Category: Traveller’s Guide

  • A tourist in Mureș County

    A tourist in Mureș County

    Today we discover the most important tourist attractions in Mureș County. The offer includes special landscapes, with centuries-old trees, adventure parks, and especially old mansions and castles, some of which host events. Emphasizing the cultural offer, we also open the doors of the Mureș County Museum.

     

    Dana Matic, project manager at Visit Mureș, will make us a holiday proposal that shows the uniqueness of this destination in Romania: “Mureș County hosts a great number of castles and mansions in comparison with other counties, and the phenomenon has gained momentum. We have brochures and materials on our website about castles that can be visited or about the condition they are in, what they shelter. Some are museums, others are hotels or event centers. Mureș has a few things that make it unique. If tourists come from Bucharest or the south of the country, they must stop first at Sighișoara. Near Sighișoara, there is a fantastic castle, Bethlen in Criș, located less than 20 km away from Sighișoara. Then, tourists can head north towards Târgu Mureș, the county seat, but can also make a small detour to Sovata resort. There we also have a castle that is now a museum, famous for the fact that Countess Claudia Rhedey, great-great-grandmother of King Charles III, was born there. Sovata is a famous destination boasting the largest heliothermal lake in the world, located in a very beautiful setting. The spa resort has been renovated and is one of the most beautiful in Romania. Then, there is the city of Târgu Mureș, where one can find the largest zoo in Romania and Art Nouveau objects.”

     

    Nature lovers can hike on more or less steep trails, and those who prefer cultural events will find a rich offer in Mureș County. And the discovery of the region can begin on the Via Transilvanica. Also called the “road that unites”, the Via Transilvanica is a long-distance tourist route of 1,400 kilometers, which crosses Romania diagonally and is intended for hiking on foot, by bike or on horseback.

     

    Dana Matic is back at the microphone with details: “We are also proud that three regions of the Via Transilvanica are in Mureș County. Mureș County is also part of the Transylvanian Hills, which have become an eco-tourism destination. The infrastructure for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling is very well developed. We also have pop music festivals that are very appreciated by young people, who come from many counties and also from other countries. The Vibe Festival probably brings together the most participants in the county. Apart from that, we have cultural festivals, we have the Rhubarb Festival in Saschiz, the Plum jam Festival or the Hot Air Balloon Festival, which now is also held in other places in Romania, but the first such festival was held in Mureș County, at Câmpul Cetății, near Sovata. In Mureș County, there are several places where you can go hunting truffles with trained dogs, and this is a plus as people return to gastronomy and slow tourism, they go out into nature. And this information can be found on our website, and I think it is a quite interesting activity.”

     

    We continue our journey with Liliana Lirca, a PR officer at the Mureș County Museum. We are invited to visit the art section, which is in the Palace of Culture in Târgu Mureș, a newly renovated and very modern palace: “The palace is more than a façade. It is a story of over 111 years, and I invite you to enter it and discover its secrets. The Adrian Chira exhibition, “Traces and Signs”, is currently on display. It can be visited until April 4. It is on the second floor of the Palace of Culture, and those who visit will see many prisms throughout the city where a big heart is shown. It is part of the work of the artist Adrian Chira that you can see in the exhibition. The work is called Totem for the Heart. On the third floor of the Palace of Culture, there is the Gallery of Modern Romanian Art in the right wing, and, in the left wing, we see the Gallery of Hungarian Art. The most important interwar artists’ works are on display.”

     

    Also, don’t miss the Ethnography and Folk Art Section of the Mureș County Museum. There, you can still see the temporary exhibition “Mureș people in the Trenches of the Great War”, which will close this year. On the other hand, the natural sciences museum is housed in a monument building, as we learn from Liliana Lirca: “The museum looks very good, especially now, after renovation. The main exhibition of the natural sciences section, where we have several sectors, has reopened. From paleontology, we see a mold cave from the Niraj Valley, we see an impressive collection of insects and many other extraordinary things, especially for children. It is the children’s favorite destination there. Parents can also enjoy everything that this section has to offer, and, in addition, we also have an impressive cactus greenhouse and a sensory garden. So, both children and parents can have a great time here. We continue with the Târgu Mureș Citadel. There you will find the History and Archaeology section of the museum. At present, we can see an extremely interesting exhibition there, “The Reframed Daily Life”. It includes the photographic archive of Gáspár Török. Very few people know that photography in Romania was founded in Târgu Mureș. After 1990, the factory for making x-rays was used a lot for negatives and photo films. You will see there an impressive archive starting from the communist period. Information is on our website www.muzeulmures.ro.” said Liliana Lirca

     

    Mureș County is a multicultural space, a destination where gastronomy is famous, says Dana Matic, project manager at Visit Mureș: “We have Romanian, Hungarian, Saxon, Armenian and Jewish cuisine. Obviously, we can’t find these cuisines in restaurants yet, but I think that this is precisely our role, to convince entrepreneurs, restaurants, to put some specialties from those cultures on the menu, so that we should not lose this heritage. But we have some festivals or open doors days that are organized at the Synagogue in Târgu Mureș where associations come and cook special dishes.”

     

    So, this is a holiday destination where accommodation is not just a place to rest. There are mansions and castles that offer a journey back in time. Then, the hospitality of the hosts and the special experiences will make you come back.

  • Holiday offers at the Romanian Tourism Fair

    Holiday offers at the Romanian Tourism Fair

    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, European Region of Gastronomy

    Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy

    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.

  • Campulung Moldovenesc, Nature and Tradition

    Campulung Moldovenesc, Nature and Tradition

    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.

