Former Romanian capitals

Romania as a success story celebrates this year 100 years from the Unification, which is actually our national day. But our history goes far beyond and is really troubled and interesting, no doubt.

Campulung, the first Capital of Wallachia

I won't go in the details, which are not very relevant for the today tourist. The today tourist must see something, taste a special food and have a place to sleep. We have plenty of them, and many travel agencies offer more or less outstanding travel to Romania.

I would go further and send you outside from the beatten path mentioning something about our former Capitals. Briefly speaking, during Middle Age, there were three Romanian countries, known as Wallachia, Moldavia and Transilvania. The today Capital, Bucharest, is rather a new city, grounded during the XVth Century. And of course we had our regional Capitals before Bucharest. In Wallachia we had Curtea de Arges, Campulung and Targoviste; in Moldavia Suceava and Jassy; and in Transilvania/Siebenburgen Alba Iulia and Medias.

The city of Campulung at 1900

Oops, I hope is not too detailed and still interesting, don't wanna bore you with unnecessary knowledge. All of these former Capitals are today rather little towns, which are nevertheless worth to a visit. You can still discover within their ancient walls the arrogance and pride, and imagine the ceremonial of the Court. Brave wariors, beautiful ladies, and a lot of people on the streets, really a golden brilliant age.

Happy Romanians celebrating the national day, 1st December

Any of these old cities would be glad if you visit them. They have a lot to show you, e.g. wonderful pieces of architecture, maybe something of their modern life. I will try to introduce you all these cities and release travel guides for every one, which is not an easy task!

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Try to understand Romania before visiting it

Whether you are for the first time in Romania, or the tenth, you are simply supposed to take a few time to understand thoroughly the country forehand.

Romania is not at all exclusively a Dracula land, but an interesting culture destination

And you must do that because Romania is not only the land of Dracula or the land of Ceausescu. We have an interesting history, and during the Middle Age there were three Romanian principates, namely Moldavia, Vallachia and Transilvania, which have been influenced by the neighboring empires, respectively Russian, Othoman and Austrian. It took a few centuries to understand the simple fact of our unity, and afterwards to realise this unity through successive and successfully unifications. Most of our heroes fought bravely for Unification, against the overmentioned Empires. In every Romanian city there is one street or square reffering to the Unification (Piata Unirii, or Bulevardul Unirii). During the XIXth century France was a model for all Europe, including Romania. Our language is anyway a Romanic one, and the culture is very close to the French culture.

Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife have ruled Romania in a dictatorial way for 24 years. We could barely stand and survive, due to our sense of humor

We are proud of our past and history, and not so proud anymore about our political class of today, which is not patriot enough. On the contrary, they are corrupted enough, it is a national disease, despite all the progress in fighting it of the last years. But these are our problems, you must know them and be aware of them, but never try to mix in any political discussion. It simply makes no sense, and brings no friends. You must have your own problems in your country for sure, as every country has!

Calea Victoriei, the most interesting and beautiful street of Bucharest, has undoubtly a French charm

Also very important, the country is not very expensive, unless you make special choices. One beer in a pub costs between 2 and 4 euros, with 5 euros you can have a satisfactory lunch. Romania is also not very rich yet, the average income is about 500 Euros netto monthly. And that is why you must avoid the touristic destinations, they are much more expensive than the popular ones. If you have a good travel guide, you can easily find the second ones!

Please avoid in Romania the beaten paths, and you can see these wonderful suits on the streets

We are people with a sharp developped sense of humor, and this was really useful during bad and hard times, e.g. the communist Ceausescu era! Otherwise we couldn't stand and survive it, it was terrible: no food, no fun, but only a lot of jokes, most of them refering to Ceausescu and his wife.Some of us are simply missing those times, as we can't hear so many fabulous jokes.

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Top notch destinations in Romania

I simply can warmly recommend you Romania as a wonderful destination. Please take a profit of my knowledge, as I am a born Romanian, love this country very much, and I have learned it by heart as I am a travel guide since many years.

