After a precarious landing on a snow covered runway, all passengers collectively shared a sigh of relief and clapped. Despite the sheets of snow I did not fathom how deep it lay, maybe due to coming from the U.K where several inches had temporarily brought the South to a halt. I was just pleased everything seemed to be carrying on in Romania despite the weather.
I did not realise how much this was the case until I woke up to find our bus in the same position after two hours, due to a long hold up on the icy roads. We crawled forward, inching around lorries and piles of snow. It was a good job that the night had drawn its veil to hide the sheer mountain drops which the roads hug.
Our two hour journey to Brașov became five hours, with multiple stops by our heroic driver to dislodge the frozen snow wedged windscreen wipers. Every time we stopped snow would begin to build around the tyres. Despite this he persevered, whilst my Romanian companions attempted to speak to me in Spanish and feed me chocolate sticks. All part of travelling eh?
After I arrived the mountain road into Brașov was closed for the day due to an avalanche. The weather had drawn its hand again, changing the previous week’s forecast of 15 degrees quite suddenly and reminding me how lucky I was to have made it. This wild card turned into a blessing for several reasons, and I had a wonderful time being shown around by my Romanian friend Mara, who I met whilst hiking in Nepal. Of course one of the best parts of travelling is the incredible people you meet, and the many homes you have around the world as a result.
It was wonderful to catch up again, but Romania is also a great country to visit. It remains pretty underrated, but I am not sure for how long this will be the case. So get there before the crowds descend. Take a weekend break, combine with other countries by train or spend a week or two here to really get stuck in.
Here are 5 of many reasons why:
The scenery
Flat plains give way to majestic mountains and scenic roads, ravines, rock formations, UNESCO heritage winding waterways and rich forests with spires peering out. Drive the ‘road to the sky’, also known as the Transfagarasan through the Fagaras mountains, or the TransAlpina for mountain passages reaching above 7,000ft and luscious valleys.
Affordable fun
All this beautiful scenery stirs a desire for outdoor exploring in even the most hesitant city-goers. There are plenty of free activities to do as a result, such as the many day or weekend hikes. Explore crystal clear gorges, mountain lakes, waterfalls and caves.
Rock climbing, bouldering and cycling are other popular options. We went skiing for the day and it was cheap, costing me less than 50 euros, with several lift rides. I did not need many as I am an amateur to say the least, deciding to walk back up to the blue run after a particularly tetchy accidental detour on a steep red run. I met my friend in one of the cosy ski bars for a drink before continuing.
In general food, drink and activities are all inexpensive.
Breathtaking history
Romania has a fascinating history to read up on before your trip. Alternatively do a walking tour if you get a chance to find out more. The painted monasteries of Bucovina are a UNESCO World Heritage site. A lady I met on the plane home said this was the highlight for her. No-one else was there as they wandered round these masterpieces, which depict religious events in exquisite detail.
Along with this, the castles (including the infamous Bran Castle in Transylvania), churches, and towns offer everything from colourful preserved old medieval buildings, to gothic carvings, Art Noveau and communist era markers.
New berlin?
Also labelled as the ‘Paris of the East’, Bucharest is now being touted as the ‘new Berlin’. Whilst it certainly has its own unique standing, this claim is for good reason. The Financial times, Romania, has reported that Bucharest has become a popular tech designation, and there is a developing lively food and cafe scene. It is a great place to learn more about Romania’s history, but also its modern identity. Start your trip here before heading off into Transylvania or taking a day trip to mountain town Sinaia.
Wildlife
Where else in Europe can you be hiking and can happen to come across a bear?! Romania has the largest population of brown bears in Europe. Other wildlife to spot includes allusive lynxes, wolves, bison and wild horses. You can visit Bear Cave in Pietorasa to see preserved skeletons of the Cave bear, from over 25,000 years ago. Visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti that aims to protect and rescue Romanian bears.
And a 6th reason…..
The people. Everyone I met was warm, and welcoming. From the older generations to the younger, who are helping develop Romania’s modern identity in Europe. I ended up at a huge christening party which felt more like a wedding, with plenty of dancing and an open bar. Despite only knowing Mara, and not speaking Romanian, I felt completely comfortable thanks to how friendly everyone was.
Mara’s grandmother cooked up traditional Romanian dishes for me including a delicious concoction of cornflakes and cheese. She did not speak English, but would try speaking to me in German. I responded with more gestures than words but her warmth meant we still bonded.
useful information and links
Getting there: I flew direct to bucharest with wizz air from the u.k.
other direct u.k providers include ryanair, and blue air. Also consider train travel, for example with an interrail pass.
Getting around: to reach Brașov i used m&m express transfers who were cheap and reliable.
Currency: Romanian leu (RON)
ROMANIA TOURISM WEBSITE: http://romaniatourism.com
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4 Comments
Cool, I still have not been yet. Yes, it is true it is so under-rated. In Italy there is still alot of discrimination towards this country. So sad. Anyways, one day I will go to Bucherest. I heard there is also a Hard Rock Cafe! (Yay!)
That is sad, hope you get there one day (and eat at the hard rock haha!). It is by people going, learning and challenging inaccurate perceptions that change happens!
Edit: Bucharest*
I have only seen parts of Romania in summer, but it also looks so good in winter. I have read that they have an ice hotel somewhere. That would be so great to experience.