Romania, the lost fish of Eastern Europe, has in its lands and its people more animation, culture and beauty than we could imagine. Far from being a place of great tourist affluence when compared to other European countries, the truth is that Romania is surprisingly charming, full of green mantles and breathtaking mansions. With the fall of Ceauşescu's fascist regime, entry into the European Union and a policy that progressively explores European ideals, it is expected that in the future there will be a strong commitment to the promotion of Romanian tourism, which has a whole potential to be discovered. In this article we will talk about our three-day experience in the Transylvania region.
Transylvania | Tips
When to visit Transylvania?
The best time of year to visit Transylvania and most of Romania is in the seasons. Spring e Autumn. It is in these months that the temperature is milder and more inviting for walks both through the forest and through the main historical cities. Thermometers in summer shoot up and usually reach 40 degrees Celsius and in winter they reach very negative temperatures. However, if the purpose of your trip is to do winter sports or simply marvel at the white-covered mountains, winter is the ideal time.
How to get to Romania? (Flights)
To visit the Transylvania region, the best way to arrive is through the Bucharest-Henri Coanda Airport. Bucharest is about 180km from Brasov (main city of Transylvania) and 140km from Sinaia (closest city to Bucharest where Peles Castle is located).
There are direct flights from Lisbon to Bucharest through the airlines Wizz Air e Blue Air several times a week with return prices ranging from €200-300. If you want cheaper flights, you can choose to make 1 stopover in a European city, in which case it is possible to find flights in the order of €150-200 with KLM or TAP companies.
How to go to Transylvania? Public transport or car hire?
The most comfortable way that will allow you to save more time (which is sometimes precious) is without a doubt to go on a road trip, renting a car. Public transport in Romania, especially in rural areas such as the majority of Transylvania, is somewhat deficient, time-consuming and sometimes requires a long wait to find the next means of transport.
However, there are several buses and trains in the main cities that unite Romania, so we advise you to consult the official website of Romanian trains - CFR, a reliable way to check the routes and schedules of trains. If this is still insufficient for your needs, we also recommend the Virail website, which is an asset when planning routes and switching between means of transport. Throughout the article, we also make known the possibilities of small tours departing from the main cities to the most isolated destinations, but also very touristy.
In our opinion, it is through a roadtrip that you can have a better travel experience in Transylvania. With regard to the driving experience in Romania, we can only consider the option of a road trip to be an added value, due to the simple fact that there are practically no motorways, forcing us to travel on national roads and thus get to know the reality of the interior of Romania and appreciate the stunning mountain scenery.
To rent a car, we recommend Rentalcars, an online platform that allows you to compare the best prices and services between rent-a-car companies.
Currency from romania
The official currency of Romania is the leu and in exchange terms, 1 leu corresponds to 0,20 cents [2021]. We advise you to exchange a few euros for leis while still at the airport to use for your first expenses in Romania.
Pricing
Romania is popular among European destinations as it is one of the cheapest countries which, considering the high prices in the main European capitals, is true, however prices in relation to Spain do not vary that much.
The price of fuel is very similar to that practiced in Spain and we also consider the price of meals. It is possible to have a light meal for values around 5€ but if you want a complete meal the values rise to 10-15€. In our experience, what we consider more economical and with an excellent quality/price ratio are the accommodations, being possible to stay overnight for prices between 30-40€ in hotels with immense quality.
Dining
Romanian cuisine is not the most famous, but it has some delights. A country of traditions, mostly rural, reflects in its gastronomy the genuineness of a people. The flavors are spicy and intense and the smoked products make a big difference. The dishes that stand out the most are the sarmale, a cabbage cigar with minced meat, with rice and vegetables, or the mamaliga, a Romanian polenta with wheat flour. In addition, we have a good range of soups, the so-called ciorbă, grilled meats where the best known dish is a cylinder of well-seasoned minced meat grilled. What is not lacking in a good Romanian party is Ţuică, a typical spirit made from plum fermentation and is the traditional drink of Romania. As you can see, good food will not be missing on your visit!
Transylvania | 4 day itinerary
The most traditional way to get to Romania is through its capital, Bucharest, and most people interested in getting to know Transylvania rent a car in the capital and start exploring the region through the city of Brasov (a city in the south of Transylvania). In our case, we came from the region of Maramures, more specifically from the city of Satu Mare, Ioana's birthplace, which, due to its proximity to Hungary, makes it more convenient to land in the city of Budapest. In this case, we start our route through the northern part of Transylvania, through the medieval village of Sighisoara due to its proximity to the Maramures area.
If you want to start the itinerary from Bucharest, we advise you to follow our tips in reverse order.
Day 1 – Sighisoara
Our first destination on the road trip through Transylvania was Sighisoara on a car trip that lasted about 6 hours. With no motorway, and with some damaged roads, our trip became slower than we intended, although it was possible for us to observe carefully the details that we found along the road. A beautiful country, but still lacking in infrastructure to make the tourist experience on Romanian soil more accessible and attractive to tourists. However, it is these adventures that we remember, that mark us and allow us to know intrinsically the reality of another country.
