Category: Traveller’s Guide

The 51st edition of the Romanian Tourism Fair took place on February 20-23 in Bucharest.

The most beautiful tourist areas were presented to visitors through tourism associations and local public administrations, who came with promotional packages, exclusive discounts and holiday ideas for all tastes and budgets. Ana Voican, a promoter of active tourism, came up with new programs, focused on green, sustainable tourism, in nature: “During Pentecost, between June 6 and 9, we hold the fourth edition of the Campfest event, where nature lovers meet, talk, disconnect from everyday tasks and relax in the middle of nature, together with the little ones. Hiking, cycling, rafting, kayaking, everything that means a break from screens and the city. The little ones, together with their parents, have a discount of 45% on the standard rate during the fair. Also during this fair period, we have discounts of up to 35% on the Romanian Black Sea coast, for example, where rates start from 200 lei per person for a 3-day stay, accommodation without meals, up to 3,000 lei per person for a 5-day stay in a five-star hotel, all inclusive. There is a high interest in Romania in these types of offers, which are also available on the official websites.”

Talida Cozma, a senior councilor at the Maramureș County Council, came to the fair dressed in an authentic folk costume. She tells everyone that the county in northern Romania has a unique offer: “We promote everything that means tradition, culture. Traditions have been kept alive. The tourist attractions are already known: the Merry Cemetery, the Horse Waterfall, the Mocănița steam train. At the current edition we have also brought with us travel agents, agents from the economic sector, who also have offers for potential visitors. They have already been demands for Christmas offers, even though Easter is coming.. We have an offer for the Easter holidays in the historical Maramures, where tourists have the main tourist attractions within reach.”

The promotion of Buzău County had a different theme at this edition of the Tourism Fair. If last year and two years ago the promotion focused on crafts, traditions, local customs and rural charm, this year, we got to know Buzău in action. Ana Maria Dobrescu, head of the tourism service at the Buzău County Council, offers tourists an escape into nature: “We are a small Romania, because we have a similar proportion of plains, hills and mountains. We want to tell you what you can do on the Buzău River, because we have one of the longest rafting routes in Romania, 14 km. It is a route that can be accessed by children, it is an easier, smoother area of ​​the Buzău River, but it can also offer interesting, unique experiences to adults, those who have already done rafting. We have an area that we call the washing machine. In the washing machine everything becomes very intense and interesting. And, in addition to this rafting route, we tell people about Lake Siriu, because there we have opportunities to spend our free time actively.”

At the Bucovina stand, visitors could taste traditional dishes and learn about the most beautiful tourist attractions and sites in the area, as well as about the offers dedicated to the Easter holidays. They were welcomed by Andreea Zimbru, an advisor with the tourism service at the Suceava County Council: “These packages start from 500 lei per night, per person, for all-inclusive packages or 1,800 lei per package, for example, for a minimum stay of three nights, in the case of full board accommodations. We also have offers with half board, for approximately 1,200 lei. Those interested will be able to attend practical demonstrations of egg painting, supported by folk craftsmen from Bucovina, and can also enjoy delicious specialties from the local traditional gastronomy, at our stand. Bucovina is a tourist brand of Romania, and our presence at the Tourism Fair confirms the commitment of the Suceava County Council to promote the tourist potential of our county. We want to offer visitors an authentic experience through living traditions, traditional gastronomy and the presentation of multiple options to spend an extraordinary vacation in Suceava County.”

Dana Matic, from Visit Mureș, invites us to a tour of the castles and mansions of Romania: “This year, for the first time, we decided to come with a slightly larger stand than in previous years and to invite co-exhibitors, our collaborators or representatives of hotels and restaurants in the county to our stand. We also brought partner institutions, such as the County Museum, the Târgu Mureș Zoo and two tourist information centers. I would warmly recommend a field in which we are perhaps the strongest in Romania. Mureș County has the highest number of castles and mansions compared to the other counties in the country. We have brochures and materials on the website about the castles that can be visited. Some are museums, others are hotels or event centers.”

