Category: Traveller’s Guide

Our destination today is recognized among mountain sports lovers, but also among history buffs. Located only 140 km from Bucharest, also called the Pearl of the Carpathians, Sinaia is perfect for relaxation, but also for active tourism, regardless of the season. But, first of all, we must remember the fact that Sinaia was for a good period of time the second capital of Romania, says Paul Popa, director of the National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion. It was the summer residence of Romanias royal family from 1887 until 1947. During this time, four generations of kings and queens passed through here.

“The construction of the castles and the entire royal domain meant a great deal to the city of Sinaia, and greatly aided its development. We have to start with two fundamental landmarks of the city: the Peleș and Pelișor museums, two masterpieces from our point of view, and not only ours. The vast majority of visitors, over 600 thousand a year, say the same about these two jewels. Now, the new management of Peleș Castle has decided to open the entire castle for visiting. Anyone who would like to somehow go through the entire history of the castle can visit the castle from the ground floor to the attic. The attic was closed for 47 years for various reasons, and was not open to the public. The tourist will see very important and unique things, a place a little different from the rest of the castle, a little more intimate, and where the ladies and ladies-in-waiting of the queens spent their days. King Mihai, in his childhood, had there an apartment. The drawing room was there, where the queen and her close friends spent part of the day, during the drawing lessons and classes held by the king in the castle.”

Pelișor Castle has remained as it was, continues Paul Popa, director of the National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion. Queen Marie embraced the Art Nouveau style and left her mark on the castle, which, although it looks very similar to the Peleș Castle from the outside, inside tells a completely different story.

“It is the only completely Art Nouveau castle in Romania. The queens heart was also brought here, as she wished, to stay close to the people she loved so much. Queen Maries heart is placed in the room that the queen liked the most, and entirely created by her, in the Golden Hall of Pelișor Castle. It is covered by the flags of Romania and Great Britain, recalling the British origin of our queen. Somehow, the visit to Pelișor Castle will change the image that the visitor has, going somehow through styles, from the German Neo-Renaissance of Pelișor Castle to the Art Nouveau style, through a lot of styles and eras, which is a delight.”

Sinaia is an open air museum town. Many buildings were built during the citys heyday, when their royal majesties decided to set up their summer residences here. Thus, a lot of personalities from the high society of the time wanted to have summer homes here and to be close to the queen and the king.

“We inherited a whole series of extraordinarily beautiful buildings, on which the most important architects of Romania worked, some of them even having summer homes here. You can see them through the open air tours that you can go on around the city. They are not all museums, they are parts of the built architectural heritage of Romania, which help the visitor to create an image of the city. Lets not forget the monastery as the fundamental landmark, from which we have the name “Sinaia”, its founder being Prince Mihai Cantacuzino. It was erected in the 1600s and is, of course, yet another fundamental landmark of the city. The monastery was the first building to appear in the city. It gave its name of the future town, and from here the whole story started. We have a lot of very interesting artifacts there as well. We even have a UNESCO listed artifact. The first museum of religious art in Romania is also there and, somehow, completes the visit. In the city, there is also a History Museum that was created soon after, at the initiative of all the townspeople, in order to have a landmark in the city. It was created in one of the oldest buildings in the city, in the Știrbei Palace.”

On the other hand, Sinaia remains a mountain resort. The Bucegi Mountains are the perfect destination for winter sports lovers, says Paul Popa, director of the National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion.

“We have 25 ski slopes, a very good alpine ski area, at a good altitude for what it means to preserve snow, because climate change brings a lot of changes. We are with our slopes at 2,125 meters attitude, and are served by a lot of cable installations. We have two gondolas, two cable cars, three ski lifts, three chair lifts. The 25 slopes are for everyone. If you are a beginner and have put your skis on your feet for the first time, there is a special slope for you, so that you dont get scared, and that you fall in love with this sport. If you are a professional athlete, you will have at your disposal pistes, including black ones. The color codes say something about the difficulty level of the slope. The black slopes are the most difficult. We also have three black slopes for those who are really masters of this sport, and who descend at 100km per hour. Then we have the red and blue slopes, for the vast majority of skiers, and which are of different lengths. They start from two, three km, and reach up to eight km. There are tobogganing and tubing slopes for those who still dont master skiing, or maybe dont want to do that, and then try to do something else.”

And, after a day of intense activity on the mountain, Sinaia awaits its tourists for relaxation. Whether you want a quiet evening or a lively one, there is a place for everyone.

“The ski day ends at some point, and when the evening comes, the town starts its engines, if we can use that term, and tries to cover all the needs of those who relax after a day of skiing. After days of skiing and relaxation spent here, you can return to work in a different state of mind. Thus, we have clubs, we have right at the base station of the Gondola, at altitude 1000, a very nice place that holds parties until late at night. We also have live bands there. The atmosphere is very lively, and people are willing to spend as much time there as possible. We have spa areas throughout the city. All important hotel structures have a dedicated area for relaxation with water, through massage, with all kinds of therapies. There are specialized staff who provide these services.”

Sinaia is very well connected to Bucharest. Thus, from Henri Coandă International Airport, you will find many transfer services, the average duration of travel being two hours.