Casa Bazna in Transilvania/Romania, a special, idyllic and silent place

Really not easy to concentrate on the best destinations in Romania, but I will try. As a warming, en passant, could say something about two very interesting hotels in Romania, having a few things in common: friendly staff and good service, normal prices and tremendous neighborhoods. Really top notch destinations, I would say and sustain convincely.

One of it lies in Predeal, 130 km away from Bucharest, and I mean hotel Piemonte. You have the Carpathians all around and can discover them by foot, there are a few peaceful paths  with different degrees of difficulty. The city of Brasov, the touristic Capital of Romania lies only 20 km away, in the wellknown Transilvania. Also very close: Castle of Bran, with the ghost of Dracula.

The top hotel Piemonte from Predeal

If you need more silence, I can recommend you Casa Bazna. It simply lies to the countryside, and being there you must behave yourself and say hello to all the locals you can meet. But please don't be nervous and frightened about that, they are simply lovely and friendly. You can also go to the rustical pub of the village to taste the local beer and observe the local people. Simply wonderful, I am sure you will enjoy it, if you decide to stay longer there are a few houses to your disposal! You can further discover the medieval cities of Medias and Sighisoara, which are very close indeed. If you love bigger cities, then Cluj Napoca and Targu Mures are easy to reach, within 2 hours driving.

The wonderful city of Iassy and its outstanding Palace of Culture by night

If you are a culture freak, the cities of Iassy or Craiova are a must, but they lie in other regions than the two over mentionated hotel, and thus you must find accomodation there. Will recommend the appropriate one in each of these cities within short time, still reckon which might be the best recommendation.

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You can't see the dark side of the moon, but you are able to visit Romania

I think sometimes, that Romania is still a terra incognita (unknown land), despite my desperate work on social media, and specially on this blog. And I can definitely compare Romania with the dark side of the moon.

Genuine nature with a pelican in Danube Delta

Why is happening this? May be is not fair for Romania, and for us, the Romanians. One possible explanation is the lack of efforts, or middles, of the Romanian government. Another explanation is the scandal press, looking for hot stuff everywhere. A few years ago Britain was freightened due to the opening for working permits concerning Romanians and Bulgarians. The reality was not so bad at all comparing with the predicted apocalypse of the main newspapers. Or maybe a conspiracy theory would be the reason, as some extremists of the left might think.

Friendly people everywhere, that is a landmark of Romania

In order to deepen the comparation, I will gladly inform you about the main difference. You can visit Romania, convince yourself about this happy land and its inhabitants, while the dark side of the moon is not accessible to normal people. Please don't worry about the dark side of the moon, forget it simply. You will be much happier visiting Romania.

We have in Romania also an urban civilization, and Bucharest is an international city

It is for sure not the richest country in the EU (I wonder why gain) but is for sure one of the most attractive both for tourists or investors. It is not overpopulated, it is not polluted and has in many places a genuine nature waiting to be discovered (I mean Danube Delta, the peaks of the Carpathians, genuine forests and impressive population of bears). I will not bother trying to convince you to invest in Romania. Might be a good idea, but there are other channels for this entreprise. That's why I will only try introducing Romania to you as a potential tourist.

Happy people to the countryside

You need time for know Romania, at least one week. The country is nice, medium sized and you have a lot of interesting thing to see. The Romanians are the most important asset: they are opened, educated and have good manners. Almost one half of the Romanians still live to the countryside and have an unbelievable common sense. They might be not very rich, but very proud and will receive you like a royal. Ask Prince Charles of Britain if is true!

We are proud of our history, of our ancestors, of our wonderful country. We enjoy life and would like to share with you. Visit Romania, you are invited.

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Best ways to discover Danube Delta

For such a natural wonder as Danube Delta you need some extra time. But you will be fully rewarded, it is an unique event you should live on your own.

Danube Delta, still an oasis of untouched nature

Watch the map of Danube Delta, and think  to a little detail: this landscape is  changing right now, in this very moment. It is a fantastic and fascinating fight between land and water. Watch it, feel it, smell it, hear it. It is unbelievable alive, and you are a part of it.

