Here are some of the best places to visit in Romania. This list of the most beautiful places in Romania will be a magical event during your visit. Is it possible that Romania has nothing to do with Dracula? Okay? We will give you a list of a great Romania tour, and convince you it's worth it. The fairytale landscape, fortified churches and painted monastery are some of the best attractions of the mountain region.
A stark but mysterious country filled with contrasts with vibrant western cities and villages anchored by a wonderfully nostalgic timeline. Dacias ruled this route and dense forest provides shelters for wolves and bears who call this region home. However, in this article, I discuss 30 of the best places to visit in Romania. So, continue reading and discover this top places to visit in Romania!
01. Visit the Historic town of Râșnov
Râşnov was located in the Carpathian Mountains within Transylvanian territory. It is regarded as being constructed during Thracia-Roman times although it is famous for its fortifications. Râşnov Fortress is located on a hill 650 feet below the city and was constructed by the Sachsens to protect the town against the invasion.
The ruins contain an old story that describes two captured Turkish soldiers. In order that people would not have a reliable source of drinking water, the troops began working on digging a well. According to local tales, this took them 17 years to complete.
02. Drive the famous Transfăgărășan Highway
If you plan on traveling through Romania, driving the Transfgărăşan highway will be essential. It's considered a great road trip! The highway was constructed at the beginning of the 1970’s to allow Romania to pass through the Fagara Mountains if the USSR invaded Romania.
Transfăgărășan highway has an estimated distance of more than 125 km whose highest point stands at 2,042-metres, making it an unbelievable sight. The road now is an attraction on Top Gear, which was broadcast at BBC.
The highway was a major attraction for Romania for several reasons. Its only completely closed between June and October as the roads are hazardous in winter due to ice and snow.
03. Visit the Liberty Bear Sanctuary
Liberty Bear Sanctuary has become an ideal place for a holiday in Romania for a lover of animals. In the 90's bears stayed in cages at restaurants. They are aimed at attracting consumers, and unfortunately, they became a common sight throughout Romania.
However, Christina Lapis was determined to rescue those distressed animals and change people's perception of this beautiful thing. It was aimed at preventing this vicious abuse and giving the bears another life.
I want them back. Today the dream was realised as Liberty Bear Sanctuary is a sanctuary for nearly 100 bears who can now enjoy freedom from humans on over 669 hectares.
04. Visit Bran Castle: The home of Dracula
Bran Castle is a historic national monument in Transylvania. This castle has also been dubbed Dracula Castle. It's sometimes linked to Bram Stokers ‘Count Druvian', however the author did not visit Transylvania.
Nevertheless, this author depicts the story so accurately that you wouldn't be surprised. The surrounding towns believed in mystical spirits and ghosts or ‘strigoi’ until about 500 BC believed they had existed among them.
A strigoi is a person who leads a regular life during the day until their souls leave their body during the night to go after the prey.
05. Transfagarasan Highway
The best place to travel in Romania is Transfagarasan. The Top Gear show deeming it to have the most scenic drive around the world makes visiting them mandatory to a Romanian itinerary.
This Transfagarasian route is a route through the southern portions of the Karpatic Mountains which offers spectacular views over the surrounding mountain range. The highest peak on the transfagarsan Highway is the magnificent Balea Lake, an extremely clear glacier lake in Romania.
06. Explore the city of Brașov
Brașov is often considered the gateway in Transylvania but is only 164 km away from Bucharest's capital. It is a Romanian city that has many visitors thanks its beautiful location, beautiful design and relaxing atmosphere.
Amongst the more popular sites in Brașov include Piața Sfatul (The Council Plaza), theBiserica Negara and Catherine Tower. You can walk down Strada Republic - one of the most vibrant streets of city. Probably the easiest way to reach the top of the Tâmpa Mountain is via cable cars.
07. Transalpina Road
Travel through Romania's highest mountain pass where you will see clouds and go by footsteps of 13th Century nobles and traders. Although Transfgărăşan Pass was the most famous Romanian road, it is actually the top road in the country with a peak of 2,145m above sea level.
That’s also incredibly exciting. While a mountain path at this area is thought to be dating back thousands of years it has been turned into a road by German forces during World War II.
08. Take a trip to the Sighişoara Citadel
The Sighişoara Citadel is the only inhabited medieval fort in Southeast Europe. It is the largest town in Romania, with only seven Saxon walled settlements built around the same time in the 12th century.
The place contains many historic moments, as its citadel has witnessed many tragedies throughout history. It includes Mongal invasion e.g. Fire and rebellion, and witch trial e.g. execution.
Sighişoara Citadel remains surrounded by a beautiful and enchanting atmosphere today. When you step inside the gate and walk the cobbled streets you are brought back into time.