Sighisoara was nicknamed by us as Óbidos of Romania, given the similarities between them, since both villages have a wall around them and inside there are beautiful small houses that create a medieval atmosphere that makes us teleport to the XNUMXth century we barely crossed its wall.
This charming city, full of small alleys, century-old houses and with a contagious mystique is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire historic center of the city is an enriching tourist experience that presents as main tourist attractions the Clock tower, Central plaza and House where Vlad Tepes (Dracula) was born. Strolling through the streets, appreciating each facade and seeing the countless street artists that animate the city, are more than enough reasons to love this calm and rich city.
Briefly, the places to visit when visiting Sighisoara are the following:
- Historic Center of Sighisoara
- Clock Tower, where you can get the best views of the city (3€)
- House of Vlad Tepes (€1)
- Shoemaker's Tower
- Hill Church (€1,60)
Where do I sleep in Sighisoara?
In Sighisoara, we stayed at Pensiunea Joker, which turned out to be the right choice given its comfort and excellent quality/price ratio, as the night cost only €30.
Day 2 – Bran Castle and Brasov
Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)
Early in the morning we head to the town of Bran where the ex-libris of the region is located: Dracula's Castle. Possibly the best known castle in Romania, due to the book by the Irishman Bram Stocker that turned the merciless emperor Vlad Tepes, known for his tortures, into a terrifying vampire. The popularity of the place is so great that we had almost 1 hour in line to visit it.
Built right on top of a mountain, in an imposing and majestic way and with a somewhat sinister air due to the dense forest surroundings, it makes us believe that we are entering a frightening cinema experience. In reality, the interior of the castle is a simple medieval construction, not at all frightening, and in the different rooms we are shown the long history of the castle, which had very different uses, both as an official residence of the king and as a commercial centre.
Curiosity: Legend vs Reality of Dracula's Castle
The legend that popularized Dracula's Castle or Bran Castle is due to the publication of the book "Dracula" in 1897 by the Irish writer Bram Stoker, which has since become the masterpiece of Gothic horror literature that later came to inspire all over the world. a terrifying imagery.
The myth arises because the character “Drácula” was based on a Romanian historical character, Vlad III, prince of Wallachia between 1456 and 1462, also known as Vlad III Draculea or Vlad Tepes (in Portuguese Vlad Impalador). According to Vlad Tepes, he had the habit of killing criminals and invaders through impalement. Although he is known around the world as a sadistic killer he is seen in Romania as a symbol of courage and bravery for the way he fought against the Ottoman Empire. It was these bloodthirsty characteristics of the Romanian prince that inspired Stoker to create the character Dracula.
By the fictional description of the castle, in the middle of Transylvania, which is very similar to the characteristics of Bran Castle, it was always associated with the place where Dracula resided. However, historical records do not guarantee that Vlad Tepes ever stayed one night in this castle and all the theories that address him are vague. What seems plausible is that it was actually Bran Castle that inspired Stoker's work, as Dracula's home.
Given the fame of Bran Castle associated with the legend of Dracula, we expected a much more impactful visit than we anticipated. Because expectations were so high so quickly, this visit became one of our biggest disappointments on this trip. Still, don't miss the most famous castle in Transylvania and Romania.
Hint: Bran Castle
- Price: 40 lei per adult (8.50€)
- Hours: Open every day of the year
- From April to September: Monday, from 12h to 18h. Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 18 pm.
- From October to March: Monday, from 12h to 16h. Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 16 pm.
How to get there from Brasov?
Brasov is the closest city to Bran Castle, and the best way to reach it by public transport is by taking the bus that departs from Brasov Terminal 2 every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends. At the terminal look for the bus, Brasov – Moeciu and the ticket costs approximately 7 lei (2 euros). I know the timetables and up-to-date fares at the Romanian national bus company, Autogari.
rasnov
On the way between Bran Castle and Brasov is Rasnov, a medieval citadel that goes unnoticed on most tours of Transylvania. As we decided to take the route by car, it's impossible not to notice Rasnov's Hollywood lyrics that immediately draw attention.
On top of a hill with sweeping views of the Carpathian mountain complex, there is a cozy medieval city in ruins where an enormous wall stands out, which served for many years as a protection against potential invaders.
Hint: Citadel of Rasnov
Rise: To get to the citadel you can walk or take a tourist train that costs 5 lei (1€)
Citadel entrance price: 12 lei (2,50€)
Open Hours: Every day until 19 pm
Brasov
Then we head to the Medieval city of Brasov, one of the most touristic cities in Transylvania, very colorful and lively with several attractions, wide avenues and small charming alleys.
We started our visit with the interesting Republic Street, a traffic-free pedestrian street with lots of shops and restaurants in Baroque buildings, where we are treated to free music and art provided by street artists. At the end of the street we find a huge square, Council Square, where is the Historical Museum of Brasov. What is impossible not to notice when we arrive at the square is the The Black Church, a huge Gothic church with black bricks due to a fire that blackened its walls.