The stand for promoting the tourist destination Vama Buzăului, in Brașov County, stood out due to the presence of a mascot, a bison, but also for the gastronomic products presented by the housewives of the commune. Iulia Roth, exhibitor: “You can find the Bison Reserve here, the Urlătoarea Waterfall and we also have a gastro-local concept. You can eat traditional, local food at people’s homes. Vama Muzeului is located approximately 45 minutes from Brașov. It is not very far. In the reserve, you will find 20 bison, peacocks, reindeer, deer, geese and ducks. So, not just bison.”

Also during the tourism fair, the FIJET Romania Tourism Press Club continued the project entitled “FIJET Romania Destinations”, which has reached its second edition. Ten tourist destinations were proposed for voting. This year, the Danube Gorge / Clisura Dunării won the grand prize. (EE)

Harghita County has been awarded the title of “European Region of Gastronomy” for 2027 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. A jury from seven countries praised the area for its impressive landscapes, rich culinary traditions and commitment to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. In addition to its wild nature, Harghita also has many historical attractions, such as fortified churches and medieval fortresses. To begin with, we learn from Mezey Zsolt, project manager at Visit Harghita, about the forms of tourism we can practice in the area.

“I invite you to take a little virtual tour of Harghita County, a family-friendly destination, recently awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027. Harghita County has a great tourist potential, famous tourist towns and recreational areas, including the spa resorts of Băile Tușnad, Borsec, Lacu Roșu, Izvorul Mureșului, or natural reserves and natural monuments, such as Lake Sfânta Ana, Cheile Bicazului, Poiana Narciselor, and the protected area of the Călimani Mountains. Then, we have cultural and ecumenical objectives such as the Church of Şumuleu Ciuc, an important pilgrimage center for Catholics, the fortified church of Dârju, included in the UNESCO heritage, the Lăzarea castles or Mikó Castle. Let’s not forget about the mofetta, mud, peat and saltwater baths. Mineral waters can be found in any part of the county you go to, in over 2,000 springs. Some of them are bottled, but the unique experience is to taste the water directly there, when it bursts out of the ground.”

In a dreamlike natural setting, traditions and customs have remained alive, being passed down from generation to generation. These can be seen by visiting craftsmen, participating in local events, or visiting museums.

“Folk art and music are important in everyday life. Traditional evenings, countryside events and various festivals are great opportunities to honor or get to know the folkloric artistic pillar. Folk clothing is, in turn, a reason for local pride and admiration, with the county’s museums presenting them in detail. In some cases, museums have found their place in monumental buildings. Thus, the Szekler Museum of Ciuc in Miercurea Ciuc is hosted by the Mikó Fortress, and the Haáz Rezső Museum, in Odorheiu Secuiesc, has moved to the Haberstumpf Villa.”

Harghita County is notable not only for its cultural activities. Mezey Zsolt, project manager at Visit Harghita, says that tourists who prefer to follow tourist trails through the mountains will feel truly spoiled.

“There are many marked trails in the Harghita Mountains, Hășmaș, Călimani, or in the Ciuc Mountains. If you arrive in these mountains in winter, you will find ski centers offering various options for winter sports lovers. The most beautiful and popular are Harghita-Băi and Harghita Mădăraș, Bucin, Ciumani, Băile Homorod, Versag, but more information can be found in the “Ski Harghita” submenu on the Visit Harghita website. In the county, we have over 100 tourist programs. I would highlight the bobsleigh slopes, the vast majority of which are family friendly, as follows: Ski Ghimeș in Lunca de Sus, with an all-season bobsleigh track, a total of 1,800 meters. Bob Vărșag with almost 1,500 meters of bobsleigh track. Oxygen Bob, at Pasul Pângărați, with a 1,260-meter track, the bobsleigh track in Lacul Roșu is almost a kilometer long, right in the forest. A similar track awaits you at Lobogo Bob, in Băile Homorod. The bobsleigh track in Toprița is the longest in Romania, with a length of over 1,900 meters, and the summer bobsleigh track in Borsec has a length of almost 1,500 meters, being open in the spring-autumn seasons.”