  • Ecotourist destination in Pădurea Craiului

    Ecotourist destination in Pădurea Craiului

    Themed paths and hiking paths, caves, old wooden churches, Via Ferrata, off-road running and mountain bike routes and traditional food are just some of the ingredients of an unforgettable holiday. Whether with families, friends or colleagues, for relaxation or adventure, Pădurea Craiului can be the perfect place to take refuge to in nature. Situated in the west of Romania, the area boasts dense forests and gentle hills, as well as a wealth of karstic phenomena and the biggest density of caves in the country.

    Paul Iacobaș, the manager of the Centre for Protected Areas and Sustainable Development, tells us more about where exactly this area is located:

    “Pădurea Craiului lies to the north-west of the Apuseni Mountains, into Bihor county. To the north, it is bordered by the river Crișul Repede, which flows from Cluj county to Bihor, with its gorges and karstic plateaus, an area known as Damiș-Ponoraș. The Beiuș depression, or the Beiuș Country, as we like to call it here in Bihor, lies to the south. This is a truly special ethnographic area. Westwards, to Oradea, we find a hilly area, and to the east, lie Valea Iadului and Mount Vlădeasa, which are also part of Apuseni Mountains. Basically, it’s a country between two rivers, Crișul Repede to the north and Crișul Negru to the south.”

    This region has in time become one of the most diverse nature destinations in Romania, packed with interesting sites:

    “I’m referring, first of all, to the caves, many of which are accessible to visitors.  We also have a network of more technical caves that can only be visited with a guide and with special caving equipment. There is also a number of Via Ferrata routes, a rafting course, and many areas for practicing cyclotourism and mountain biking. The  rocky sides of Pădurea Craiului are perfect for rock climbing. Tourist can also go hiking and educational trails are available to children, as well as adults. Last but not least, the area is good for mountain running, for which we have a developed infrastructure and, lately, the horse-back riding business has also developed a little, so there’s also that for tourists. It’s important to note that the area is also suitable for relaxation, whether it’s in the garden of a local guesthouse, often a traditional house that has been restored, or in a tent on glamping sites and campsites.”

    A Via Ferrata route means climbing rock walls, stepping on metal pieces, firmly fixed in the rock, secured with specific equipment, by a metal cable. In short, maximum adventure with minimum risks. The Via Ferrata routes in Pădurea Craiului offer challenging experiences to both beginners and the most experienced. Viorel Lascu, cave diver and mountaineer, tells us more about the history of the via ferrata trails:

    “The history of the Via Ferrata dates back to the Second World War, when Italian troops had to cross from one side of the mountain to the other. They created iron steps with cable. After the war, they started to be used as tourist trails. Thus, from one place to another, the Via Ferrata route was developed. In recent years, it has become very popular. We have designed routes in this area, many for professionals, but the number of professional climbers has decreased, there are not so many anymore. However, the Via Ferrata area can be accessible to everyone who is fit enough and has a minimum of training. You don’t have to be a professional. Next to those iron steps, there is a cable we call “the cable of life”. It starts from the bottom, from the beginning of the route, to the exit of the route. For their own protection, tourists wishing to go on Via Ferrata must have a harness with silencer, silencer, helmet and, if they want to, gloves.”

    At the start of the trails, you will also find a small QR code. By scanning it with your phone, you’ll find out all the details. It’s something that helps the tourists, cave diver and mountaineer Viorel Lascu says. There are many trails, of various degrees of difficulty, for advanced, beginners, but also for children.

    “We have a trail, for example, made before the two professional tracks, called Piticot. It’s for children, and it’s 20 meters high at most. I see the parents standing on the sidelines and cheering them on, but they don’t realise that 20 meters is a lot. It’s as high as a four-story building. But gradually you start to get used to it. Those who finished the small routes a few years ago have already moved on to the big ones. The big ones reach heights of 40, 60, 80 meters. The vast majority of routes are approximately 150 meters long. Each Via Ferrata route is different, because the rock is different. All are beautiful, all must be tried. We’ve noticed that there are already people who want to experience all Via Ferrata routes in Romania.”

    Pădurea Craiului is also crossed by a European route of wooden churches, says Paul Iacobaș, manager of the Center for Protected Areas and Sustainable Development:

    “We are specifically referring to two historical monuments: the wooden church in Beznea and the wooden church in Valea Crișului, both located near Crișul Repede, in the northern part of the area and easily accessible. But there are others. For example, there is still a wooden church in the northern area at Josani, in the village of Măgești. There are also churches in the southern part. Even if they are not that valuable, because they are not listed as a historical monument, they are very interesting because of the architecture and the paintings inside, the age and the fact that they have lasted for so long.”

    On the page of the ecotourism destination padureacraiului.ro, you will find detailed information on all tourist activities available in the area, both above and beneath the ground.

  • Nature and Tradition: Țara Făgărașului

    Nature and Tradition: Țara Făgărașului

     

    The Fagaras Mountains are unique in Europe, with their uninterrupted span of ​​forests and healthy and diverse wildlife. It is an area with an interesting history, with a variety of landforms and with a multitude of local cultures, as we learn from Victoria Donos, head of communication and communities with the “Conservation Carpathia” Foundation.

     

    Victoria Donos: “Geographically, it is spread out on a strip of land. From east to west, it is 82 km long, with the width varying between 12 and 19 km. It includes parts of the Brasov and Sibiu counties. In terms of landforms, apart from the Fagaras Mountains there is a vast amphitheatre, opening to the north towards the Olt flood plain and the Hârtibaci plateau. The Fagaras Fortress is located here, there are old communities once inhabited by Saxons or with still strong Saxon communities, and lots of traditions. It is a special area, well worth exploring and getting known.”

     

    The first stop on our virtual journey is in the village of Mândra, home to the very special Museum of Canvases and Stories.