Today I take you on a trip to Iasi county, in the north-east of Romania. The starting point is the the city with the same name, which was the capital of the Moldavian principality. From here, we head towards some of the county’s tourist hotspots.

Anca Zota, the coordinator of the Tourist Information and Promotion Center in Iași, recommends the city as an international tourist destination, being the right starting point for exploring the Romanian spirit: “It is an imprtant place for Romania both in historical and cultural terms. Great Romanian personalities were formed in Iasi or worked for a good part of their lives in this city. I am talking about the most famous and important authors, such as poet Mihai Eminescu and writer Ion Creangă. Also in Iasi, the Junimea Cultural Society was established, which had a great impact on the country’s literary life, so there are countless reasons to start exploring the county from this city. We mark January 24 in Iasi because this is where the Union of Romanian Principalities began and where Alexandru Ioan Cuza was elected ruler. We could say that Iași is the place where the foundation of todays modern Romania was set. January 24th is celebrated in the Union Square. Every year there are various public events dedicated to this special day.”

Iasi means, above all, history, art, science and innovation. Whether we talk about the old Cucuteni culture, the pages written by the great boyar families, the historic moment of Alexandru Ioan Cuza’s appointment as ruler of the Romanian principalities, the city plays a critical role in the history of Romania. A walk through the streets of the city can prove to be a real lesson in Romanian history and culture, says Anca Zota, the coordinator of the Tourist Information Centre in Iași: “We recommend that tourists should start their visit to the city of Iasi with a visit to its landmark – the Palace of Culture. The Palace of Culture has a very interesting history. It is erected on the site of the old Royal Court and now houses four museums. The History Museum helps us put the city and the region in context from a historical point of view, if we also refer to the part dedicated to the Cucuteni civilization. The Museum of Ethnography further explains this context. Then, we have two special museums: the Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of paintings by Romanian painters, and the Mechanic Music Museum which has on display an even more interesting collection. There is also a Mechanic Music Festival that is held in the first half of September in Iași, when fans of this music genre from all over the world get together at the Palace of Culture.”

The Municipal Museum is next on the list. It shows the evolution of the city of Iași from its beginnings up to present: “A simple walk will help us get a taste of the very active life in Iași. It is the youngest city in Romania, so it never sleeps and various interesting things happen here. There are art galleries that can be visited and where they exhibit either contemporary artists or students from the citys University of Art. In the city center, there is the Braunstein Palace and the Turkish Bath, two newly opened galleries, where there are increasingly interesting exhibitions.”

After long walks, visitors can recover in traditional restaurants: “We have traditional restaurants. One of them is the restaurant where poet Mihai Eminescu and the writer Ion Creangă used to meet and talk over a jug of wine. It dates back to around 1700. Here you can explore some very interesting cellars that have now been opened to the public. There is also a pedestrian zone that is permanently open in front of the Metropolitan Church, the City Hall and the National Theatre, and which, on weekends, is open on a more extensive area. It is an area of bars and cafes where tourists can find the vibe they want. We make personalized recommendations to tourists, depending on their preferences. “

In the Iași county there are many areas with breathtaking nature, as Anca Zota, tells us: “If we want to get out of Iași for a bit, we can go visit the Miclăușeni Castle, which is an old residence of wealthy Moldovan boyars and where various interesting events are constantly organized, which practically takes us back to medieval times. Also, traditional food lovers can make a stop at the Ancuței Inn which is also several hundred years old and very interesting. Hiking enthusiasts have many interesting options, from exploring the forests around Iași on foot or by bike, in organized or individual tours, to going to a place we call the Moldavian Delta, due to the landscape very similar to that of the Danube Delta and due to the large number of waterfalls that we can see when we go there.” (EE)

If the Christmas markets have already opened in the center of the big cities, the guesthouses in the countryside have already prepared for the holidays. In addition to a special menu, carefully composed of natural ingredients, the hosts offer artistic programs to tourists who choose the Romanian village as their destination, as well as visits to the most interesting sights in the surroundings.

Today we propose a foray into the world of the Romanian village, a world that always surprises with the beauty of traditions and customs. And, in the north-east of Romania, where Tara Dornelor stretches, the Christmas celebration has even more charm, says Mihaela Cocârță, executive director of the Tara Dornelor Destination Management Organization.

Tara Dornelor is a fairytale destination, a destination that overwhelms with its natural beauty, the warmth of the people, authentic traditions and rich customs, carefully passed down from generation to generation. Tara Dornelor is located in the heart of Bucovina and is an ideal destination for those who choose to spend their winter holidays away from home, as here they will feel exactly like home. For example, tourists passionate about adventure, traditions, and local gastronomy will feel truly pampered here, as, in the Dornelor Basin, the atmosphere is full of celebration and activities specific to the season. Tourists can take part in a lot of festive events. Of course, we are talking about Christmas markets. We also opened a few occasional Christmas markets in Tara Dornelor. We also have a fair with local products, where tourists can come and taste the goodies of Dorna Land. We are also talking about charity events, carol performances, all kinds of cultural events. All this being just a small part of our holiday tourist offer.

Those who love winter activities have the opportunity to spend an intense day on the ski slopes, says Mihaela Cocârță.

