Rimetea (also known as Torockó in Hungarian) is an idyllic village in the Alba County of Romania. It is a magical place where “the sun rises twice”, a strange phenomenon that happens because of the neighboring Piatra Secuiului Mountains (Székelykő in Hungarian).

The Piatra Secuiului mountains soar 480 meters above the small village of Rimetea, so the sun rises once above the horizon, dips behind the mountains, and then once again above the mountains.

It is no surprise that one of the most popular activities in Rimetea is hiking the Piatra Secuiului mountains.

The peak of the Piatra Secuiului offers unparalleled views of the surrounding Romanian countryside, a view worth dying for (figuratively).

Our blog post will tell you how you can do the Piatra Secuiului hike in Rimetea and have those views yourself!

Enjoy!

The easiest trailhead to locate for the Piatra Secuiului Mountain is located in Rimetea, a village of about 1000 inhabitants located 1 hour away from Cluj-Napoca.

Because it is a small village in the rural areas of Romania, public transportation is lacking. The best way to visit Rimetea is to have your own car, as many of the locals in the villages do. We recommend you to rent a car in Cluj-Napoca and take a day trip from Cluj to Rimetea.

Alternatively, you can rent the car for your entire trip and do a Romania road trip!

Once you have arrived in Rimetea, the trailhead to Piatra Secuiului is located in the outskirts of town. You can park your car in the center of town and walk or drive a little closer to the bottom of the mountain.

Though it will save you 15 minutes or so, the roads leading to the outskirts of town are not well-paved. We visited in autumn when the weather is still decent and the road was gravelly, steep, and filled with potholes. We can imagine the road in the winter to be much more treacherous.

At the start of the trail, you will see a flag with a white square and a dark blue cross. That is the indicator for the trail and you are now on the proper route!

Half the struggle is locating the start of the trail. Now you get to enjoy the challenging hike and beautiful views!

At 480 meters above the village of Rimetea, we expected the hike to be quite difficult. The difficulty doesn’t start with the first step on the mountain, but the intimidation from the looming giant that can be felt from the town.

Nevertheless, we have seen photos from the top of the Piatra Secuiului and knew it was worth the trouble.

Using maps.me as our navigation, we managed to find the trailhead and a place to park our car, a nice patch of grass in a large field. At that point, we were already many meters above the town, and the view was incredible. 

Once you have located the trail, it is difficult to get lost. What makes the trail so difficult is the elevation gained. 480 meters of elevation is not a big deal. But 480 meters in one hour, now that is physically strenuous.

The hiking trail for Piatra Secuiului is not too technical. Most of the trail is covered in big rocks and boulders so you might need a little bit of flexibility or a good stretch before hiking. Parts of the path also contain loose sand.

Though it is easy going up, descending on loose sand is a serious issue, especially if you don’t have proper hiking shoes. Here in Piatra Secuiului is where I encountered my first hiking accident, slipping on the loose sand and hitting my face with my own camera. 🙂

On the trail, we noticed many Hungarian flags painted onto the rocks. Being an old Hungarian village for close to 1000 years, we weren’t surprised to see it. In fact, even though Rimetea is in Romania, most of the population speaks Hungarian. Some locals barely speak any Romanian.

On the way to the top is a small “waterfall”. We were taking a break there when we met three Hungarian hikers coming from the other direction. They stopped at the “waterfall” and just started drinking the refreshing cold water from the waterfall.

It was difficult to resist the urge, especially after hiking in the Romanian sun at midday. But since food poison seems to follow me around like the plague, I endured the temptation and moved on. If I had a LifeStraw Water Bottle or something similar, I would’ve indulged in it.

When hiking up, don’t forget to take your time and check out the scenery behind you. The hike is very scenic throughout, with jagged mountains framing the idyllic village of Rimetea. 

After about an hour of hiking, we reached the ridge of the mountain. Behind us is Rimetea and the Alba County, on the other side of the ridge is the Cluj County of Romania, both are marvelous sights.

However, this isn’t the top of Piatra Secuiului. At the top of the ridge, we followed a path to the right for around 15 mins. This path was mildly vegetated and a lot easier to hike than the previous parts.

Alas, we overcame the final small slope and the Romanian countryside came into sight one by one. The clear blue sky (hopefully), the colorful foliage in the distance, then the small geometric farms, and then finally, the hidden gem of Romania, Rimetea.

One by one, these beautiful elements combine to form the picturesque countryside Romania is known for.

The difficult hike we endured to get here definitely enhanced the view, as the views took our breath away as much as the trail did.

We sat down for a bit and enjoyed a packed lunch we bought from the convenience store in Cluj-Napoca. The crisp autumn air and the warm autumn sun were blissful on our sweaty bodies, and the cheap sandwich we bought tasted like the best meal in our lives.

After taking in the views and having our lunch, it was time to head back. We were traveling from Cluj-Napoca to Sibiu that day and didn’t want to arrive too late.

Because of the loose sand and steep declines, the way down was extremely treacherous. If you don’t have hiking shoes, we recommend you to go down very slowly. You might have to slide on your butt at times (like I did). Once you get to the rocky bits, the trail becomes a lot easier.

The whole hike took us a total of 2.5 hours and every minute was worth it!

If you are doing a day trip to Rimetea for hiking the Piatra Secuiului, you might want to spend some time exploring the village itself. Because we visited during off-peak season and on a weekday, most of the restaurants, museums, and attractions were closed.