     

    Victoria Donos “This is where you will learn about the history of this village, the history of the emigration of this community to the United States during the interwar period, and how people have returned and built houses with the money they earned there. If you are interested in meeting craftsmen, I would advise you to stop by Mr. Sorin Petrișor, in the village of Ucea. He is a great enthusiast of old customs. His house is a living museum, where activities that once happened in the homes of Romanian peasants still take place, from weaving to baking bread. He also runs a locally sourced eatery, so if you make an appointment you can also eat a traditional meal. You can continue your journey to Avrig, where the local library hosts weekly gatherings. Nothing is staged, the women in the community meet here and work, do handicrafts, and tell stories. Things are very natural and it is very nice that women take their traditional dresses and come dressed in folk costumes to these gatherings. Also here, in Avrig, you can meet Adrian David, a traditional peasant shoe maker. He is a young man, under 30, and he fell in love with this profession. He repurposed a room in his house into a museum and also teaches this craft to the students of the local Arts and Crafts School.”

     

    Țara Făgărașului is just a part of a much larger area around the Fagaras Mountains. The entire area is so interesting that every year it is celebrated in a festival. Fagaras Fest is a festival of the mountains and the people of the Fagaras Mountains, says Victoria Donos, head of communication and communities with the “Conservation Carpathia” Foundation.

     

    Victoria Donos: “The festival was organised for five editions in another community around the Fagaras Mountains, from the north to the south of the Fagaras Mountains. This year, we want to stop in a community that will permanently host the festival, because we believe that this festival can have an even greater economic impact on people’s lives, and at the same time become a tradition for a place in Fagaras Country or another community around the Fagaras Mountains. We are running a competition, to which 35 communities from around the Făgăraș Mountains, in the counties of Argeș, Brașov, Sibiu and Vâlcea have been invited to take part. This week we will assess all the projects we have received. In a first stage, we will shortlist 3 communities to visit, because it is very important for us to see the place, to assess the openness of the community, the tourist sites and how local people can get involved in organising this festival.”

     

    The latest 2 editions were also attended by foreign tourists, who appreciated above all the wealth of experiences that this festival offers:

     

    Victoria Donos: “They were surprised to see how many guided tours there were. For example, we had guided tours focusing on birds, insects, bats, the forest, wildlife. Together with Salvamont, the mountain rescue service, we went on some trails in the forest and discovered some more special places. Then, some tourists camped out in a tent, others stayed in guest houses in the area. All accommodations units were booked within a radius of 50 km. I remember the surprise and pleasure with which those foreign tourists talked about the guest houses that preserved the authentic spirit of the place. They spoke very nicely about the houses in Porumbacu, about the meals they were offered, about the items they saw there and about the hosts. Interactions with the hosts are very important.”

     

    Another programme of the Conservation Carpathia Foundation is to create tourist packages that include various experiences in Țara Făgărașului and around the Făgăraș Mountains, in general. Victoria Donos, head of communication and communities:

     

    Victoria Donos “For example, we have Mrs. Viorica Olivotto, from Ușoara, who sews traditional blouses and who is a living human treasure. It is very good for more people to know her, to take part in the workshops that she organises for tourists and, why not, tourists may leave small contributions so that she can carry on. Then, in the town of Lisa, there are small whirlpools that are a UNESCO treasure, and where a family continues a tradition of several hundred years. It is good for tourists to know about them, to include them in their visits to Romania.”

     

    Țara Făgărașului remains a fairy-tale destination, where authentic traditions and spectacular landscapes intertwine. It is the perfect place for those seeking the tranquillity of nature and rural charm. (AMP)

  • Tourist Timisoara

    Tourist Timisoara

    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)

  • The Dornas Country, a fairy-tale destination

    The Dornas Country, a fairy-tale destination

    We’re exploring, today, an area where nature is one of its main assets. We’re heading towards a destination with a legendary name: the Dornas Country. It is an eco-tourism destination inviting those interested to experience a kind of responsible tourism, by means of which visitors experiment local nature and culture. As early as the 19th century, the area has compelled recognition thanks to its special scenery and unique atmosphere.

    Mihaela Cocîrță is a destination manager with the Dornas Country Destination Management Organization. She will now be telling us why the entire area has compelled recognition as a fairy-tale destination.

    “Nature harmoniously blends into everything related to traditions, to the locals’ hospitality, to customs and traditions, culture and way beyond that. All that offers visitors an experience to remember, irrespective of the season. For instance, as we speak, we’ re still in the winter season and, even though the time of the winter holidays customs and traditions has come to an end, the Dornas Country still waits for visitors on the ski slopes.

    Those who are into rather more relaxing activities, we suggest you take a ride with the chair lift, capable of offering a special bird-s eye view of the town of Vatra Dornei, but also of the Dornas Country. Furthermore, the Dornas Country also offers relaxation options for those who, after an eventful day in the mountains, want to relax in the SPA or Wellness centers.

    So we got the newest resort opened, Dorna Candrenilor, offering relaxation options, such as shallow, long-course swimming pools, easily accessible to all categories of visitors. “

    By all means, the activity on the ski slopes depends on the weather outside. As we speak, the destination manager with the Dornas Country Destination Management Organization. Mihaela Cocîrță, told us the Parc Slope was open. But what is the area’s complete offer?

    “ We have three categories of ski slopes and I will mention them to you. We have the Parc ski slope with a length of 900 meters and an angle of 28.5 degrees. It has a level difference of 150 meters, with a medium level of difficulty. Also, we have the Poienita slope, also known as Parc 2, with a length of 550 meters and a level difference of 50 meters. It is perfect for children and for beginners since it has a low level of difficulty.

    Then there is the Veverița (Squirrel) slope, with a length of 780 meters and a level difference of 200 meters, it also has a medium level of difficulty. Of course, all slopes are floodlit, they have snow cannons and a wide range of cable transportation facilities. There are centers where you can rent skis, snowboards, all sorts of equipment, clothing included, yet there are also monitors for those who have not used skis so far or for those who want to be reminded the correct ski posture.

