Romania off the beaten path: the salt mines

I am not a geologist, but I can tell you for sure: a few ten thousands of years ago on the today territory proudly called Romania nowadays it was nothing but water. Endless sea, and very salty. I can prove this affirmation through the huge salt reserves of Romania.

Nearer to our days, these  salt reserves have been exploited for thousand of years, starting with the antique times and even before. In the antique time the salt was a favorite changing item with the Greeks which came and build the colony of Tomis (today Constanta). The Dacians,  forefathers of the today Romanians, used also to export grains and wines, taking in change from the Greeks olives and olives oil. The salt as also the gold and  other richness of Dacia draw unfortunately the attention of the almighty neighboring Roman Empire.

The amazing salt church from the Cacica mine

After the Roman conquer and colonization, as documented on the Traian's Column from center of Rome, the salt kept and even increased its important role in the local economy. On those times, and during all the Medium Age, the salt mines and their  administrating settlements received lots of privileges and other advantages. The salt in that period of mankind was simply vital, as it could be used for conserving the food, and Romania as former sea bottom had unending reserves.

Winning the salt kept its importance up today, but a few of the former renowned salt mines have been closed due to unsatisfactory economic results. But the huge galleries showing the hard labour and toil are still there. In many of these mines the salt has been collected by the convicted prisoners and the Romanian language is full of references on those times, the hard labour and the prisoners.

The former salt mine from Turda is today the most important attraction of the town

Nowadays you can visit a few of these mines, which have been prepared for tourist like you. Don't fear anymore please the hard labour, but in some areas you must be very careful if you are claustrophobic. Broadly and generally speaking the air from a salt mine is perfect for curing any lungs diseases. You can visit the salt mines from Turda, Cacica, Praid , Slanic Prahova, Slanic Moldova and  a few more (these are the most important).

Spending an excellent time in a former salt mine (here Slanic Prahova)http://romania-tours.blogspot.ro/2014/01/romania-off-beaten-path.htmlhttp://romania-tours.blogspot.ro/2014/01/romania-off-beaten-path.html

There are a few reasons for doing that. Some of the visitors might be simply curious; other can try to cure their lungs diseases through week long treatments. In Cacica and Slanic Moldova you can find amazing salt churches. In all these former salt mines you have good entertainment possibilities, and you can stay for hours brething the purest air possible while playing ping pong, tennis etc. In Praid is possible to organize unique and totally exotic wine tastings, while in Turda you can find maybe the most romantic thing in a former salt mine: hire a boat on the dark lake, is simply breathtaking! Maybe the most romantic way to make a declaration or even a proposal.

In all these former salt mines you must pay to enter, and in some of then the interesting places are very remote to the entrance, the ticket contains even this kilometer long journey by bus (at the moment 20 RON, equivalent to almost 5 Euros).

I am sure you won't be disappointed in none of these former salt mines open for visits today. You will get some knowledge about the technology of salt winning and exploitation, or buy something, but you are going to spend anyway a wonderful time there. There is no chance to get boring in these salt mines, they are interesting and exciting in the same time.

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Romania off the beaten path

If you already visited Romania through a travel agency  on the beaten path, you might have become curious about this complicated, but fantastic country, wishing to discover it off the beaten path. If you haven't discovered Romania up to know, make your first travel here with established companies like Lidl or Karpaten, and ask second time to the same companies something off the beaten path.

But what should mean the beaten path in Romania? Well, how can I explain it, if not through notorious examples. I would say that Sibiu, Sighisoara, Medias are for sure on the beaten path. They are really seducing and very well known worldwide. But Bazna, only 10 km away from Medias is totally off the beaten path, try to visit this nice village when being in Medias.

Satu Mare is for sure an interesting city, but only in daylight

Also interesting are a few cities, town and regions lieing near the border of Romania. One of them is Satu Mare, near the northern border. Some people say Satu Mare would be one of the ugliest Romanian cities. For myself the first was a deep disappointment, it was dark, late at night, and not very much illumination. Rather a strange somber atmosphere, reminding the years of communist regime with Ceausescu as ruler. On the contrary, in day light seems to be a very nice city, with an interesting synagogue in restoration and the country's most beautiful and representatives Secession style building, which is almost 100 years old. Very close to these above mentioned building and the charming Piata Libertatii (The Place of Liberty) Hotel Aurora is a good welcoming host. 

Civic Center of Drobeta Turnu Severin, with the unique kinetic fountain

Totally opposed to Satu Mare on the map you can find the charming Drobeta Turnu Severin. Being there, don't miss to visit the central market with the impressive kinetic fountain. Go deeper in the downtown, admiring the nice houses, while walking to the history museum where you can see before everything else  one foot of the Appolodor bridge build here by the Romans 2 000 years ago. You can also watch the spectacular Danube dam with its huge lake and the curious marine life. Drobeta Turnu Severin is a fine, clean, wonderful city with 100 000 inhabitants and a rich history, and you can visit it lodging to the Continental Hotel from the city, because has a very friendly staff. 

