualifying purchases. The motto of the Romanian Army during the battle was Pe aici nu se trece (They shall not pass) which we would also apply to this moment today as it sits conveniently on the side of a major highway. .

Ensure you have the right gear and checked the weather conditions before heading out. For if she comes back home. Its location at the mouth of the Bran Pass was chosen as invadingarmieshad to pass through Rnov before heading west and over the years, it was besieged by the Tatar, the Ottoman,Hungarianrevolutionaries, and theAustrian imperialtroops just to name a few. The more immense Neo-Renaissance Pele Castle was constructed first, later followed by Pelisor Castle, which is a glorious example of Art Nouveau style combined with Byzantine and Celtic elements. It was returned to the Royal Family in 1997, along with many other properties. Over the centuries, this unique method of haystack building has become a bit of an art, meaning that haystacks of Romania have their own individual characteristics and are found nowhere else on earth. The village is also famous for another reason, there was only one divorce amongst its residents for over 300 years. Though Romania is best-known perhaps for its wild mountains - particularly, the Carpathians which encircle the central heartland of Transylvania - there are diverse landscapes to suit all tastes. Or in winter, enjoy the Frozen Blea Lake Ice Hotel! With 298 rooms throughout its 390,000 square feet, the building houses four museums. Located in Mures County in the historic area of Transylvania, Sighisoara is a well-preserved medieval walled town. Rustic and homely, Babou Maramures is the perfect place for travelers full of energy, lovers of activities, and hiking to experience the wild nature of historic Maramures. However, in reality, the description of Draculas crumbling fictional CastleCastle bears almost no resemblance to the immaculate Bran Castle, and there are only tenuous associations withVlad the Impaler, the presumed inspiration for Dracula. The ideal place to go to see and encounter rural Romania, where dazzling landscapes and ancient traditions combine to create something utterly magical. Yes, Praid Salt Mines is wildly popular and one visit there, you will see why. In the winter there is a ski resort next to the lake, but in the summer it is a great spot for hiking. Meals prepared with the own farm products are on offer and should not be missed. Within this 30,000 cubic meter cave are small pools of water that perfectly mirror the extraordinary calcite formations and white arches that hang from above. If necessary for your travel plans make sure you have brought proper travel insurance, protected your privacy by getting a secure VPN, compared all the top hotel booking sites to find just what you're after, reserved an unbeatable rental car price and - of course - booked the best flight deals! Romania is one of the poorest countries in Europe, meaning when you are on holiday here you will often be sharing accommodation and guest houses with locals as well as international travelers because, for Romanians, the cost of traveling abroad is simply too exorbitant. All at over 1650 m altitude. Once considered Romanias Monte Carlo and a symbol of the city of Constana, the most-recent and modern version of the now-defunct casino was built inArt Nouveaustyle and inaugurated in 1910. The pass is also home to the Hotel Castel Dracula, built-in 1974 in a medieval castle-type style and a popular place to stay the night for true fans of Romanias most famous novel. The 500 or so houses of Ciocanesti form something of an outdoor museum as the walls of each is painted in traditional motifs, similar to those you would normally find on Easter Eggs. Its weird. However, thankfully he was unsuccessful, and they are still here and free for you to enjoy. Today the local authorities coordinate and finance all these artworks. Expect plenty of winding road, abrupt hairpin turns, long S-curves, and sharp descents though this may be the attraction for many motorists, including Top Gear Host Jeremy Clarkson who blazoned it the best road in the world. For others, the jaw-dropping scenery and history are the allure. In the 1950s, the Communist mayor proposed to destroy Brncuis bourgeois art. This cosmopolitan park-filled city showcases chic modernist architectural style, notably Art Nouveau. The atmospheric nearby Saxon villages of Viscri and Biertan are also must-sees. Today, the site is a mysterious site of ancient history nestled in the Orastie Mountains and one of Romanias UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Positioned in the south-central part of the country, the TransBucegi, well traverses the Bucegi Natural Park offering crisp mountain air, extensive vistas, and the chance for wildlife spotting if you are lucky. Much like Easter Island or Tikal, we may never get answers. While most international tourists head to Transylvania or the beach resort towns south of the Delta, the Danube Delta shouldnt be overlooked by bird lovers or those who have an interest in exploring one of Europes last remaining expanses of pristine nature. The Danube Delta is one of the largest and best-preserved deltas in all of Europe, with 23 ecosystems that are home to a huge number of plants and wildlife. Yes, the outside! Be transfixed by this seemingly impossible highway, which was gouged out in the steep mountains through the sheer folly of Nicolae Ceauescu. But it is so much more than that. In fact, there is no evidence at all that Bram Stoker was even aware of the existence of this castle. Wander around this bizarre forest, which springs out of a rolling dune system. Navigating Romanias roads as they cross the Carpathians from one historic region to the next is easy with route notes, local maps and overnight stays at locally owned guesthouses. Erosion runoff has caused the distinct sharp appearance of the mountainside, and the 800-meter-long wall is almost completely vertical, reaching heights between 50 and 125 meters. Located very close to Sighisoara, this towering defensive outpost is not the only reason to visit Saschiz however. If you'd like any help, Give us a call to help with your itinerary, Carpathian Mountains holiday, conservation & culture, Transylvania self-drive holiday in Romania, Transylvania walking and nature holiday in Romania, Things to see & do in the Carpathian Mountains. The Bicaz Gorge allows access to the famous Red Lake as noted above, into which the Bicaz River discharges. Small group tour to rediscover enchanting rural Romania. The city won the title of Europes 8th most idyllic place to live by Forbes in 2008. Not that that should preclude Pelisor Castle from being one of the best places to visit in Romania. Bath in a panoramic visit like no other while you enjoy traditional Romanian hospitality at this wonderful guesthouse. The road is 20 km long filled with bends and hairpin curves, and plenty of hiking trails should you wish to take a break and get even closer to nature. Viscri has strong Saxon roots, and if youre lucky, the Prince of Wales may be visiting his house here! Its location, even today, remains difficult to access, which explains how the comprehensive and well-preserved remains which stand in magnificent natural surroundings have lasted into the modern era. However, it acquired its name, which refers to the Great Sphinx of Giza, in 1936 when it was first recognized as a lookalike from a certain angle. The Merry Cemetary, as the name suggests, does not treat death as something indelibly solemn but instead that death should be a moment overflowing with joy and expectation of a better life. Competition is fierce between regions butMoldovia, in the north-east of the country, might be the best place to escape for a few days,live like a local, fully relax and indulge yourself with ancestral food. Translated as the Stone Ravens Monastery, this miniature ancient place is exceptionally peaceful and mysterious even if you dont need to stay long. Rest your head in a converted barn set on a traditional farm in the middle of this mysterious region. Any and all access or use of this site is at the risk of the user. The 7th most populous city in Romania, Brasov was formed in 1211 when King Andrew II of Hungary ordered the Teutonic Knights to fortify the borders of what was then the Kingdom of Hungary.