However, that didn’t stop us from walking around and enjoying the beauty of a simple rustic village. With its traditional features, Rimtea has earned a spot on the tentative list for a UNESCO Heritage Site, and you can see the heritage in the well-preserved white houses and barns in town.

We heard that during summer, the parking lots in Rimetea would be filled with tour buses from Hungary. With such a big Hungarian population, it is no surprise Hungarians would come visit Torockó (Rimetea in Hungarian).

Here are some additional things to do in Rimetea, Romania.

1. Visit the Ethnographic Museum Rimetea

At the Ethnographic Museum of Rimetea, visitors can learn about the history of Rimetea and its former glory as a mining town. This small museum features many artifacts that tell the story of its complicated history and will help you appreciate Rimetea a lot more.

Don’t miss this attraction!

2. Visit A Local Pub Such As Könyvtár Kocsma

There are several pubs in Rimetea, the one that’s highly recommended is the Könyvtár Kocsma (Don’t ask me how to pronounce that). An affordable local bar with a friendly owner, you can properly relax with a cold beer and an amazing view of the Piatra Secuiului.

3. Try Local Transylvanian Food At Szarvas

If you are looking for food in Rimetea, you really don’t have many options. The popular restaurant Szarvas is the place to go when it comes to food in Rimetea. Serving traditional Hungarian food at an affordable price, guests can have a pleasant experience at their beautiful rustic location. 

The best time to visit Rimetea is the summer peak season. Every establishment is open, villagers are out and about, and the village comes to life. However, the tourist crowd might be a little too much, especially on the weekend.

If your only intention of visiting Rimetea is to hike the Piatra Secuiului, it is probably better to visit in the autumn or spring.

The village itself might not be as lively as the summer, but the temperate weather and low rainfall are ideal for hiking. Fall and spring are generally the best seasons to do any type of hiking in Romania. 

Though one day in Rimetea should be enough, there is nothing wrong with staying for a few days to enjoy the beautiful landscapes in this region.

Here is where we recommend staying in Rimetea.

Best Hotel in Rimetea- Pensiunea ARANYOS

Out of the few hotels in Rimetea, Pensiunea ARANYOS is the best among them. With traditional decor and rustic vibes, the property is absolutely gorgeous and fitting of Rimetea. Included in the price is a traditional Transylvania breakfast prepared using local ingredients.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Combined with the cozy decor, the place feels like a home away from home.

Click here for more info!

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This concludes our guide on Rimetea and how to hike the Piatra Secuiului. We hope you will enjoy this beautiful village in Romania as much as we did!

Any questions? Leave a comment!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! The money will help run this site! Thank you 🙂

A country with a countless number of stunning castles and natural wonders, exploring Romania can be a bit tricky. In the 92,046 square-mile land contains some of the best attractions in Romania, and it seems like every corner you turn there is more waiting to be discovered.

That is why we highly recommend doing a Romania road trip.

With your own vehicle, this mysterious country is much easier to explore. However, driving in a foreign country like Romania can be both confusing and terrifying, which is why we have written this guide on the perfect road trip to Romania.

Enjoy!

The most common question I get about doing a road trip in Romania is where to start and end your trip. Most travelers opt to start their trip in Bucharest (the capital of Romania) for 2 reasons: flights to Bucharest are cheaper and car rentals are also cheaper.

While it is a nice option when traveling on a budget in Romania, Bucharest is not exactly an exciting city. Most of the attractions in Bucharest can be done in a day or two, and you are left with nothing but an overcrowded metropolitan city.

The other city to start your Romanian road trip is Cluj-Napoca, the capital city of the Transylvania region of Romania.

This is the perfect place to start your road trip because you can rent a car in Cluj-Napoca and drop it off in Bucharest and then get on your flight. The con is that it would be a little pricier, as flights to Cluj can be more expensive and you will have to pay extra to drop the car off at a different location than the one you rented it from.

Whichever city you decide to start your road trip, I would recommend dropping your car off at a different location than where you rented it so you don’t have to spend a day or two backtracking.

Check out our special offers with our partner Expedia on car rentals and flights! 

Though Romania’s roads tend to get a bad rating, we found that the roads in Romania are generally pleasant to drive on, minus the few that are a little off-the-beaten-path.

Compared to the roads in New York City, Romanian roads are better maintained and less congested. (That is not really saying much I know.) In rural areas, you might share the road with livestock and horse-drawn wagons.

Driving in Romania is on the right-hand side of the road, so anyone from North America would have an easier time in Romania. At first, we were quite nervous about renting a car and driving in Romania, but then the beautiful scenery along the way and the easy-driving roads soothed our worries.

Most cars in Romania are in manual drive, just like the Dacia Logan sedan that we rented. Though there are automatic options, those tend to be a little bit more expensive.

To be able to drive in Romania, you must have the required license and documentation. For Americans, an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid U.S. state drivers’ license (DL) are required to drive in Romania. Requirements will be different depending on where you are from. Check with the respective laws before renting a car in Romania!

If you intend to do a road trip in Romania in the winter months, make sure you drive extra carefully, have snow tires, and preferably a 4WD vehicle.

Parking in Romania is generally effortless, though you might have to walk a bit to/from your accommodation. Generally speaking, the bigger the city, the harder it is to find free parking. Cities such as Bucharest will give you a headache if you try to find free parking, especially in the historic center. (Good thing you don’t need a car to explore Bucharest!)