    It is very important for the people who come to the slope to have the appropriate behaviour so as to avoid accidents. Apart from the slope activities proper, tourists can also go on a sleigh ride since there are dedicated areas for that, or they can skate in the skating rink lying two minutes away from the ski slope. “

    At the foot of the ski slopes there are restaurants and chalets offering tourists coming to the Dornas Country the opportunity to relax over cup of mulled wine or a cup of hot tea. They can also enjoy, of course, the local, natural products, famous for being so delicious. In the evening, they can have a good time in the Dorna Candrenilor resort, where they can enjoy sauna and moments of relaxation.

    Moreover, in the resort of Vatra Dornei, there are many restaurants, while quite a few of them, in the peak period, stage parties or relaxing evenings for tourists. As for the active tourism, it goes with cultural tourism quite all right. In Dornas Country we can embark upon a true tradition-discovering journey.

    “The Dornas Country is very rich in crafts, in traditions and customs. We still have people who have kept the legacy that was handed down to them by their ancestors. We can speak about spring a little bit, as Easter is drawing near. At that time of the year, there are quite a few ladies who still paint eggs. They paint them or they weave them. These ladies are also present at Vatra Dornei’s Ethnographic Museum in every Saturday, in a traditional evening. Then they sow the embroidered peasant blouses, yet at Easter time they paint eggs as well.

    Ciocănești has been declared an open-air commune museum for a couple of years now. There, the craftswomen have opted for preserving that custom of egg painting, there even is a Museum of the Painted Eggs we recommend every time to those who visit the Dornas Country, if they want to have a glimpse of the essence of the traditions we have in our own area. Some of these eggs are even a hundred years old. “

    Germany, England, Scotland, Australia or Mexico are just some of the places of origin of the foreign tourists who travel to Dornas Country. For Romanian tourists and for the foreign ones alike, the Dornas Country Destination Management Organization has also been working on several projects of setting up leisure areas, soon to be materialized.

    Every season has its own charm here, and that’s for sure. Adding to the charm are the seasonal dishes. A destination manager with the Dornas Country Destination Management Organization, Mihaela Cocîrță, recommends that we also pick our stay in Dornas Country in the summer of autumn.
    “With us, there is a very beautiful and very eventful period, rich in sports events, but not only that. We say that in the food of Dornas Country visitors will find a great deal of passion, mastery and authentic taste. If, for instance, a tourist turns up in autumn, he is sure to find everything related to vegetables hotchpotch and preserves prepared by housewives. Also, again during autumn, they can have a taste of such dishes as the apple pie.

    They can pick the apples and, if they find accommodation in an agri-tourism guesthouse, they can join their hosts in the preparation of those dishes and can also take the recipes back home with them. At this time of the year, in winter, we have special food, mainly meat or fish-based, of course, we have the all too familiar minced meat cabbage rolls, meat jellies or aspic.

    The food is absolutely yummy and locally produced. I was lucky enough to meet foreign tourists constantly, also because Via Transilvanica crosses Vatra Dornei. There is a route attracting a great many foreign tourists who keep saying the same thing: ’ You don’t know what richness you have here, in your region.’ They appreciate the natural scenery, a lot, but also the architecture.

    The Dornas Country used to be under Austrian-Hungarian administration, while quite a few of the region’s iconic buildings, which shaped our region, were built in the Austro-Hungarian time. Therefore, the unspoiled nature, tying in with the architecture, the traditions and the customs make it a special place, held in high esteem by tourists. “

    Germany, England, Scotland, Australia or Mexico are just some of the places of origin of the foreign tourists who travel to Dornas Country. For Romanian tourists and for the foreign ones alike, the Dornas Country Destination Management Organization has also been working on several projects of setting up leisure areas, soon to be materialized.

  • Winter holiday in Buzau

    Winter holiday in Buzau

    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.

  • 2024 Travel Retrospective

    2024 Travel Retrospective

    We traveled together to various destinations as we wanted to cover as wide a range of tastes as possible. We went to the highest mountains in Romania, we talked about craftsmen and artisans, ancient villages, and we also visited famous castles. We presented options for spa treatment in traditional centers in Romania as well as the resorts on the Romanian Black Sea Coast.

     

    We opened the travel series from 2024 just 161 kilometers from Bucharest, in Brașov, the city at the foot of the Tâmpa mountains. Known for the Black Church, the largest Gothic-style religious edifice in South-Eastern Europe, for its streets with a medieval atmosphere and for its many restaurants and clubs, the city can be the ideal city-break destination. We then headed to Iași, a former capital of the province of Moldavia for almost 300 years. Also in eastern Romania, we discovered the beauties of the Trotuș Valley, among which the Ghika Palace from Comănești, built in 1890 after blueprints by the architect Albert Galleron, who built the Romanian Athenaeum and the building of the National Bank of Romania. We also visited the Peleș and Pelișor castles in a special feature dedicated to the city of Sinaia, the summer residence of the Romanian royal family from 1887 until 1947. We then stopped at the ski and snowboard slopes of the Bușteni mountain resort. We talked about the offers for winter sports lovers, and also about the biggest and most valuable monument of the resort, unique in the country: the Cross of the Heroes of the Nation, built between 1926-1927, under the care of Her Majesty, Queen Marie. We ended the winter season with the cultural-tourist route of open-air museums in Romania, developed at the national level and recognized by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism, a route launched in Romania given the large number of tourists who showed interest in these objectives.