In Harghita, you will find two famous and special lakes. Of these, Lake Sfânta Ana is formed in a volcanic crater and is unique in Europe.

“Another beauty is Lacu Roșu, which was formed after a landslide blocked the path of a river. To this day, traces of the forest that was flooded can be seen. A special experience can be visiting Cheile Vărghișului. Here, the adventure includes a series of bridges that pass over water, over rocks, or climb to limestone caves. Nature was also generous when the hills of Praid were formed, where salt deposits accumulated in large enough quantities to be exploited. This is how the Praid salt mine appeared, where you can find a whole world underground. In the immediate vicinity of the salt mine, the salt canyon was formed where even the mountains are made of salt.”

The gastronomy of Harghita County is a real calling card. You can indulge in international recipes, but traditional main courses are the ones that will win you over, as we learn from Mezey Zsolt, project manager at Visit Harghita.

“The tastes that can caress your taste buds during your walks through this county are rich and heavy, hearty and smoky, warm and sweet. Whether we are talking about sauerkraut soup or gypsy steak, paprikash or goulash, each is just half of a whole that can only be completed with a fruit pálinca. People have understood that quality products, especially those prepared in small households, mean value. Thus, they have built a brand around the idea of a Szekler product: cozonac, plum pálinca or craft beer, but also cheeses, jams, honey, and homemade syrups. And, around them, there are also occasions for celebration and joy, such as the Borsec Cauliflower Festival, the Polenta Cheese Festival, the Miercurea Ciuc Potato Festival, the Plum Days, or the Stuffed Cabbage Festival. The Harghita Intercommunity Development Association, Visit Harghita, launched the candidacy in 2023, and the jury of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, following a visit in October 2024, became familiar with the local gastronomic values, community initiatives, and strategies based on sustainable tourism. The President of the Harghita County Council was officially handed the title of European Region of Gastronomy, during a ceremony. Preparations for 2027 have already begun, and the organizers aim for Harghita County to proudly represent its culinary and cultural heritage under the title of European Region of Gastronomy.”

Harghita will be promoted internationally, not only as a tourist destination, but also as a successful model in terms of sustainable development and the protection of culinary heritage.

Bucovina is one of the most sought-after tourist areas in Romania. Here, you can stop at the Câmpulung Moldovenesc resort, of national interest. It offers the perfect combination of tradition, culture and nature, an interesting destination for any tourist. After exploring the tourist attractions in the city, you can set off on numerous hiking trails, which lead to the mountain peaks of the Rarău and Giumalău Mountains, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor sports.

We learn from Mihaela Axânti, inspector at the Tourist Information Center in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, where the name of our destination comes from.

“Surrounded by forested peaks, in the center of Romanian Bucovina, the municipality of Câmpulung Moldovenesc today stretches for a distance of 14 km. That is where the name of “Câmpulung Moldovenesc”, Long Field, comes from, in the depression of the same name on the middle course of the Moldova River. The tourist arriving in the city at the foot of Rarău should definitely stop at the Museum of Woodwork Art. It is the only one that preserves an ethnographic collection of this kind in Romania and among the few in Europe dedicated exclusively to wooden objects. We should also mention the private collections: the Ioan Grămadă ethnographic collection and the Ioan Țugui wooden spoon collection. In these collections, our tourist will discover how wood has accompanied our lives for centuries, how the forest has offered people shelter, food, wealth, and even identity. Also from the cultural heritage, the churches in our city can be visited, Rarău Monastery and Sihăstria Răului. Among the churches, I would like to mention the Church at Capul Satului, which is the first wooden church in this area, built in 1855-1858. Also, if they want to rest in the city center, tourists will discover the Central Park, with a beautiful artesian fountain, built in 1898, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reign of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. They can also see the statuary monument Dragoș Vodă and the Bison, as well as the building of the former city hall, built in 1863, as a result of a high commission, also from Emperor Franz Joseph I, which was the municipal palace at that time.”

