Full of Possibilities
People get a lot of things wrong about Romania. There is a common misconception that it’s part of eastern Europe, when it is actually the Balkans. People mistakenly believe Roma gypsies come from here (they actually originate in India), and most people don’t know that Romanian is a romance language, cousin to French, Italian and Spanish.
And maybe because Romania is the birthplace of Dracula, a lot of people seem to think Romania is dangerous.
Don’t believe any rumors you hear though; Romania is one of the coolest countries in Europe. A land of adventure, castles and vampires, Romania remains just wild enough to be exciting, just modern enough to be cosmopolitan, and just big enough to be home to some of the most beautiful national parks in Europe.
From the mountains to the Black Sea, Romania is bursting with beauty, diversity and possibility.
If you are lucky enough to visit, here are 10 things to do in Romania you simply can’t miss.
1. Fall in Love With Sighisoara
Who would have thought the birthplace of Dracula could be so charming? Sighisoara is a tiny medieval town famous for its fortifications and its pretty cobbled streets lined with colorful houses.
From the clock tower to the Scholars Staircase, an ancient stone staircase completely enclosed by a wooden roof that leads up to the Church on the Hill, the whole town seems to be under a spell of perfection. Even the house where the monstrous Vlad Tepes (also known as the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula) was born seems too lovely to be true. You will be utterly enchanted.
2. Dip Your Toes in the Danube Delta
2,200 square miles of rivers, marshes, reed beds, lakes and islands, the Danube Delta is the best-preserved delta in Europe. A bird lover’s paradise, the place where the Danube finally joins the Black Sea is home to countless species of birds and many more fly all the way to this very spot to breed.
At the right time of year you can spot anything from Egyptian white pelicans to Arctic geese. In addition to the birds, there is a myriad of flora and fauna to be found in the delta, making it a mecca for anyone passionate about wildlife. Best explored by boat, the Danube Delta is a haven of peace away from the rest of the world.
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3. Join the Debate Over the Brasov “Hollywood” Sign
Set in a deep valley, Brasov is that rare and sought-after town that is both located in a beautiful natural setting and packed full of beautiful architecture and historical sites. It is also conveniently located, central to many other things on this list.
The thing that gets most people talking about Brasov though is the giant Hollywood-esque sign spelling out the name of the town. Visible from a great distance, the sign is divisive; it could be seen as either the perfect example of Romania giving zero you-know-whats, or as a tacky monstrosity. You have to see it for yourself to decide.
4. Step Back in Time by Visiting the Fortified Churches
Testament to Romania’s warring past, the more than 150 villages with fortified churches in Transylvania are a curiosity. Founded by the Transylvanian Saxons, the fortified churches are a well-preserved glimpse into the middle ages. Wandering around the formidable walls, you can only imagine the attacks that they fended off all those years ago.
5. Peles Castle
Considered to be among the most beautiful castles in all of Europe, no visit to Romania would complete without feasting your eyes on this astounding construction. Featuring German new-Renaissance architecture, Peles castle was completed in 1883, built as a summer residence for the royal family.
Exploring the more than 160 palatial rooms, you will feel like you are in a fairy-tale. There is no better place to pretend to be a princess (or prince).
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6. Visit Dracula’s Castle
Bran Castle is more popularly known as the former residence of one of the most infamous villains of all time, a myth further perpetuated by Bram Stoker. Although the links to the great and terrible Dracula are tenuous at best, the magnificent castle does a wonderful job of capturing imaginations all the same.
Perched atop a craggy rock, set against dark and imposing hills, the fortress is an arresting sight and without a doubt one of the must-see attractions in Romania.
7. Go Bear Spotting
As well as being incredibly beautiful, the Carpathian Mountains are also home to Europe’s largest population of brown bears. Going bear spotting is one of the more adventurous activities you can do in Romania.
If you’re lucky, you may also get to see a wolf or a lynx — Romania boasts about 40 percent of the world’s populations of all three species.
8. Hike Through the Mountains of Transylvania
With a name associated with vampires and dramatic mountains, Transylvania is the romantic center of adventure in Romania. Along with the castles, fortified churches and legends, there is also a world class outdoor scene, with incredible hiking through the Transylvanian Alps.
Reaching the highest point in Romania, Moldoveanu Peak, will give you unforgettable views of an unforgettable corner of the world.
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9. Bathe in the Black Sea
Romania is more than just mountains and forests; you can also find a string of beach resorts along the coast of the Black Sea. Miles of fine sand beaches, a warm climate and calm sea make the south of Romania the perfect relaxation spot after spending a few days trekking around Transylvania.
There is the added bonus of Greek ruins dotted along the coast, the remnants of trading colonies injecting some culture into the coastal area.
10. Drive the Transfagasaran Highway
The BBC Top Gear team named this stretch of highway the greatest driving road in the world — and with good reason. Stretching over 90 kilometers between the two highest peaks in the country, featuring countless loops and bends, the highway winds its way through some of the most dramatic and spectacular scenery you could ever possibly witness from the seat of a car.