     

    In the first week of spring, we discovered that Buzău county earned the name “little Romania”, due to the diversity of forms of relief found there. We got to know this picturesque area better which is full of legends. Then, we traveled with the ‘mocănița’, a narrow-gauge steam train, maintained by volunteers, which connects the tourist hub of Sibiu with the rural communities of the Hârtibaciu Valley. From the center of Romania, we headed to one of the oldest spa resorts in Europe, attested around the year 150. Located in southwestern Romania, the Băile Herculane resort offers a varied range of treatment procedures. In addition to the special therapeutic quality of the mineral waters, the strongly ionized air balances the nervous system and ensures a restful sleep. From here, we took you to the fortress of Alba Carolina. In Alba-Iulia, tourists are fascinated by the history of the largest Vauban fortification in Romania. Its aspect of a seven-pointed star also means seven huge bastions, which can still be seen today. We didn’t forget about Harghita, the family-friendly county, where there is an animal petting park. Contact with animals can be therapeutic, and, in this park, you can find deer, Icelandic horses and rabbits. From the center of Romania, we set off on the “Gates of Transylvania” cultural-tourist route. It has a length of 1,141 km, and the more than 100 tourist sites with cultural value, included in this program, can be visited by car within 16 days. Last but not least, the invitation to celebrate Easter was in the north of Romania, in Bukovina and Maramureș. The Corvini Castle, the best-preserved monument of Gothic, civil and military architecture in central and southeastern Europe, was our proposal at the beginning of May. Located in western Romania, the imposing construction is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. Then we returned to Bucharest where we learned about three unique tours: Communism versus monarchy, the Old Town and Dracula, the Old Town and communism.

     

    At the beginning of the summer, we learned that the Romanian Black Sea Coast changes for the better from year to year. We have presented you with some of the newest hotels and investments, which are supposed to ensure a pleasant vacation. We also dedicated a feature to the only seaside resort in Romania with mineral, sulphurous and mesothermal springs: Mangalia. From here, we headed to the Danube Delta, where we presented you with a form of tourism that is friendly to the environment: sustainable or ecological tourism. On the other hand, the Danube Delta is also part of the “Golden Apples” cultural-tourist route, as we learned from another feature. This includes destinations such as Bukovina, Mărginimea Sibiului, Târgu Jiu and Oradea. The destinations are awarded the “Golden Apple” trophy by the International Federation of Travel Journalists and Writers. The Story of Wine and speleological tourism in the Anina Mountains were the next proposals, after which we stopped on the road located at the highest altitude in Romania: Transalpina. Towards the end of the year, we talked about active tourism. This form of tourism attracts more and more visitors to Romania due to the spectacular landscapes and the diversity of outdoor activities. The Carpathian Mountains are a favorite destination for hiking, climbing and bouldering, with routes of all levels of difficulty. Last but not least, we spent the winter holidays, one by one, in the Banat mountains and in Maramureș.

     

    The year 2025 promises to be at least as interesting and full of travels. We are waiting for you to join us again in the new year to get to know holiday destinations, interesting projects, unique places and welcoming people. A Happy New Year! (LS)

  • Surprising Romania

    Surprising Romania

    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!

  • Christmas in Romania

    Christmas in Romania

    The celebration of Christmas is one of the year’s most popular and most eagerly-awaited celebrations. It is a time of traditions and customs, handed down from one generation to the next. The carol, the adorned fir tree, the episodes with religious motifs and the lavish meals are something usual all-around Romania, far and wide, mainly in the rural regions, there where customs and traditions are best preserved.

    Located in northern Romania, Maramures is one of the most sought-after regions for people to spend the winter holidays. Our stopover today is an area made of twelve authentic villages, lying along the valleys of rivers Mara and Cosau; they are somehow embraced by the Gutai Mountains. The twelve villages make the Eco Maramures Destination. Welcoming us is manager Edi Pop.

    “These authentic villages entice visitors to spend their winter holidays there. What does that mean? It just means visitors are enticed to be part of the village life. Tourists are expected, for Christmas and the winter holidays, to find out more about the local traditions and customs. There are a great many traditions that have still been preserved. There are those dishes typical for the winter holidays which the hosts prepare them with utmost care.

    Since we are in a ecotourism destination and activities in nature are those we mainly offer for tourists, we invite them, the very moment they come to spend their winter holidays in the villages of Maramures, to take a walk along the streets of the village.

    We invite them to discover the uniqueness of the place, to discover the wood civilization, the local architecture inside the villages and discover the hay culture in the villages’ surrounding areas. We shall find those hayfields, with hundreds of haystacks scattered there, which, at wintertime, create a fairy-tale scenery. “

    At Christmas time, the old wooden churches become the main attraction of the Maramures village. Locals and tourists alike head towards the beautiful religious edifices with tall steeples.

    “It is practically the main activity or attraction for tourists. They are invited to take part, alongside locals, in everything related to observing customs and traditions during the winter holidays. And they, if they turn up a little bit earlier as part of their Christmas package, can take part in pig slaughter on December 20 on Saint Ignatius feast.

    The most interesting are Christmas and Christmas Eve since on the Eve of Christmas all houses are floodlit, all gates are open, children and youngsters go a- caroling from one house to the next, announcing Nativity. It is only after that when the Christmas celebration begins. They are rewarded, by the hosts, with Hogmanays, nuts and apples because until the Morning Star rises in the sky, the Maramures villages still observe Advent.

    Everybody in the village dresses in traditional apparel. The tourists who are in their holiday destination are being dressed by the locals in traditional clothes and are asked to join them for the Nativity mass. There are loads of activities tourists can do at the end of the year. If we’re lucky enough to have snow, the horse-drawn sleighs are quite trendy. If we do not have snow, sleighs are being replaced by the wagons taking tourist to fairy-tale places, Maramures is beautiful with snow, yet it is also beautiful without snow. “

    And, in all that dream scenery, standing out are the finely-carved gates, the fences of the house, all made of wood. With details on that, here is Eco Maramures destination manager, Edit Pop.