We have several slopes of different levels of difficulty, where they can ski, board or sled. They can also do lap skiing. Tourists can create memories with their loved ones on the ice rink, or even take romantic horse-drawn carriage rides. Some guesthouses offer this service. Of course, they can also go horseback riding or they can simply go for a walk and enjoy the festive light show, which turns our area into a fairytale place during this period. Among the special activities that tourists can do in our area, I mention a visit to the Călimani National Park, where both families with children and young people can learn more about this park of ours, which is so important to us. They can also visit the deer farm in the area and, why not, they can also make a short stop at one of the sheepfolds in Tara Dornelor, which offers tourists a foray into this fantastic world and even enjoy a tasting of specific delicacies. Of course, don’t forget that they can also do chairlift rides, recreational flying, snowmobile and ATV trails, and even go hiking through the snow, weather permitting.

We can’t talk about the winter holidays without mentioning Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, both of which are very important. And a specific tradition on Christmas Eve is caroling, an old custom of the locals, especially in the village area. They dress in folk costumes and walk the streets with their carols, full of emotion and joy.

During this period, houses and guesthouses await their carolers, and open their doors to listen to them. In our area, it is also a reason to narrow the ties between neighbors and friends, but, extrapolating to tourists, there is also a lot of emphasis on creating a relationship between host and guests. A very close atmosphere is created, and for us it is very important that the guests feel part of the family. Also on Christmas Eve, the tree gets decorated, and a distinct element compared to other areas of Romania is that, here, the tree is still decorated on the Eve, not earlier, and also those candies are still used specific to the tree, in addition to the other design elements.

Christmas in Dorna Land is not just a holiday, but a journey through time to customs and traditions that have endured. And, if we talk about gastronomy, all accommodation units, especially in the rural area, prepare something special for their guests, says Mihaela Cocârță, executive director of the Țara Dornelor Destination Management Organization.

We don’t compromise on quality, and that’s why all local products, in addition to being delicious, are also natural. They are carefully prepared by the hosts, as if for their families. Our gastronomy brings together all the traditional flavors, especially during Christmas. And here we are talking about stuffed cabbage, about Christmas cake, Russian salad, and about all kinds of specific meat products, but also cheeses from small local producers. Thus, we offer a culinary feast that brings joy to even the most demanding of customers. Moving on to Christmas meals, these are the most delicious of the entire year. Țara Dornelor offers a unique experience to the tourists who visit us, being a destination dedicated both to groups of friends and families with children of all ages, even grandparents. As proof, in our area, the occupancy rate is very high, somewhere close to 100%. We have visitors, foreigners and Romanians, of all ages, precisely because we offer so many services that are addressed to various age groups. There are all kinds of events that take place during this period. One of these events is the Festival of Winter Traditions and Customs, an event with tradition. It has reached its 26th edition, and is an extraordinary parade of groups of carolers and carolers from all over the country, held in the open air, where the spectators enjoy an extraordinary show. In conclusion, I can only wish everyone happy and peaceful holidays, wherever, in whatever corner of the country and the world they are.

And the list of events continues over the next period. On January 20, 2024, the first edition of the Balkan Cyclocross Championship will take place in Vatra Dornei. Then, also in Vatra Dornei, from February 15, 2024, two stages of the luge world cup will be held on the natural track.

An area full of legends and traditions, Caraș-Severin county, located in the southwest of Romania, takes pride in its multiculturalism and its unique tourist attractions. Beautiful villages, old watermills that still work, and ski slopes are only some of the latter.

We begin our journey with Semeringul Banățean. This is the oldest mountain railway in Romania, and the most spectacular, declared the Destination of the Year 2021. Inaugurated on December 15, 1863, some 160 years ago, it passes through 14 tunnels and 10 viaducts, and has a total length of 33.4 km. Semeringul Banatean connects the city of Oravița with Anina, a locality that in the past lived on industry, according to Dan Mirea, the director of the Caraş-Severin County Center for the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture: At present, it is a city that has found tourism development as a solution. An unique element is the fact that here, in one of the deepest mines in Europe, there is an old English engine that is still functional. It is an engine that no longer exists anywhere else in the world, one of the series of engines that were also used on the famous Titanic. As I said, this engine still exists in the mine in Anina, and the mayor, together with the city council there decided to make it a tourist attraction, because there are many foreigners who know about this engine. Tourists get here with Semeringul Banățean, a railway line in a breathtaking landscape.

Also in the mountainous area of Caraș-Severin county, tourists can see the most famous waterfall in Romania. This was put by World Geography Portal on the first place in the ranking of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

Dan Mirea: There is no doubt that one of the most well-known tourist attractions objectives in the county is Bigăr waterfall, which, in the last year, drew a record number of tourists, the area also developing as a tourist area. I would like to also next to the Bigăr Waterfall, not even 10 km away, the town of Eftimie Murgu, Rudăria, as the Banat locals call it, a town where there are the famous water mills, which have been operational for over 100 years. They are also currently used by the locals as a tourist attraction and as a presentation of traditional dishes. The corn flour that the peasants grind at the mills is prepared in traditional dishes in households in Rudăria. There are a lot of foreign tourists who go there.