Free parking is abundant in most of the tourist attractions in Romania. We didn’t have to pay a single dime for parking on our 2-week Romania road trip. 

Featured above is our Romania road trip itinerary. As you can see, it starts in Cluj-Napoca and ends in Bucharest or vice-versa.

The upper left corner contains a toggle that will give you more information about the interactive map.

Essentially, you will be basing yourself out of 4 locations: Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brasov, and Bucharest. You will use these four cities as a base to explore the nearby attractions, which are color-coded on the map.

For example, the color green contains all the things to do in Brasov, and it is best to visit those attractions while you are in Brasov.

If you have any questions, leave a comment down below! 

Cluj-Napoca, The Capital of Translyvania (2-3 Days)

(You can also do your road trip backward, starting in Bucharest and ending in Cluj-Napoca)

Cluj-Napoca, or commonly referred to as Cluj, is the unofficial capital of Translyvania, a region known for its medieval towns, impressive mountains, and stunning castles. It is a region so special that even Prince Charles has fallen in love and paid many visits.

As the second-most populous city in Romania, Cluj is famous for its prestigious universities, amazing student nightlife, exciting music festivals, and many historic buildings.

You will spend around 2 to 3 days in Cluj, exploring the best things to do in Cluj-Napoca. Most of the attractions are concentrated in the Old Town of Cluj Napoca, and accessing them on foot is easy and a great way to experience the city. 

As a result, we recommend you to rent your car in Cluj when you are done seeing the city and want to explore the places inaccessible by foot such as the Hoia Forest, arguably one of the most haunted places on Earth, or something like the impressive Turda Salt Mines.

Things To Do In Cluj Napoca, Romania

While there are many things to do in Cluj-Napoa, here are some must-do activities.

1. FREE Walking Tour Cluj-Napoca

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to take advantage of the free walking tours offered in each city. The majority of these tours are run by locals that have lived in the area for a long time and know the city like the back of their hand.

What is best about these free walking tours is that they are completely free, but a tip is appreciated at the end. You are free to tip as much or as little you want, depending on whether you think the tour was worth it or not.

The tours usually include information about the city, its history, the best things to do there, and even personal recommendations on places to eat. Essentially, you have a local tour guide that can answer any questions you might have about the city without the hefty price.

It is also a great place to meet other travelers if you are traveling solo in Romania or looking for road trip buddies!

You can find more about the Cluj-Napoca free walking tour here.

2. Unirii Square Cluj-Napoca

As the biggest square in Cluj-Napoca, Unirii Square is the perfect place to hang out and just observe the local life. Besides being a good spot to chill out, the Unirii square is home to two very important landmarks – the St. Michaels Church and the statue of the King of Hungary Matthias Corvinus.

Why is there a Hungarian statue of a king in Romania? Because Cluj-Napoca has actually been under the rule of Hungary for close to a thousand years.

St. Michaels Church is the church with the tallest watchtower and the second biggest Gothic-styled church in Romania, a stunning display of the grandeur at the time. If there is one landmark in Cluj-Napoca that is worth seeing, it is the St. Michaels Church.

Though we weren’t able to enter because it was under construction, visitors are normally allowed to enter.

3. Central Park / Citadel Park / Botanical Garden

Anyone looking to enjoy some of the green spaces in Cluj-Napoca must not miss Central Park, Citadel Park, or the Botanical Garden. Though all these 3 places are similar, they are also different in many ways.

Central Park is located inside the Old Town, making it the perfect and convenient place to just relax after a long day. Grab a coffee and just stroll around the almost 200-year-old park. Make sure you don’t miss the serene lake that attracts many locals.

If you are looking for a panoramic view of Cluj-Napoca, the Citadel Park, or Cetățuia Park in Romanian, is the perfect place to go. Located on a hilltop across the Someșul Mic river, the Citadel Park is the perfect place to watch the sun set behind the gorgeous city of Cluj. 

The Botanical Garden is another great option for anyone looking for leisure activities in Cluj. During the summer, various species of plants are in blossom and it feels like nature’s paradise. The entrance cost of the Cluj Botanical Garden is 11 lei, a fairly low price for the amount of the plants it offers!

4. Piezisa Street (Strada Piezișă) for Nightlife

Anyone visiting Cluj-Napoca without experiencing some of its nightlife is missing out. Home of many students from universities, the nightlife in Cluj is perfect for anyone young or young at heart.

Many students gather on the popular Piezisa Street, also nicknamed Cluj’s student street. With dozens of bars and clubs concentrated on Piezisa Street, visitors will unquestionably have a crazy night here!

Cluj is also the home of many quirky bars and clubs, such as the steampunk-designed Enigma bar or the Fly Circus Pub, a bar with an inhouse arthouse cinema.

4. Hoia Forest (Hoia Baciu) / Turda Salt Mines

Once you have seen all the attractions inside Cluj Napoa, it is time to explore the surrounding areas, namely the Hoia Baciu ad the Turda Salt Mines.

Known as one of the most haunted places in the world, Hoia Baciu is a must for anyone that enjoys dark tourism or the supernatural. Inside the Hoia Forest are trees that grow in a zig-zag or spiral pattern, and scientists that have investigated the cause have come up with nothing.