    “The wood civilization or the story of wood, just as we’re wrapped it as part of a tourist offer, is somehow the cultural spine of the destination. Wood has been the raw matter at hand, of course, in the villages of yore. Of wood were made both the houses and the outhouses, of wood were made the carved gates. Of wood was made the braided fence and also of wood were made the churches, which make the cultural attraction of the villages in the destination.

    Every village has a wooden church or there also are a couple of villages that have even two churches. We have very many tourists from the Nordic countries, from the United States, Australia, Israel. I don’t know how that happens, but there are quite a few of them, who come to get acquainted with Europe, and Maramures is never left out. They are fascinated with village life, there isn’t a single thing about which you can say they do not like. It is that spirit foo the place. It is a way of life, the way of life of the Maramures village that has still preserved its uniqueness.”

    About the warm atmosphere of the winter holidays in Maramures, we also found out more from Father Valeriu Mircea Vana.

    “There are also specific events. The Customs and Traditions Festival in Sighetu Marmației has reached its 55th edition. It is held in the this day of Christmas. Also, each guesthouse, but also the public authority, because they collaborate, try to offer joy since it is a celebration of family and of joy, a cozy atmosphere where people also take part in traditions, and everybody enjoys the culinary delicatessen.

    Apart from that, there also is a part saved for the soul, the authentic part, the clean part. And that comes as an extra, apart from the visiting of the assets, as there are also cultural objectives, museums, wooden churches, the eight churches included in the UNESCO heritage list, the monasteries, and Maramures puts on its feast clothing. By all means, those who come will not regret it, but for that, they need to get in touch with people who are in the know, with specialists, if they want their experience to be unique, in a positive way. “

    We also found out, from Father Valeriu Mircea Vana, about how important craftsmen are, at a time of celebration.

    “Craftsmen are present as part of the holiday tourist packages. Not only is it important for us to participate in the show, but also we need to experiment, to carve a saucer ourselves. Here we have the art of weaving, the art of carving, the art of glass painting, the Dacian ceramic. You can take part on various workshops, for instance, in pottery-making workshops, not at professional level, though, but we can experiment. What we do, everyone of us, looks interesting, beautiful and we take this gift with us, back home.

    After we pay a visit to a monastery of the UNESCO world heritage list, we move on to the interactive side, irrespective of the age. Children and adults alike, but also the elderly, can participate in a glass painting workshop. After that, we can get to know the cuisine, as well as the traditional outfit, as man’s relationship with the divine has always been eternal. We can thus find the motifs, the colours with their own symbolism. “

    In Maramures you can also opt for accommodation in traditional houses, preserved just as they were over a hundred years ago. The interiors are specific while the windows are small, with the window frames made of wood. They are decorated with interior objects manufactured by the local craftsmen. They can be visited but they can also accommodate tourists, being examples of local initiative.

  • Winter holidays in Banat

    Winter holidays in Banat

    Caraș-Severin County, located in the southwest of Romania, is a multicultural place and the site of unique tourist attractions. Its mountainous area is truly fascinating, especially around the winter holidays, boasting charming villages, old water mills, which are still in operation, as well as skiing facilities.

    Dan Mirea, the manager of the Centre for traditional culture creation and promotion in Caraș Severin, says that this part of Banat can be the perfect destination for the winter holidays.

    “Some big cities in Romania have understood that Christmas celebrations must be like those in Europe. What is happening right now in Craiova, Sibiu and other big cities is proof of the fact that we are trying to align ourselves with the latest trends in cultural tourism and religious tourism, because these holidays are all abut bringing families and people together. The area known as Banatul Montan covers the mountains of Banat surrounded by various tourist resorts. These include Semenic and, especially, Văliug, a resort that has reinvented itself in the last ten years. The place now boasts over 30 guesthouses. For the last several years, tourists have come here in large numbers. Right now, in Văliug, hotels are 100% full, and that’s because of the skiing. Văliug has some of the best slopes in western Romania and it attracts lots of tourists. In the past they used to come mainly from Romania, but for the last two or three years, we’ve also had tourists from abroad coming here for the ski slopes.”

    EU funds have been channelled to the area, and now there are countless possibilities for visitors wishing to spend their Christmas holidays in these parts. Dan Mirea, the manager of the Centre for traditional culture creation and promotion in Caraș Severin tells us hotels are fully booked. Investments were also made in Muntele Mic massif. Let’s find out more:

    “There was a lot of talk about the ski slope there and now, this slope is also undergoing modernisation work. The two slopes, on Mount Semenic and Muntele Mic, will most certainly attract a lot of winter sports lovers in the near future. In the last three years, I myself have spent New Year’s Eve right up there, in Văliug, up the mountain, because there is a wonderful atmosphere. There are also special villages there. For example, the famous Gărâna, which is mostly known for hosting the International Jazz Festival. There are over 30 guesthouses there. Gărâna is a village with German origins, which has developed a lot in recent years, and in the last two years, I spent New Year’s Eve and Christmas holidays in Gărâna, in the guesthouses there and on the ski slope. Two years ago, I actually spent New Year’s Eve on the ski slope.”

    “Banat is leading the way”, says Dan Mirea, quoting an old Romanian saying. He explains that the local authorities in this region take tourism promotion very seriously. The Caraș-Severin County Council has even set up a team that will be dedicated exclusively to the promotion of the area and to attracting tourists:

    Track: “I think this old saying obliges us to put the spotlight on our past to tourists and visitors to Banatul. We are very good hosts in these parts and we have a lot of attractions. These include the Semenic Mountains and the Danube Gorges, areas which have developed a lot. While in winter it’s the mountains that are the biggest attraction, during summer, every place in the Danube Gorges, all the way to the border with  Mehedinți county, is fully booked, especially with foreign tourists. The area boasts that spectacular place where the Danube flows into the sea cutting through mountains. It attracts tourists who come from much further than Europe, as well as many Romanians who live abroad. Banat has the biggest ethnic German community in Romania, but there is also an ethnic Hungarian community, not to mention some who went abroad before 1989 but have since returned and started businesses in Banat.”