This only one of the many churches of Iasi, but is one of the most important: The Cathedral

Also off the beaten path is the legendary historic city of Iasi, or Jassy. This is really an unfortunated event, both for the city as for the potential visitors. Iasi is very beloved among the Romanian, and is a former Middle Age capital of Moldavia. Culturally speaking, Iasi is even nowadays a sort of Romanian capital, with a few ruling universities, intellectual sophisticated elites and many events. Visit in Iasi the old churches and buildings, or the big park of Copou, where even Eminescu, our national myth poet, used to find its  inspiration to write immortal verses full of senses. Also interesting in Iasi are its museums. Very practically for every visitor you find four interesting museum under the same roof, in Palatul Culturii, one of the best known city landmarks.

As Romania is not a little, but a medium size country, I still have some suggestions to discover Romania unconventionally, off the beaten path. Keep in touch and follow me, I will give you so much more tips and tricks for visiting Romania.

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5 Most Captivating Castles in Romania

5 Most Captivating Castles in Romania

The Romanians suffer on a strange disease: they are very generous when come to naming a building as a palace. It must be a relic from the bad communist years, when the buildings were almost identical, and the local identity totally destroyed. Under these circumstances, maybe you you will understand easier: any older building, different to the contemporary stalinist style became automatically a palace.

Any small town has a palace, and even many villages have an own palace! Most of them totally decayed or insignificant, showing to be big disappointments! That's the reason why I shall name the massive, old, special and significant buildings as castles!

Trying to make a selection of the most impressive castles in Romania, Peles comes first, no doubt. It has been built by the first German King of Romania by the end of the XIXth century. It lies in a wonderful alpine landscape, in Sinaia, where the neighboring forest turned to be a park. Inside is a sophisticate expression of the best taste. From the castle's 100 rooms you will allowed to visit only 4 or 5, during a guided tour. But they are really the best ones, and the most spectacular. You will see even a present from an Indian maharajah, but I don't unveil more!

The Bran Castle had nothing to do with Dracula, but takes a huge profit of this myth

Second comes the Bran castle. Also owned by the former King's family, was intended to guard a trade way between Transilvania and Wallachia by its inauguration in the XVth century. On mysterious way, it has been tighten with the myth of Dracula (not true at all, to be honest!) and enjoys crowds of visitors. That's why I  recommend to start the visit in the morning.

The massive Corvin castle from Hunedoara

Another interesting and recommended choice, for the third place, is the Medieval Castle from Hunedoara, who belonged to the Prince Iancu de Hunedoara. He ruled over Transilvania, and the Romanians claim this name for him, together with his Romanian origin. The Hungarians name him Janos Hunyady, and say he was Hungarian. Maybe the true is in the middle, or maybe beyond: new approaches said it was a Serbian! The historic truth is that he was very brave, fought successfully more times against the Turks and died suddenly on plague. This castle belonged to him, and you can admire the some unhappy restoration works, but also a shocking torture room.

The Fortress of Poenari really belonged to Dracula, but lies off the beaten path!

On the fourth place, The Fortress of Poenari, waits only the trained skilled people, who can climb 1000 stairs. It really belonged to Vlad Tepes Dracula, who used it for refuge and defending fortress. There are still rumors for lost treasure of the Prince Dracula, hidden in this remote area, many people are still searching!

The Fortress of Rasnov is another Eagle's nest, very rewarding for the pacient tourists

On the 5th place, also last, but not least, the Fortress of Rasnov, by Brasov, offers a fantastic unique view to the Carpathians!

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Best yoga retreats in Romania

If yoga is a philosophy or a way of life, or may be both, is still an opened question. But when it comes to be happy enjoying life, nothing compares to yoga! I agree with the yoga freaks, gurus or master, I do totally!

If you practice yoga, there is no reason breaking your lessons and sessions during your Romanian holidays, but on the contrary. Many Romanians are also practicing, you can join one of these groups (unfortunately the best Romanian guru, namely Gregorian Bivolaru, is not in the country anymore!). You can find these open groups in the big cities like Bucharest or Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta etc, mainly in the student quarters or high intellectual circles. Or you can keep practicing on your own, as usually, with the necessary mention that some places are much better than others for your exercises!

Even a fancy luxury hotel like Bucharest Radisson can offer good conditions for practicing yoga

First of all, the Romanian shore of the Black Sea offers excellent conditions for yoga. If you can get the wet stripe during sunrise all your chakras will enjoy. You can do it in the rustic Vama Veche or in the cosy Costinesti. Don't bother about the other people on the beach at that time. They might be drunk, tired or are doing the same thing (some of them might be even practicing tantra, don't bother them please). It is also possible to find a remote corner only for yourself, if you prefer being alone during these fantastic moments.