Besides the numerous UFO sightings and shadowy figures that have been reported in the forest, a perfectly circular area named The Clearing is located deep inside the forest. Strangely, this circular area is the only place in Hoia Forest with no trees, and scientists again have failed to come up with a solution.

Many locals refuse to get near the Hoia Forest, and some tourists that have taken the taxi there are dropped off a 10-minute walk away from the entrance. However, there are some locals that use the Hoia Forest as a recreation area daily.

Credit: WikiCommons

If the Hoia Forest is too spooky for you, visit the impressive Salina Turda salt mine instead. This amazing engineering feat has been named as one of the 25 hidden gems in the world worth visiting and it is not surprising.

The first record of the Salina Turda dates back to the late 11th century, making this salt mine almost one thousand years old. What was one of the most active salt mines has now become a museum, an … amusement park, and a spa. Yes, I said amusement park.

Inside the Rudolf Hall of the Salina Turda is a ferris wheel, mini-golf court, billiards, ping pong, and even a bowling alley. But that is not all; down another lift is a boating lake 120 meters below ground where visitors can rent a boat for 20 lei and row it around.

If you don’t fancy all these extra activities, visitors can stroll around the various halls and learn about the salt mine. Breathing in salty air is said to have positive properties and there is no shortage of that inside the mine. If you want a more professional halotherapy (salt therapy), guess what? They have a halotherapy spa at the Salina Turda!

Salina Turda is one of the most insane unique places to visit in Romania. Don’t miss it on your Romania itinerary!

Credit: Flickr

5. Rimetea

An idyllic small village about an hour from Cluj-Napoca, Rimetea is one of the most popular day trips from Cluj. It is a village where a magical phenomenon happens, the sun rises twice, once over the horizon and once over the Piatra Secuiului, or Rock of the Szeklers mountains. The Piatra Seciului mountain raises 480 meters above the town, attracting many avid hikers.

Rimetea was once a popular mining town, but now there are only about 1,000 residents. Most residents in the town speak Hungarian, just like many people in the Transylvania Region, because this part has been under Hungarian rule for about 1000 years.

Strolling through the idyllic village should take no more than an hour or two, but there are several restaurants, bars, and museums to explore. However, the most popular thing to do in Rimetea is hiking the Piatra Secuiului Mountain. At 480 meters above the village and the surrounding area, the picturesque views of the stunning Romanian countryside are all yours to enjoy when you set foot on the peak.

Though 480 meters higher in elevation, the hiking trail only takes about an hour. As you can imagine, the trail is not only steep but contains loose sand in certain sections. Be careful when you are hiking in Rimetea, but trust me, the views are worth the effort!

Because Rimea is on the way to on next destination (Sibiu), I highly recommend you to visit Rimetea on the day you are leaving for Sibiu.

Visit Rimetea in the morning, stop by Alba Iulia for some late lunch, and then check out the Red  Ravine. The sunset at Red Ravine will leave anyone and everyone in awe! Finally, head down to Sibiu!

Where To Stay In Cluj Napoca

Best Hostel In Cluj-Napoca – Retro Hostel

If you are looking for a social atmosphere to meet more potential road trip partners, Retro Hostel is perfect for you. Featuring friendly vibes, clean and spacious beds, free coffee and tea, and a sauna, Retro hostel knows how to make hostel life enjoyable!

Click here for more info!

Best Hotel In Cluj-Napoca – Modern Central

Modern Central is the perfect hotel in Cluj for anyone looking for a modern, spacious, and easy-to-access accommodation for an affordable price. This hotel (apartment) has the same luxury as some famous hotels in the city without the hefty price tag. Its location in the Old Town of Cluj means you are within walking distance to pretty much everything you might want to see! 

Click here for more info!

Sibiu, The Most Idyllic City in Romania (3 to 4 Days)

Sibiu is that one city that no one has heard about before traveling to Romania and also the one that everyone talks about after being there. It is the place that you plan on visiting for a few days but then end up staying there longer because you have fallen in love with the city, bought a house, and have three kids.

The charm of Sibiu isn’t unheard of. In fact, Sibiu has been designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2007 because of its significance with the Transylvanian Saxons. In 2008, Forbes has named Sibiu as the 8th-most idyllic place to live. In 2019, Sibiu was named the European Region of Gastronomy. History, aesthetics, and great food, who wouldn’t love this place?

Sibiu’s most iconic feature is the eyes that appear on its houses, earning it the nickname of “The City With Eyes” or “Seebiu”. The “eyes “appeared on the houses as early as the 15th century and are part of Baroque architecture. The real purpose of the eyes is ventilation for houses’ attics, but some believe they were built to scare people.

The city is easily walkable, and most of the attractions are located inside the Old Town of Sibiu. Though the landmarks are stunning, the beauty of Sibiu lies within its everyday elements: the cobble-stoned roads, the beautiful houses, the relaxed vibes, the friendly people, and the delicious food.

We recommend you to spend a minimum of 3 days to explore Sibiu and its surrounding attractions. However, free feel to stay as long as you desire, whether that be 5 days, a week, or forever! 🙂 

Things To Do In Sibiu, Romania

Though there are many things to do in Sibiu, here are some of the attractions you cannot miss!