The best thing about the city is that it manages to make us lose ourselves in its streets, where we accidentally find medieval details that give this inland city a beauty that is indescribable in words.
Briefly, the places to visit on a trip to Brasov are the following:
- Council Square
- Republic Street
- The Black Church
- Sforii Street, one of the smallest streets in Europe
- Caterina's Gate
- white tower
Where to sleep in Brasov?
For one night we stayed in Brasov, at the Hotel Global, a simple hotel, but with excellent hygiene conditions and comfort worthy of the three stars it has.
Day 3 – Peles Castle and Sibiu
Peles Castle
The biggest surprise of our trip in Romania was reserved for the third day! In the morning we made a short trip, about 40km from Brasov, and headed towards Sinaia where the Peles Castle is located, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
A castle of Germanic architecture surrounded by typical Transylvanian vegetation in a very fresh environment, creates a peaceful and relaxing mystique while we appreciate a construction that although it took 39 years to complete, its beauty is worth every year of work. This neo-Renaissance palace, located in the Carpathian Mountains, was once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family and has been a museum open to the public since 1990.
We were expecting something fantastic right from the start, but it ended up exceeding our expectations to the point of considering it the most beautiful place we've ever visited.
Dica: Peles Castle
Price: 30 lei per adult (€6)
Open Hours:
- From May 15 to September 16: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:15 am to 16:15 pm (Wednesday opens at 11 am).
- From September 17 to May 13: Wednesday to Sunday: 9:15 am to 16:15 pm (Wednesday opens at 11 am).
How to go?
The best way to reach Peles Castle from Brasov is by taking the train to Sinaia. Prices are around 7 lei (€1,45) and there are several trains to Sinaia, check CFR timetables. From Sinaia to Peles Castle it's a good walk uphill if you don't feel like walking you can take a taxi for 15 lei (3€).
Sibiu
Among fresh hills, with vegetation as far as the eye can see, and after a couple of hours of travel, we finally arrive in Sibiu.
The city of three squares: Big market, Small Market, Piata Huet, where the most touristic places in the city are located and lots of restaurants and bars that almost force you to sit down and enjoy that folklore atmosphere. Be it night or day, there is always music in the main streets of the city, which is a good example of the festive and cheerful atmosphere of the city.
In the small square, Piata Mita, is the Iron Bridge also known as the Bridge of Lies, where legend has it that if you tell a lie on top of the bridge it will fall.
Na Piata Huet localiza-se a Lutheran Cathedral where Dracula's son is buried. It's amazing how in most of the cities we visit there is always something related to the story of the most famous vampire ever. In this beautiful cathedral, if you choose to climb the dome, you will find one of the best views of Sibiu.
Briefly, the places to visit on a trip to Sibiu are the following:
- The three squares: Piata Mare, Piata Mica, Piata Huet
- Lutheran Cathedral (visit to the cathedral + climb to the tower – 8 lei (1.60€)
- Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Ponte das Lies
- Council Tower (ascent to the tower – 2 lei (€0,40)
Day 4: Remains of Sibiu and Alba Iulia
As we arrived relatively late in Sibiu, we were never able to get to know the city perfectly during the third day, so we decided to dedicate the morning to a walk through the historic center in order to have a perfect view of the city.
As we had to return to Ioana's birthplace, which is more than a six-hour drive away, we left around lunchtime, already taking into account a strategic stop to discover the city of Alba Iulia.
Where do you sleep in Sibiu?
The main places to visit in Sibiu are mostly located in the historic area of the city, so we consider the best accommodation options in their vicinity. On our way through Sibiu, we stayed at the Hotel Marabella, a well-located hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and a young and relaxed atmosphere.
Alba Iulia
The city of Alba Iulia, known as the spiritual capital of Romania, is not huge and can be easily explored in two to three hours.
This fortified citadel with 12km of star-shaped walls is home to majestic cathedrals and grand museums. An old urbanized city with little energy and movement where the main highlight are the grandiose constructions such as the Reunification Cathedral, Gothic Cathedral of São Miguel and Library Batthyaneum.
The fact that makes this city so dear to Romanians is its unquestionable historical importance, since it was there, on December 1, 1918, that the representatives of the Principality of Transylvania proclaimed the union of Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania.
Transylvania, the union of mystery and beauty
Going back to her origins to discover the country she left when she was 6 years old, for Ioana it was naturally special to go back to her roots and discover its culture and heritage that impressed her positively, Romania is truly a pearl of the East. Transylvania is incredibly well preserved, with dense green and humid forests where small towns full of history and architecturally imposing monuments stand out. The green in the summer and the white of the snow in the winter provide the region with reasons of tourist interest throughout the year.
The present tranquility, away from the spotlight of the major routes of world tourism, allows the trip to be enjoyed without great stress or worries, just as we like. We will definitely return!
