Children’s Activities
There are some fantastic opportunities in Romania for families
with children. Old-world conventions like steam
locomotives and horse-drawn
carriages are still used in many rustic
villages and portions of rural Transylvania host
impressive wildlife populations.
 Remote Villages of Transylvania
Portions of rural Transylvania have managed to stave off
globalisation and modernisation such that travelling here is
like journeying backwards through time. Here, farmers still use
horses to plough their fields and pull carts through the
countryside. Shepherds graze sheep in the
highlands and defend their flocks against bears and wolves. It’s
possible for families to charter horseback riding tours that
last days or even weeks, and when visiting quaint villages
children may enjoy the opportunity to see the sights from a
horse-drawn carriage. The best time to visit is in the spring
when the fragrant wildflowers are in bloom.
Viseu de Sus Railway
A narrow-gauge steam locomotive plies a
narrow-gauge track through the Maramures Mountains,
providing an excellent daytrip opportunity for families
with children. The train begins in a low-lying logging
village before travelling through valleys into higher
elevations. The railroad cuts through scenic countryside
highlighted by fast-flowing rivers and green tracts of
forest, all of which are untouched by roads. When the
train comes to a stop, passengers have the opportunity
to disembark and enjoy a picnic or hike through the
forest. On the return trip, the conductor may stop the
train to load firewood or collect river water for steam.
The conductor has even been known to stop to gather
mushrooms when conditions are right.
 Wildlife Viewing
Romania has sizeable populations of Eurasian
lynx, Carpathian brown bears and wolves.
The blossoming ecotourism industry gives tourists the
opportunity to catch a glimpse of lynx and bears though the
extremely shy wolves are much harder to spot. To catch sight
of these amazing animals, visit the Piatra Craiului National
Park and join a local tour. Keep in mind that these animals
can be extremely dangerous and should be given a wide berth
and a great deal of respect. The best way to view wildlife
is with a knowledgeable, accredited guide who understands
the animals and the laws that protect them.
Cultural Activities
Romania is one of Europe’s cultural
gems, boasting fantastic churches and monasteries
nestled into pristine natural environments. The legend of
Count Dracula was born
here in Transylvania, and many tourists flock to heritage
sites surrounding the historical character that inspired
the legend. While
modernity continues to mount in Bucharest, Old World
traditions still live on in the Romanian countryside. In
fact, one of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Romania
is the opportunity to participate
in Orthodox rituals and take part in the simple
pleasures of life in rural, peasant communities.
 Dracula’s Legend
Vlad Dracula (also Vlad Tepes or Vlad the Impaler) was the
ferocious ruler of Wallachia during the mid-15th century. His
legend lives on in Transylvania, and though the
vampirism was later grafted onto his legacy by Bram
Stoker, there remains an authentic historic figure known for his
brutality and ferocity. Many travel agents host ‘Dracula Tours’
which survey historic points of interest from Vlad’s life. The
most noteworthy sites are the town of
Sighisoara (his birthplace); Castle Bran (his fortress) and
Snagov Monastery (his final resting place).
Jewish Communities
In all, Romania is home to more than 800 synagogues.
Many of these are located around Bucharest, Arad, Brasov
and Botosani, although there are numerous other areas of
interest. Elie Wiesel, an important Nobel laureate and
Holocaust survivor was born in Maramures, and tourists
are invited to visit the restored home of his childhood,
which is situated near a synagogue from the 1800s. The
Great Synagogue in Bucharest operates a Jewish History
Museum which is open on Sundays and Wednesdays.
 Orthodox Convents and Monasteries
The convents and monasteries that dot the Romanian
countryside have long provided a support structure for those
living in rural areas. During the reign of the Communist
Party, the role of the Orthodox institution was diminished
for a time. However, today there has been a resurgence of
religious fervour; there are currently 400
monasteries and 8,000 nuns and monks at work in
Romania. Many of these monasteries have express historical
significance, and virtually all of them cater for pilgrims
seeking spiritual retreat or the opportunity to explore the
area’s religious significance. Overnight accommodation can
sometimes be arranged.
 Painted Monasteries of Southern Bucovina
Outstanding among Romania’s historic monasteries, the
painted monasteries in northern Moldavia date to the 15th
and 16th centuries. These unique churches are literally
wrapped in stunning frescoes that chronicle
the religious and political struggles that swept through
this land in the wake of struggles between Byzantine and
Turkish forces. The churches themselves exhibit Gothic
stonework and impressive, pointed roofs. The frescoes once
served illiterate churchgoers, offering insight into church
doctrine and history. Today, they stand as one of the
world’s most magnificent examples of medieval painted
churches.
 Palace of Parliament
The parliament building in Bucharest was once
Ceausescu’s palace, and this grand
building remains a testament to his vision for a modern
Romania. With 1,100 rooms spanning 12 storeys, it is the
world’s second-largest administrative structure (second only
to the United States’ Pentagon). The palace and its many
rooms were designed by the country’s best architects, and
the interior was lavishly decorated. In Ceausescu’s day, his
palace testified to the stark contrast between his own
excessive lifestyle and the desperate poverty of Romania’s
people. In fact, the Palace of the Parliament holds the
Guinness record for most expensive administrative building
in the world. The
Parliament Hotel and
Ibis Bucuresti Palatul Parlamentului Hotel are great
places to stay when visiting the capital.
Saxon Heritage
Romania’s modern Saxon (essentially German) heritage is owed
largely to Carol I, the German-born king who ruled at the
end of the 19th century. However, there are countless
Saxon-style homes throughout southern Transylvania which
date back much earlier. Saxons were well-established here in
Transylvania many centuries ago, and they achieved an
unusual autonomy that allowed them to develop a unique
architectural heritage. Today there are hundreds of Saxon
towns in Romania that boast a wealth of well-preserved
architecture dating to the 14th century.