Among the most interesting mountain destinations are Semenic and Văliug, two localities that have developed a lot in recent years. Dan Mirea tells us more: There is a famous village in the mountains of Banat, Gărâna. During the summer, it hosts the largest jazz festival in Eastern Europe, and during the winter, it turns into a real celebration. All the houses there were transformed by the locals, with the support of the authorities, into small guesthouses. Each of them offers, in addition to traditional dishes, a real show in terms of customs, not only Romanian, but also Saxon. Gărâna is one of the Saxon areas that flourished as tourist destination. We have communities of Croatians, Serbians, Hungarians, Ukrainians and Saxons who came here a few hundred years ago as labour force, and then became natives by merging with the locals and ended up creating wonderful communities. In every area of Banat, there are beautiful customs.

There are two skiable areas in the Banat area: the Semenic-Văliug area and the Muntele Mic area, says Romeo Dan Duncă, president of the Caraș-Severin County Council: There are still some older installations on Semenic and Văliug, but, very interesting, there are some newly made slopes. One of them is six km long. It is the longest ski slope in Romania. There is an project already approved, for installing a gondola over a length of 4 km. Basically, we will put this very beautiful area back on the ski map, which will be very attractive not only in winter, but also in summer or in autumn, for all mountain lovers. The other area, the Muntelui Mic area, is an area that has developed a lot and has very beautiful landscapes. From Muntele Mic you can see all the other mountains: the crown of the Ţarcului Mountains and the Retezat Mountains.

A historical province located in the north of Romania, Bucovina is one of the most fascinating holiday destinations in Romania. Cultural tourism, active tourism, spa tourism, an irresistible gastronomic offer and, last but not least, the hospitality of its inhabitants are the main arguments in favor of a trip or a vacation in Bucovina.

Laura Ursu, from the Suceava National Tourist Information and Promotion Center, within Suceava County Council, says that Bucovina is a nationally and internationally known destination, especially for the eight monasteries and churches included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. But the reasons for tourists choosing a holiday in Bucovina are many more.

“Those who come to us in the county are also tempted by nature, because we have an exceptional natural setting. The mountainous area dominates in our county. We have a lot of tourist attractions in terms of cultural tourism, museums, including an open-air museum. In Suceava, we have the Bucovina Village Museum, which presents the traditions and customs of the area, in such a way that if the tourist does not have time to visit the region in more detail, they can only see in the municipality what is offered here in terms of traditions and customs. Those who come to us in this area are both individual tourists and tourists who come in groups, and it is also a very attractive destination for families who also have a larger number of children.”

The Suceava National Tourist Information and Promotion Center makes available to tourists, every year, a catalog presenting the traditions and customs that take place throughout the county.

“There are festivals of traditions and customs that are organized in the county, in cities and in the countryside. There are carols concerts, there are Christmas fairs. We also have traditional craftsmen who promote the crafts they practice. A craftsman, for example, transformed a traditional house into a space where he actually creates memories. He set up various corners where tourists dressed in folk costumes are photographed. They are photographed both individually and in groups, whatever they want. There are also various souvenirs that can be purchased there. The offer is very attractive. During the summer, for example, more than 300 families cross their threshold just for photos, not just for souvenirs. At the Christmas fairs that are organized in various places in the county, folk craftsmen participate, who create especially products specific to the winter holidays: traditional masks, wooden products, sculptures, miniature houses and churches, various household items, some of them have a decorative role, but some also have a practical role. Those who come to us in the area say that the atmosphere, the spirit of the place, attracts and impresses them the moment they step in the county.”

Perhaps one of the most emblematic places where you can spend your winter holidays in Bucovina is Vatra Dornei. The resort, located at an altitude of 800 meters, is known among lovers of mountain sports, but also among those who want to spend a vacation in an oasis of peace. It is the perfect destination for an active holiday, but also for a foray into the world of old traditions, says the vice-mayor Marius Rîpan:

“Vatra Dornei was, and is, becoming again the winter sports resort because the ice rink in the Municipal Park has just opened. There is also intensive work on the ski slopes in Vatra Dornei, but I have to announce that we are already at the twelfth edition of the World Cup stage for sledding on a natural slope. I know that in terms of winter sports, in Romania, there are only two places: one is near Brașov, and the other one is at Vatra Dornei. I dont know how many people know, but we invite all winter sports lovers to come and spend an active vacation at Vatra Dornei, but also to watch a winter sports competition, at the highest level. Also here, in Vatra Dornei, we have, on December 29, a festival dedicated to traditions and winter customs, in which the lowest attendance of those who participated was 600 of people. I mean those who come and show off their winter traditions and customs: dancers, carolers, well-wishers, mask wearers. You can admire the customs of most areas of the country. Over time, we also had guests from Ukraine, because they also have traditions similar to ours. All of them could be seen at Vatra Dornei, as part of the festival.”

The resort has been well-known since the time of Emperor Franz Joseph, continues Marius Rîpan, the mayor of Vara Dornei. At that time, Bucovina was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the capital was in Vienna.

“The mayor at that time, Vasile Deac, mayor between 1875 and 1902, knocked on the door of the then emperor and, after a lot of insistence and work of persuasion on the emperor, the foundations of the Vatra Dornei spa resort were laid, by discovering the springs of mineral water and their enhancement, by enhancing the healing factors of Vatra Dornei, fresh air and medicinal mud. At the end of the 1800s, all the representative buildings for Vatra Dornei were built: the Spa Casino, the Balneary Establishment, or the Old Polyclinic, as we call it, the Municipal Palace, or the City Hall, which has a splendid hall of mirrors. We invite everyone to come and see this hall that we are so proud of. Also, the Sentinel Spring will enter a rehabilitation process as soon as possible. They are buildings that give the Vatra Dornei resort the splendor that has made it famous in the first place.”