Just a few kilometers away from the city center, tourists will discover the magical landscape of the Rarău massif.

“This represents the epicenter of tourism in the entire area of Bukovina. From wherever it is viewed, it is like an imposing fortress, in which the watchtowers of the Lady’s Stones rise. Equally renowned for their beauty and size are the Moara Dracului Gorges, the most beautiful in the entire area of Bukovina. One of the places that we think would leave people speechless is the Slătioara Secular Forest. It is also nicknamed the Wooden Cathedral of Rarău. It is a protected area that extends over 1064 hectares and has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017. Here, tourists will find secular trees about 200-300 years old, with heights exceeding 50 meters and a diameter of at least 1 meter. Mountain biking, paragliding, hiking, off-roading, climbing, even ATV rides are just some of the activities dedicated to those who want to combine exercise with their vacation and enjoy nature and fresh air as much as possible. As for winter sports lovers, they also have a ski slope, Rarău, which is 2,850 meters long, with a difference in level of 455 meters and a medium degree of difficulty. The width of the slope is 30 meters in the starting area, and 80 meters in the finishing area. It has a gondola lift facility and everything you need to satisfy winter sports lovers.”

Throughout the year, the City Hall of Câmpulung Moldovenesc, through the Tourist Information Center, organizes several events. As part of the International Folklore Festival Întlâniri Bucovinene and as part of the Drumul Lemnului Festival, the Folk Craftsmen Fair is organized. Folk craftsmen from the Bucovina area are invited here. They make the art of egg painting, wood carving, weaving, making folk costumes or braiding known to the general public. But you can also meet the craftsmen in their workshops, says Mihaela Axânti, inspector at the Tourist Information Center of Câmpulung Moldovenesc.

“In the city, tourists can reach one of our most famous craftsmen, Mr. Aristotel Erhan. He is the folk craftsman who keeps the tradition of making bucium, the alpenhorn, alive. The story of the bucium begins in ancient times. It was used to alert the population to a danger. Every year, Mr. Stelu roams the surrounding forests, looking for the resonant wood meant to make these alpenhorns. As he says, out of a desire to honor his ancestors as is customary, he learned to craft them by gathering around him a lot of other farmers, skilled in giving them voice. He says that the center of the bucium is a point through which one can look into the absolute. The buciumași, alpenhorn players from Bucovina have become a living legend, a resounding proof of the transmission of millennial traditions from generation to generation.”

The calendar of events is very well outlined. Year after year, festivals are held that preserve their tradition, attracting thousands of tourists. Among these, the International Folklore Festival Întâlniri Bucovinene stands out.

“It annually brings together about 500 artists from abroad and over 1500 amateur artists from the county, the event bringing together a total of over 11,000 participants. It is held with the participation of four countries, where former inhabitants of Bukovina live: Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, and the Republic of Moldova as a guest. We also have Bucovina Ultra Rocks, a mountain running competition, which this year is part of the Europe Trail Cup. It is one of the largest mountain running competitions in Romania, with routes that cross our natural reserves and emblematic places such as Pietrele Doamnei, Cheile Moara Dracului, Rarău and Giumalău Massifs. In the fall, in October, we have the Drumul Lemnului Festival and the Dairy Fair, events that celebrate and promote the old occupations of the Câmpulung people.”

Annually, the municipality of Câmpulung Moldovenesc receives visits from over 80 thousand tourists in its over 200 accommodation facilities, and the vast majority of foreign tourists are from European countries.