Lonely pelicans in the Danube Delta are very seldom; usually these birds are very social, and even catch the fish in pack

If you plan to fly to Romania, the first landing option is Bucharest (allow you an extra time for Bucharest City Break). I would say, time is becoming the most important matter, you are going to need it. Then go by bus or by train from Bucharest to Tulcea, it will last 4, respectively 5 hours. Once you arrived in Tulcea, which is actually a turning point for Danube Delta, you have two options: whether you stay there (hotel Europolis for budget, hotel Delta for class!) or you go further by boat or by car, in the very heart of the savage Delta. There are a few hotels, but not all of them are to recommend because of certain reasons.

Hotel Wels and its fantastic location

I discovered since a short time a good hotel which lies only 25 km away from Tulcea, and is reachable both, by car or by boat. It is friendly atmosphere there, in Hotel Wels, which is not very big and far from the beaten path of mass tourism. It has a wonderful location, combined with a good service and a friendly staff.

A trip deep inside in Danube Delta, courteousy of Hotel Wels

When I discovered the Hotel Wels it was Autumn, magnificent colours all around, but too late for bird watching, most of them were far away. But I can still remember my trips from the hotel in the most remote and savage places of the Danube Delta (you must pay extra, of course, but it really worth every penny). And I could also visit Sulina (once a very important city), or Tulcea with its museums. I had a wonderful time, I can perfectly remember everything, including the cooker and its fabulous fish soup.

Please remember: Romania is not only Dracula land, but also the blessed land of Danube Delta

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Only in Romania

Every country is different, and sometimes is good to think about the national specific. That is why so important to go somewhere else and getting a new fresh perspective. That's why I travel often to Germany or other European countries, but also to visit all my friends living there.

There are a few fantastic museums in Romania for the culture freaks (here selected glass works from the beginn of XXth century)

First of all, thank God, in Romania not everything is set and reglemented. We still have genuine landscapes and a certain joy of life. We love our mountains, hills and plains, we love the Danube Delta and the Romanian Black Sea Coast. Despite the globalization, Romania still remains the main target for the vacation of the Romanians. That's why I dare to invite you here, you have a lot to see.

The wonderful city of Brasov is a highlight due its Medieval downtown

We also do have good hotels. Private property, international chains, Romanian chains, be sure to find everything you want, no wish remains unsatisfied. Besides, the friendly and educated Romanians will invite you private when visiting a village. An amazing people for sure, very proud and sometimes dissapointed by their corrupted politicians.

Dracula Castle from Bran. If you seek the sensation, we have the myth of Dracula

We deeply love and respect Transilvania, Moldavia, Dobrogea and Valahia (our historical provinces) with their long and troubled history. We love our minorities, the Hungarians, the Szekely, the Germans (unfortunately this community is shrinking, but the Romanian President is Klaus Iohannis), and also the picturesque Roma and Sinti. There are obviously regional differences, due to traditions and minorities, but we are still there holding together, as we love this country. That's why I dare to invite you there, you are welcome.

Happy tourists, friendly locals. The two people from the front(my arms on their shoulders)were one of my best and loveliest groups, thanks

You can do a lot of things in Romania. You can ski in the winter on the slopes of the Carpathians Mountains, you can fish and hunt, you can make a detoxification and practise some sports. In the summer you can swim in the Black Sea, you can watch interesting shows. In spring and autumn you can take part to some cultural tours, e.g. following the traces and the history of the German Saxons.

Danube Delta is really genuine and peaceful

About the gourmets, they won't be dissapointed at all. Taste the cabbage rolls with polenta, is simply fantastic. If you didn't know (that's you you might need me and that's why I am here) Romania is a wine country, one of the most important producer worldwide. You will fall in love with our drops of wine and ask for more. On the other side, the beer drinkers will also find something special and be very happy. Wonderful country, that is why I invite you here.

Who seeks urban life, will find in Bucharest. Don't miss the Ceausescu Palace and the night life

For all these reasons, becomes Romania a must for you. And there is another reason, but I can't find the words for expressing it. Maybe a certain vibration, maybe a cosmic radiation which you can try to discover by yourself.

