Radio România Internațional

Category: Traveller’s Guide

  • Jiu Gorges National Park

    Jiu Gorges National Park

    Situated in the southwest of Romania, the Jiu Gorges National Park is remarkable among national parks in Romania due to minimal human intervention in nature. The wilderness here is what impresses all tourists who arrive here. Because it has not had the benefit of intense promotion, the number of visitors is small, but they are rewarded by fairy tale scenery and a few very interesting thematic trails.




    Marin Serban, director of the Jiu Gorges National Park administration, talked to us about it:


    “Even though the Jiu Gorges railway line is a human imprint, it is integrated in the scenery, and makes it unique. It is a beautiful pathway for tourists. Our special invitation is to take up some of the thematic and tourist circuits inside the park. This brings you closer to nature, and develops the passion for it. Our park has a surface of almost 11,000 ha. Since its inception, human activity has been reduced to a minimum. These lands are not often tread upon, the relief is always up and down, but you can take some paths to points that offer beautiful views.”




    There are three thematic circuits in the park, as Marin Serban told us:


    “They are called Jiu Gorges and its treasure, Tales of the forest, and The Lainic Sphynx. The treasure circuit is longer, but relatively easier to navigate, and has beautiful views. It takes you to the Braicului Crest, with a spectacular view of the Parang Mountains. The Tales of the forest circuit is aimed mainly at students, whom we work a lot with. There we present the history of the place, and and what we do as the park administration. The Sphynx circuit is recently set up, and is the highlight of this natural monument. It is also easy, it can be finished in three hours. You can find all this information on our website, defileuljiului.ro. There are descriptions, and the trails are in formats that can be downloaded on mobile devices. They can be traveled at any time of the year, and necessitate minimal equipment, because we are still in the mountains. In terms of fauna, we boast adders and bears. Even though so far weve had zero incidents, we recommend tourists to proceed with caution.”


    There is a visitor center for Jiu Gorges National Park, built relatively recently, which is in the town of Bumbesti-Jiu. To help one reach it, panels have been installed, and the website has the address, so it is easy to find for everyone. Here is Marin Serban, heading the park administration:


    “This is a modern visitor center, with local specificity. We have qualified personnel that can provide you with any kind of information about the park, or the administration activities. Visiting hours are between 9:00 and 15:00, Monday through Friday. However, in the summer season, if the influx of tourists is higher, as it has been, we can extend the schedule, and keep the center open over the weekend. The visitor center is the gateway to the national park. Here we can see a scale model, a very large scale, showcasing the entire park, and highlighting places to visit. We can also provide guides for groups of tourists, we have the qualified staff for that.”




    Guides are available in English, French, German, and Hungarian. We asked Marin Serban what the reaction has been from foreign tourists:


    “They were delighted to see the simplicity of the scenery. They were glad to have very close to them, in Europe, such wild places. For instance, we were visited by a gentleman who told us he was from Australia. He told us that he heard we have here wild adders roaming free, and that he had come here to see them in their habitat. Another time, we had some students from the Netherlands who came here for internship, to study the species of snake. We could point them out as soon as they got out of the car, explaining to them that they are free and unmolested by man.”


    The Jiu Gorges National Park is known all over the world as a great place for rafting. During the season for this sport, operators from all over the country bring people here, the river is great for this activity. Here is Marin Serban:


    “In order to help visitors, we put up signs marking the rafting sectors, building a small tower and small rain shelters, for the people who reach the camping area in Lainici. We would also want to refurbish the visitor center, emphasizing interactivity, so that tourists can feel in touch with nature starting there. We also want to create another thematic circuit with emphasis on the fauna in the gorges. In addition, we are already in touch with cyclists, and we want to create two bike trails to emphasize the historical and cultural side of the Jiu Gorges National Park, which could also be used by families.”




    If there is a biking and rafting season, the circuits in the park are open year round. Our trip doesnt stop here. Next week we will be visiting the Semenic Cheile-Carasului National Park, which consists of 65,000 ha of virgin and ancient forests, which in 2016 became part of UNESCO heritage. Also here you will be able to see a rare sequoia exemplar, which has a circumference of 5.7 m, and whose age is estimated to be 200 years.

  • Romania and its breath-taking mountain scenery

    Romania and its breath-taking mountain scenery


    We’re heading, today, to one of Romania’s most spectacular
    mountain massifs, Piatra Craiului. It is the place where you can have the breath-taking
    glimpse of the chamois, officially declared nature monuments.The first step
    towards the protection of the area had officially been taken in 1938, when a
    nature reserve was founded in the region. Today we ‘re about to discover a wide
    range of tourist routes and natural attractions. All of them are accessible, since
    that mountain massif lies only 25 kilometers from the city of Brasov. Mircea Verghelet
    is the director of the park administration.

    Mircea Verghelet:

    It is one of Romania’s 13 national
    parks. In terms of surface area, the park straddles the counties of Brasov and
    Arges, lying in the vicinity of the Rucar-Bran pass, a road with a very special
    scenery. You can see the Bucegi Mountains on one side, while the Piatra Craiului
    Mountains can be seen on the other side. To the west, we have two valleys, Brasov
    County’s Barsa valley and the Dambovita river valley in Arges County. Practically,
    the Piatra Craiului National Park is surrounded
    by these two passes. The mountain is very spectacular. It is a limy ridge. It
    is Romania’s only limestone area lying at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters.
    It has a unique feature, meaning that the layers of limestone, a sedimental
    stone that was formed on the bottom of the sea, are vertically placed, as a
    result of the tectonic movements, mainly in the northern area. Normally, these
    limestone layers are found on a horizontal position. So, very spectacular forms
    of reliefs were thus formed, with steep areas, with vertical walls, with valleys
    and detritus areas.


    In
    Piatra Craiului, quite unlike other regions across the country, since hunting
    has been officially banned for almost all species, the chamois are very friendly
    with the tourists. They even take pictures of the chamois with their cellphones,
    with no strong zoom-in objectives needed. Sometimes, the chamois are four,
    maybe five meters close to the tourists. For those who can climb all the way up
    to the ridge areas, mainly in the summer, running into the chamois can be a
    great joy, and the pictures become memories they take home with them.

    The director of the Piatra Craiului National Park
    Administration, Mircea Verghelet:

    There are 44 tourists
    routes, marked and approved, with various degrees of difficulty. First, there
    are the routes surrounding the massif at its foot, in the forested areas,
    which are more accessible. Then I should like to mention the routes cutting
    across the gorges. We’ve got the limy canyons in the northern area, but also in
    the southern area. To the north we’ve got the Zarnesti precipice, an area
    famed because of its escalation opportunities as well. To the south, we’ve got
    the Dambovicioara Gorges, the Brusturet and the Dambovita Gorges. A forest road
    or public or communal roads cut across these gorges, just like in the southern
    area. The routes are more accessible down below. As we’re approaching the
    ridge, especially on the western slope, which is steeper, the routes become
    more difficult. For the summer, tourists need to have the equipment required
    for climbing: boots, raincoat, a cell phone so that they can announce the
    Mountain Rescue Services if unpredictable events occur. Then it is very important
    that they have water. In Piatra Craiului, there are no water sources in the
    ridge area. However, for the winter season, we recommend those who want to take
    the usual hiking itineraries and do not have the skills required for climbing,
    to follow only the routes at the foot of the mountain. The trails in the ridge areas
    are off-limits for the lay public.


    Before setting out on a hiking route, you should get
    info about the trail.

    Mircea Verghelet:


    You can visit our Internet
    page, at pcrai.ro, where you can search a map for the visiting itineraries. You
    can see them using Google Earth. Also, we have a printed copy of a tourist map
    you can purchase from us. Our visiting center is one of Romania’s most modern
    such centers. Its layout is that of a tourist itinerary, to be taken if you want
    to get acquainted with the Piatra Craiului massif. We’ve got lots of
    interactive gadgets as well as a map of the massif, on which various images are
    screened, that including a 3D version of the tourist routes.




    Also, all sorts of dioramas are available, structured according to various topics, flora, fauna, the history of the escalation in Piatra
    Craiului, other protected areas across Romania, insects, caves, detritus and
    suchlike. Every diorama is interactive as well and you can see a presentation and
    several photographs. Before the pandemic, we used to have roughly 7,000
    visitors a year. We hope that, after tis period, we can return to the initial
    figure. A great many of them come in the summer, from Romania but also from
    abroad. They come to get info, also seeking advice if they want to visit the
    park.