A European Capital of Culture in 2023, Timișoara, the largest city in the western part of Romania, continues to attract visitors, thanks to a well-developed tourist infrastructure and lots of cultural events. At the Vienna Tourism Fair, which took place over January 16-19, tourists learned about the advantages of this destination.

The Vienna Travel Fair is one of the largest events in the field, attracting both leisure and business tourism professionals. Laura Boldovici, director of the organisation that manages Timisoara as a tourist destination, says that the presence at this fair was necessary to further promote a destination already preferred by many.

Laura Boldovici: “My colleagues have just returned from the Vienna Tourism Fair, a four-day event that marked a real success for our city, but not only. Visitors came in even larger numbers than in 2024, and this confirms the Austrians’ interest in unique tourist destinations. We had a common stand with Oradea and Sibiu, and the visitors showed a big interest in our city. Many of them told us that they had been to Timișoara before and would like to come back. We were prepared to welcome the public with promotional materials in German. We also had German speakers at the stand, so that we could answer all questions and present Timisoara in a professional way. And we will not stop here. The next fair we will participate in, this time with our own Timișoara stand, will take place in two weeks in Budapest.”

Austria is a key market for tourism in Timisoara. So, until spring, all travelers that pass through Vienna to the airport or to Budapest can see a 40 square meter outdoor poster with an invitation to visit Timișoara. And the promotion doesn’t stop there.

Laura Boldovici: “We promote the city through everything it means, be it education, investments, jobs. We will work on several levels, just like last year. We also have the tourism fairs that we attend. I mentioned earlier the one in Budapest in February, but besides that we will also go to Berlin, London, Barcelona, Rimini, Frankfurt. This year, we also want to open an interactive children’s museum, which will be unique in the region. Thus, we want to develop the Timisoara destination as a friendly destination for families with children.”

In 2023 Timisoara was a European Capital of Culture, proof of the very efervescent cultural life of the city, says Laura Boldovici.

Laura Boldovici: “For all those interested in events, but also in unique and interesting places, Timișoara is the destination we recommend. The center of Timisoara has a very large pedestrian area, probably the largest in the country. We also have the largest number of historical monument buildings in Romania. We will start this walk from the center, from Victory Square, which leads to Liberty Square, and then to the most beautiful, in my opinion, which is the Union Square. So, we have three squares linked by pedestrian streets, terraces, places where you can stop and admire the surroundings. Then, if one has the time and wants to continue, Timișoara not only has the center, but also has historical districts, which are definitely worth visiting. We also have vineyards for those interested. At a not very long distance, if you have a means of transport, there are other cities that can be visited: Oradea, Sibiu. But Timișoara deserves at least one weekend and I promise you won’t get bored.”

The city impresses with a diverse architecture, in Viennese Baroque, Neo-Byzantine and Art Nouveau styles. Of the 15 thousand buildings in the city, 13 thousand are declared historical monuments. It is also the only city in Europe where there are three theaters, with performances in three languages – Romanian, Hungarian and German. There is an opera, a philharmonic, a youth and puppet theater. A city richly endowed with cultural institutions.

Architecture is not the only strong point of the city. There are several museums, which present the past of Timisoara. Tourists can visit the Museum of Banat, which holds its exhibitions within the Teresia bastion, which is part of the old fortifications of the city. Among the museums preferred by tourists is the Banat Village Museum, located on the outskirts of the city. Original houses, brought from Banat villages, are exhibited here, representing the way of life of the different ethnic groups that live in Banat. There are traditional Romanian, German, Hungarian, Serbian, Slovak and other ethnic houses and items present here. We can continue with the Art Museum, with exhibitions of European art, the Corneliu Baba permanent exhibition, but also many other temporary exhibitions.