Another amazing place for yoga practicing is the Danube Delta. Make the right choice and stay in a remote pension, or camp in the middle of nowhere. The Danube Delta is still almost genuine and waking early in the morning means to hear some fantastic bird songs, or the fishermen living in their boats. There is a strange strong energy coming from anywhere, you need only let it flooding you.

You can even dare keep practicing your favorite yoga positions while staying in one of the country's leading hotels, but under these circumstances you should adopt the Tina Turner's method: take an extra room, only for your exercises, if the budget is not an issue! Ruling this healthy way of life should not exclude tasting and enjoying a glass of wine (my personal opinion and experience).

The spa retreat from Herculane is one of my secret tips for yoga freaks

Other great yoga destinations in Romania are the spa retreats from Felix and Herculane, no doubt. Their pools with thermal water and their surrounding hills covered with forest offer the most fantastic conditions for feeling the prana!

For the lonely type, my last tip: climbing mountains will help better understanding and enjoying God and life. The peaks of Moldoveanu or Ceahlaul are not an impossible task to achieve, offering royal rewards and compensations!

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The Best Romanian beaches

The 45 degrees Northern latitude crosses exactly through Romania. There is no big sheet, you might answer! O.k., but one little detail makes this thing so important, otherwise I wouldn't dare to bother you! It marks precisely the half of the distance between North Pole and Equator, influencing the main characteristics of the Romanian climate.

The Romanian climate is mild, with four seasons. The best in the world, I would say normally, but I only want to inform you correctly, and not to boast Romania. We celebrate already the Spring, it is really amazing the total revival of nature. Will be very spectacular for you taking part in Romania to anyone of the Spring Festivals and observing everything what is going on.

In Sulina you can swimm whether in the sea, or in the Danube

If you can't visit Romania within the next two months, and are supposed to come in the Middle of the hot summer, your first option shall be the coast. The Romanian Black Sea coast is 245 km long and offers pristine beaches. One of them, probably the first one, is Vama Veche, which locals together with their clients strive to keep in the actual state, despite big development plans. Vama Veche is only for the initiated persons understanding its spell. You can camp in Vama Veche, sleep on the beach, and make everything you need on the beach. A really vagabondish Bohemiam way of life. It is a target for for budget travelers or for those looking for Romania off the beaten path.

The beach in Costinesti is overcrowded with nonconformist teenagers.  But during nights it can offer a little intimacy.

On the other extremity of the Romanian coast you can find Sulina, where you can bath according your wishes whether in the sea, or in the Danube. It gives you a strange fantastic feeling assisting this fusion, which gives birth to the Europe's youngest soil. Sulina is not very easy accessible, only by water, whether from Tulcea, or from Constanta. Please observe in Sulina the advancing speed of the soil: 150 years ago the harbor was even on the shore, nowadays you can walk a few hundred meters.

An old bath in Herculane, be sure to find much newer, you can ever stay there in style

The Romanian youngsters together with their foreign fellows go usually in Costinesti. The beach is rocky, but no one cares about it. There is no chance to sleep in Costinesti by night, the many clubs and their partying clients are noisy indeed. You are going to need another vacation after staying a few days in Costinesti, but it is worth a visit at any risk.

The sea shore is not the only place in Romania where you can bath or lieing in the sun (not recommended during hot months between 10-16 hours). On the Danube, and along the other important inside rivers you can find many interesting places. Or you might try to see and enjoy a spa retreat, based on the Transilvania thermal waters, the best places are Felix and Herculane!

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Most Romantic Destinations in Romania

Valentine's Day is gone, the local Dragobete (a local specific similar celebration) also, thank God. I started to hate all these artificial commercial celebration, as you can't celebrate love at a certain time, at a certain hour. Not at all, the people are complicated, and that's why love is so nice.

I think that the huge publicity made to Valentine's Day leads to a sensible increase of depressions among the singles. Too sad for them, this is not an article for singles, and totally not recommended to depressive singles, but I am preparing also one for them, wishing to help fighting their fears!

Well, supposing you are involved in a happy relationships, or you plan to start one, but must finally check your beloved one, I would totally recommend Romania. You can visit Romania in style, or on a budget, the money are not the most important issue at all!

Downtown Bucharest, with its many clubs, pubs and terraces, is totally in

If you are a very social couple, I can advice with a total heart to visit one big city, like Bucharest, Craiova or Timisoara. Bucharest in downtown is very in fashion these days, and you can find a lot of clubs or fancy restaurants in Area. Take also a park in the Cismigiu Garden, for warming up, book a room in Rembrandt Hotel and eat in style to the Restaurant Carul Cu Bere. At night visit for a while the clubs on Lipscani street (a good recommendation even for singles).

