Romania: Natural Experiences and Cultural Heritage

Romania combines impressive natural landscapes with a rich cultural history. Along the Black Sea coast, 45 miles of fine sandy beaches stretch out. Inland, the scenery ranges from the Danube Delta and extensive forests to fortified medieval towns, churches and archaeological sites. Which of these aspects interests you most can shape the focus of your trip.

Danube Delta, Forests and National Park Landscapes

The Danube Delta is Europe’s largest and best-preserved river delta. Its biodiversity is reflected, among other things, in more than 300 bird species and 45 freshwater fish species. Those interested in birdlife and waterways will find a natural environment here that is quite different from the coast or the forests.

The Izvoarele Nerei Nature Reserve is one of Europe’s largest primeval forests and covers 5,028 hectares. When visiting, be sure to take current conditions and access rules into account, as they may change.

Semenic-Cheile Caraşului National Park lies in southwestern Romania. Covering 36,051.5 hectares, it includes natural features of particular physical-geographical, floristic, hydrological, geological and speleological value. Nine tourist routes are available for exploring the area; their availability may change. Check the latest route information before planning your visit.

At Peștera Comarnic, visitors can explore the upper, dry level at 1,750 metres. Access is only possible when accompanied by authorised park rangers or approved guides from the national park administration. Visiting rules may change, so it is worth checking the latest requirements beforehand.

Medieval Towns and Church Landscapes

The historic centre of Sighişoara is a small fortified medieval town founded by Transylvanian Saxons. It preserves an outstanding testimony to their culture. The combination of a fortified town centre and its rich history makes Sighişoara a special destination for travellers interested in Transylvania’s past.

The villages with fortified churches in Transylvania also tell the story of Transylvanian Saxon culture. They preserve a cultural landscape and a system of rural farmsteads that has endured since the late Middle Ages. The fortified churches illustrate architectural styles from the 13th to the 16th century. Taken together, these features reveal both the architecture and the evolved settlement pattern.

In northern Moldavia, eight churches are considered unique in Europe. The wooden churches of Maramureş form another distinct group: the eight churches have tall, slender bell towers on their western sides. Their design combines Orthodox religious traditions with Gothic influences. The two church landscapes therefore offer different points of interest: the wooden construction and its towers in one, and the diversity of Moldavian churches in the other.

Within the Churches of Moldavia World Heritage Site, Suceviţa is a place of worship in a still-active monastery. The rules governing the place of worship may change. Further southwest, the Orăştie Mountains are home to six Dacian fortresses with extensive, well-preserved remains. They show an unusual combination of military and religious building techniques and concepts from the classical world and the late European Iron Age.

Special Experiences and Themed Routes

Turda Salt Mine is a museum of salt mining in Transylvania. For a different experience on Lake Terezia in the mine, boat trips are available: each ride lasts 20 minutes, and a boat can carry no more than three people. Availability and operating details may change, so check in advance whether boat trips will be offered when you visit. Leisurely boat rides are also possible on the lake in Semenic-Cheile Caraşului National Park; their availability may change as well.

In the mountain area of Alba County, the “Potecu' Stânelor” themed route links several sheepfolds in the Sureanu Mountains. This seasonal experience includes natural dairy products as well as mutton and beef. Traditional activities include feeding, milking and making cheese or Brânză. Offerings may vary. Another themed option is the Wine Road in Timiș County, which showcases the county’s culinary and winemaking heritage and brings together nature, tradition and local products.

România Atractivă also offers an overview of 12 cultural routes and 275 tourist attractions, with special events held along the routes. Figures and programmes may change.

Discover more destinations: Satu Mare, Teleorman, Călăraşi, Olt, Ilfov, Bacau, Harghita, Arad, Mures, Constanta, Bistrita-Nasaud, Cluj, Bihor, Iasi, Suceava, Giurgiu, Dolj, Galati, Ialomita, Gorj, Vaslui, Buzau, Mehedinti, Argeş, Caraş-Severin, Dimbovita, Prahova, Tulcea, Brasov, Timis, Sibiu, Braila, Hunedoara, Vrancea, Covasna, Alba, Neamt, Salaj, Maramureş, Botosani, Vâlcea, Bucharest.

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