1. The Large Square & The Small Square (Piata Mare & Piata Mica of Sibiu)

Inside every medieval town is a massive square where trade is conducted, gatherings are held, and executions are taken place. The Large Square (A+ for creativity) is exactly that historical center. Nowadays, you won’t find any executions, but you will find a number of historical buildings surrounding the massive square, such as the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, the Brukenthal Palace, and many more.

If you are lucky to visit during Christmas, you will get to enjoy the renowned Christmas market in the Large Square (also known as Piata Mare). Numerous stalls are lined up in this beautiful cobble-stone square selling local food as the kurtoskalacs, handmade crafts, accessories, toys, and many more.

Along with the giant Christmas tree and the glamorous lights, it is no wonder why the Sibiu Christmas market has been considered the best Christmas market in the world in 2012 by El Mundo and the best in Europe in 2019 by About Times Magazine.

Adjacent to the Large Square (Piata Mare) of Sibiu is the Small Square (Piata Mica), known for its diverse dining establishments ranging from Mediterranean to Eastern European. Patrons are welcome to enjoy outdoor seating and admire the beautiful Baroque architecture surrounding the square with a glass of chilled wine.

After you are done enjoying your meal at the Small Square, head over to the Bridge of Lies and learn about its legends. Though there are many variations to the legends, one thing for certain is that it connected the Old Town of Sibiu with the New Town.

2. Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary

When we visited the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary on our Romanian road trip, the cathedral was under renovation. Only a small portion of it and the lookout tower were available for sightseeing.

The lookout tower itself is enough to make your trip worth it; I can’t imagine how beautiful this place would be if the main halls were open.

Visitors must take a guided tour with one of the members of the church, who will first explain to you the significance and history of the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary. Afterward, the guide will take you all the way up to the top of the watchtower, where you can get the best views of Sibiu in its entirety (much better than the Council Tower, or Turnul Sfatului). The roofs of the Sibiu houses are truly spectacular, as well as the mountains that surround the region in the distance.

Along the way up, you will see the beautifully preserved structural components of the building and the added steel in parts where the wood has become too weak. It is truly an adventure! At the observatory near the top, you are close to 70 meters above the ground.

The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary is a landmark in Sibiu you must visit. 

3. Corvin Castle + The Citadel of Alba-Carolina (Day Trip From Sibiu)

Once you have finished exploring Sibiu, it is time to take some day trips from Sibiu.

Corvin Castle, or Castelul Corvinilor in Romanian, is one of the Seven Wonders of Romania, and is a must-visit for anyone on a trip to Romania. As one of the biggest castles in Europe, visitors can spend hours here, wandering up and down the corridors and admiring the Gothic-Renaissance architecture.

The drive from Sibiu to Corvin Castle is about an hour and a half, and we recommend you to start early in the day and pair that with the meticulous Alba-Carolina Citadel in Alba Iulia. That way you will have enough time to explore the significance that has earned the castle’s title as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania, as well as take enough photos at one of the most beautiful places in Romania.

After spending a few hours in Hunedoara seeing the Corvin Castle, head to the small city of Alba Iulia. Grab yourself a traditional Romanian lunch and then head off to the Citadel Alba-Carolina, the biggest medieval citadel in Romania.

The star-shaped fortress was built in the early 18th century by Prince Eugene of Savoy to fortify defenses of the newly conquered provinces of the Habsburg Empire. 

Nowadays, the restored citadel has become a top attraction in Romania. Its new QR code functions at every point of interest inside the citadel, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a newfound knowledge of this historical place. 

The Citadel Alba-Carolina is a huge fortress, and you can spend ages in there. Though the citadel itself is free to enter, there are museums inside that require an entrance fee. Visitors can also rent a bike to explore the citadel, as the length of the outer walls measures up to approximately 12 kilometers! Many bars, restaurants, gardens, and fountains are scattered throughout the citadel, making it feel like a city inside a city!

4. Sighisoara

Sighisoara is known for its preserved walled Old Town, a famous UNESCO Heritage Site. As one of the few remaining inhabited fortified towns in Europe, a visit to Sighisoara is like stepping in a time machine.

To understand the importance of Sighisoara, we must understand a bit of its history. The Old Town of Sighisoara was built in the 12th century, when the Saxons were invited by the Hungarian King to fortify its boundaries in Transylvania. 

Eventually, Sighisoara became an artisan hub and a popular trading post, attracting many craftsmen to come and settle there. The new craftsmen created as many as 15 craft guilds, and each guild was responsible for creating its own fortification to protect their riches.

Sighisoara was handed to Romania after World War I and is one of the few fortified towns that are still inhabited.

Here almost everything has been preserved in time, and a stroll down its colorful cobble-stone streets is a delight, as colorful houses line up on both sides. You will notice the numerous guild towers that were built for fortification by each craft guild, some of which are still standing today. 

The must-visit place in Sighisoara is the 13th century built Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas), a 64-meter high tower that served as the main tower in the fortification. Nowadays, it is a museum and the most recognized landmark in Sighisoara. Stunning views of the Mures County can be seen on the open-air balcony at the top of the tower!

5. Transfagarasan Road (Transfăgărășan), The Most Beautiful Road In The World

If you have rented a car in Romania, chances are, you already know about the Transfagarasan Road or Transfagarasan Highway. Made famous by the TV show Top Gear, the Transfagarasan Highway is considered the most beautiful road in the world! No Romania road trip would be complete without driving on this well-paved road that crosses the southern parts of the famed Carpathian Mountains.