Dining & Shopping
Shopping in Romania deals especially in traditional
handicrafts and locally-made products. Craft shops
are located in most major cities and near popular tourist
sites. Many museums operate a gift shop where tourists can
purchase traditional handmade items crafted by local
artisans. Large cities also operate modern
shopping malls.
Quality handmade products include traditional
Romanian lace, carved
wood, ceramics and jewellery. Beautifully
woven rugs are popular with visitors, as are traditional
Romanian costumes. Local folk art can be purchased through
prominent museums that
maintain ties with local artists.
Antiques and used books are increasingly popular purchases.
In recent years, Bucharest has emerged as an
important hub on the international trail of
antique hunters, with numerous shops in the
Lipscani district. Reproductions of religious art and
iconography are also available.
Fresh produce can be purchased in outdoor marketplaces like
the Piata Amzei in Bucharest. Open-air markets
like this deal heavily in fresh fruits like apples,
grapes and pears, with plenty of seasonal vegetables on site
as well. On the periphery of the marketplace you’re likely
to find butchers, bakers and cheese makers
selling their respective products.
There is a wonderful range of eating and drinking
establishments to accommodate all budgets in Romania’s major
cities. The nightlife scene
in larger cities like Bucharest continues to grow fuelled
partly by university crowds and partly by increasing crowds
of tourists.
Romanians take great pride in their cuisine, with many small
families in rural areas cultivating their own fresh
ingredients and rearing their own
livestock. Villagers often keep goats, one or two cattle,
sheep, geese chickens and a single pig. The latter is
fattened in preparation for the Christmas
feast, though pork is widely available and
prominently featured in a variety of local dishes throughout
the year.
There’s very little waste in Romania, and true epicureans
find a way to work every part of the animal into its own
delicious dish. At the end
of the growing season, vegetables are pickled
and kept on the shelf to keep the family healthy during the
winter.
One popular dish is sarmale,
little croquettes of minced beef
and pork wrapped in cabbage. These are then served over a
bed of tomatoes and more chopped cabbage.
Locals insist that mamaliga, a cornmeal mash that
resembles polenta, is Romania’s national dish. This starchy
staple is served with sour cream, meat or
cheese.
Hearty meat stews are complimented by a variety of sausages
and delicious baked aubergine seasoned with
garlic and oil. Before, during and after dinner, Romanians
sip plum brandy (tuica) which is oftentimes
distilled at home. Romanian wines
are also pervasive, with local varieties including
murfatlar, cotnari, valea calugareasca
and odobesti.
Outdoor Activities
Romania’s mountainous, unspoilt countryside
is ideal for active tourists who enjoy hiking, cycling and
horseback riding. There are hundreds of national parks with
thousands upon thousands of trails
zigzagging through the countryside. Meanwhile,
wildlife lovers plan excursions to the Danube River
Delta, a tract of relatively new land (formed only 13,000
years ago) which houses an astonishing array of
flora and fauna.
 Danube Delta Activities
The Danube River Delta is a prime destination for certain
outdoor activities. The lakes and marshland that radiate from
the delta are home to hundreds of bird species (including
impressive colonies of the black pelican), making this is a
coveted destination for avid bird watchers. The best
bird watching season stretches from
late spring into early autumn. Beyond birds, the Danube Delta
ecosystem boasts more than 160 species of game fish, ranging
from pike and sturgeon to the more formidable catfish. Romania’s
fresh-water sources allow fishing throughout the year, with a
rest period during April and May. Access to portions of the
delta is restricted, so it’s wise to coordinate with a
knowledgeable guide when planning your trip.
 Hiking
Nearly one third of Romania’s land is mountainous, and vast
tracts of this countryside cut with well-maintained hiking and
walking paths. Many of these trails are incorporated into the
country’s more than 400 nature reserves and national parks. The
rugged Fagaras Mountains are for hikers of
exceptional skill who crave difficult climbs rewarded with
stunning panoramas. Meanwhile, trails in the Apuseni, Retezat
and Piatra Craiului Mountains cater for a wider variety of skill
levels. Mountain climbers find the most satisfying climbs near
Busteni, Petrosani, Sinaia or Zarnesti. Wherever hikers venture,
the varied landscape has something to offer hikers of every
skill level, and travel agents in most cities and towns can help
arrange regional hiking excursions.
 Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular sport with Romania’s tourists.
Riders brave mountain trails or slip along secluded,
beachfront paths. The country’s National Committee for
Equestrian Tourism (CNTE) devotes government resources to
training guides and expanding Romania’s equestrian
infrastructure. Travel agencies throughout the country offer
horseback excursions that
vary in length and style and all of these agencies can
arrange advance riding lessons. Tours can be taken on
horseback or by carriage (depending on the terrain) and
overnight excursions are available.
 Water Sports
The Black Sea resorts make for the perfect place to partake in
windsurfing, sailing and kayaking. Clean waters
and no tides ensure the waters are safe for exploration. Common
departure points include
Constanta, Mamaia, Venus, Neptune and Jupiter, while the
Danube Delta and Romania’s rivers also attract water sports
fans.
Winter Sports
Skiing is possible at Romania’s mountain resorts with the
most popular being Sinaia and Poiana Brasov. Although skiing
instruction is available at these resorts, the facilities
are rarely on par with other European ski destinations.
Nevertheless the variety of slopes will keep enthusiasts
busy for a week or two.
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