Laura Boldovici: “Right now we have an exhibition at the National Art Museum. It is an exhibition of paintings by Caravaggio and his disciples, so we recommend it. It will be available until the end of February in Timisoara. Then, we have the festivals that are already an objective in themselves, which you can also find on our website visit-timișoara.com. We also take care of the tourist Info-Centre, and, more recently, we have opened a souvenir shop wherefrom tourists can get a piece of Timișoara and the creations of Timișoara artists. We interact with tourists. Those who arrive here tell us that they are surprised by Timișoara, by the atmosphere encountered on the streets, by the hospitality of the people. We invite you to visit Timisoara. We promise not to disappoint. It is a city full of charm, where the past intertwines with the present and with the future. In 2023, we were the European Capital of Culture, but Timișoara still remains a vibrant destination, ready to offer memorable experiences. So, come and feel the energy of Timisoara and we promise you will want to come back.”

Timișoara is crossed by the Bega River, on which one can travel by boat, as a public transport. There is also a tourist tram that departs from Liberty Square on weekends and makes a circuit through the entire city. (MI)

Our stopover today is a region in the eastern part of Romania, on the outer edge of the Curvature Carpathians, a region bordering the historical principalities of Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. The locals proudly call it the little Romania, due to the diversity of the region’s forms of relief. The area is at once picturesque and home to loads of legends, reminding everybody of the days of yore. Furthermore, here the natural assets are one of a kind. We have set out to discover them. With us is Ruxandra Cernat, a tourist guide in the region.

We first stopped at the Muddy Volcanoes.

“They are a rare phenomenon, because the lava is cold and black. We even had tourists who tried it on their own, literally, by putting their finger in this black lava and were surprised that it was cold. The shape is that of a volcanic cone. It is a natural phenomenon specific to this area of Buzău, and the gas emanations from deep within the earth actually push the groundwater to the surface, and these, storing clay from the rocks they encounter on their way, give rise to the mud volcanoes. They are the so-called Pâcle Mari, Pâcle Mici and Fierbătoarea, where the water really gurgles. It is nice that this land of Buzău, which was declared a UNESCO heritage site a few years ago, in 2022, is also very easily accessible on the national road with a car rented from Bucharest, if there is no personal car. Bucharest is, obviously, an important hub, which has the Henri Coandă International Airport, so it is easy to reach from any corner of the world.”

In the mountainous area of Buzău County, there are also some very beautiful waterfalls. Among them, the Cașoca waterfall fascinates tourists regardless of the season.

“One of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of the Romanian Carpathians, the Cașoca waterfall also appears under the name of Pruncea in some documents. The waters fall into a deep pool from a height of eight meters and is a vertical threshold of Tarcău sandstone. The place has a special charm in any season. It is easily accessible, because the road has been paved, and for tourists there is also an attraction point with stalls with traditional products from the area, natural jams and syrups, creams with not only cosmetic but also therapeutic value. There is also a tent where you can practice sports shooting, and the place is very popular not only with photographers, but also with young couples who want to take photos there with wedding memories.”

Very close to the Casoca waterfall is the Siriu lake and dam, with an absolutely fantastic viewpoint, as we learned from Ruxandra Cernat, a tour guide.

“It is the second dam in Romania, and is built entirely from natural materials found in this area. The works took almost 20 years. The national road was also slightly diverted, and the settlements in the area were relocated, but this project intended to provide, in principle, a source of water for the downstream localities. The viaducts and the winding road built are of extraordinary beauty. The dam is 122 meters high and 570 meters long, and the lake stretches for 11.5 km. Swimming is not recommended, because it is 120 meters deep.”

And, from water, we move on to fire.

“Also from the depths of this land, gas emanations cause, this time, to appear upon contact with the air, when they come to the surface, flames that burn constantly. Perhaps more spectacular at night, they are, in fact, gases ignited by the sun’s rays. These flames can be seen bursting out of the ground and rising in the wind. Sometimes they are higher, sometimes they barely flicker. It also depends on the pressure of the gases inside, but also on the weather. Probably, in the very rainy season, they can be temporarily extinguished, but, also in the rainy season, you can see how the water bubbles in those places where the gases come to the surface. The entire area where this phenomenon occurs has an area of 25 square meters.”