Last but not least, Bucovina is also the land of fabulous culinary recipes, kept for generations in the family. Bucovina gastronomy represents a true culinary art. The ingredients used are natural and fresh. The women cook here as their mothers and grandmothers used to do, and everyone who crosses their threshold, without exception, delights in the famous cheese pies, with balmos, Moldavian mixed stew, mushrooms, or trout preserved in fir tree bark.

Between November 9 and 12, the Romanian Tourism Fair, the autumn edition, took place in Bucharest. For four days, the most beautiful holiday destinations in Romania were presented, as well as discounted tourist packages, even as low as half price. The event was a real attraction for those who were looking for the best travel tips and wanted to escape the stress of organizing a vacation.

We stop first in Maramureș. Paul Habina, director of the Maramureș Destination Management Organization, says that the entire area stands out for preserving traditions, but also for a very rich and unspoiled nature.

More than 45% of Maramureș is still covered with forests, many of them virgin. It is the place where green tourism can be practiced. We have a circuit of wooden churches. There are over 16 wooden churches included in this circuit, eight of which are part of the UNESCO heritage. We are proud of the tallest wooden building in Europe, in Săpânta-Peri, and the second tallest wooden building, the old Church of Șurdeşti, which is also a UNESCO heritage. In addition to these, we have the Bârsana Monastery, which is famous, but we also have natural attractions, such as the Cascada Cailor de la Borșa, the Vaser Valley, which can be traveled with the help of a snowmobile, as well as the areas in the Lăpuș area. Most accommodation units prepare packages for the winter holidays, which include, in addition to accommodation and all meals, various activities. Tourists can actively participate in the preparation of Christmas dishes. This year we chose to participate in the fair in a self-built stand, outside the exhibition space, precisely because we wanted to bring as much as possible from Maramureș and present it.

Also in the north of Romania, Bucovina is a nationally and internationally known destination for the monasteries and churches included in the UNESCO world heritage, says Laura Ursu, from the Suceava National Tourist Information and Promotion Center.

Those who come to us in the area are both individual tourists and tourists who come in groups, and it is also a very attractive destination for families with a larger number of children. All the time, at the autumn editions of the National Tourism Fair, we promote what we offer during the winter holidays, the offers of tour operators, hotels, guesthouses with everything they offer to the tourists who cross their doorstep. And we, at the tourism office with Suceava County Council, make a catalog presenting the traditions and customs that take place throughout the county. Festivals of traditions and customs, carol concerts, Christmas fairs are organized. Now, in the Bucovina stand, there is also a trout farm from the Dornelor area, which offers traditional products, specific to the winter holidays. We also have a folk craftsman who promotes crafts.

In the center of Romania, we have Vama Buzăului. Fabian Roth, administrator of the Valea Zimbrilor reserve, welcomes us at the destination stand.

It is a tourist resort of local interest, a special area, with clean air, with a special landscape. In the Valea Zimbrilor reserve, you can find many other animals in addition to bison. It is also aimed at families with children, who can see reindeer, mouflons, peacocks. We have a diverse range, a generous play space for the little ones. Then, the Howling Waterfall is not to be missed, It is located at the foot of the Ciucaș Mountains. The tourist arriving at Vama Buzăului has the opportunity to eat at a local gastropub. They can eat dishes at the housewife’s home, with dishes of the house and dishes from the area.

Caraș-Severin county is also proud of its local cuisine. But also with virtual tours through virtual reality headsets. At the Banatului Montan stand, we were greeted by Dan Mirea, director of the County Center for the Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture.

We came here with a virtual tour of the localities and tourist areas that can be visited in Caraș-Severin County. Those who wish can see them both on a screen and with a pair of special glasses. In addition to that, we came up with an artistic program. Three famous soloists from Banat came together with the professional orchestra Virtuozii Semenicului and, last but not least, the ensemble Junii Gugulani from Caransebeș, an ensemble that represents Banat at all major festivals in the country and abroad. We brought Marian Popovici, one of the greatest chefs that Romania has, he was named Romanian chef of the year in 2017. He came with us this year with a wide range of traditional products from Banatul de Munte: homemade sausages, cheese from the mountainous area of Banat, with plum brandy, rachiu, as we call it, and, last but not least, with preserved natural products, such as jams and zacusca of seven kinds.

Romulus Dan Busnea, journalist and promoter of tourism in Bacău county, presented to the tourists the offer of the Slănic Moldova spa resort, the salt mine in Târgu Ocna, and promoted the palaces on Valea Trotușului. Last but not least, he sent us an invitation to the Festivals of Traditions and Customs.

These traditional festivals of winter customs are held here, one of the biggest being the one in Bacău, and the other, which also attracted foreign tourists, is the one in Comănești. They take place both in Bacău, Moinești, Comănești, Târgu Ocna, but also in Slănic Moldova. It is a gathering of all the ensembles of the area, with traditional dances and games, starting with the bear game, the goat game, the calusari. It’s an explosion of color and sound, very interesting as a manifestation, during the festive days around Christmas, up to and including New Year’s Eve. Apart from the soul of the place, many tourists who come to the area participate, some even specifically to film and get directly involved in these exceptional events.

