The Făgăraș Mountains in the Southern Carpatians, Romania
When it comes to places to visit in Romania, nature rules. From the peaks of the Carpathians to the shores of the Black Sea, Romania is filled with breathtaking nature. Your Eurail pass will help you explore more than 600 nature reserves and dozens of natural wonders, including glacier lakes, lush forests, the body-and-soul healing Black Sea coast and more. And, we haven’t even mentioned the cities yet.
Buildings of beauty
Bucharest (Bucureşti) boasts a melange of French architecture, the remains of Medieval places of worship and even its very own Arc de Triomphe (Arcul de Triumf). Don’t miss the Cantacuzino Palace and the historically significant Revolution Square. The stunning Palace of the Savings Bank is just one of the more than 50 buildings in Bucharest designed by architect Paul Gottereanu.
View more things to do in Bucharest.
Step out of the Metro at the stop ‘Universitate’, and the Revolution Square is a 5-minute walk.
The Painted Monasteries
For each of his victorious battles in the 14th and 15th centuries, Stefan the Great built a church or monastery in Moldavia, tucked in near the foothills of the Carpathians. The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina are considered masterpieces of Byzantine art. 7 of them are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colorful, intricate frescos and murals decorate the inside and outside of these breathtaking structures.
Take a train to Suceava, the monasteries are located there, and in the surrounding regions that are accessible by bus.
The Count’s quarters
Transylvania is known for its stunning castles, but none are more famous than Bran Castle. Built in 1377 in Bran, near Brasov, this gothic structure is associated with Vlad (Tepes) Dracul or Vlad the Impaler, a 15th century prince, who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. While in Transylvania, don’t miss the well-preserved medieval towns, like Bistrita and Sighişoara, where the real Vlad Dracul was born (Casa Dracula).
Step out at Sighişoara’s station (Gara Sighişoara) and stroll to the historic Old Town, rich with historical architecture, style and mystery.
The ultimate relaxation point
From white sand beaches to indulgent spa and mud treatments to a sparkling nightlife, the Black Sea Resorts have it all. Known throughout time for its healing and rejuvenating powers, the Black Sea also offers supreme resort relaxation for the weary traveler. Enjoy the region’s treasures, like ancient monuments and rolling vineyards, and take advantage of the area’s easy accessibility to the Danube Delta, Bucharest, or the Painted Monasteries.
Your Eurail pass will carry you to the towns of Eforie Nord or Constanta on the Black Sea Coast.
The international watering hole
The Danube river stretches 1,788 miles (2,877 km) from the Black Forest in Germany, across nine countries to the Black Sea, off the coast of Romania. Just before reaching the Black Sea, it forms Europe’s second largest delta: the Danube Delta. Rivers, lakes, marshes, reed islands, and 3,450 bird and animal species call this wildlife preserve home. Cruises along the river and through the Delta are available, and highly recommended.
Scheduled river and delta cruises can be arranged from the city of Tulcea. Tulcea Train Station (Gara Tulcea Oras) is near the ferry terminal.
National Park Retezat,RomaniaWhen to go
The climate in Romania is influenced by both the mountains in the north, and the sea in the east. Therefore, hard and fast rules about the climate don’t really exist. However, as a general rule of thumb, the Black Sea Resorts will be quite crowded in July and early August, when the weather’s at its peak. Spring and autumn are typically mild, but only the most hardcore winter enthusiasts could handle the harsh, snowy winters. Your best bet is to check a long-range forecast for the areas you plan to visit.
Sighişoara Medieval Festival
The Town of Sighişoara provides all of the thrills and chills of a proper medieval romp – period dress and music, plenty of food and drink, dance and competition, and old-school merriment.
Sighişoara is a 5-hr train ride from Bucharest. The festivities are all within walking distance of Sighişoara’s train station.
The Best Fest
This is Romania’s summer 3-day music festival. The event attracts quite a few good international acts to the line-up.
The festival organizes pick up points from around Bucharest to the festival grounds.
Sâmbra Oilor
Bran’s annual tradition dates back to the days before time, and originally had practical purposes involving milk and cheese. Now, it’s just a great reason to dress up in period costume and enjoy a celebration.
Take a train to Brasov. From there it’s an 1 bus ride to Bran.
