7 Reasons to Visit Romania in 2015
Hello and welcome to 2015! I wanted to start the new year with a post about the country I grew up and live in, not only to try to lure those who haven’t visited Romania yet, but also for those who live in it and don’t realize how awesome it is, and will be in 2015!
So here are my top reasons (there are and can be many more) why you should visit Romania this year:
1. Cluj-Napoca is the European Youth Capital of 2015
Winning the European Youth Capital title is an awesome opportunity for the Transylvanian city! A number of huge events have already been announced and I’m sure there will be plenty of surprises along the way. Cluj-Napoca will not only have a more colorful nightlife, but it will also host a large number of cultural and artistic events. So prepare yourself for an active time if you visit the new Youth capital of Europe – and you should! More info on their official page here.
Photo source: Youth@Cluj-Napoca 2015 Facebook page
2. Maramures is becoming more and more popular
With high-profile travel magazines such as National Geographic recommending the region, Maramures has gotten a lot of attention from the press lately, mostly because of its traditional rural life. I myself have never been to Maramures, although it’s only 200 kilometers away, but I sure hope I finally get to see those famous UNESCO-protected wooden churches we’ve been learning about in school for the last few years. A unique way in experiencing the area is by the Mocanita, a steam locomotive going through the Vaser Valley, or the Carpatia Express hotel train. See the timetable and schedule for both here.
3. The Rhododendrons are in bloom in June
There is nothing more spectacular than a flower show when one is climbing a mountain. The blast of colors is awe-striking when one is taking a break from the tough climb. Add that to a spectacular mountain any time of the year, such as the Parang Mountains, and you’ll have the perfect view!
Parang Mountains in full bloom via Flickr by Tzepesh
4. The Black Sea is one of the cheapest coastal destinations of Europe
Depending on which recreation area you choose, the coast of the Black Sea is cheap compared to those of the Mediterranean. One can get a 7-night stay for two at a price of 300 euros, at a decent three-star hotel. Although I am not a fan of the coast of the Black Sea, because you can’t really snorkel in it, those who haven’t seen it should see both its sides: both the popular and the wild beaches.
5. Because the famous Bigar Falls might not be the same forever
This beautiful waterfall, named one of the most unique in the World and something out of a fairy-tale, was in danger in 2014. It was malformed by a heavy storm that brought down too much water from the hills. For a week or so people could only hope that it would regain its original form, and luckily it did, but that doesn’t mean it will last forever. So you might as well see it in 2015!
Bigar Waterfall, photo via Flickr by Adam Rifkin
6. The Turda Salt Mine, because I’ve just seen it and it’s awesome
The Salt Mine of Turda (one of the coolest underground places on Earth) has been renovated in 2009 and I’m ready to kick myself for waiting five years to go and see it. The design is flawless and there’s plenty to do! There’s a huge ferris wheel, taking you up to admire the salt formations more closely, there’s a lake which you can stroll through on a boat, not to mention the pool and ping-pong tables, bowling alleys and mini golf. Yes, there’s also mini golf. So don’t wait another five years like me, see it in 2015! You can find more info about schedule and entrance fees here. Detailed post coming soon!
Turda Salt Mine
7. The fortified churches are slowly disappearing
The UNESCO-protected fortified Saxon churches are in much better shape than the ones that are not under UNESCO protection. And that’s really sad because they are equally beautiful, but condemned to parish because they are not taken care of. So take the road from Medias to Sibiu and admire the heritage in 2015, because they might not be there next year.
Forgotten Saxon Fortified churches of Transylvania
So what do you think of the list? If you have anything to add, please let me know in the comment section!
And have a Happy New Year!
If you liked the post, PIN it to help spread the word!
Previous Post
Next Post
I would add the Trecere Transfagarasan. When I drove it a few years ago, the road, the views and the whole experience was quite incredible.
I’ll wait until they make it accessible during wintertime to include that in the list 🙂 (maybe next year but chances are slim). Anyways, a Transalpina, Transbucegi and Transsemenic have been built and are rumored to be really cool too. Thank you for your comment!
I had no idea that Bigar Waterfall was in Romania! I’ve seen gorgeous shots of it everywhere but only now know its origin. I MUST see it when I visit this summer!
Yes, you must! Here’s the wiki link with further info on location: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izvorul_Big%C4%83r
While you’re there, The Nera Gorges (Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park) are one of the most stunning natural places in Romania, so if you’d like a walk in nature that’s the place to be 🙂
I don’t have any photos of it because I havent’s seen it yet, but here’s one I found on the internet: http://www.emaramures.ro/FotoMaramures/TURISM%20IN%20MUNTII%20BANATULUI%20-%20Din%20Cheile%20Nerei%20la%20Cantonul%20Damian,%20cu%20campare%20la%20Pastravaria%20Beiului/Ochiul-Dracului_06.jpg
Enjoy Romania! 🙂
Love Romania! Been there in August and it was a big surprise. We did not realize how beautiful Romania really is, but now we are sure, it is a country, we would like to visit again. Our favourite place was Donau delta and Carpati – amazing nature!
Thank you for your comment Nina! 🙂
I live in a fortunate place where the three main mountains (Eastern, Southern and Western Carpathians) can be reached in 1,5-2 hours so trekking is my favorite activity in my home country.
The Danube Delta is a bit further so I didn’t get a chance to see it yet, but hopefully in the near future I’ll get there too.
I am really glad you liked Romania, and if you’ll be visiting again, let me know! 😉
I would love to see the Bigar waterfall, it’s so gorgeous (but so far away!). I’d also love to revisit the Turda salt mine, when I went it didn’t look like this, haha.
Same here about Bigar waterfall & Nera Gorge..
The Salt Mine blew my mind! I’ll be dedicating a whole post to it this week. It is absolutely awesome and a great proof that cool projects like these can be done in Romania!
Such a unique and different post!! Its sad that the fortified churches are disappearing 🙁 I have to go soon!
Also… I love this amazing picture of the waterfall. Romania looks like such an amazing and beautiful country! On my list 😀
Don’t forget to let me know when you’re coming! 🙂
It’s not too far from Germany by car, and there are also low-cost flights flying in.
I think you’d love it!
Thanks for your comment!
Yesss I know… I would love to drive there, but I dont know how the roads are. Either ways, by car or plane, I must go 😀
Thank you!
The main roads are good, as long as you don’t go on the small village roads 🙂
I love, love, LOVE Romania and think everyone should visit at some point! I’m hoping to go back soon, but I think it will have to be after 2015 unfortunately 🙁
Thank you for your comment, Lizzie! Tell me when you’ll be coming, maybe we can meet for a coffee/sightseeing/hiking, and if you need I can give you some recommendations as well! Happy travels! 🙂
That sounds wonderful! I’ll let you know 🙂