Craiova is very special. The locals are very proud, speak very much and loud, are expansive and extrovert. The clubs are very animated, and you may not ask the local about football, it is really taboo. Expect from the locals to give you all its belongings, even their shirt, when they are fond of you! You can see Craiova in style staying to the excellent hotel Casa cu Tei, in a wonderful noble house from the downtown with excellent service. If you are on a budget, you can still have a deep intimacy in hotel Parc.

The lovely Timisoara is a good target for lovers

Timisoara is completely different, and thus totally charming. They have manners, even on the street, are very polite, but reserved. They will judge and weight you a lot before speaking to you. There are Serbian, Hungarians, Germans in the area, and their influence is easy to observe. So easy to try in Timisoara a gastronomic tour! It is one of Romania's most beautiful cities, you are going to like it for sure. Discover your Timisoara in style staying to the prestige hotel Iosefin Residence from the downtown, or on a budget at the retired Hotel Doria.

The small town of Fagaras, and the Medieval fortress, the most important thing to see  there

If you are not the big city type, or if you are not in the mood for intensive socialization, you will prefer a smaller town. Romania has a lot of small towns, counting about 30 000 inhabitants, and having hidden legends you can discover. One of them totally off the beaten path, is Fagaras. Very close to Sibiu and Brasov, Fagaras lies very close to the spectacular Fagaras Mountains, Romanian highest ( also called the Romanian Alps). You can discover these magnificent mountains by car or bike from the Transfagarasan road, one of the world's most fantastic ones, or you may try to climb on that mountains. Climbing the Fagaras mountains is not impossible, but requires to be in a good shape. It is really cheap, yet beneficial to your health if you return in good conditions. Search in the Fagaras Mountains the Cabins Balea Lac and Balea Cascada, whose dormitories will seems to be very luxury!

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The ugliest places in Romania

As I can't and I don't want to deny the evidences, I must accept the true : there some places in Romania which are not attractive, neither for the tourists, and not even for the locals. Maybe it is not the best publicity possible, but is the most sincerely. And before all I intend to inform you correctly, from inside, and not doing publicity at any price.

There is in fact another important mention to be made: it is a matter of taste. De gustibus non disputandum, would have say the Latins ("The taste is not a matter to be discussed"). E.g.: The most notorious issue about is the second large building worldwide, lieing in Bucharest. Ceausescu planned and build it in the peak of his power, and no one dared to say anything against, despite the huge destruction caused to the Downtown! After the fall and dissolution of Ceausescu's communist regime the building, known as Parliament's building, or People' house could have been completely demolished, as it reminds the old times. It turned to be the most controversial building in the all world, and I sincerely would like to know your opinion about it.

Allow me to introduce one of Europe's biggest  steel factories, in Galati

Another matter of fact: during the almost 50 years long ruling of the Communist Party has been followed a policy of forced industrialization, which brought waves of migrants in the growing cities, which have been lodged in uniform grey blocks of flats. Really living silos, these blocks constitute compact quarters in every Romanian city, no one escaped the phenomena! Bucharest and other major cities recommended as city breaks are completely different inside their Downtown or new towns. The communists quarters of blocks lack totally charm, personality and urban life.

Many of the Romanian cities lack on personality and urban life; Bacau is one of the worst  hit by this plague

Unfortunately, some industrial cities don't have at all a downtown. You can barely make the difference between those cities, and you must search a lot finding something specific belonging exclusively to one of it. You don't have necessary to avoid all these cities, sometimes is simply impossible because they are located on the main ways. And after this long introduction, let's see the places!

Focsani might not been very spectacular, lacking on a proper downtown,  but  hosts a wine festival, and epic wine tastings.

1. Copsa Mica, near Medias, is a little town having hosting for decades a chemical factory, which production process was not at all environmental friendly. The houses are all covered with a thin coating of black matter. You can imagine, the rate of lung cancer among the locals was very high. Today the factory is not working anymore, but the houses are still black!

2.Bacau is a typical industrial city, no downtown, suffering after the dissolution of the industrial production. Digging deeper, you can find a few museums. Be very careful, don't take it for Galati!

3.Galati has been hosting one of the Europe's biggest steel factory. The steel factory is still working, while some other have been closed, and you can't miss its huge proportions, no matter from what direction you are approaching. Ask about Domneasca/Royal  street, and find there the most interesting part of the city.

4.Focsani was 20 years ago an important industrial city, which turned nowadays to a small town, due to to the depopulation caused by the closing of the most industrial cities. There is practically no downtown, but the town is an important Capital of Romanian wines, and you can take part here to the wine festival in October, or to epic wine tastings.

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