    The biggest attraction in the Danube Gorges is the likeness of the Dacian king Decebalus, carved in stone. It is 55 meters high and 25 meters wide. To help you imagine the size of the statue, let us just say that it is only six meters shorter than the Statue of Liberty in New York, eight meters taller than the statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro and ten meters taller than the Colossus of Rhodes. It is the tallest stone sculpture in Europe. Very close to the famous statue of Decebalus, lies the Băile Herculane spa resort, says Dan Mirea, the manager of the Centre for traditional culture creation and promotion in Caraș Severin:

    “Many historic buildings in Baile Herculane have been renovated. There are many projects and European investments in this resort, the Karlovy Vary of Romania. This year, the Hercules Festival took place in the new fully renovated summer theatre, and every day we had over 3,000 people coming from all over Romania and abroad to see the beauties of Banat. But there is still a lot more to be done and Baile Herculane is still a challenge for the local authorities. But things are looking up, not in small part thanks to the town’s mayor. He has understood the need to restore the town to its former glory, a town that used to host Princess Sisi and the elite of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for their holidays. There are thermal waters here and hotels from the time of Austria-Hungary, as well as the house where Maria Theresa lived, and the original furniture is still there.”

    The attractions of the mountainous part of Banat also include a park of water mills, unique in Europe, included on the UNESCO heritage list and restored in the early 2000s by the Astra Museum in Sibiu, using European funds. The mills are located in the village of Eftimie Murgu and are still operational. No less fascinating is Ineleț, a hamlet high up in the mountains and which can only be reached by vertical wooden stairs. Due to the difficult access, the village still looks like a hundred years ago.

  • Active tourism in Romania

    Active tourism in Romania

    Active tourism attracts a growing number of visitors in Romania, thanks to the spectacular scenery and the diversity of the outdoor activities on offer. The Carpathian Mountains are a perfect destination for trekking, climbing and escalade, with trails marked for all levels of difficulty.

    Those who are into cycling can explore the mountain routes, Transylvania’s picturesque roads or can head towards wine cellars on two wheels. In winter, the ski resorts attract lovers of snow sports. Active tourism is also a perfect way to discover natural beauties and local traditions.

    Ana Voican creates and promotes active tourism packages in Romania. She also organizes events dedicates to all those who love active tourism.

    “ I’d say Romania is a very generous offer in the area of active tourism. Firsi off, we have an extraordinary geographical diversity enabling us to get to know active Romania all throughout the year. In thr spring, in the summer, in autumn, in winter, any time you want, there’s a lot for you to do, you’ve got a lot to choose from, while the areas you can go to are very generous to that end. Until the first snow falls, we can, as early as December 1st we can opt for cycling to Dealu Mare, for instance, nearby Bucharest, where we can visit the wine cellars.

    We can pick up an easy route, 20-kilometer long, at an altitude no highest than 200 meters, so it is suitable for adults but also for children. We can visit the objectives in the area, but we can also have a stopover at the wine cellars, to sample the wine, to enjoy the brunches and the parties together with friends and family. “

    As soon as the first layer of snow sets in, resorts are the perfect destination for those who are into winter sports. There are roughly 300 homologated ski slopes in Romania, so the offer is extremely generous.

    “As of December 1st the ski slopes are open, so we start skiing, snowboarding. We can opt for the Prahova Valley resorts, but also also for Straja, Paltinis, where usually all throughout the winter season parties are being staged, original contests open for all the people who are into doing such sports. But the best thing is that we have parties at daytime but also in the evening, for all those who, at night, want to enjoy the sight of the ski slopes.

    In resorts across Romania we can enjoy traditions, the adorning of the fir tree, we can listen to carols, we can welcome Santa Claus. However, during the day, we can take trailing routes and thus get to know the objectives of the respective region. We appreciated a lot and promoted the packages that also offer SPA relaxation options.

    And at this point I should like to mention Herculane Spa, Govora Spa, Felix Spa, as, apart from this SPA side, with jacuzzi, therapies, they can go on a trailing route in the nature reserves, they can do bird watching, they can watch the fauna of the season, also relax through doing a bit of power walk they can of course blend into the relaxation side. “

    And, if we want to do some exercise when we are on a family holiday, Romania also comes up with offers to that end. With more on that, here is Ana Voican, a promoter of active tourism and an events organizer.

    „It is the area I hold most dear: active tourism. I should go, as we speak, to Balvanyos Resort, for instance and I should choose as there I have access to four-star facilities. However, I also access to the SPA area, indoor or outdoor swimming pools. I can also go with the family, with my two children and also make the most of the scenery in the region. We can also go sledging, we can also do outdoor activities usually staged at the time of the winter holidays. So the whole range of activities is very well-defined, actually.

    Spring is the season of the bicycle rides and of trekking, but also the season of events. TRACK „Also, we begin practicing water sports, rafting, kayak, and we can put them all together in a package, and then summer also comes. For the summer, we prepared a festival for families and children. It happens on Whitsuntide over June 6 and 9 in Buzau Mountains. For two days running, we’re going to camp, we’re going to live under the sky full of start, in tents, in caravans, we’re also going to gave glamping accommodation, little houses and we shall do lots of outdoor activities.

    We ‘re going to cut ourselves off from the hubbub of the city a little bit and we’re going to relax in the middle of nature, together with the children, where we seek connection, with nature, but also with the family, through activities boy scouts only do, we get to know nature, we survive in nature and we have fun as well.