09. Biertan Fortified Church
In Transylvania all the religious and defensive centers were fortress churches. In the event the village was attacked, they were forced back and left their possessions. Romania contains seven fortified villages with World Heritage status.
The most impressive is probably the fortification church in Biertan. Beertan lies about 10km from the main highway bringing mediaş and Sighişoara. The Marriage Prison is a fascinating place to visit where separated couple were kept together and repressed for six weeks before getting their divorced.
10. Climb 1480 steps to Poenari Citadel
Poeari Castle (also named Poenari Castle) is a famous place in Romania where it has been home to famous Vlad the Impaler. The Impaler is known in Romania as one of the national heroes.
However, his greatest reputation was for his cruelty in punishing his opponents. Poenari is situated at a steep slope near Fágăraş Mountain and was a fortress in its day. Despite being completely wiped off, Poenari is a fairly well kept town and is also one of Romania's most visited cities.
11. Pelisor Castle and Peles Castles
Visit this beautiful Romanian castle that was once a home to the royal family today! Built in 1873 to 1914, on the orders of King Carol I whose rule the country gained independence after the visit to Sinaia, the nearby city.
The enormous Neo-Renaissance Peleş castle was first constructed followed by Pelisor Castle which is an impressive example of Art Nouveau style combining Byzantine & Celtic elements. Peleş castle was proclaimed national after King Michael had renounced himself to resign from the military.
12. Ruins of Cârta Monastery
A very important Gothic monument in Romania is the Cistercian monastery of Câreța. Located just 50 kilometers from Brasov, the Abbey is easily accessible within a day. Mongolian invasions in 1241 destroyed it. However King Matthias Corvinus re-opened the house in 1476 exproprising all the property.
The Cârţa monastery survived the centuries even partially. Currently most of the church's remaining parts remain the choir which the evangelical church has used for its sanctuary. Former nave space became war cemetery.
13. Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Painted monasteries have become the best attraction for tourists in Bucovina. This monastery's greatest appeal is reflected on its bright exterior fresco that portrays various religious scenes.
If you are able to take a trip through Bucovina's painted churches, you're recommended. It's amazing! It's advisable to visit the Monasteries of Voronite, Moldovia et Sucesvita that are probably the most beautiful.
14. Bánffy Castle
Bánffy Castle features a variety of architectures which include the Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassic, and Gothic styles. The castle has undergone various development stages, and it belongs to the Banffy family.
Between 1437 and 1543 Banffy built the castle and lived there until 1944. Then German troops evacuated them to the army hospital, where the German Army was able to use their facilities for medical treatment.
Toward the end of the war the castle was destroyed, and later abandoned, when the building was looted as building material and vandalized after the war.
15. Merry Cemetery
Ponder this colourfully hilarious reinterpreted account of life and death. A public open-air museum, which is primarily popular because one peculiar feature of this cemetery is a relatively recent rise in prominence.
According to its name, the Merry Cemetary does not consider deaths merely an indelibly humbling event, and believes it should be a moment of joy and anticipation for the best.
Those views are based on the Dacian culture of locals and result in bright illustrations and darker humorous depictions of gravestones.
16. Clay Castle of the Valley of Fairies
A hidden castle in the mountains of Transylvania, about 40 km from Sibiu. This quirky castle will soon follow in the footsteps of the castle. They bought a home and commissioned a craftsman from Maramures to construct this place.
Throughout the structure there is clay, straw and mud. The beautiful towers and the undulating roofs are more the setting for the “Hobbit” movie series than an elaborate castle. The beautiful surroundings along Transfgrsan Road are ideal places to stay for your visit.
17. Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
The massive Palace of Parliament was designed from the brainchild of Nicolae Ceausescu the formerly dictator and wished the building the most powerful administration building in the world. But it was done.
It is a sad memory of an illiterate dictatorship. However Romanian parliament palace is a fascinating attraction. Guinness World Records says it's the world's largest building.
18. Corvin Castle
Take the memory of a magical childhood at this castle protected by fortifications in western Carpathias. It's also closest to living the Hogwarts dream. Originally built in 14th century the Corvin Castle stands on the Gothic-Renaissance scale as a masterpiece worth a wait.
The castle stands today among the world's most prestigious castles largely through fanciful restorations that took place after the disastrous fire and decade of neglect resulting.
19. Sibiu Historic Center
Sibiu is a unique and well preserved medieval town in Europe. If you have enough time for exploration, you must spend about a couple of days here. Although you only have to travel around Sibiu once a day, you can see a number of attractions in Sibiu’s historic centre. Three major churches, two gorgeous squares and some wonderful places are not too far away.
20. Danube Delta
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Test the ornithologists skills on a European wildlife reserve with more than 5,000 animals. Romania is not only a mountain pass or an unusual church, there are almost incredible natural landscapes available in this country including an underrated river delta.