The Amara resort (eastern Romania) stands out for a dendrological park of 64 hectares, but also for the treatments practiced here. Muresan Mara, from Amara City Hall, also announced the completion of a project on the edge of the lake.

We are developing Perla Beach by introducing pedestrian walkways, picnic areas, gazebos, we have two bird observatories. In addition, we also have spaces set up for children’s games. We have developed the public lighting system, road infrastructure and utilities, because Perla beach is right at the entrance to the Amara resort. We also created a pool for people with disabilities. It is well known that Amara, over time, brought there many tourists who treated their rheumatic problems with sapropelic mud. The completion date of the project is December 31 this year.

Here are some attractive offers for a vacation in Romania! We will return to these areas in future editions of our feature.

Today we are heading towards the center of Romania. Here, at the foot of the mountains, we discover a tourist resort of national interest: Râșnov. Almost 700 years old, the settlement has a rich history, but also tourist attractions for the whole family and for all tastes.

Râșnov is wooded. Everywhere you look, you can see the forest, and the fresh air invites you to hikes or sports activities of lesser or greater difficulty. At the same time, the hotels and guesthouses are very welcoming, and the gastronomic offer is very large. Daniela Bonta, president of the Rosenau Tourism Association, says that Râșnov, through its tourist attractions, is a destination for the whole family.

“The most important objective is Râșnov Fortress, which is now under restoration, but the fortress courtyard can be visited. We have a multitude of festivals throughout the summer and fall, and the citadel courtyard is home to most of these festivals. Next is the Valea Cetății cave, which is 2.5 km from Râșnov and 7 km from Poiana Brașov. It is a unique tourist attraction in this area. Then tourists can visit the largest dinosaur theme park in South-Eastern Europe, as well as an open-air museum. The Old Romanian Church is also on the list of objectives. It is the oldest Orthodox church with elevation in the south-east of Transylvania. You can also visit the Evangelical Church in Râșnov. The age of the church is shown primarily by the architectural elements visible inside, and less by the inscribed documents that appear quite late, around 1384. Another attraction, this time a sporting venue, is the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, which hosts every year two World Cup stages for both boys and girls in February.”

From the city center, you can use an ecological and unique means of transport, an elevator on a slope. It connects the center of Râșnov with the fortress. Râșnov Citadel is today one of the most important medieval monuments in Romania, and is undergoing an extensive restoration process. It was started in February 2020, and it is estimated that the works will be completed in 2025, says Mihai Dragomir, president of the Mioritic Association, and member of the Rosenau Tourism Association.

“Râșnov Citadel is the main attraction of Râșnov at the moment. Thanks to archeological digs, we know that, since ancient times, the fortifications on the hill of the fortress protected a Dacian settlement. The first medieval fortress in Râșnov was built by the Saxon Teutonic Knights in the period 1211-1225, as long as the Crusader reign in the Land of Bursa lasted. Then, after the crusaders were expelled from the Land of Bursa, the wood and earth fortress was rebuilt into a stone one by the local community and evolved over the centuries, resisting Tatar sieges. This was a place of refuge for the Râșnov community until the 18th century. The current form of a fortified medieval market has been preserved ever since. Visitors can now enter the fortress garden, the lower area of the Râșnov Fortress, from where they can admire the fortifications and the Bathory Tower, and from the upper part, next to the barbican, you can see a very beautiful landscape over the Bucegi Mountains and the Postăvar Massif. Events at the Râșnov Citadel continued, because the vast majority of them were scheduled for the citadels garden, the area that is not affected by restoration works.”

In addition to being a destination for lovers of cultural events and history, Râșnov remains a destination for lovers of active tourism both through the offer of the city and its surroundings, says Daniela Bonta, president of the Rosenau Turism Association.

“About 5 km away, there is Cheile Râșnoavei, an ideal area for hiking and picnicking in the middle of nature. Here you can practice climbing, horse riding, bungee jumping, zipline, mountain biking. We also have the Sissi promenade. In 1879, a swimming school was built near the barracks of the cavalry regiment, and a promenade named Elisabeta was laid out. It is known today as Sissi Promenade, because it is closely related to Princess Sissi, but this is her story. As for hiking trails, we invite tourists on easier or slightly more difficult trails. We have 11 routes that leave from Râșnov and are of varying degrees of difficulty. At the same time, we boast 16 km of bike routes of varying degrees of difficulty, starting from easy, then medium, difficult, and very difficult. The bike routes are very well known by those who practice mountain biking. There are bicycle rental centers in Râșnov and in the immediate vicinity. At the same time, starting this year, we invited tourists to two free guided tours, held every Saturday, starting from spring and ending in autumn. One is to discover Râșnov, to find out the stories of the city, and, by alternation, the following Saturday we invite tourists to hikes in the middle of nature, to meet the silence. They will enjoy an authentic experience of discovering the sounds and colors of nature, disconnecting from the hectic life and reconnecting with the energy of the forest.”

Upon request and for a fee, tours can also be done in international languages. And this is just one of the tourism development projects in Râșnov, continues Daniela Bonta.