    At the moment, the Piatra
    Craiului National Park Administration has two projects, currently in their implementation
    stage, jointly carried with the other parks of the Carpathian arch belonging to
    the member countries of the Carpathian Convention.

    Mircea Verghelet:


    One of them has to do with
    the carnivores’ accessways between Piatra Craiului and Bucegi. As part of the project,
    we also had several monitoring cameras. We managed to film all species of
    carnivores, but also the other species in the park. All these takes can be
    accessed on our Facebook page, enjoying a great number of visitors. Also, right
    now we are going to initiate a project carried for the revision of the Piatra
    Craiului National Park’s management plan. This should be the third management
    plan we’ve had. We also intend to focus on birds, in the future, since the area
    has also been declared important in this respect. We invite all those who would
    like to visit a mountain region in Romania to come to Piatra Craiului, since it
    is a one-of-a-kind such area. Many people say it is the most beautiful mountain
    in the country, and beyond that. We believe that our facilities, our shelters,
    our trails, the visiting center, all that can provide a unique experience.


    We have extended out invitation to all of you. Please make
    sure you visit us next week as well, when we’re heading towards the
    south-western part of Romania. Our destination will be an area which is less
    promoted, but which is famous for its wild nature, the Jiu River Gorges National
    Park.

    (EN)


  • Ceahlau National Park

    Ceahlau National Park

    The Ceahlau National Park is a protected area of national interest, situated in northeastern Romania, in the Ceahlau Massif, spreading over 7,000 ha. In these mountains, tourists can find deep forests, alpine pastures, isolated crags, and nature monuments. You can also see a sedimentary rock mountain massif. It is a very particular formation, with rock structures shaped by water, wind, freezing and thawing, and other natural phenomena. Liviu Moscaliuc, head of office and biologist with the Ceahlau National Park Administration, told us about it:


    “There are many crags and rocks here, and they have their own legends. In addition, the park preserves a sample of mountain ecosystem typical of the Carpathian Mountains, which means that here we find forests, high pastures, and many animal species, some of them large carnivores: wolves, bobcats, bears, and wildcats. One of the main aims of the park is to promote quality tourism. In this context, we have eight marked trails, most of them going from the foot of Ceahlau mountain to its peak. There are also two connecting trails. All are properly marked, and available for any level of training. However, we advise tourists to visit us, and also take precautions typical of mountain treks: several layers of clothing, boots or sneakers suited for this, possibly with crampons, sweet foods, water, flashlight, depending on the season.”




    The mountain is visited mainly by Romanian tourists, and the number of visitors is growing by the year, according to Liviu Moscaliuc with the Ceahlau National Park administration:


    “Last year we had 70,000 paying visitors. There is a fee for trails, which is then used for park administration. By comparison, two years ago we had 50,000 visitors. We have visitor trails, and an information center in Durau, close to the mountain. There is also a visitor center in Izvorul Muntelui. It has three main rooms, with models of the crags, telling their stories. There you can find out about the legends around Ceahlau. There is a 3D cinema, and some play rooms for kids. The audio and written materials are available in English.”


    Of the total number of tourists going to Ceahlau National Park last year, two or three thousand were foreign, says Liviu Moscaliuc.


    “Generally, foreign tourists are very receptive to the advice and information they receive at our information centers. They take it very seriously, as opposed to Romanian tourists, who tend to be more independent. There were many who set up camp at the foot of the mountain, and enjoyed a few days on the trails. At the same time, some were here just in passing, going to the Ceahlau Massif, or to visit other mountains. They generally leave with a good impression. They appreciate the scenery, and the state of the trails, which are cared for by the parks administration and by Mountain Rescue.”




    The mountain resort of Durau, which is within the parks boundaries, is recommended for leisure, but also for treating fatigue, anemia, and for recovery after physical or mental effort. The main natural factor for healing is the clean air, free of dust or allergenic particles, and the high ozone atmosphere. Durau can be the starting point for a number of trips, according to Liviu Moscaliuc, our host:


    “From Durau we have a very popular trail that leads to Duruitoarea Waterfall. It is a typical waterfall for this area. Also from Durau you can reach the Fantanele Cabin, on to the Toaca Peak, the most popular and imposing peak of the massif. Along the way you have different places to stop for a rest, either viewing points, or representative crags. Up there at the Toaca Peak there is a stairway that leads to the weather station right at the top. This is a major attraction. The stairway has 519 very steep, but safe, steps. There is also the museum in Ceahlau, not too big, but fairly interesting, which displays local animals and artifacts. However, in order to explore the local artisan objects, we advise to visit the town of Targu Neamt, about 40 km away, or the city of Piatra Neamt. In that city we highly recommend a visit to the History Museum, because it showcases exhibits typical of the Cucuteni culture, also known as Tripolye culture.”




    In the village of Grinties you can attend the Festival of Haidouks, or outlaws. It is usually held in August, and is a very interesting event, where you can witness the local peasant garb and local traditions, which includes competitions in traditional crafts. As for the local community, the Ceahlau National Park administration plans to promote eco-tourism, centered on the park. Here is Liviu Moscaliuc:


    “Inside the park, we want to promote some forms of niche tourism, for people who want to isolate in the wild and get lost in nature for a few days. Also, we want to set up guided tours in the scientific reserves. There you can visit in groups of up to ten, with a guide at all times. We have some impressive scientific reserves, very interesting. For instance, we have a beautiful forest of a certain species, which can be admired from the peak, which is of great interest in October, when that species of trees changes the color of its needles and starts shedding them. It first becomes an intense orange. I remind all that the Ceahlau Mountain, being a national park, has some regulations. One of them is that visiting can be done mostly only on foot. Many people arrive here and ask how high up they can drive. Well, cars can go only up to the resorts of Durau and Izvorul Muntelui. Then they have to go pedestrian. We hope to have lots of visitors, because they have the nature and tranquility here to enjoy.”

  • On Arges Valley, on to the Fagaras Mountains

    On Arges Valley, on to the Fagaras Mountains

    In order to get easier to the highest mountain peaks in Romania, in Fagaras Mountains, one has to follow the river Arges, on the road linking Pitesti, Curtea de Arges, and Vidraru Lake, where we find many valuable historical monuments, which makes the area ideal for cultural and religious tourism. Here we find the Princely Church, the oldest medieval art ensemble, conserved in its initial form, as well as the Curtea de Arges monastery, a masterpiece of Romanian medieval architecture, built during the reign of Neagoe Basarab (1512-1521). Curtea de Arges the monastery is the resting place of Romania’s kings and queens. Also, the monastery is famous in Romania for its mythical creation, set in collective memory as the traditional ballad of Master Manole.



    From the town of Curtea de Arges, the road ascends north, passing through localities with many B&Bs and vacation houses. On the northern side, near the village of Capataneni, we find the Vidraru dam, which harnesses the power of the river Arges and its tributaries. The height differential of the dam is over 500 m, and in order to reach its top you have to take a long and snaking road. We continue this presentation with help from Dumitru Grecu, who spoke to us about the development of tourism in this area:


    “We are talking about a new destination in everything to do with vacations in Romania, the Transfagarasan, which is now on the top list of tourist destinations in Romania. It is among the top five such destinations, and I am not talking about just the road, but about everything you can find in this area, Transfagarasan. One of the special attractions here is Vidraru Lake with its Vidraru dam. The dam was built in the 1960s, it is an imposing, spectacular construction that delights the tourists who visit it. The lake itself is also an attraction. Even at this time of year, in winter, you can sail or row the lake. It is a great experience, because from the lake you can admire in the distance the snow capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. Also in this area, this mountainous area, we have the Poenari fortification, one that is already in the international circuit, and many foreign tourists visit it. It is already famous as being one of the destinations tied to the character Dracula and the myth of Dracula, this fortification being the only one actually reconstructed by Vlad the Impaler, in 1462.



    Because of ample conservation and restoration works which started in November 2021, visitor access to Poenari is limited right now. In 2019, before the pandemic, around 100,000 visitors dared to climb the 1,480 steps to reach the stronghold at the top of the mountain, which oversees the Arges Gorges.