Is it safe to drive the Transfagarasan Road? Yes, it is! Though there are some sharp turns, the road is well-paved and easy to drive on.

If you are coming from Sibiu, you want to arrive at the Balea Lake on the Transfagarasan Road (also known as DN7C). The glacial lake sits at the base of the surrounding alpine giants, offering views that belong on the front cover of a travel magazine. Here you will also find many “street” vendors selling various local crafts and food, as well as restaurants and accommodations, including the famous ice hotel.

The Balea Lake also offers the best views of curvy roads of the Transfagaran Highway, so there is really no reason to not come here! If you think driving it is insane, seeing the Transfagarason Road in its entirety will mesmerize you.

On the way to the Balea Lake, you have the chance to stop by and hike to the Balea Waterfall. At over 60 meters tall, the Balea Waterfall is the tallest stepping waterfall in Romania, and a short 45-minute hike away!

Because the Transfagarason Road is located between Sibiu and Brasov (our next destination), we recommend you to visit the Transfagarason on the day you are planning to depart for Brasov.

Where To Stay In Sibiu, Romania

Best Hostel in Sibiu – B13 Hostel

If you are looking for an affordable hostel located in the historic center of Sibiu, B13 Hostel is the one for you. Featuring comfortable beds and clean spaces, B13 Hostel will give you the sleep you need after a long day on the road. They also feature a big common area, which would’ve been perfect for socializing had there been more people staying when we visited. 

Click here for more info!

Best Hotel in Sibiu – Rabbit Hole

Located in the Big Square of Sibiu, the location of the Rabbit Hole hotel just cannot get better. When you are not exploring the city, guests can enjoy views of the Big Square from their stylishly decorated rooms or grab some food at their on-site restaurant. Though breakfast is not included in the price, guests can pay a little extra for one of the best breakfasts in town!

Click here for more details!

Brasov, One Of The Medieval Walled Citadels (4 to 5 Days)

Other than Bucharest, Brasov is probably the most well-known and popular place to visit in Romania. Featuring medieval Saxon fortifications, mysterious gothic-style churches, and nostalgic cobble-stone streets, Brasov is one of the most stunning places in Romania.

Similar to Sibiu, Brasov was one of the seven Saxon walled citadels to protect the Hungarian empire. As a result, you will find many similarities in the architecture and types of buildings. However, the Carpathian Mountains loom over the southern parts of Brasov, and the historic streets now look so much more tasteful with the jagged mountains in the background.

We recommend you to spend 4 to 5 days in Brasov, exploring the city and learning about its history, hiking in the nearby region, and visiting some of the nearby castles such as the Bran Castle that inspired Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula and Peles Castle.

Things To Do In Brasov, Romania

There is a multitude of attractions in Brasov, but here are the things you must do!

1. FREE Walking Tour Brasov

As a medieval city with centuries of history, uncovering the depths of the information is a difficult task without the help of a professional tour guide. Luckily for you, Brasov has many FREE walking tours that will help you learn about the gorgeous city and its significance.

I personally have taken the Brasov free walking tour with Walkabout Free Tour. Their local guides gave us detailed information about the landmarks in Brasov such as the Black Church, Catherine’s Gate, and the Strada Sforii, the narrowest street in Europe.

Tours are completely free-of-charge. Voluntary tips are collected at the end and that is how the tour guides make their money. If you don’t think the tour was worth it, you don’t have to pay (that much).

2. Hike Or Take A Cable Car Up Mount Tampa

At close to 400 meters above the city, the summit of Mount Tampa offers unparalleled views of Brasov from above. Here the vibrant orange hues of the buildings contrast with the monotonous mountains and trees, bringing the city to life.

Not only is the Tampa Mountain a great vantage point, but it is also the home of the giant sign that says “Brasov”. Anyone that has been to Los Angeles will find the sign quite similar to the Hollywood sign.

There are two ways to reach the top of Mount Tampa, hiking or taking the cable car.

The cable car runs from 9:30 AM to 4 PM and costs 16 Romanian lei for a round trip. If you want to watch the sunset from the mountain, this option might be a little more difficult.

If you decide to hike up to Mount Tampa from Brasov, you are in for a treat. The well-marked trail takes about 1 hour to the top and passes through some lush landscapes. It is a great way to move your legs after sitting in a car for so long!

3. Day Trip To Bran Castle And Rasnov Fortress

The biggest attraction in Romania has to be the famous Bran Castle, allegedly the birthplace of the legends of Dracula, Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Considered as the national monument and landmark in Romania, the Bran Castle is also known as Dracula’s Castle in other parts of the world.

When Bram Stoker was writing Dracula, it is said that he took inspiration from Vlad III (also known as Vlad Dracula), one of the best rulers of the Wallachia region of Romania. Vlad III had a reputation for cruelty and would often impale his enemies. There are rumors that he would drink the blood of his enemies when they bleed out.

However, the truth is that Bram Stoker has never been to Romania, let alone Bran Castle. Vlad III himself was never the ruler of Bran Castle, nor was he born there. (He was born in Sighisoara.)

Just how did the legend of Dracula come about? Visitors can find more about that in Bran Castle, which has now become mostly a museum for the art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. At the top floor of the castle features an exhibit that will explain everything about the legends of Dracula!

