Top 15 Experiences
- Stroll through the old town of Brașov — The "Crown of Transylvania" at the foot of Mount Tâmpa is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. The Black Church, the Town Hall Square, and the views of the Carpathians are unforgettable. → Chap. Transylvania
- Visit Bran Castle — and learn the truth about Dracula — The "Dracula Castle" is touristy but atmospheric. More exciting is the story behind it: Vlad III Drăculea, the Impaler, was a real Wallachian prince — and not a vampire. → Chap. Transylvania
- Stand on the Great Square in Sibiu — Europe's Capital of Culture 2007 has one of the most beautiful marketplaces on the continent: pastel-colored baroque facades, the "eyes" of the dormer windows, and a vibrant café culture. → Chap. Transylvania
- Marvel at the painted monasteries of Bukovina — The exterior frescoes of Voroneț (the "Sistine Chapel of the East"), Sucevița, and Moldovița are unique in their colorfulness worldwide. Over 500 years old and still shining. → Chap. Moldova & Bukovina
- Take a boat trip through the Danube Delta — Glide by boat through a labyrinth of channels, reed islands, and fields of water lilies. Pelicans, cormorants, sea eagles — here lives the wilderness of Europe. → Chap. Black Sea Coast & Danube Delta
- Drive the Transfăgărășan Highway — Praised by Jeremy Clarkson as "the most beautiful road in the world." 90 km of serpentine roads over the Southern Carpathians (2,042 m), only passable from July to October. → Chap. Transylvania
- Wander through the Middle Ages in Sighișoara — The only still-inhabited medieval fortress town in Europe (UNESCO). Birthplace of Vlad Drăculea, colorful houses, the Clock Tower, and an atmosphere like the 15th century. → Chap. Transylvania
- Enter the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest — The second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon) is Ceaușescu's megalomaniac legacy: 1,100 rooms, 12 floors, a million cubic meters of marble. Madness carved in stone. → Chap. Bucharest
- Drink Țuică in the countryside — The plum brandy is Romania's national drink. It is home-brewed in every village, served at every occasion, and always accompanied by a "Noroc!" (Cheers!). → Chap. Food & Drink
- Hike in the Carpathians — The Bucegi Mountains, the Piatra Craiului, and the Făgăraș Massif offer alpine hiking at the highest level — without the crowds of the Alps. → Chap. Transylvania
- Explore fortified churches in Transylvania — The fortified churches of the Transylvanian Saxons (7 UNESCO) are architectural uniques: village churches surrounded by defensive walls and towers, built against Ottoman raids. → Chap. Transylvania
- Experience Bucharest's nightlife — The old town (Centrul Vechi) transforms into a giant party after dark. Clubs, rooftop bars, jazz cellars — all at prices unthinkable in Berlin. → Chap. Bucharest
- Admire the wooden churches of Maramureș — In northern Romania stand wooden churches with pointed spires that pierce the sky like needles. Masterpieces of carpentry, built entirely without a single nail. → Chap. Moldova & Bukovina
- Relax in the thermal baths of Băile Herculane — Even the Romans bathed here in the hot springs. The decaying spa ensemble in the Cerna Valley is morbidly beautiful and is currently being extensively restored. → Chap. Transylvania
- Stay on a farm in Viscri — The village that Prince Charles called "the most beautiful in the world" offers guesthouses with homemade food, visits to fortified churches, and absolute tranquility. No Wi-Fi, no noise, no stress — just pure Romania. → Chap. Transylvania