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How to enjoy more and better your Romanian tour

Supposing, just supposing, that you finally booked your trip to Romania, after long discussions  with your wife, mother in law, children or your possible travel mates. Not a surprise, everyone had another approach, opinion and interest.

Romania is before anything else a Dracula land. You won't miss this sensation for sure.

But supposing that you finally booked, but what comes next will be definitely much more complicated and much more difficult, as you must make from your Romanian trip an event and a success. And by the way, due to the cancellation fees there's no way back, you must go straight on and visit Romania. But I can tell you something: it will be any effort worth, and you won't regret any penny or cent spent for it.

Some Romanian towns and cities have a downtown with a fantastic medieval touch (here Sighisoara)

If you are on your own, also only you and perhaps your family, try to visit a Romanian village. You will find plenty of them, almost a half of the Romanian population still leaves to the countryside. And most of Romanians, as any other normal people, have a nostalgy and respect for traditional values, for the way of life of a few decades or centuries ago. I can suggest you now the wonderful location of Bazna, in Transilvania, close to Medias and not far from Sibiu. It is amazing quiet and peaceful, a good opportunity to forget the modern life and make a digital detox (I mean you should forget any gadgets and devices, even computers). And another suggestion is lodging to Casa Bazna, a good pension with friendly stuff.

We, Romanians, love and esteem rural life, even if we don't rule it anymore (here the Village Museum from the Capital city of Bucharest)

If you are going to travel in a group, besides the incoveniences possibly caused by other travelers, you have also a few advantages: organisation, program, travel guide (don't think necessary to me, there are a lot of qualified travel guides in Romania). Check nevertheless what he does, it is normal (hotels, menus, entries etc), but if you mind that he is a reliable person, do that, rely on him! Take part to the extra trips, if the time allow it, and follow any other of him/her proposal. He is normally a friendly, correct and reliable person, as the most of Romanians are. If you are so unlucky to get an exception, don't allow him to spoil totally your trip, and tell what you dislike. Sometimes a simple friendly discussion can solve almost anything.

Fabulous landscape in the Romanian Carpathians (Cheile Bicazului)

Besides, you can try under certain circumstances to behave and act like a local. It will for sure only until you open your mouth and speak. If you did your homework correctly and played your role in a satisfying manner, it is most probably that the Romanians will be disappointed. Never mind, and please don't take personally, and remember some magic words "Va rog" (please) or "Multumesc"(thank you). Any Romanian will adore if you do that, they will appreciate your time and work for achieving it. Count with a private dinner invitation further, and enjoy your new connection.

Casa Bazna is a small pension with fantastic friendly service within the village of Bazna

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Highlights and events in Romania

Interesting to define highlights, it is really provocativ. Much more interesting is to define the highlights of a possible Romanian trip of yours. I could try to simplify it, and declare that all Romania is a highlight, but I won't do that (nevertheless Romania is a must see for everyone).

The Church of Moldovita is a highlight if you go to upper Moldavia(or Bucovina)

Maybe in this season one of the highlights are the the Carpathian Mountains with their ski slopes located all over the country. Besides, taking part to a hunting in Romania could be really an event. Another event is taking part to a pig slaughting to the contryside according to the old tradition. It is really a highlight, and everything tastes so genuine, so special. But you must be very careful, you will put some pounds on!

Please observe in Romania that the nature and the rural society seem to be still o.k., respecting each other

As we are facing a mild winter, for some travelers the Black Sea coast and the city of Constanta have no doubts a strong charm and spell. You will be barely able to recognize the city, or the resort of Mamaia. Everything is so empty and peaceful, comparing with the high season from July and August.

In Winter as in Summer the capital city of Bucharest is really atractive, despite the traffic jams. Every big city is familiar to jams and the lack of parking places, and Bucharest is not an exception (but as mention during the scholar vacations is really a pleasure to drive in Bucharest). With its wonderful museums, its broad avenues, its churches and fountains Bucharest is a pleasant surprise for everyone interested in urban life, or in night life.