“Another would look at the ongoing development at the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. These are bike paths, longboard, and the walking area. Another project would look at the fortress. When the rehabilitation of the citadel is finished, we will have a series of well-connected and well-structured tourist objectives, so that the tourists, when they set out on a sightseeing route, can mark all the objectives. At the same time, we are planning, and I hope to succeed very soon, to enhance the value of the historic center of the city of Râșnov through events that take place in the historic center and through an invitation to the terraces and restaurants of Râșnov, which are very well located, in the immediate vicinity of the forest. Tourists on terraces have a superb view of the fortress, the forest, and the landscape.”

Here, therefore, is a destination for the whole family, regardless of the season! With the hope that you will follow our invitation, we are waiting for you next time with offers from the Romanian Tourism Fair, the autumn edition.

Whether it is summer or winter, the adventure continues. Regardless of the season, adventure tourism is the perfect choice for seekers of adrenaline and team activities. We can combine spelunking and via ferrata in one adventure in the Valea Cetății Cave near Râșnov. Another option would be to explore apparently inaccessible, but picturesque routes in the Brașov area. We can also try a double command flight with an ultralight plane.

Dan Panțuru declares himself a lover of nature and, for over ten years, as the administrator of a Romanian adventure tourism and team building company, he has been attracting tourists to the most diverse areas of Romania.

Romania is the most interesting destination for adventure tourism from our point of view, even at the European level. It has all the necessary ingredients to develop adventure tourism. In Romania, we have mountains, we have the sea, we have the Delta. What can be more beautiful than that? There is no more interesting location for such a thing. From year to year, there is an increase in the number of tourists who come to visit specific locations in Romania. The most important thing is that we Romanians learn to do research beforehand, after which we will want to see with our own eyes the things we read about. It’s a very beautiful thing, and that’s how it should be done: planning ahead, research, documentation, after which we come to visit and see those destinations with our own eyes.

One of the successful tourism packages is rafting on the Buzau River, just 150 km from Bucharest, accompanied by internationally accredited guides. Going down the Buzău river is done in boats for a maximum of ten people. Rafting can also be done with families with children, under safe conditions, with children getting a discount if they are below 14 years old. In addition, the smiles, but also the shouts of joy, will be recorded from the boats with state-of-the-art cameras. The price starts from around 50 euros per person.

Another interesting package is aimed at those who want to take spectacular photos above the Carpathians from a plane that they can actually fly. Planes with two or four seats are available to tourists, at a price of approximately 210 euros per person. Dan Panțuru, the administrator of the adventure tourism company that organizes these flights, says that whether they are discovering new hobbies or just overcoming old fears, tourists must try this experience at least once in their lifetime.

“We try to combine spectacular natural points of interest with local culture and customs. Airplanes may be an option. Flying ultralight planes over the mountains in areas like Brașov can be incredibly exciting experiences. We offer twin command aircraft and we can also let the customer drive the aircraft for a few moments, feel like a pilot for a short period of time. We have water, air, and land sports. All of them are incredibly interesting options throughout Romania.

Of course, all these adventure travel packages can also be combined with other forms of travel. They can be rural or cultural tourism, says Dan Panțuru.

“Let me tell you exactly where I am right now. I am with a group of tourists, Romanians this time, who wanted a cultural tour. We are currently in Luana Country, in the area of the Buzău Mountains, and I am currently at the Amber Museum in Colți. We are going to visit the Aluniș church, with the cave vestiges in the area of the church, after which we go further and visit the Nucu cave vestiges, and we are going to finish the day with a visit to the concretions of Bozioru. Depending on the category of sports I mentioned, water, air, or land sports, the diversity of activities in the field of adventure tourism is very, very wide. Romania offers the option of all activities of this kind throughout its territory.

We asked Dan Panțuru, the administrator of the adventure travel company, how we can access all these adventure travel programs.

If the client wants a certain specific activity, rafting, for example, then they will find information on our website on where this type of activity can be practiced in Romania. The equipment is specific to the type of sport that the client chooses, and is provided by the organizing company. For example, if we are talking about white water rafting, the equipment provided is a booted wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, paddle, and a rafting boat. So the client doesn’t care about the equipment, he just has to come psychologically prepared to live a certain experience.

So, a tourist only has to wish for an unforgettable adventure. And Romania has the advantage of offering adventure tourism options throughout the year, depending on the season. Although the diversity of outdoor activities is greater from spring to autumn, it does not mean that in the off-season or during the winter they are non-existent in Romania, on the contrary. In addition, due to the attractive prices and the diversity of programs, Romania has also attracted many foreign tourists. They come from all over the world, either on their own, or through specialized travel agencies in their countries, says Dan Panțuru, the administrator of the adventure travel company.

In most cases, a lot of tourists come from Germany, from Israel, Italy, or Spain. The diversity is great and we were glad. They are fascinated by Romania. I’m saying that the reality is more impressive than the documentation they read before. What fascinates them the most, and what I think they don’t have in their countries, is the wilderness you find in Romania, the very wide areas where you only find wild nature. I think that is what fascinates them the most, and it is an asset that Romania should push as much as possible. We suggest to foreign tourists, but also to Romanians, to come and see with their own eyes the spectacular beauties of this country. It is one of the countries that offers a great diversity of outdoor activities. I don’t think there is any activity that cannot be covered here in Romania. You can experience the wild nature that combines very nicely with the culture of Romanians and their traditions.