    “There are many attractions here. There is a trail that is spectacular when the waters freeze. We are talking about Stan’s Valley, probably one of the first three trails in Romania in terms of beauty. Many lovers of trekking and adventure take the trail, in Stan’s Valley. Then there is the Transfagarasan itself, which, unfortunately, is closed on its alpine portion, but there is access up to that area, and the road is crowded, especially when it snows. People come to enjoy the snow, and the small improvised slopes in the area. In addition to that, there are all sorts of attractions in terms of traditional customs and cuisine in the area.



    Around Vidraru Lake we find a few hotels, B&Bs, and cabins. The end of the lake is the origin of the Transfagarasan, one of the highest altitude roads in Europe, so high that it is closed in winter on its highest portion. Lake Vidraru and the Transfagarasan offer a lot to people who are into adventure tourism, as we found out from Dumitru Grecu, promoter of tourism for the area:


    “Here we have ATVs, which can be used to explore some well defined trails, reaching the high edge of the forest, where the scenery is breathtaking. They also organize off-road vehicle expeditions. There are trips in the forest, there is photo-hunting, people come here to sight see, to take photographs, sometimes of wild game in the forest. The area has quite a lot of bears. In summer, you can even see them on the road. Now, in winter, they are taking shelter, they are not as visible as they are in the summer. There are many activities there, boat trips on the lake, including rowing and kayaking, which is an opportunity to admire the snow laden surrounding mountains. All you need to do is love adventure!



    The Transfagarasan can be navigated in its entirety between June and November, when there is no danger of avalanches. Reaching an altitude of 2,040 m, the Transfagarasan ties the southern and the northern sides of the Fagaras Mountains, the tallest in the country. The highest peak in Romania is Moldoveanu, at 2,544 m in height.

  • Traveller’s Guide

    Traveller’s Guide

    2021 was another atypical year,
    with many restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and with tour operators
    trying to adjust their offers to meet health safety requirements. Under the
    circumstances, outdoor packages were in most demand, but there was also a
    growing interest in packages for traditional destinations and city-breaks.


    In our first show in 2021, we
    looked at one of the most ambitious tourist projects in Romania called Via
    Transilvanica. Still in progress, it involves the restoration of 1,200 km of road,
    from Putna, in the north of the country, to Drobeta Turnu Severin in the
    south-west, crossing all of Transylvania. The journey takes from several days
    to several weeks, and information is also available about places to eat and spend
    the night, as well as the history and culture of the various geographical areas
    visitors pass through.


    The show’s next stop was Buzău
    county, which is home to the spectacular muddy volcanoes and an amber museum established
    recently with European funding. From Buzău we travelled to Râșnov, in the heart
    of Romania. Surrounded by mountains, this was the first tourist town in the
    country to benefit from European funding for promotion back in 2009. A town
    with a rich history, Râșnov has a beautiful mediaeval fortress where many
    cultural events are held, but it is also popular with mountain enthusiasts, as
    many trekking routes begin here.


    The show next travelled south, to
    the Danube and Mehedinți county, which is the ideal destination for cave
    tourism, mountain climbing, rafting, horseback riding and cycling. And if you
    take the Orșova-Cazanele Mari route, you’ll be able to see some of the most
    breath-taking landscapes created by the river Danube, as well as many
    historical sites. Satu Mare county, in the north, is
    another equally interesting destination, with its Somes Valley being well known
    for its precious metal mining tradition. From here we went to the Roman castrum
    of Porolissum and the Grădina Zmeilor nature reserve, while sampling the local gastronomic
    offer in Sălaj county.



    When spring arrived, the show
    visited the spring edition of the Romanian Travel Fair, which was held
    exclusively online, but brought together lots of participants and interesting
    packages. The next destination was Transylvania, more precisely Harghita county,
    with its surprising landscapes and family friendly sites. South of Harghita, Prahova
    Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Romania, with lots of
    opportunities for active tourism, as well as wine tasting events, not to
    mention rich in history and culture.


    In 2021, the show also discussed a
    transnational project funded with European Union money aimed to promote cycling
    along the river Danube and in which Romania is also involved alongside nine
    other Danube countries. The Danube Delta is another must on the list of places
    to see in Romania, with the nearby Dobrogea region being home to archaeological
    sites, beautiful river gorges and old monasteries, among others. From the Danube
    Delta Biosphere Reserve, the show then travelled to the Piatra Craiului
    mountain reserve, with its stunning mountain peaks. With tourists looking to spend
    more time outdoors because of the pandemic and social distancing, horseback
    riding became an increasingly popular activity. Romania has also embraced this
    trend and boasts many stables and horse riding schools located in the middle of
    nature, some close to nature reserves. One such reserve is in Apuseni
    Mountains, which are not the tallest of mountains, but are ideal for many different
    activities.



    With coronavirus restrictions easing
    over the summer, the show visited Vâlcea county, home to many monasteries and spas,
    and then the multicultural Timiș county, before travelling to the Black Sea coast.
    The fortified churches of Transylvania are another favourite destination for
    travellers to Romania, as is the mediaeval town of Sighișoara, which was added
    in 1999 on the UNESCO world heritage list.


    In this part of the world, grapes
    are picked in autumn, so as fall came, the show discussed the Romanian wine
    making industry, a sector that is not only very large and growing, but also
    increasingly recognised for the quality of the wines it produces. The show then
    travelled to Romania’s first urban nature park located just 5 km from the
    centre of Bucharest, the Văcărești Nature Park. The list of outdoor activities
    continued with a trip to Bucegi Mountains, followed by Hunedoara, with its
    gastronomic attractions such as bacon salami, truffle cheese, olive cheese and
    fruit spread. Towards the end of the year, the show visited two historical
    regions, Bukovina and Maramureș, rediscovering why they are in such demand for
    spending the winter holidays. In our last show in 2021, we talked about where
    visitors can spend New Year’s Eve in Romania. (CM)

  • New Year celebration in Romania

    New Year celebration in Romania

    The coming of the new year is one of the most awaited events in the world. Although for some the calendar date is a mere convention, the New Year is celebrated on all continents. In the Romanian tradition, the New Year used to be called Little Christmas, because all the rites to replace the old time took place in the spring. Although it was believed that the New Year actually begins at Christmas or even earlier, on St. Andrew’s, on November 30, the custom of caroling to announce a new beginning was a must at the end of the year.

    Pre-Christian rites play a special role in celebrating the transition into the new year. Given the fact that this moment does not have a religious dimension, the customs have remained almost unchanged over time. An ancient solar cult has passed down to present rituals in which animals are the main element, such as the Dance of the Bear and the Goat. The costumes are prepared the week before Christmas, and the dancers’ masks have the expressiveness of the folk craftspeople who make them with creativity and humor. Delia Suiogan, an ethnologist with the Northern University of Baia Mare explains:

    For the New Year, people go caroling to neighbors and friends. The so-called road carols are no longer preserved. On this night, in Maramureș you will be delighted by the beautiful carols, because here, unlike the other areas of the country, the emphasis is on the carol as a song. The people of Maramures know many beautiful Christian carols, but there is still a very rich fund of pre-Christian carols, with many symbols related to the solar system and the rebirth of the sun and nature.

    People in rural communities still believe that the night between years facilitates their access to the divine realm. In the folk tradition, the messages given to people at special times over the year, at major holidays, and at time thresholds are considered to be the only truly important ones for both the community and the individual. Sabina Ispas, director of the Constantin Brăiloiu Institute of Ethnography and Folklore in Bucharest has the details:

    There is a suite of ceremonial and festive actions, among which Sorcova is very well known, which was practiced especially by younger children. The same goes for the Plough procession, involving both children and adults, married people, with families. The original meaning of the Big Plough was that of protection and sanctification, at the same time, all of which were aspects of the festive celebration of the great feast, from which the carol was derived as a ritual. All that would mark, therefore, the New Year, the whole ceremony ending with the so-called carol of Saint John. These special times, Christmas and New Year, are related to the tradition of opening the heavens. It is, in fact, about the perception, understanding and acceptance of the act of theophany. In all power, the divinity descends upon the earth and the people. That is why it was said that the heavens were opened, because God could communicate directly with his creation, with man. At these special times, when the heavens open, people can find out things that may happen to them during the year that is about to begin. It is not a question of divination, as is believed, but of a message which God conveys to people at a time when he can have direct and close contact with them.