Also in Buzău County you will find a unique museum in Romania. The Colți Amber Museum is dedicated to the 40-60 million year old resin. It should not be missed by any tourist who comes to the area, says Ruxandra Cernat, a tour guide.

“On Romanian territory, it was mined for a long time, now it is no longer exploited industrially. It is a very beautiful and valuable gem, because in this resin of various colors, from yellowish to reddish brown, you can see plants and insects that have been perfectly embedded over these tens of millions of years. It is said that when it rains very heavily, locals can still find pieces of amber in the riverbeds, left by the water. The museum shows us all the forms in which amber was exploited in Romania, as well as rare collections of jewelry. There is also a very beautiful room for those passionate about mineral rocks and crystals, an exhibition of crystals from this area.”

Last but not least, if the weather is not exactly friendly to us, we can take a tour of the monasteries, as suggested by Ruxandra Cernat, a tour guide. The monasteries were not only religious points, they were also defense points. Thus, they have a fascinating and rich history. The Bradu Fortress Monastery would be the first suggestion.

“It is said that from here, Michael the Brave, who achieved the first Union of the Romanian Principalities in 1600, would have set off for the battles of Şelimbăr. Also in this area is the Măgura Monastery, also attested a few centuries ago, in the 16th century. It has an extraordinary wealth, in that the imperial icons are painted by the great Gheorghe Tătărăscu, a renowned painter for Romanians, who was Nicolae Grigorescu’s teacher. And next to the monastery, on its grounds, the Măgura Sculpture Camp was organized. It bears the name of the commune from which the material for the sculptures was brought. The sculptures are marked with QR codes, and you can see exactly who, when, and what title gave the sculpture. It is also a very beautiful place to have a picnic because everything happens on hills with walnut trees, where we have peace and singing birds. It is a pleasant walk there, even in winter.”

Buzău has also become known in recent years through a project called Slow Food Buzău, which promotes artisanal gastronomy and sustainable culinary tourism in the UNESCO Geopark of the Buzău Land.

Today we find out about some New Year’s Eve offers in Romania. In addition to these, we will also talk about unique experiences, such as meeting the ostrich Baltazar, who is preparing to become the mascot of Almaju Valley.

Alina Roșoiu is the project manager of a platform that aims to promote surprising, but also unique Romania. We thus learned about a special objective: the Museum of Cloths and Stories, in the village of Mândra, between Brașov and Sibiu. Right at the entrance to the village, you will be greeted by a sign that says “Welcome to Mândra, the village of cloths, onions and stories.” Beyond the fact that the museum highlights the heritage of the place, it also hosts “Mother Ruța’s Spindle Around the World”. So far, the weaving tool has already traveled over a million kilometers around the world, through places and destinations of the most diverse types: South America, Korea, Siberia, Bali, and many other places. The famous spindle brings and carries stories, but also promotes the Romanian village, with its cultural and human values, through an international travel project. At the museum, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the spindle, and a lot of local stories, or stories collected from around the world. And it is just one of the many proposals, says Alina Roșoiu.

“We have a special section dedicated to these types of activities, in which the authenticity of each place is promoted, whether we are talking about local gastronomic points, whether we are talking about activities that can be done in the respective area, or whether we are talking about leisure. The platform is divided into 18 tourist areas. For each tourist area, we find at least one unique point that we can try in the respective area.”

However, given the short period until the end of the year, we start with some New Year’s Eve offers.