The painted churches of Romania are under UNESCO protection (Moldovita again)

For those interested in rural life, please note that even these days almost a half of the Romanians live to the countryside. Amazing, isn't it? Some of those villages are really traditional, and it is really an event visiting them. Here the people and the society seems the be still in order, far away from the modern stressing life. And no matter how poor are these Romanians living to the countryside, everyone of them would invite you inside and treat you like a King or a Queen!

The Romanian gastronomy is another major reason to visit Romania

The Romanians love to speak and adore to communicate. They also double and strenghten their words with generous majestic gesture. There is no way to fear any communication difficulties therefore, for sure!

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If you can't reach the snow on Pluto, then visit Romania

For God sick, the man are fundamentally sad and unhappy. If you wanna understand why, try to learn some philosophy, starting with Hegel or Bertrand Russel. But even if you will understand why should the men be unhappy won't release you from your unhappiness.

Spectacular Sunset in Romania, as caught from the Western Carpathians (Muntii Apuseni). Forget all your fears, everything is o.k. on our Earth, including Romania

But I have also simplier better ideas. Try to live now and here, don't dream with open eyes flying to Mars or reaching Pluto with its snows or frozen mood. You could rather think visiting Romania, I am sure you won't be unhappy anymore, forgetting your sadness.

Happy German bikers in Hotel Ten Constanta, visiting Romania through the travel company Karpaten and a good travel guide (that's me, paw)

If you come to Romania right now you can discover some interesting things. Start with the people: they are not reach, but seems to be very happy. How do they do that, is a huge mistery. Climb the mountains, walk in the forests, lie in the sun at Mamaia and try to find yourself. It is not easy at all, I know, but is a good chance to discover yourself.

Urban civilization in Oradea, Romania: the fantastic passage of the Black Eagle, a good illustration of the Art Nouveau in the dawn of the XXth century

There are many ways to discover Romania, it is a destination for all season, but the most recommandable is in Spring and Autumn. As a change, you can come in Winter for ski, and in sumer for bathing and beaching on the Black Sea coast. Be only aware of one simple thing in midsumer, I mean July and August, the locals are also spending their vacations on the Black Sea Coast, and all the beaches are full., to the delight of the entrepreneurs. Also, a very intensive night life, the best treatment against depression.
So, my dear and beloved friends, stop dreaming to Mars, or Pluto, or even trying to see green horses on the ceiling, and start to live by visiting Romania.

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Visit Romania only if...

you wanna have a big time. Romania will mean an event for you for sure, and you are going to have a big time.

The folklore and the popular music could be also a reason to visit Romania

Visit Romania only if you really enjoy life. You are going to have in Romania very good human contacts, the Romanians are friendly people, always happy to have guests and proud to show them everything. Many of them are also ready to give you everything, as to their good friends. And it really means everything, clothes and suits.

In Romania we still use the horses in agriculture, forest exploitation etc

Visit Romania only if you want to discover something special. Half of the population still lives to the countryside, and sometimes not in the best conditions! Nevertheless, they will welcome you from all their heart with bread and salt, in the good traditional way. Many hotels will also receive you with a glass of wine.

Romania means a rich culture, before anything else. Here the painted monastery from Moldovita with the expert explanations of a sister

Visit Romania only if you have at least one week free. It is a medium sized country, with 237 000 sqkm and 21 Millions inhabitants. There are many interesting tours lasting one week, e.g. at Karpaten, the biggest incoming company .If you have less time to your disposal, make a city break in Bucharest, or other big city of Romania. Many of them are really fantastic due of their architecture and historic artefacts.

The Roamanian gastronomy is rich, tasty and affordable. No chance to get any weight off

Visit Romania only if you plan to come here again. This is the usually way the tourists follow: come as guest, leave as a friend and come back! The time for a trip to Romania is always too short, and there are a plenty new things to discover at every step. And a new perspective might be the good one, if you understand what I mean. Romania is surprisingly and charming.