The waters from the Danube that flow into the Black Sea constitute the biggest and most preserved delta in Europe. The Danube Delta offers ample habitat for the key migration routes and a habitat for nesting and hatching.
Danube Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to countless unique fauna and flora species. Explore the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, visit Argamum and Enisala, medieval fortresses, and discover Saon and Celic Dere, two orthodox monasteries.
21. Praid Salt Mines
Escape from the cold and discover the healing power in the large abandoned mine. Romania is not merely a mountain pass, castle or medieval village – there are a few underground salt mines as well.
And boy are they well known for their unique microclimate which helps with many illnesses. One of the best known is the Praid Saltmine, home to one of Romanias largest reserves. Get onto the shuttle and head for “level 50 - 120m below the surface” — that's essentially a small underground village! That's strange. Very strange. We also love the Prairie Salt Mine.
22. Discover an underground funfair in a salt mine: Salina Turda
Salina Turda is the most stunning underground formation ever created. The place is an attractive tourist attraction in Romania, which is easily accessible upon entering. The salt was first found here between 1075 and 2075.
Is this really an interesting story? Salt produced at the Torda Salt mine can be covered with the salt needed on the planet for over 60 years! Salina Turda has captivated hundreds of thousands of people every year for a unique reason.
23. Visit the traditional, authentic village of Viscri
Vikcri has a beautiful and well preserved village situated in central Transylvania. Among the most famous attractions in Viscri include eating traditional dishes staying on the Saxon house and a bicycle trail running through the town.
The most popular attraction of the village was the Viscri Forted Church. The building is part of the world heritage and is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage site "villages and churches of the fortresses of Transylvania". The cathedral is the most visited place in town and has many famous attractions.
24. The Sphinx, in the Bucegi Mountains
The Sphinx is the biggest attraction of Romania. Natural formations on the Bucegi Mountains form this natural formation. For the trip you have to climb 226 meters to reach it. This rock has formed through centuries of wind erosion caused by rain and wind.
In some sense, however its outline appears to be similar to Egypt’s Great Sphinx. So there it is. It is a little bit like. According to some theories the Sphinx has been constructed in memory of the Zalmoxis, a deity in the Dacians culture.
25. Lacul Roșu (Red Lake)
Feel time is slow here on a picturesque holiday location in the mountainous area popular with family and hiking lovers. A dam water reservoir formed by an 1838 earthquake. Currently Red lakes and surrounding area are famous for their temperate microclimate which encourages healthy tourism.
There has been a huge recovery program for people suffering from eczema and nervosomia. The clean air in the valley can help relax particularly as most people escape the crowded and polluted air. Bucharest This is an idyllic location worth visiting if you get time.
26. Wooden Gates Of Bârsana
Wander through a village untouched by modernity and admire the woodworking displayed. A trip to Bârsana's rustic farmhouse promises beautiful green landscapes, a relaxed ambience and most famously, a splendid wooden gate.
These gates are believed to have helped connect people to another realm hidden from all the evil that exists within. Consequently, behind the gatekeepers carved with a preChristian pagan motif full of profound meaning the home and its residents can remain protected.
27. Discover the capital of Bucharest
Romania's capital is Bucharest, Romania's biggest city and studies suggest this is expected for it to become one of the most wealthy European cities by 2030. Bucharest is a scenic town on the Dâmbovița River that offers many attractions.
The most popular sights in Bucharest include the historic city centre, National Museum of Romanian history and the Romanian Athenaeum, the largest concert hall in Romania. The capital was nicknamed "Paris East" during World War II because of sexy architectural styles as well as art nouveau buildings.
28. Wooden Churches of Maramures
Look around in amazement and admiration at the elaborately carved wooden churches. But be careful – Maramures regions are much darker than Transylvania. The area is home of more than 100 Orthodox churches with a few Greek Catholic wooden churches.
Although each can easily be viewed and admired, eight are chosen by us for their outstanding examples of architectural solutions to build this church.
29. Bâlea Lake
Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding countryside and enjoy some hot drinks on the peaceful Bâlea Lake under Romania's highest mountains. Visit our frozen Bâlea Lake Ice Hotels!
Another remarkable Romanian natural wonder, the Bâlea Lake is a stunning sight to visit - a sight even in twilight - although the temperature can be quite cold. The glacier lake was built at a height of 2,044 metres on the Făgăraș mountains.
It is located in the Făgăraş Mountains meaning you can get there by using the TransFegraș highway, but Bâlea Lake has merit for itself to be included.
30. Venture back in time at Cetatea Făgărașului
Cetatea Făgărașului is a medieval fortress located in present-day Romania. It was built in the 13th century and served as a defensive structure against invading armies.
The castle is well preserved and offers a glimpse of the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine what life was like in the Middle Ages. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a significant cultural and historical landmark in Romania.
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