Romania
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General Travel Guide: The Land of Myths and Untamed Beauty
Romania is a destination that awakens the imagination like few others. It is the land of Count Dracula, but the myth is only the gateway to a country of surprising beauty and diversity. Here, Gothic castles tower over fairytale medieval towns, painted monasteries shine like jewels in leafy valleys, and the Carpathian Mountains hide some of Europe's last pristine forests. From the grandeur of Bucharest to the serenity of the Danube Delta and the ancient traditions of Maramureș, Romania offers a journey through time, an adventure in nature and an immersion in a vibrant and welcoming Latin culture.
Capital
Bucharest
Population
19.760.314
Langue
Rumano
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
9
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Romania
Expériences uniques
Driving on the Transfăgărășan Highway
Rated one of the most spectacular roads in the world, the Transfăgărășan winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering dizzying views, hairpin bends and stunning alpine landscapes. Built for military reasons, today it is an unforgettable adventure for any driver (open only in summer).
Explore Dracula's Castle
Visit Bran Castle, perched on a rock on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia. Although its connection to Vlad the Impaler is tenuous, its imposing silhouette, its towers and its secret passages perfectly embody the legend of Dracula created by Bram Stoker.
Smile at Death in the Joyful Cemetery
In the village of Săpânța, in Maramureș, there is a cemetery unique in the world. Each grave is marked by a brightly colored wooden cross, with a poetic and often humorous epitaph recounting the life and circumstances of death of the buried person. It is a moving celebration of life.
Deciphering the Frescoes of the Painted Monasteries
Visiting the monasteries of Bucovina (such as Voroneț, Moldovița or Sucevița) is like reading an illustrated Bible on the outside walls. Its impressive frescoes, painted in the 15th and 16th centuries to teach illiterate peasants, have survived the elements and are a World Heritage Site.
Born in a Medieval City
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Sighișoara, the best preserved inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Climbing its Clock Tower, exploring its colorful houses and visiting the house where Vlad the Impaler is said to have been born is a true journey through time.
Spot Bears in their Natural Habitat
The Romanian Carpathians are home to the largest population of brown bears in Europe. Taking a guided excursion to an observatory in the Transylvanian forests at sunset offers a high chance of seeing these majestic animals in their natural environment. It is an exciting and respectful experience.
A Feast of Grandma's Flavors
Romanian cuisine is the soul of its hospitality. It is a forceful, tasty and generous gastronomy, with a rich mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan influences on a Latin base. Homemade food ('mâncare ca la mama acasă'), slow-cooked, is the norm, and farm-fresh ingredients are key.
Romanian cuisine is the soul of its hospitality. It is a forceful, tasty and generous gastronomy, with a rich mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan influences on a Latin base. Homemade food ('mâncare ca la mama acasă'), slow-cooked, is the norm, and farm-fresh ingredients are key.
Ciorbă: The First Sacred Dish
Any Romanian meal worth its salt starts with a 'ciorbă', a sour soup. They are traditionally soured with 'borș' (fermented wheat bran) or lemon. There is everything: burtă (tripe), perișoare (meatballs), fasole cu afumătură (beans with smoked meat)...
The Winter Pantry ('Chamber')
Preparing preserves for the winter is a national ritual. 'Zacuscă' (a delicious roasted vegetable paste) and 'murături' (pickles of all kinds, especially cabbage and gherkins) are essential in any home.
Plats Iconiques
Sarmale
Considered the national dish. They are rolls of sour cabbage (sauerkraut) or grape leaves filled with minced meat, rice and spices, cooked slowly for hours. They are served with 'mămăligă' and sour cream.
Mămăligă
The Romanian version of polenta, a staple food historically associated with peasants. It is the perfect accompaniment to 'sarmale' or any stew, and is often served with cheese and sour cream ('mămăligă cu brânză și smântână').
Mici (or Mititei)
Small grilled minced meat rolls (a mix of beef, lamb and pork), heavily spiced with garlic and other herbs. They are the star of any barbecue and are served with mustard and bread.
Ciorbă of Burtă
A tripe soup that many consider a delicacy and the definitive remedy for a hangover. It is creamy and served hot with vinegar or garlic and chilli.
Vinete Salată
A popular salad or pâté of roasted, peeled and chopped eggplants, mixed with oil and onion. It is served cold and spread on fresh bread.
Bulz
A 'mămăligă' ball filled with 'brânză de burduf' (a strong sheep's cheese), which is grilled or baked. It is an incredibly tasty and filling pastoral dish.
Boissons typiques
Țuică / Pălincă
The national liquor. 'Țuică' is made exclusively with plums, while 'Pălincă' (typical of Transylvania) can be made from other fruits. It is powerful and is served as an aperitif.
Vin (Wine)
Romania is one of the largest wine producers in the world, with an ancient tradition. Native varieties such as Fetească Neagră (red) and Fetească Albă (white) are excellent.
Afinată / Vișinată
Very popular homemade liqueurs. 'Afinată' is made with blueberries and 'Vişinată' with cherries, macerated in brandy and sugar.
Socată
A traditional and refreshing drink made from the fermentation of elderflowers, sugar and lemon. It's the lemonade of summer.
Que voir par thème
Romania's wealth lies in its incredibly varied landscapes and its regions with very strong identities. Next, we suggest you explore the country through different topics.
Transylvania: The Medieval Heart
The country's most famous region is a treasure trove of medieval cities founded by the Saxons, such as Sighișoara, Brașov and Sibiu. It is dotted with fortified churches and legendary castles such as Bran or Corvin.
Bucharest: Capital of Contrasts
The Romanian capital is a fascinating mix of Belle Époque elegance (for which it was nicknamed 'Little Paris'), communist brutalist architecture and vibrant modernity. The Parliament Palace and the charming old town are must-sees.
Maramureș and Bucovina: Rural and Spiritual Romania
These northern regions are the traditional soul of the country. Maramureș captivates with its elaborate wooden churches and the Merry Cemetery. Bucovina is home to the Painted Monasteries, a World Heritage Site.
Adventure in the Carpathians
The Carpathian Mountains cross the country in an arc. They are a paradise for hiking, with national parks such as Retezat or Piatra Craiului. The Transfăgărășan Highway is the most spectacular way to cross them.
The Danube Delta and the Black Sea
At its mouth, the Danube creates a vast delta, one of the most important wetlands in the world and a paradise for bird watching. The nearby Black Sea coast offers resorts such as Mamaia and the historic port city of Constanța.
Conseils de voyage
Currency
The official currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Although Romania is a member of the EU, it does not use the euro. Card payment is widespread in cities, but it is essential to carry cash for rural areas.
Internal Transportation
Trains are a good option for covering long distances between major cities, although they can be slow. Buses and minibuses ('maxitaxi') are more efficient for shorter routes. Renting a car is the best option for flexibility and exploring remote areas, but road quality can be variable.
Language
The official language is Romanian, a Romance language. English is increasingly common among young people and in the tourism sector. Hungarian and German are also spoken in some areas of Transylvania.
Tips
Tipping is common practice. In restaurants it is customary to leave around 10% of the total bill, although it is not usually included in the ticket. It is also usually rounded in taxis.
This guide is just an invitation to discover a country full of surprises, which goes far beyond myths. Romania is a destination to be explored without haste, to enjoy its wild nature, its deep history and, above all, the warmth of its people. Drumbun! (Have a good trip!)
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