So you have chosen to head to Europe for your vacation time this summer. Of course, Europe is the ages old place to go, with a lot to see and experience. You may be thinking of going to any number of places such as France, Spain, Germany, Great Britain, but I must say there is another place you should consider of the cliche destinations seem a bore, you can always go to Romania.
The Danube Delta (CC Spiridon MANOLIU)
Some reading this may ask yourself now, “Just what does Romania have to offer that is so special”. But to tell you the truth, Romania has all of the things that other European countries have. Of course the country has magnificent nature reserves (like the Danube Delta above), mountains, plains, beaches, as well as castles, a rich culture, expansive cities, and unique cuisine found only in Romania. Why have you not heard more about this? That answer is unknown, however we can tell you about the things you may see and experience while you visit….
Dracula’s real castle, Poenari Fortress (Courtesy Past Horizons)
Entrancing Transylvania
Everyone knows about Transylvania, from pop culture, movies, TV and books have spread the word of this illustrious Romanian region via legends like that of Dracula. Here you would find beautiful countrysides, the indomitable mountain ranges, sleepy fairy-tale old ages towns, a magnificent and broad history to saturate your sense and natural curiosity. The places you may visit such as Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu give you the feeling of the region’s rich culture, as the region was settled by Saxons from Germany long ago, and brought with them many traditions, and intermingled them with the native traditions residing there. The surrounding mountains give the towns their seclusion and air of mystique, as the cobblestone streets remind you of the movies you saw as a kid.
Besides the general feeling, you will also delve into the history of the place as you visit the winding streets of Sighisoara, the real birthplace of Vlad Dracula (Vlad Tepes “The Impaler”). The ominous clock tower of the town tolls for the hour of venturing onward to Brasov, to hike Mount Tampa the relax with your special someone in the romantic center of the town enjoying a great tasting glass of wine as the sun goes down.
Maramures (Agora Traval)
Magnificent Maramures
A most intriguing and mystifying region of Romania is Maramures. The region is un-tampered with from the rest of Romania as it is surrounded by dense woodlands, resulting in the centuries old traditions of the folk being alive and vibrant to this day. The beautiful wooden churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritages, among them is the Barsana Monastery home to beautiful and unique murals.
Peleș Castle (CC TiberiuSahlean)
Grade-A Castles
Europe is littered with castles to visit, but Romania is the big shot when it comes to castles in Europe. For example the Peles Castle, among the most famous European castles, was built for the Habsburgs as a sort of “country house”, however the Habsburgs loved their country house so much that it was a wonder of its time, with New German Renaissance architecture and a sweeping gaze of the Carpathian mountains.
Aside from the royal playgrounds that were Peles Castle, there are dozens of castles that were actual fortifications during wartime. Such a castle for example, would be Bran Castle, who many have called “Dracula’s Castle”, even if there is no real evidence that Vlad the Impaler ever lived there. The most unappreciated of the castles in Romania would have to be the Gotch Corvin Castle, with a huge moat and a drawbridge to gain entrance, typical in our minds of the way castles should look.
Palace of Justice in Bucharest (CC Andreiscurei)
Beautiful Bucharest
Not to ever be mixed up with the Hungarian city of Budapest, although boatloads do for some reason, Bucharest is a sprawling city with lots of history and culture of its own, with all things modern, yet keeping its ancient past preserved. Fountains, grand causeways, the city has been called the sister city of Paris, for a very good reason as you will find out when you visit the city.
The Transfagarasan (CC Horia Varlan)
The Transfagarasan
This highway should probably be more widely known, however it remains obscure. Yet this scenic route gives you the chance to view the wildlife and scenery of Romania, while the opportunity to travel faster to the locations you wish to visit. Some who have driven down the Transfagarasan have called it the “best ride in the world”. The twists and turns break the monotony of normal highways and by ways, allowing for a more enjoyable trip.