“For those who have not yet made plans, there is still availability. For example, a three-star hotel in Vâlcea County, more precisely in the Băile Olanesti area, offers accommodation with all three meals included, with a party for the night between the years, with activities such as nature trails and live music. The rates are for all budgets. The price of the package starts from 1,500 lei (300 euros) for two people, two nights, and increases depending on the number of nights. It can reach up to 1,800 (360 euros) or 2,000 lei (400 euros) for a double room, all included. New Year’s Eve is almost here, but maybe some of us haven’t made any other plans or we want to try something else. In the Clisura Dunării area, a New Year’s Eve is organized in the old rite, with Serbian traditions, in a three-star guesthouse, with a campfire, with meat on the spit, with treks on Ciucaru Mare, with a “treasure hunt”. Rates here start at 3,900 lei (780 euros). Everything is included: accommodation, meals, party, DJ event, dances and fun workshops that the accommodation unit organizes for future guests.”

Not far from Clisura Dunării, you can also find the village of Ravensca. It is a small and quiet village, located on the peak of the Almaj Mountains in Caraş-Severin County, at approximately 760 meters above sea level. Ravensca is the smallest village in the chain of Czech villages in Banat, with approximately 100 inhabitants. Due to its ethnic specificity, the village is characterized by the accuracy with which the traditions and customs specific to the Czech people have been preserved. Being the most isolated of the six Czech villages in Banat, the old Czech language has been best preserved here, not being altered by either the Romanian or the Serbo-Croatian languages. In fact, says Alina Roșoiu, the project manager of a tourism platform, in addition to peace and relaxation, tourists often seek privacy. Some, even on New Year’s Eve.

“Another offer was created due to the interest of tourists in small locations, boutique hotel-type locations. We have a boutique hotel in the Râșnov area. In the years following the COVID period, tourists began to move towards small accommodation units, with a limited number of rooms, as boutiques are. They are attracted by the exclusive design of the rooms and the fact that each room has a different design. However, moving past New Year’s Eve and thinking about what the year 2025 will mean, because Timișoara was the European cultural capital, an interest in visiting the city was awakened among tourists. We all know that Timișoara is a city of premieres, being also the first electrically illuminated city in Europe. We are seeing an increase in the number of requests for Timisoara and the surrounding area.”

Timișoara impresses with its diverse architecture, in Baroque, Neo-Byzantine and Art Nouveau styles. Moreover, here you will find the largest pedestrian area in Romania, with a lot of terraces, restaurants, bars and clubs. Tourists will feel exactly like in a resort, far from the hustle and bustle of the big boulevards. Beyond the numerous shows and cultural events, the city of Timișoara is a spectacle in its own way, with museums, exhibitions and events that happen directly on the street. You will also be able to participate in longer or shorter gastronomy festivals, because Timișoara has set out to promote and develop itself more and more strongly as a gastronomic destination. However, also in western Romania, the Banatul Montan area really needs to be discovered, says Alina Roșoiu.

“In Valea Almajului, two small entrepreneurs set out to revitalize the area. A traditional house that was rediscovered, rethought, has now become a guest house. The Banatul Montan area has so much to offer that two weeks would not be enough. Whether we want to see the Moceriș Waterfall, whether we want to reach the Bigăr Waterfall, whether we want to see the Devil’s Lake or the Eye of the Bei, all of these are in the Almaj Valley or near the Almaj Valley. If you get to the Almaj Valley, you must also go to the ostrich farm and you must definitely meet Baltazar the Ostrich, the ostrich that is preparing to become the mascot of the Almaj Valley. He is an ordinary ostrich, but so cute that after the first photo he came to represent an entire area. Because in each area we look for the unique, and because the unique goes viral, we decided that Baltazar would be the image that will attract tourists to the Almaj Valley. He has a story, but you will have to find out the story when you get to the village of Moceriș. Romania deserves to be discovered both in spring, when you have the only opportunity to see the Tulip of the Cauldrons, in autumn, when the colors of the forest create an extraordinary picture, in summer when we all need a little coolness, the water of the Black Sea or the coolness of the forest, and in winter, when traditions are preserved better than ever.”

The invitation has been launched. Until next time, when we bring you the tourist retrospective of 2024, have a nice New Year’s Eve party and Happy New Year!