    Also on New Year’s Eve, young women used to predict their future. Here is Sabina Ispas again:

    There are a lot of ceremonial practices, through which people try to ensure a correct and as complex as possible communication with the divinity. Especially young girls, who want to know if and who they will marry and what that person will be like. They try to decipher the qualities of their future partners, associating the image of hidden things that the girls have to discover. If they discover black ember, the chosen one would be a brunette. If they discover dry branches, it will be a marriage with a person older than them.

    For the history of our culture, the period between Christmas and Saint John, on January 7, is one of the richest in such ceremonial and festive actions. Modern society has turned the New Year’s celebration into an occasion of partying with family and friends, in oraganized events that end only at the dawn of the first day of the following year. (MI)

  • New Year’s Eve in Romania

    New Year’s Eve in Romania

    As opposed to previous years, the passing of the year between 2021 and 2022 will not be marked by music shows and fireworks all over Romania. People are mostly booking retreats in nature retreats, far from the bustling crowd. There are still offers to spend New Years Eve in the streets, at events held by the local authorities in Iasi, Constanta, or Craiova. At the same time, the cities of Cluj, Baia Mare, and Suceava will only have fireworks.




    Private operators have managed to adapt to the conditions imposed by COVID-19, according to Traian Badulescu, tourism consultant.


    “All over Romania, we celebrate the coming of the new year with a richness of traditions. I remember that about six or seven years ago, an international company made a study about the hour up until which celebrations are being held in a few countries. First place was Russia, second was Ukraine, and third was Romania, which ran up until 4:30. Romanians are eager to party, and not every place has traditions such as here. The good news is that right now, just as I expected, antigen and PCR tests are admitted. In really counts, because not all Romanians are vaccinated.”




    The question remains: Where do we spend New Years Eve. The answer is that tradition prevails, and people flock to their usual places for fun. Here is Traian Badulescu:


    “In the countryside, for instance, aside from the fact that tourists can take advantage of the special natural environment, they can also take rides on horse drawn sleighs, and can attend small traditional festivals. In terms of rural tourism, tourists can witness local traditions. There are many areas that are set up for rural tourism, such as Bran Moeciu, Marginimea Sibiului, Maramures, Bukovina, Oltenia, Neamt, and so forth. Romania has very well developed mountain resorts, such as Poiana Brașov, Sinaia, Predeal, Păltiniș, Borșa in Maramureș, Slănic Moldova, and Vatra Dornei. At the same time, high altitude spas are very popular, such as Băile Felix, Băile Herculane, Sovata, and Balvanyos. Most of the hotels are high quality, and the resorts have great natural landscapes, in the mountains or hills, with clean air, where all tourists have access to spa services. At the same time, prices are great. It is a myth that Romania is very expensive. Of course, there are hotels in Poiana Brasov where the New Years Eve holiday costs thousands of Euro, which includes flamboyant shows. However, most hotels do not cost that much, and there are plenty of offers for all pockets. Offers start from 500 to 1,000 lei, and may range up to 1,000 Euro per person.”


    We also contacted Dan Buru, a cultural consultant for the spa of Baile Herculane:


    “Our resort of Baile Herculane has a variety of offers. It is a mountain spa, which celebrates the new year every year, and this year is no exception. We have a wide variety of tourism offers and accommodation, from private homes to B&Bs, to five star hotels, from a couple of rooms to hotels with 500 rooms. We have a great variety of entertainment for the guests. For instance, a four star hotel has a show held by pop star Anca Turcasiu who will throw a great party with Iulia Dumitrache Brad. Another hotel booked a show by Ora and Stefan Stan, with lots of surprises. By contrast, another hotel will have a show with folklore from the region of Banat.”




    Advertised prices by tourism agencies are between 280 and 980 Euros. In the offer there are three meals a day, and the higher price packages include shows, the end of year meal, and spa access.


    We asked if, given the conditions nowadays, we can still spend New Years Eve in the street:


    “If we observe basic rules, disinfecting and wearing masks, there cannot be much of a problem. Romania right now is the country in Europe with the lowest number of infections, even if two months ago it was in the red zone. At the same time, it has a generous offer for people who want to spend the holidays outdoors, with COVID-19 rules being observed in accommodation units. In the end, we have to remember that tourism is about mental and physical health. People cannot just keep being stuck at home, if they observe the rules.”




    No matter where you choose to spend the passing of the year, you can schedule a variety of activities for the first days of the upcoming year, such as skiing and visiting tourist objectives. Traian Badulescu, tourism consultant, worked for three years now with the Municipal Tourism Company of Bucharest. We asked him what was the general impression left on tourists by their trip to Romania:


    “We have an information center downtown, and had loads of foreign tourists. Everybody was pleased with what they say in Bucharest, in the Prahova Valley area, and Romania in general. For instance, I recall an Australian person whose first contact with Europe was Romania. Unfortunately, that was not due to promotion. They had found out about the country online. We asked all the tourists what bothered them, and they couldnt come up with anything, although a few said that they would have liked to see more restored old buildings. One of the leaders in the area of foreign tourism told us a few years ago that he can see in Romania the highest difference between expectations and satisfaction. Unfortunately, expectations are still low, because we are unable to promote ourselves properly, but satisfaction is very high.”




    That being said, Romania may be the ideal destination for spending New Years Eve if everyone observes at least the basic rules to prevent the spread of the pandemic virus.

  • New Year’s Eve in Romania

    New Year’s Eve in Romania

    As opposed to previous years, the passing of the year between 2021 and 2022 will not be marked by music shows and fireworks all over Romania. People are mostly booking retreats in nature retreats, far from the bustling crowd. There are still offers to spend New Years Eve in the streets, at events held by the local authorities in Iasi, Constanta, or Craiova. At the same time, the cities of Cluj, Baia Mare, and Suceava will only have fireworks.




    Private operators have managed to adapt to the conditions imposed by COVID-19, according to Traian Badulescu, tourism consultant.


    “All over Romania, we celebrate the coming of the new year with a richness of traditions. I remember that about six or seven years ago, an international company made a study about the hour up until which celebrations are being held in a few countries. First place was Russia, second was Ukraine, and third was Romania, which ran up until 4:30. Romanians are eager to party, and not every place has traditions such as here. The good news is that right now, just as I expected, antigen and PCR tests are admitted. In really counts, because not all Romanians are vaccinated.”




    The question remains: Where do we spend New Years Eve. The answer is that tradition prevails, and people flock to their usual places for fun. Here is Traian Badulescu:


    “In the countryside, for instance, aside from the fact that tourists can take advantage of the special natural environment, they can also take rides on horse drawn sleighs, and can attend small traditional festivals. In terms of rural tourism, tourists can witness local traditions. There are many areas that are set up for rural tourism, such as Bran Moeciu, Marginimea Sibiului, Maramures, Bukovina, Oltenia, Neamt, and so forth. Romania has very well developed mountain resorts, such as Poiana Brașov, Sinaia, Predeal, Păltiniș, Borșa in Maramureș, Slănic Moldova, and Vatra Dornei. At the same time, high altitude spas are very popular, such as Băile Felix, Băile Herculane, Sovata, and Balvanyos. Most of the hotels are high quality, and the resorts have great natural landscapes, in the mountains or hills, with clean air, where all tourists have access to spa services. At the same time, prices are great. It is a myth that Romania is very expensive. Of course, there are hotels in Poiana Brasov where the New Years Eve holiday costs thousands of Euro, which includes flamboyant shows. However, most hotels do not cost that much, and there are plenty of offers for all pockets. Offers start from 500 to 1,000 lei, and may range up to 1,000 Euro per person.”


    We also contacted Dan Buru, a cultural consultant for the spa of Baile Herculane:


    “Our resort of Baile Herculane has a variety of offers. It is a mountain spa, which celebrates the new year every year, and this year is no exception. We have a wide variety of tourism offers and accommodation, from private homes to B&Bs, to five star hotels, from a couple of rooms to hotels with 500 rooms. We have a great variety of entertainment for the guests. For instance, a four star hotel has a show held by pop star Anca Turcasiu who will throw a great party with Iulia Dumitrache Brad. Another hotel booked a show by Ora and Stefan Stan, with lots of surprises. By contrast, another hotel will have a show with folklore from the region of Banat.”