    We shall stage creative workshops, educational workshops, we shall look at the stars and we shall see the constellations, we’re going to have campfires with live concerts. There are a great many things we can appreciate and put to good use and I think it is high time we considered such experiences as well. “

    Via Transilvanica, the road that unites, is a long-distance tourist trail, 1, 400 kilometer-long, cutting across Romania. It is destined to walking, bicycle riding or taking it on horseback. The route is signaled with painted marking signs, indicator poles, while marking each one-kilometer distance is an individually sculpted andesite milestone. They are highly likely to make the world’s longest art gallery, accompanying travelers all along their trailing route.

    Ana Voican:

    “I should like us to focus, a little bit, on a highly appreciated project, which is well worth mentioning in all these talks where experiences are highlighted. I’m speaking about Via Transilvanica, where a lot has been invested in marking the itinerary, which can be walked as a trail route, but also as a cycling route, in some of its segments. It is absolutely breathtaking and is worth visiting since it offers a complete image about Romania, which can be crossed by foot.

    I interacted with the foreign tourists. The first thing they answer, to the question why have you chosen Romania as your destination is because Romania is wild, wild Romania. They have access to animals they can see not only on TV or through, but they can see with their own eyes when they take our trails. They are literally surprised with how many things they can see, things they cannot otherwise see in the countries they come from. “

    Ana Voican, a promoter of active tourism in Romania and an event organizer, tells us most of the tourists who opt for active tourism offers in Romani come from the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany Spain and United States. In the digital era, when we are surrounded by screens, everybody appreciates the reconnection with nature.

  • Romania’s Travel Fair – fall edition

    Romania’s Travel Fair – fall edition

    Organized twice every year, Romania’s Travel Fair is the biggest local event devoted to the tourism industry. Year after year, the most beautiful tourist areas in Romania are promoted by tourism associations and local public administrations. Over November 21-24, visitors had access to a wide range of promotional packages, exclusive discounts and ideas for holidays fitting all tastes and budgets.

     

    Neamț County Council was represented jointly with its partners, the Târgu Neamț City Hall and the “Hai la Piatra” Piatra Neamț Destination Management Organization. Mona Ţigănuş, the Head of Neamț County Tourism Administration told us more.

     

    “We really want to promote the wealth of resources of our county online, but also here physically, at the Travel Fair. As always, we come up with new offers. This time we brought to Bucharest the picturesque and historical Neamț. It is our nomination for the travel destination of 2024. It was highly voted and appreciated by the public. This time, we brought, for example, folk customs from Borlești, with our colleagues baking goodies right in front of the visitors, who are welcome to take part themselves, if they like. We’ve brought along the folk craftsman Ionela Lungu, who recreates Ion Creangă’s characters, modeling them in clay and presenting traditional objects made of sculpted wood”.

     

    Ionela Lungu, a folk craftsman, always ready to tell stories about the protagonists in Ion Creangă’s stories, says that tourists were very receptive.

     

    “I came with Păcală, Moș Ion Roată, represented as hand-shaped huma sticks. I was invited to this travel fair to represent Neamț County as a folk craftsman. I realized that stories can also be ambassadors of the Neamț area, because anyone passing by the stand, and not necessarily Romanians, even foreigners who had come from neighboring stands, Bulgaria, India or Turkey, stopped and asked me about them, saying they were very nice. I liked their reaction, but I told them that, in fact, although they are characters from stories, because I live two houses away from Ion Creangă’s house and they somehow resemble my relatives, in fact, all these characters are us, Romanians. At a certain point, we were either Dănilă Prepeleac or Aunt Mărioara. We all experienced the events described by the storyteller, each at a time”.

     

    Ana Voican deals with active tourism in Romania and the organization of events in this segment. She told us that Romania is a very attractive destination from this point of view, through its extraordinary geographical diversity. Moreover, there are year-round opportunities to learn more about active Romania.

     

    “Whenever you want, you can find something to do and to choose from. The areas you can go to are very attractive in this regard. In winter, we look for snow sports opportunities, but not only that. Until the first snowfall of the year, we can still choose bike tours in Dealul Mare, for example, near Bucharest, where we can visit wineries. We can opt for an easy route, 20 km, with an altitude difference of 200 meters, therefore, suitable for both adults and children. We visit objectives of the area, but we can also stop at wineries, for a tasting session, to enjoy brunches and parties with friends and family. Starting December 1, the slopes are expected to open, so we start skiing and snowboarding. We can head to resorts on Prahova Valley, but also to Straja and Păltiniș, where parties and very unique competitions are usually organized throughout the winter season, which address all consumers of such sports. We organize parties both during the day and in the evening, for those who want to enjoy the view of the slopes at night. In our resorts in Romania, we can enjoy both traditions and the decorated Christmas tree. We can listen to carols, wait for Santa Claus to come, but during the day we can go hiking and get to know the objectives of the respective area.”

     

    Alina Roșoiu, project manager at a local tourism platform, outlined some tempting offers for the winter holidays.

     

    “A three-star hotel in Vâlcea County, more precisely in the Băile Olănești area, offers accommodation with full board, the New Year’s party and activities such as nature walks and live music. There are offers for all budgets. The price of a package starts at 300 EUR for two people for a two-night stay and increases depending on the number of nights. It can reach up to 360 EUR or 400 EUR for a double room, all included. As a novelty this year, because New Year’s Eve is approaching and maybe some of us have made other plans, but we want to try something else, here is another suggestion. In the Danube Gorges area, a New Year’s Eve is organized according to the old calendar, with Serbian traditions, in a three-star guesthouse, with a campfire, with spit roasts, trails on Ciucaru Mare mountain, with activities such as treasure hunts. Rates here start at 780 EUR. Also, everything is included, both accommodation, the meals and the party, the event with DJ, dances and various workshops that the accommodation unit organizes for future guests”.   (VP)