The trip from Brasov to Bran Castle is 30 minutes by car. Since it is located in the small village of Bran, you can easily find parking on the side of the road. Don’t pay for parking!

On the way back from Bran Castle, stop by the Rasnov Fortress. The fortress was originally built for defending the nearby the Transylvanian villages, and its former glory can still be seen. Because of its strategic location, Rasnov Fortress often provided refuge for long periods of time. As a result, many houses were built inside the citadel, including a chapel and a school.

The remains of the Rasnov Fortress can still be seen today, and the watchtower at the entrance of the citadel is one of the best places to see it in its entirety!

NOTE: As of February 2020, Rasnov Fortress is closed for renovation. The anticipated duration of renovation is 3 years.

4. Hiking the Piatra Craiului Mountains or Seven Ladders Canyon

If you are a hiking enthusiast and the hike up Mount Tampa only got you warmed up, head over to the Piatra Craiului Mountains for more hiking trails! Though there are many routes to choose from, the one we did was an easy level 4-hour Zarnestia Gorge hike.

The trail guides you through the bottom of the gorge and offers a serene and placid atmosphere, perfect for anyone traveling in Romania with kids or family. 

If you want a more difficult hike, there are plenty to choose from the Piatra Craiului mountain range. Alternatively, you can visit the famous Seven Ladders Canyon hike, a hike that requires you to climb up a metal ladder. In return, you can see 7 stunning waterfalls! Though it sounds difficult, the trail is quite easy and safe.

5. Peles Castle, The Most Beautiful Castle in Romania

Though Bran Castle is the most famous castle in Romania, it is by far not the most beautiful.

In the Sinaia region of Romania is a Neo-Renaissance castle called Peles Castle, and it is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world!

Built by King Carol I, Peles Castle took a total of 10 years to construct. By the end, the palace had more than 170 ornate rooms, including a concert hall and a movie theater. Architecturally, a blend of Neo-Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Saxon influence can be seen. The interior decor is mostly Baroque influenced, featuring carved wood and eloquent fabrics.

Everything in the rooms is lavishly designed and furnished, and it is so meticulous that visitors have to put on plastic shoe covers to enter. The only way to enter the castle is with one of their daily guided tours.

When purchasing your ticket, you have to decide whether you are interested in seeing both floors of the palace or just the lower floor. A tour to only the lower floor costs 30 lei, while a tour to both costs 60 lei. Photography (even with your phone) is an additional 30 lei (Yes, they are strict)!

We did the tour of the lower floor and were impressed by the extravagant palace. It is no wonder why many people refer to the Peles Castle as a fairytale castle. The Peles Castle is a must on any Romania itinerary!

Where To Stay In Brasov, Romania

Best Hostel In Brasov – JugendStube Hostel

If you are looking for a no-frills hostel with decent free breakfast, spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and a nice common area to socialize with other travelers, then JugendStube Hostel is perfect for you. The staff at the reception is friendly and will answer any questions you have about Brasov.

Click here for more details!

Best Hotel In Brasov – Safrano Palace

Safrano Palace is a hotel in Brasov that offers luxury at an affordable price. The rooms are spacious, clean, and offer some of the most comfortable beds. The reception is always there to assist you with anything. The free breakfast is diverse and delicious, the perfect way to start your day in Brasov! 

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Bucharest, The Capital of Romania (2 Days)

Alas, you have arrived at your final destination – Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

The metropolitan city of Bucharest is the center of culture, education, and finance in Romania. Nicknamed “Paris of the East”, the elegant architecture of the historic center will certainly make you fall in love if the delicious Romanian cuisine hasn’t.

When you are not strolling down Bucharest historical streets or enjoying the charming parks, visit some of the city’s hidden historic churches. With its deeply Eastern Orthodox religion, many churches here are stunning architecturally with lavish interior designs.

Once you have arrived in Bucharest, there is really no need for a car. Most of the attractions in Bucharest are concentrated in the historic center. If not, then they are accessible by the convenient public transportation system.

In fact, we recommend you to get rid of the car as soon as possible after arriving in Bucharest, as traffic and the lack of parking can be a real issue.

Two days is the optimal amount of time in Bucharest. Outside of the historic center, there really isn’t much to do. Most people tend to take day trips from Bucharest, visiting places such as Bran Castle and Brasov, but we have been to those places already.

Things To Do in Bucharest, Romania

Here are our recommended things to do in Bucharest, Romania.

1. FREE Walking Tour Bucharest

Yes, this is the third time we have talked about the free walking tours in Romania and it will be the last time! These free walking tours are just so great when you are trying to discover a new city on your own, especially one as big and rich in history as Bucharest.

The free walking tour company we recommend is still Walkabout Free Tours. We’ve had nothing but delight with their professional and humorous tour guides!

Find out more information here!

2. Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament, or Palatul Parlamentului in Romanian, is the most famous building in Romania. Weighing about 4 billion kilograms or 9 billion pounds, the Palace of Parliament is the heaviest building in the world.

Well, that is not surprising considering that this administrative building is 84 meters (276 ft) tall and has a floor area of 365,000 square meters (3,930,000 sq ft) in a total of more than 1100 rooms combined. It is the second biggest building in the world, after the Pentagon in the United States.

Built in the late 20th century by the communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace of Parliament was a display of Romania’s grandeur at the time. However, behind the facade of splendor, many Romanians were suffering from hunger and malnourishment.