    Advertised prices by tourism agencies are between 280 and 980 Euros. In the offer there are three meals a day, and the higher price packages include shows, the end of year meal, and spa access.


    We asked if, given the conditions nowadays, we can still spend New Years Eve in the street:


    “If we observe basic rules, disinfecting and wearing masks, there cannot be much of a problem. Romania right now is the country in Europe with the lowest number of infections, even if two months ago it was in the red zone. At the same time, it has a generous offer for people who want to spend the holidays outdoors, with COVID-19 rules being observed in accommodation units. In the end, we have to remember that tourism is about mental and physical health. People cannot just keep being stuck at home, if they observe the rules.”




    No matter where you choose to spend the passing of the year, you can schedule a variety of activities for the first days of the upcoming year, such as skiing and visiting tourist objectives. Traian Badulescu, tourism consultant, worked for three years now with the Municipal Tourism Company of Bucharest. We asked him what was the general impression left on tourists by their trip to Romania:


    “We have an information center downtown, and had loads of foreign tourists. Everybody was pleased with what they say in Bucharest, in the Prahova Valley area, and Romania in general. For instance, I recall an Australian person whose first contact with Europe was Romania. Unfortunately, that was not due to promotion. They had found out about the country online. We asked all the tourists what bothered them, and they couldnt come up with anything, although a few said that they would have liked to see more restored old buildings. One of the leaders in the area of foreign tourism told us a few years ago that he can see in Romania the highest difference between expectations and satisfaction. Unfortunately, expectations are still low, because we are unable to promote ourselves properly, but satisfaction is very high.”




    That being said, Romania may be the ideal destination for spending New Years Eve if everyone observes at least the basic rules to prevent the spread of the pandemic virus.

  • Christmas in Romania

    Christmas in Romania

    Although parties are no longer a thing these days and Christmas fairs are planned so as to ensure the right distance between visitors, guest houses and hotels in both mountain and sea resorts are still a good option for the upcoming holiday period. This year, the challenge for tour operators has been to offer tourists a great experience, be it traditional or modern, but also a safe environment, given the pandemic that is not over yet.

    There are still many offers to spend the winter holidays away from home, and today we will present some of them. The first one is from the north of the country, in Maramures, more precisely from Cavnic. The accommodation offer is varied and ways of spending leisure time many, as Marius Dumitru, a manager with the Cavnic town hall told us:

    In 2001-2003 two ski slopes, Icoana and Roata, as well as motels, guest houses and also a hotel were built. These days, the main local activity is tourism. Winter here lasts about six months, so we can say that Cavnic is the snow pole of Maramures. And it is an advantage for those who love winter sports. After the last works done in the winter of 2007, the ski area has been extended and now we have seven slopes. Three of them are new, 800 to 2200 m long and elevations ranging from 19 to 37 degrees. So, they are suitable for both beginner and advanced skiers. In Cavnic we have a Mountain Rescue Center and a Tourism Information and Promotion Center.

    As the snow pole of Romania, Cavnic is the place where most of the times the first snow fall is reported, and studies show that people can ski there at least 120 days per year. Then, for the offer to be more alluring, there is another place where one can ski in the area, 25 km from Cavnic, at the feet of Mogosa Massiv, in Suior. The pistes there are 3.5 km long in total, are equipped with ski lifts and can be used by both beginner and experienced skiers.

    Tables full of traditional dishes, welcoming hosts and a feast of old customs and traditions, this is what the tourist offer of Maramures looks like these days, as Daniel Maran, the director of the Sighetul Marmatie National Tourism and Information Center told us:

    Maramures has high mountains and lots of snow, that’s why is ideal for skiing. We mainly recommend the ski areas in Borsa, Prislop, Izvoare and Cavnic. As regards, hiking, we have both easy routes, in the depression area, that link the beautiful villages in the area, but also trekking along mountain routes. The most spectacular are those in Rodna Mountains, whose peaks often exceed 2000 m. Moreover, guest houses in the Maramures villages are known for how they entertain their visitors, including with wagon or sledge rides, depending on the season. Winter holidays are a good opportunity for us, the people of Maramures, to show what we cherish. Usually, the month of December is rich in cultural events, but because of the pandemic, we’ve had to adapt, in order to protect both our visitors and the locals. Guest houses in Maramures are fully booked all year round, anyway, proof of the hospitality that we are so proud of here. All those who decide to spend their winter holidays with us are sure to enjoy a great experience, that’s a guarantee.

    Also in the north of the country, Bukovina is another place that gets very crowded at winter. Catalina Velniciuc, a tourism adviser with the Suceava County Council, says that a visit to the famous painted monasteries, which are UNESCO monuments, is a must, and the villages in Bukovina are like a magnet for tourists from all over the world.

    Bukovina boasts some of the most beautiful and spectacular customs and traditions, starting with Saint Nicholas’ Day and ending with carrolling at Christmas. The mask rituals are also extremely spectacular. At winter, because of these special performance, villages here turn into open stages, a magical space where visitors can enjoy lots of traditional games and rituals, featuring characters from the folk mythology. Many involve masks of animals, which are made of wood, tree bark, adorned with beads or beans. All those who see these shows are really impressed. All accommodation facilities in the area are very well prepared to make sure all visitors have a great time. The food is local and prepared in keeping with old, traditional recipes, and carols are always part of the program.

    Of course, there many other possibilities to spend the winter holidays in Romania, including in the resorts on the more famous Prahova Valley, to enjoy both traditional meals and customs, but also skiing on beautiful slopes. The only condition is to observe the measures in place aimed to protect everybody against the background of the pandemic. So, enjoy your winter holidays, wherever you may be, and be safe! (MI)

  • Christmas in Romania

    Christmas in Romania

    Although parties are no longer a thing these days and Christmas fairs are planned so as to ensure the right distance between visitors, guest houses and hotels in both mountain and sea resorts are still a good option for the upcoming holiday period. This year, the challenge for tour operators has been to offer tourists a great experience, be it traditional or modern, but also a safe environment, given the pandemic that is not over yet.

    There are still many offers to spend the winter holidays away from home, and today we will present some of them. The first one is from the north of the country, in Maramures, more precisely from Cavnic. The accommodation offer is varied and ways of spending leisure time many, as Marius Dumitru, a manager with the Cavnic town hall told us:

    In 2001-2003 two ski slopes, Icoana and Roata, as well as motels, guest houses and also a hotel were built. These days, the main local activity is tourism. Winter here lasts about six months, so we can say that Cavnic is the snow pole of Maramures. And it is an advantage for those who love winter sports. After the last works done in the winter of 2007, the ski area has been extended and now we have seven slopes. Three of them are new, 800 to 2200 m long and elevations ranging from 19 to 37 degrees. So, they are suitable for both beginner and advanced skiers. In Cavnic we have a Mountain Rescue Center and a Tourism Information and Promotion Center.

    As the snow pole of Romania, Cavnic is the place where most of the times the first snow fall is reported, and studies show that people can ski there at least 120 days per year. Then, for the offer to be more alluring, there is another place where one can ski in the area, 25 km from Cavnic, at the feet of Mogosa Massiv, in Suior. The pistes there are 3.5 km long in total, are equipped with ski lifts and can be used by both beginner and experienced skiers.

    Tables full of traditional dishes, welcoming hosts and a feast of old customs and traditions, this is what the tourist offer of Maramures looks like these days, as Daniel Maran, the director of the Sighetul Marmatie National Tourism and Information Center told us:

    Maramures has high mountains and lots of snow, that’s why is ideal for skiing. We mainly recommend the ski areas in Borsa, Prislop, Izvoare and Cavnic. As regards, hiking, we have both easy routes, in the depression area, that link the beautiful villages in the area, but also trekking along mountain routes. The most spectacular are those in Rodna Mountains, whose peaks often exceed 2000 m. Moreover, guest houses in the Maramures villages are known for how they entertain their visitors, including with wagon or sledge rides, depending on the season. Winter holidays are a good opportunity for us, the people of Maramures, to show what we cherish. Usually, the month of December is rich in cultural events, but because of the pandemic, we’ve had to adapt, in order to protect both our visitors and the locals. Guest houses in Maramures are fully booked all year round, anyway, proof of the hospitality that we are so proud of here. All those who decide to spend their winter holidays with us are sure to enjoy a great experience, that’s a guarantee.