These all above mentioned are a few of the most important things to visit Romania. It really worths, believe me and make a try!

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Romania's most amazing roads and its fantastic mountains

If you can watch a map of Romania, you would note the mountains acting a real spine. The Romanian Carpathians really do this wonderful task, they are a portant and protecting column of the all country.

Easy walk in the Romanian mountains

Not very monumental high (the peak Moldoveanu measures 2531 meters) they did not stop significantly the mutual relations, cooperation and trade between the Romanian historical provinces of Moldavia, Wallachia and Transilvania. According newer theories, the Romanian people itself formed and lived long time in the mountains, and only afterwards descended on the plains due to the shrinking food. 

A well deserved break, while exploring the mountains

Many of the most renowned Romanian resorts, starting with Poiana Brasov, lie in the wonderful Carpathians. In most of them you can normally ski under best conditions. We are very fond of our mountains, and the locals simply adore winter sports (e.g. the Szekler, a compact minority, are very good in ice hockey). Nowadays in the Romanian Carpathians you can still find large population of wolves, bears and lynxes, and they are the last European ones.

Peles cstle, in the mountains, was an elegant royal residence

You have paths, you have cabins in the Romanian mountains, you can walk and climb as you wish. Special mention for the Bucegi Mountains by Brasov where happened a serie of paranormal phenomena. If you are not afraid of such things, you can search it on your own, but I must warn you: there are huge energies released in that area, it is not going to be easy.

Transfagarasan road, at over 2000 meters height, is one of the world's most spectacular highways

Further you can find in the mountains a few well kept fortresses. One of them is that of Rasnov/Rosenau protecting the town of Rasnov. Another eagles nest is the Bran Palace, also known as Dracula palace, with its fantastic view to the way and its wonderful legends. More elevated is the Peles Palace hosting today a wide exhibition about architecture and art, broadly speaking.

Fantastic view, took from Transalpina

Last but not least, you can find in the Romanian mountain two of the world's most spectacular roads: Transfagarasan and Transalpina. If you consider to be in a perfect shape, you can walk or ride a bike along those spectacular roads. Bear in mind to inform yourself about the state of the roads, during a year they are mostly closed due to heavy snowfalls.

You can start your real adventure in the Romanian mountains very soon, in march, and you won't regret it at all.

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Most memorable Romanian tours

As a professional travel guide in Romania I have some times in winter some extra free time, which I use to remember the season, lasting from April till October in this fascinating country of mine, which we proudly name Romania.

Of course, not all these German tourists spend their youth in Romania. But all of them enjoyed singing in the churches.

And there are a lot of memorable things, which happened during my Romanian tours with foreign tourists, mainly coming from Germany. Once, e.g., to the general surprise and confusion, a tourist started to sing inside an Evangelic church from Harman/Honigberg, near Brasov/Kronstadt. But he sang damned good, if I may say so, and we knew at once he was a retired priest, which we used to call Padre.

Transilvania, beloved sweet country, that is what a German could read on this carpet

Maybe even more touching, after visiting another church from Sighisoara/Schassburg one of my honored beloved guests started to cry, as he could remember how he married in the same church 40 years ago. I really love this job, as I deal with people and their feelings, not with computers.

It is unfortunately not a real priest calling its sermon, but one of my happy tourists

Another couple, gone from Romania to Germany in the 1990's, saw for the first time their home village Sura Mare/Grossscheuen bei Sibiu/Hermannstadt after longer than 20 years. They were very disappointed about the state of their former house and of the restaurant where they celebrated their marriage. I also guessed they were unhappy about the celebration of Silver and Gold wedding. It is really a long story.

Romania is for sure not only a Dracula destination, but on the contrary! Nevertheless this Dracula is a well kept sensation

Maybe I should apologize, these are rather my own memories. But these memories of mine have a lot of things to do with Romania and my tourists. Every above mentioned story is true, but please don't ask me further about any names. It is a well kept secret, and I won't say it for nothing in the world. I am very grateful to these people, which gave me to keep such sensitive secrets. I won't disappoint them, I swear.

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