Here are just some of the reasons why you should contact your tour operator and ask for adventure travel offers in Romania. You won t regret it!

Starting from Târgu Mureș, a representative city for Secession or Art Nouveau architectural styles, we head towards the main objectives in Mureș county. Thus, we arrive at the largest continuously inhabited medieval fortress in Europe, and, at the same time, a UNESCO heritage site: Sighisoara. Then, passing Ursu Lake, the largest heliothermal lake in the world, we reach the Mureș Valley. It has often been likened to the Loire Valley due to its many castles and mansions.

Tourist visits should start with the county seat town, Târgu Mureș, which, according to tourists, is a chic, beautiful, well-kept and quiet town, says Dana Matic, head of the Visit Mureș Tourist Information Bureau.

“In addition, it has a pearl of Secession or Art Nouveau architecture, the Palace of Culture, which also represents kilometer zero for a tourist visit to the city. We are lucky that our tourist information office is right in the building of the Palace of Culture. We are very conveniently located around the corner from the Palace of Culture, and from here we can send them on a city tour. We have paper materials with the city tour where there are explanations of the buildings, our suggested routes, and what to visit and a brief description of each tourist attraction in the city center.”

If tourists have accommodation in Târgu Mureș and want to get to know the area better, Dana Matic recommends day trips in the surroundings.

“First of all, I would recommend they go to Sighisoara, which is the pearl of medieval architecture in Romania. I am convinced that it is present in the recommendation of any tour operator in Romania that offers services to tourists from abroad. It is part of the classic tour of Romania. Sighisoara is a UNESCO objective and is the best preserved medieval fortress in the eastern part of Europe. I would combine Sighișoara with other fortified churches. Basically, the area around Sighisoara is the border area of Mureș county. Here I would also recommend a visit to Saschiz, which has both a fortified church and a fortress on the hill next to the church. Tourists could also go to Archita, which is also a very nicely preserved fortified church, and why not to Bethlen Castle in Criș, which is about 15 km from Sighisoara.”

Dana Matic, head of the Visit Mureș Tourist Information Office, recommends tourists also visit Sovata, which is at the top of the national ranking of the most beautiful spa resorts.

“At Sovata, they will see Ursu Lake, which is the largest heliothermal lake in Europe and the second in the world. Also, the resort is very nicely laid out. In recent years, a lot has been invested and many ideas have been put into practice. Around the lake, some eco-didactic paths have been set up, through which, on paths equipped with benches, rest stops and informative panels, people can walk through the protected area around Lake Ursu. Here you can see other salt lakes or fresh water lakes, and you can get right above the lake to one of the highest points in the resort, where there is a climbable tower. There the panorama is 360 degrees.”

According to the National Heritage Institute, in Romania there are over six hundred castles, mansions and estates. Of these, approximately fifty are found on the territory of Mureș county, being part of the architectural heritage left behind by Transylvanian aristocracy throughout history. This year, the Visit Mureș Information Office focused its promotion strategy on the castles in Mureș County. Here is Dana Matic.

“In Romania, Mureș is able to boast the largest number of castles and mansions. Practically, we can almost draw a parallel with the Loire Valley. We also have the Mureșului Valley, where there are many castles. These can also be seen in other valleys of the county. Although there are dozens, not every one can be visited, some being in an advanced state of decay. We focused on promoting castles that can be visited, where a museum or hotels operate. We have spoken to each individual castle, and we even have a promotion strategy. We have printed materials where the castles are listed, with descriptions about them, how they can be visited, but we also organize different events at the castles. We have entered into partnerships with the representatives of these castles, and the idea is that they promote each other, because together they can be more successful. We, at Visit Mureș, even organize the open day at Degenfeld Castle in Cuci. We also want to raise funds to support the running of the castle.”

Recently, the 17th edition of the “Hot Air Balloon Parade” event ended in Mureș County. After a short break during the pandemic, everyone was happy to see the colorful balloons rise again. And, if in the summer, Mureș comes alive around the Awake or Vibe music festivals, in the fall the Sovata Pumpkin Festival begins. Last but not least, in Theater Square in Mureș, for several years, a very beautiful Christmas Fair has been organized, where you will also be able to see craftsmen. In fact, you can find them in various specific places in the county, says Dana Matic, head of the Visit Mureș Tourist Information Office.

“In Câmpenita there are people who make objects from straw, like hats or bags. We also have luthiers from Reghin. We are proud of the fact that Reghin is the only town in Romania where stringed musical instruments are manufactured, and, apart from the classic instrument factories, there are many small luthiers workshops that tourists can visit, and, why not, order parts from them. We are awaiting all curious people to Mureș county, because our county has been blessed with all forms of relief. Here you can exercise in the open air, you can go hiking in the mountains, we have pastures with centuries-old oak trees, we have a very high ecological diversity. We have built heritage, UNESCO heritage, and castles. We have everything for everyone, to satisfy everyones tastes.”

By visiting visitmures.com, you can find detailed information on sights and tourist routes. The site is available in Romanian, English, and Hungarian.