    Also in the north of the country, Bukovina is another place that gets very crowded at winter. Catalina Velniciuc, a tourism adviser with the Suceava County Council, says that a visit to the famous painted monasteries, which are UNESCO monuments, is a must, and the villages in Bukovina are like a magnet for tourists from all over the world.

    Bukovina boasts some of the most beautiful and spectacular customs and traditions, starting with Saint Nicholas’ Day and ending with carrolling at Christmas. The mask rituals are also extremely spectacular. At winter, because of these special performance, villages here turn into open stages, a magical space where visitors can enjoy lots of traditional games and rituals, featuring characters from the folk mythology. Many involve masks of animals, which are made of wood, tree bark, adorned with beads or beans. All those who see these shows are really impressed. All accommodation facilities in the area are very well prepared to make sure all visitors have a great time. The food is local and prepared in keeping with old, traditional recipes, and carols are always part of the program.

    Of course, there many other possibilities to spend the winter holidays in Romania, including in the resorts on the more famous Prahova Valley, to enjoy both traditional meals and customs, but also skiing on beautiful slopes. The only condition is to observe the measures in place aimed to protect everybody against the background of the pandemic. So, enjoy your winter holidays, wherever you may be, and be safe! (MI)

  • Winter Holidays in Sibiu

    Winter Holidays in Sibiu

    Right before the winter holidays, let us take a trip to the heart of Transylvania, to Sibiu County. Today we get to discover the beautiful Christmas fair that attracts tourists of all ages. At the same time, in Paltinis, lovers of winter sports will find ski and sled slopes, but also skiing schools for young and old alike. The rural area expects tourists with rare traditions and customs, a fascinating scene that rounds beautifully a vacation in Sibiu.



    To begin with, lets start in the center of the city, with Andrei Dragan Radulet, organizer of the Christmas Fair, who told us the story of a success:


    “The Christmas Fair, in its present form, which is closer to such fairs in the west of Europe, was born in 2007, when Sibiu was European capital of culture. It has been growing ever since. At that time it was the only one of its kind in the country. In the meantime, others have cropped up, which is great. From 30 shacks in 2007, we reached 120 in 2019, the biggest edition. This year we are limited by the pandemic, and we have only 80 shacks. It is an interesting evolution, and it is very interesting that it became a tourist attraction. If at first it was just interesting to tourists, now it is a very sought after destination.”




    The Christmas Fair in Sibiu is open until January 2, 2022, and access is bound by the national norms for COVID-19 prevention. That means presenting a green vaccination certificate, or certificate of having had the disease. After you get in, even if you dont have as many activities available as you did in 2019, the offer is still varied, as Andrei Radulet told us:


    “This year there were things we couldnt do. Normally, we have kids workshops where they make candles, or cookies. This year, access to these activities is restricted only to organized school groups. Activities for around 4,000 children are still available, but it is more complicated and they have to be planned. This year, we have been offering only the basic experience of the fair, of strolling around the 80 shacks in order to find the best gift for you or your loved ones. Also, we have food tastings. We have a variety of food stands, from a company in Hungary, whose presence is already customary, to Romanian products: meat cuts, cheeses, Christmas cakes, or sugar free sweets. This year we stripped down to essentials, but the essentials dont miss anything.”




    We asked Andrei Radulet what the tourists experience is like.


    “First of all, we noticed that foreign tourists, many of them on their first Christmas Fair trip to Romania, say that the fair is just like the ones in Germany or Austria. The fair has products that are representative of places all over Romania. We have companies from 22 counties, the fair is not Sibiu specific. They are also impressed of how friendly the city is. Sibiu has always been a tourist friendly city, and people who have stands in the fair are used to that, and communicate in several foreign languages. They know what to do to make visits pleasant for everyone. There are plenty things to do in Sibiu. A few hours a day, since the fair is right in the center of town, you have access to a variety of museums and restaurants. It is a complete tourist destination.”




    Sibiu is a feel-good place, with something for everyone, whether they want to just stroll around, or want to discover museums or local history, according to Mirela Gligore, spokesperson for City Hall:


    “First and foremost, we recommend each tourist to visit the historical center. It is an extremely valuable heritage ensemble, made up of the central squares and the streets in the historical center, both in the upper and lower city. There are historic buildings that are extremely valuable, which City Hall continues to invest in. For instance, last year alone we finished restoring the towers that are part of one of the defense belts of the old burg, on Citadel Valley Street. These have been restored to the tourist circuit after many years of staying shuttered. Secondly, I invite tourists to visit Sibius museums. The Bruckenthal national museum complex is famous both in the area and in Europe. This is the first museum that ever opened in Southeast Europe. Also, dont miss a visit to the Astra Museum. Maybe the best known is the open air museum, which you can stroll in with beautiful surroundings, getting a glimpse into the history of Romanian civilization. I also recommend the Pharmacy Museum, the History Museum, and the House of the Arts. All are important, if you want to get to know Sibiu and its culture.”




    All these are very close to the Christmas Fair, so you can revolve back there at any time, according to Andrei Dragan Radulet:


    “There is an atmosphere that puts you into the heart of Christmas. Even if this year is more complicated, and even if there have been complications in other years too, the moment you walk into the Grand Square, everything is alight. The buildings are illuminated, there are projections, there is a light net, it is full of little cabins with welcoming people and seasonal music, which makes for an authentic atmosphere. At the same time, it is very interesting to see a fair that is still at its beginnings, as opposed to European fairs with an old tradition, where the tourism aspect is much more emphasized. We continue to have an earnest, pleasant fair, where you can stroll at your own pace, without bumping into everyone all the time. It is a surprise for many to see Romania during the winter season. Aside from skiing, the country doesnt really stand out with much during winter, but the Sibiu Christmas Fair is all that you are looking for.”




    This is our invitation for the winter holidays. Until next week, when we present to you another destination, good travels and fair weather!

  • Maramureș County

    Maramureș County

    Located in northern Romania, Maramureș
    County is an area with plenty of tourist attractions, largely due to its
    landscapes, its ethno-folk legacy and local hospitality. Over the centuries,
    the surrounding forests have provided the local population with the raw
    materials to defend their area and develop a genuine timber civilization.
    Evidence of that are the wooden churches and the grandiose traditional wooden
    gates, which are genuine works of folk art. Our guide today is Petru Daniel Măran,
    the director of the Sighetu Marmației Center for Information and Tourism.


    The best starting point for
    visiting the area is Sighetu Marmației, which starting last year is a resort
    of local interest. The city was first documented in 1326. Over the years it was
    a princely see, an administrative center of Maramureș shire and a county residence. Tourists visiting Sighetu Marmației
    can opt for a large plethora of tourist objectives and cultural events. The
    city’s museums are the most important: the Communism Victims and Resistance
    Memorial, the Maramureș Village Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Elie
    Wiesel Jewish Culture Museum, the Museum of History, Archaeology and Natural
    Sciences, the Dr. Ioan Mihalyi de Apșa Memorial House. The city’s anthropic heritage
    is exceptional. The city has 99 historical monuments, of which most are old
    buildings or architectural ensembles. Starting 2017 Sighetu Marmației has been listed
    as a European destination of excellence. The city was enrolled in the
    competition in the movable cultural tourism section. I am happy to invite you
    to visit Sighetu Marmației this December, although unfortunately, due to health
    safety restrictions in place, we won’t be able to observe the traditional
    winter pageant held as part of the Marmiția Festival. We do have an ongoing Christmas
    fair, held over December 5-26. Every weekend, groups of carolers will perform
    live in front of the Christmas tree for all guests at the fair.


    We continue our journey in Maramureș
    County, and Petru Daniel Măran told us what else is worth seeing in Maramureș.


