By Nusrat Jahan Nisha
Romania is a land of hidden treasures and full of well-preserved history. Culture and heritage, countless natural wonders vibrant cities, art, good foods, iconic landmarks, and some beautiful landscapes all combine to make Romania a fantastic travel destination for your vacation. If you want to spend a peaceful vacation in the middle of nature and feel the past then for you Romania is certainly the right place to visit.
Rasnov Fortress
Rasnov Fortress is a castle perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by a magnificent landscape and fortified walls, which will remind you of the Highgarden in the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones. It was originally built around the 14th century as a defense system for the surrounding villages. The castle complex consists of 30 houses, a school, a small temple, a museum, a maze inside the building, nine watch towers, two towers, and a drawbridge. Here you will be able to discover the fortification’s tumultuous history of the thirteenth century which includes sieges, heroic confrontations, and medieval battles.
How to go: The simplest way to get to Rasnov fortress is by car. It will take a nearly 2-hour drive from Brasov to Rasnov. Trains also run from Brasov to Rasnov. If you’re coming from Sibiu, take the train. You can also take a taxi from Brasov.
Where to stay: Hotels near Rasnov Fortress are Rem’s pension, Pensiunea Cristina, Hanul Lupilor, Conacul Ambient etc. There are other hotels as well which will offer you good service according to your budget.
Balea Lake
Balea Lake is a must-see destination in Romania. It is one of Romania’s splendid natural wonders. Besides the amazing natural surroundings, this place is also great for hiking, ice climbing, cycling, and skiing. Geographically, Balea Lake was formed from a glacier. The eroded mountains left behind one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. There are many myths about the naming of this lake. In addition to the natural beauties, there is an artificial beauty as well which will definitely fascinate you. We are talking about the first ice hotel in eastern Europe that was built near this place using blocks of ice pulled from the frozen lake.
How to go: To reach the lake, you have to take the Transfagarasan Road which passes through the mountains. In winter you can only go to the lake from the north, as the southern part is closed from November to May. Once you reach Balea Falls, take the cable car to Balea Lake.
Where to stay: There are two rural chalets near the lake that provide great year-round accommodation that fits perfectly with the landscape. There are double rooms and apartments, and restaurants that serve traditional Romanian cuisine.
Sibiu
If you’re looking for a charming but vibrant, beautiful, and also fascinating place to spend your vacation then keep Sibiu as a priority. It is one of the top idyllic places to live in. The place is simply too good and too pretty to visit. Sibiu is located in the historical region of Romania named Transylvania. This beautiful city is known for its culture, history, and aesthetic architecture including the iconic houses. Sibiu is one of Romania’s most culturally lively cities. In 2007, Sibiu was designated the European Capital of Culture. So, if you are a person who loves and praises culture you must visit Sibiu at least once in your life.
How to go: The best time to visit Sibiu is from early spring to late autumn. The traffic is light at Sibiu, so you can take a bus or a taxi. All bus stops indicate bus schedules and all taxi company fares are the same
Where to stay : Top Sibiu Hotels are Noblesse Boutique Resort, Plaza 35, Hilton Sibiu, Hotel Imparatul Romanilor, Ramada Sibiu, ART Hotel, Continental Forum Sibiu etc.
Bran Castle
It is a beautiful Castle located in Bran and is commonly known as Dracula’s Castle because it perfectly fits Bram Stoker’s description of Dracula’s Castle. Though Bram Stoker never visited Romania. Bran Castle is a national monument and landmark in Transylvania. Currently, the Castle is open as a Museum. Along with the mystery and history, the beautiful architecture of this Castle and the magnificent landscape around this place will surely fascinate you.
How to go: There is no train from Bucharest or Brasov to Bran. Getting to Bran Castle can happen only by taxi, bus or personal car. As well as. You can take day tours from both Brasov and Bucharest to visit Dracula’s castle.
Where to stay: The best fact about traveling to Bran Castle is that you can spend your night inside the Castle and experience sleeping in a coffin in Transylvania like a true vampire. Moreover, you can find other hotels and restrooms near the Castle as well for overnight stays.
Biertan
Biertan is a Saxon gem, a village, and a church that is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and hills. The church is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place looks like a place that is magically trapped. Walking throughout the village will make you experience how medieval people used to live here. Maybe in folk clothing, horses and carriages, street markets with locally made products and all. You will find a peaceful and historic environment here. Visiting this place can be your most peaceful travel experience ever.
How to go: The cheapest way to get from Romania to Biertan fortified church is by train. But if you want the quickest way to get from Romania to Biertan fortified church is to drive which will cost more than the train.
Where to stay: There are 236+ hotels available in Biertan fortified church, you can choose any of those to stay as per your budget and taste.
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