The street that leads up to the Palace of Parliament (Bulevardul Unirii) was filled with buildings with elegantly designed front facades. However, if you visit the back of such buildings, you will notice many of them are dilapidated.

Guided tours of the Palace of Parliament occurs daily almost every hour. However, you must make a reservation by phone before. Because of its popularity, we recommend you book a few days before your desired date of tour.

3. Visit the Orthodox Churches and Monasteries

Bucharest is the home of many Orthodox churches and monasteries, and none are as famous and gorgeous as the Stavropoleos Monastery and New St. George Church.

Stavropoleos Monastery is a small Eastern Orthodox monastery built in 1724 in the charming Old Town of Bucharest for nuns. Boasting an elegantly-designed exterior of Brâncovenesc style, the monastery is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest.

Though the space is tiny, the interior is visually stunning with tasteful paintings and enchanting ceilings, and visitors can spend a good amount of time here admiring the ornate features. The entrance is free for the Stavropoleos Monastery, but a donation is always appreciated.

Known for its amazing paintings and artworks inside, the New St. George Church is another one of Bucharest’s churches worth visiting. The outside of the church features a statue of Constantin Brancoveanu, the ruler who was executed by the Ottomans when he refused to renounce his faith.

He became a saint of this Eastern Orthodox church and his remains can be found on display inside this church, the biggest church built during his reign.

4. Dine at Caru’ cu bere, The Oldest Resaturant in Bucharest

Dining at Caru’ cu bere is a quintessential experience in Bucharest. Translating to the “Beer Wagon”, Caru’ cu bere is the oldest restaurant and brewery in Bucharest, and one of the best places for traditional Romanian cuisine.

Situated in an old historical building, stepping inside feels like you are stepping into a museum. With colorful ceilings, old wooden furniture, and stained glass windows, the atmosphere is warm and cheerful.

Now usually, a place like this is a tourist trap, selling you subpar food at a high price. Caru’ cu bere is the opposite.

Not only is the food delicious, traditional, and reasonably priced, the waiters are polite and ensures you have a good experience. If you ask any local Romanians for a restaurant recommendation, it is likely they will suggest Caru’ cu bere.

When dining at Caru’ cu bere, you cannot miss the signature roasted pork knuckle. Pair that with the traditional polenta soup, a dish made from boiled cornmeal! 

5. Visit the Cărturești Carusel (Caraousel of Light) Bookstore

Inside the historical buildings of Old Town Bucharest is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, the Cărturești Carusel. Visiting bookstores is one of our favorite things to do when traveling because it just tells us so much about the country, and Cărturești Carusel is no exception.

The exterior of the bookstore isn’t exactly spectacular, but upon entering, you are transported to a cathedral for books. The elegant interior design, the geometrical layout, everything is just gorgeous. If you are looking for an Instagrammable spot in Bucharest, Cărturești Carusel is the place to go. 

Where To Stay in Bucharest, Romania

Best Hostel in Bucharest – Podstel Bucharest

Hostels in Bucharest are abundant, and choosing the perfect one cannot be more difficult. We highly recommend Podstel Bucharest. As a hostel run by travelers, it is designed perfectly to meet the needs of travelers. Featuring daily activities and communal dinner, Podstel Bucharest is a social hostel perfect for meeting other travelers!

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Best Hotel in Bucharest – Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel

Featuring a snazzy decor and comfortable rooms, the Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel is one of the best value-for-money hotels in Bucharest. Each big and spacious room comes with its own balcony, perfect for anyone that wants to bathe in the sun or just admire at the views of Old Town Bucharest, where the hotel is conveniently located. The free breakfast buffet is a plus!

Click here for more info!

If you have followed our Romania itinerary to the T, you will have yourself the perfect 2 weeks in Romania road trip. However, if you can allocate more time for your trip to Romania, there are plenty more amazing places to be discovered.

Below we will talk about some of our favorite places in Romania that you could add to your visit to Romania!

1. Constanta, The Romania Beach Town Next To The Black Sea

Constanta might be the only beautiful beach town in Romania, but it certainly does impress. Bordering the Black Sea, the beaches in Constanta are stunning. In the summer, you can expect locals and travelers from all over the world in this small city with over 2000 years of history.

If the weather permits, we would recommend visiting Constanta from Bucharest, potentially as a day trip or for a weekend.  The drive is a little more than two hours to get from Bucharest to Constanta. 

2. Timisoara, European Capital of Culture for 2021

Because of its location, Timisoara is one of the places in Romania that is not often visited by tourists. However, that will change in 2021, when Timisoara earns the title of the European Capital of Culture.

As the third-largest city in Romania, Timisoara has its own small-town lively vibe. The interesting history and the charming architecture of Timisoara make it an exciting place to visit for any type of traveler.

Timisoara is located in Western Romania, and it is a 3-hour drive from Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca.

3. Maramures County

Maramures county is considered the most traditional region in Romania. Home to many villages where century-old traditions are preserved, a visit to the Maramures county is like stepping back in time. Many women still wear their traditional dresses, living in their farmhouses, and go to wooden churches. 

The natural landscape in this region is incredible, as miles of greenery stretches beyond the horizon. I would highly recommend adding the Maramures region to your Romania trip!

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This concludes our Romania road trip itinerary blog post. We hope you will enjoy visiting Romania as much as we did!

Any questions? Leave them in the comments!

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