    For starters, I would suggest
    a trip to Săpânța village, on Tisa Valley. The first objective here is the
    Merry Cemetery. This cemetery is a genuine museum of folk art. In 1935, Stan Ioan
    Pătraș started sculpting the first crosses that earned Săpânța its fame. The
    vividly painted crosses depicting caricatures from the lives of the departed
    turned the cemetery into a living chronicle of the local community. And while in
    Săpânța, you should also visit the artist’s memorial house. Another major
    objective, which brings in many tourists every year, is the Săpânța-Peri
    monastery, situated in a lovely oak forest called Dumbrava. Tourists should
    also plan a visit to the wooden churches, which make Maramureș so famous. Many
    of these churches are clustered in villages on Iza, Mara and Cosău river
    valleys. I recommend a visit to the wooden churches in Desești, Budești,
    Bârsana, Poienile Izei and Ieud, which are all UNESCO World Heritage sites.
    Tourists can also stop at BârsanaMonastery, known for its traditional wooden
    architecture. In terms of accommodation, you should try booking a stay in Breb,
    Botiza, Ieud and Oncești villages, which all preserve the architecture, garments
    and customs specific to Maramureș. Once here, you can also visit the Ocna
    Sugatag spa resort, known for its therapeutic benefits.


    Petru Daniel Măran, the
    director of the Sighetu Marmației Center for Information and Tourism, also recommends
    booking a trip on the narrow-gauge train known as mocăniță in Vișeul de Sus. The
    steam-powered train goes up the Vaser Valley and offers tourists a panoramic
    view, highlighting the region’s beautiful scenery and cultural richness. In
    winter time, tourists also have a number of leisure time opportunities at their
    disposal.


    It snows a lot in wintertime here, and the place is ideal for winter
    sports. You can ski in Borșa Complex, Prislop Pass, Izvoare or Cavnic resorts.
    Hikers can opt for low-difficulty trails in the nearby hills, linking one
    village to another in a picturesque setting. The most spectacular trails are
    those in Rodna Mountains, with altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters at times. Besides,
    local guesthouses often offer carriage or horse-drawn sled rides. The winter
    holidays are a good opportunity to showcase the region’s traditions and customs.
    Usually, in December, a number of cultural events take place, but due to the
    global pandemic, the events were adjusted this year in order to offer both participants
    and hosts a high degree of protection. Our guesthouses are always full around this time of the year, which is telling of local hospitality. Once they get
    here, tourists will spend a lovely time and I guarantee they will be delighted.


    There are many projects aimed at developing tourism in Maramureș, our guide today, Petru Daniel Măran,
    has told us.


    Some projects are aimed at
    developing ski slopes, others to improve hiking trail markings or rehabilitate
    the local heritage in villages. I can go through the specifics of a number of projects
    in Sighetu Marmației, where we want to rehabilitate a number of buildings that
    are either home of museums or are historical monuments. Right now, we are
    implementing a cross-border project to renovate the Elie Wiesel Memorial House.
    We also have a plan to set up tourist promotion panels and come spring we will
    start refreshing markings on tourist trails around the city. I wish you Happy
    Holidays and invite you to visit Maramureș and discovery yourself all the
    marvels of this area.


    The invitation has been made
    so make sure you put down Maramureș on the list of destinations in Romania if you
    plan on visiting soon. (VP)

  • Discover Romania’s Hunedoara County

    Discover Romania’s Hunedoara County

    Discover Hunedoara! Millions of years of tales and legends.
    It is literally the urge of the local authorities for their prospective tourists.
    The Corvins’ Castle is one of south-eastern Europe’s most important Gothic art monuments.
    As for Bucura lake, it is arguably Romania’s largest glacier lake. Lying at altitude
    of more than 2,000 meters, the Bucura Lake is concealed between the Retezat
    massif ridges, in the Retezat National Park, a true realm of glacier lakes. These
    are just two of the tourist assets you shouldn’t miss if you happen to be in
    western Romania, in Hunedoara County. Our guide today is the head of the Monuments’
    management and tourism promotion Directorate, Radu Barb.

    Your journey may start in any part of the county you
    may be, yet, since the winter season is drawing near, we also have very important
    tourist resorts, such as Straja, where you can go skiing on some extraordinary
    slopes. The services are perfect to a fault. The tourist can find anything they
    want in Straja. Then I recommend Sarmizegetusa Regia. Here you can spend quite
    a few hours, with guides, along very important routes. It is Romania’s leading tourist asset, the Romanian
    people’s birthplace. The Costesti fortress is nearby. Then you can go to Orastie
    and in Hunedoara, for the famous Corvins’ Castle.


    Radu Barb also recommended that we have a stopover in the
    Gold museum in Brad. Founded in 1896, throughout the years Europe’s largest collection
    of native gold items has been growing in time, on the premises. The collection
    has more than 1,300 exhibits found in mines country and worldwide, most important
    of which are the native gold exhibits, originating in the Metaliferi Mountains.

    Radu Barb:


    The museum is one-of-a-kind in Europe.
    We have a special collection here. The museum is open to all visitors and is
    located in Brad municipal city. It can be rated as one of Europe’s most important
    museums of its kind. What we can see is an impressive collection of gold objects, mine
    flowers and tools miners used throughout the years. It is a collection
    illustrative for the county’s and Romania’s riches and it takes people around
    two hours to visit. From there, you can head for the area’s other points of interest,
    such as Tebea. Also, in Vata de Jos we have recently opened a new museum,
    themed the Apuseni Mountains’ heritage. It is an ethnographic exhibition where
    visitors can see for themselves what a traditional house looked like, from
    Zarand Country. We have authentic traditional apparel, household items, and all
    these can be found close to Brad. It is very important, that, when we visit the
    Hunedoara County, we outline the route, according to preferences.


    Built in the 14th century, the Hunyads’ Castle in
    Hunedoara is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval
    constructions of that kind. It has 42 rooms, two open space balconies and two
    attics. The access to the castle is made via a wooden bridge supported by four sturdy
    stone pillars.

    The head of the Monuments’ management and tourism
    promotion Directorate, Radu Barb:


    Before entering the
    castle, we should visit the museum of the castle. There are a couple of interesting
    points for which, if you don’t make your research before you start the journey,
    they can be missed out on, and that would be a pity. There are several small museums,
    there, located on the right-hand side of the castle, with very interesting
    exhibits. It is one of Romania’s most superb castles, it is very carefully
    preserved and very well managed. It has Iancu de Hunedoara at the centre. You
    can spend about four hours there, with guides to accompany you.


    Hunedoara was and still remains a place of the old-time
    traditions. In any corner of the county you may be, you ‘re sure to meet
    craftsmen and you can also taste the local dishes, prepared using old-time
    recipes.


    Radu Barb:

    We have several memorial houses. For instance,
    the Drăgan Muntean House, the house of a very popular traditional music
    vocalist. Traditions and customs are being preserved. There is also a festival
    themed Woodsmen pies, where a couple of thousand people gather each year, in July
    or August. Here, visitors can see several traditional peasant houses. In the Dragan Muntean
    House you can find traditional apparel, blowing instruments such as the flutes,
    as well as other traditional objects. Nearby the memorial house, there is a
    village that has a marble road. It is named Alun, and the scenery there is breath-taking.
    It is a typical destination for trekking aficionados. There are also
    gastronomical points, but for all that info, all you need to do is download Discover
    Hunedoara, from Google Play or Apple Store. The app
    enables us to see all the tourist assets around us, if we happen to be around.
    So we offer a virtual guide, available to everybody.


    Apart from the usual dishes, made of sorts of cheese and
    meat, in Hunedoara, you can also taste the ham salami, the pressed cheese with
    truffles or the fruit stew.


    Radu Barb:


    We also have an association of traditional
    and ecological food producers. In the village of Hărțăgani, for instance, there
    is a woman preparing a sort of pie known as varzare in Romanian,
    following a recipe from the days of yore. We promoted it on the county’s tourism
    promotion page, labelled Enjoy Hunedoara!, and the impact was very special. And here
    we can also mention the famous virsli of Brad. These are very special little
    sausages. We can also mention the rolled minced meat and cabbage leaves package.
    There is a wide variety of produce.


    So
    here we are, with a tourist destination for all ages and for all seasons.

    (Translation by Eugen Nasta)


  • Bucegi Nature Park

    Bucegi Nature Park

    It is said of the Bucegi Massif that it is the center of mountaineering in Romania. With a surface of 300 sq km, this massif stretches over the surface of three counties. The natural beauty, the well-marked trails, accessible to all, the climbing trails, and the ski slopes in the chain of resorts in these mountains make for a vacation offer that is hard to refuse. The entire massif now makes for the Bucegi Nature Park. Our guide today is Alexandru Coltoiu, director of the park.


    “The park is shared by the Dambovita, Prahova, and Brasov counties. The biggest part is in Dambovita County, for around 16,000 ha. The other 16,000 are shared almost equally between the counties of Prahova and Brasov. We are in the center of the country, in the most visited protected mountain area in Romania. We have the symbols of the Bucegi Mountains, Babele and the Sphynx, both natural monuments. In addition to natural monuments we have the Cross of Heroes, another big attraction. It was restored a few years ago with help from the Ministry of Defense. Now it is in great shape to be visited by tourists. The Sphynx is a symbol of the Bucegi, and can be found on many stamps and postcards, as well as on the Bucegi Nature Park crest. The Monument of Heroes is not natural, but it is just as much of a symbol. It was built between 1926 and 1928, in memory of the heroes fallen in the Great War. It was restored several times, the last time between 2018 and 2021, and is now in excellent shape.”




    There are over 40 nature monuments in the park, but also protected fauna. Among them the black mountain goat, the emblem of the Bucegi, the bear, the deer, and the mountain rooster. As for the flora, there is the edelweiss, very well known. The flora can be best admired by following official trails. Here is park director Alexandru Coltoiu:


    “We have 55 tourism trails that link together local communities and places of interest. We have seven thematic trails, which have resting places and information billboards presenting the natural heritage of the Bucegi Nature Park. We have over 250 official trails for mountain climbing. There is a visitation infrastructure that the park management offers: a visitor center in the town of Busteni, close to the Busteni-Babele cable car, an information point in the Pestera area. We also have an information point in the Sinaia City Museum. At the same time, there is also an information point at our headquarters, in Dambovita County, in the village of Moroeni. This center has two aims. One is to inform the public at large, the second is to educate, since we have there a classroom where we hold classes with partner schools in the neighboring area, and not only.”




    There are two lakes in the Bucegi Nature Park. They are not large, but are beautiful, according to Paul Popa with the Sinaia National Center for Tourism Information and Promotion.


    “From the center of town, everyone can get up on the mountain in 25 minutes at the most. It is a great advantage compared to other places, where you have a long way to go to reach the interesting areas. We are a paradise for everything to do with mountain trekking. The trails start right in the city. The first tourist markings for trails are in the city railway station. After the guests gets off the train, they find two trails, which we call connectors. They reach Cota 1,400 and Cota 2,000, points named by their altitude. After a trip around 30 minutes, you can reach the top of our mountain, the Furnica Mountain, with a top height of 2,200 m. Then you can go on to other objectives, to the natural monuments of Babele and the Sphynx, the Caraiman Cross, the Bolboci Lake and the beautiful area of Pestera. We also have the Baiu Mountains area, with loads of bicycle trails. We have developed a whole network of bike trails.”




    The name of Ialomita Cave comes from the river Ialomita, which springs from 10 km away, in a glacial lake called Obarsia Ialomitei, at an altitude of 2,479 m. Manole Topliceanu, one of the guides to the cave, gave us a brief presentation:


    “Ialomita Cave is in Moroieni, Dambovita County, at an altitude of 1,560 m. Its total length is 1,208 m, of which 480 m are accessible to the public. The cave has several large halls and galleries. Among the most important we have the Mihnea Voda Hall, with a church that dates back to 1508, dedicated to apostles Peter and Paul. Then you can visit the Decebalus Hall and the Lake Hall. The latter has the so-called living water waterfall. Then there is the Bear Cave, which is the most imposing and most beautiful. It is 70 m long. Here they found whole skeletons of the extinct cave bear. Then there is the Path of Waters, and the end point is called Altar.”




    Alexandru Coltoiu, park director, told us that they always have development strategies for the area:


    “There are various plans to make more thematic trails. This very autumn, we want to restore three existing ones, and make two new ones, to showcase the beauty of our mountains, and the objectives emphasized by management. We are in contact with domestic and foreign tourists each weekend, and we have park rangers in the field every day. We have good and interesting feedback from our visitors. Bucegi Nature Park has a very well developed skiing infrastructure, especially in Sinaia, but also in Busteni and the Bran area. I am inviting all your listeners to visit us.”


    Here we have an area where you can encounter many nature monuments, with protected flora and fauna, where you can take hikes and enjoy the mountain winter resorts.

  • Brasov for Tourists

    Brasov for Tourists

    In the Middle Ages, Brasov was a major fortified city, then a bridge between Western Europe and the Balkans, as a major trade hub. Its historic monuments, still standing, fascinate tourists, and stand witness to times of great wealth. The most important monument is still the Black Church, the biggest Gothic building in Romania, which houses the biggest church organ in Europe. Today we are visiting Brasov and its environs, along with Adrian Vestea, president of the County Council:


    “Brasov County boasts many historic monuments. Some of them are in the municipality proper. We can start with the Black Church, the one site that every tourist visits. Also, another recommendation is the first Romanian language school. There is a museum dedicated to the school, housed by the St. Nicholas Church. We also recommend the other museums that we, at the County Council, have supported along the years to house many exhibitions. We can start with the Council House, managed by the County History Museum, continuing with the Mures House, another historic venue for Brasov County. Tourists also appreciate the Art Museum and the Ethnography Museum.”




    Brasov is a county where tourism is for all seasons. Adrian Vestea insisted that it is not a seasonal destination.


    “Poiana Brasov has gained a reputation as the pearl of resorts in Romania. There you find the biggest skiing venue in the country. During summer, Poiana Brasov is rich in opportunities to spend a vacation, with its great landscape. At the same time, tourists can take strolls on Tampa Mountain, near the city. From Poiana Brasov you can take the old road to the Rocks of Solomon. There are very well managed trails, which can be a challenge for many tourists. We also have objectives within the city. Also, the national resort of Rasnov is the third most important in the country after Poiana Brasov and Predeal. It has a rich cultural agenda, and special attractions for tourists. I am talking about Rasnov Castle, which is being restored, the Dino Park, the Castle Valley cave, the Olympic winter sports complex, which hosted the European Youth Olympic Festival and many World Cup games.”




    The rural part of Brasov County, with impressive landscapes, is rich in tourist objectives. Here is Adrian Vestea:


    “The village of Bran is in itself a resort of national interest. There you find the famous castle of Count Dracula, Bran Castle, which is visited annually by a million tourists. Also, the Bran, Moeciu, and Fundata areas are also year-round tourist objectives, thanks to their local traditions and cuisine. I also recommend the resort of Predeal year round, and the fortifications in the metropolitan area. We also have the fortifications of Prejmer, Harman, and Ghimbav. Fagaras Country also has lots to offer. I am referring to the fortification of Fagaras, but also many other attractions, such as Brancoveanu Monastery, the Sambata de Sus monastery, and the fortification at Rupea, also under restoration. I think it is very significant that we also have a UNESCO monument, the village of Viscri, very well preserved, and we also have the village of Prejmer.”




    Staying in the rural universe, the local artisans make trinkets and objects that have always fascinated visitors. Adrian Vestea, president of the County Council, spoke to us about the area:


    “Unfortunately, during the pandemic we could not organize large scale cultural events, to capitalize on these crafts. We have such artisans that they have been declared a UNESCO living human treasure. They got this distinction thanks to their skills in numerous areas, such as the local traditional costumes, with their embroideries, but also other areas, such as pottery and woodwork. While I was the mayor, I held many events around those in Rasnov Castle.”




    The winter season, however, is still the busiest one. Whether you want to spend the holidays in a fairy tale scenery, you want to practice winter sports, or witness old village traditions, Brasov County remains the ideal family destination:


    “The winter season is bustling here. Fagaras Country, Rupea, the city of Brasov, or Barsa Country, have loads of attractive packages for the winter. In fact, tourist bookings run out as early as the beginning of December. Brasov County has had spectacular growth from one year to the next. We have over a million and a half tourists a year in our county. We have loads of tourist points, it is a year-round county, and you are eagerly expected.”




    As you can see, you have to be hasty in getting in touch with your tourist agency if you want to take advantage of all that Brasov has to offer.