🗺️ Where to go in Romania: a route through the country's main places

Romania packs royal castles, mud volcanoes, and the wild Carpathians into a single country. The distances between them run into hundreds of kilometers, and a vacation rarely lasts more than two weeks. We broke the country down by region and put together 25 places worth adding to your itinerary. Below you'll find what to see, how to get there, and how much time to allow.

The list is not alphabetical but follows route logic: first the castles around Sinaia and Brașov, then Maramureș and Bukovina, then the Carpathians and Bucharest. Some sites close on certain days or for maintenance, so always check the schedule before you travel.

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How to plan a route through Romania

💡 In short:

Split your trip by region: Transylvania, Bukovina, Maramureș, and the Carpathians.
Allow half a day for each castle or monastery, and a full day for Retezat and the Bicaz Gorge.
Between Sinaia and Brașov, stay in one town and make day trips from there.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Peleș Castle website

Romania is big: from Bucharest to Maramureș is almost a full day of travel, so pick two or three bases and don't bounce between regions. In winter some mountain roads close, but in summer the most beautiful passes open up.

1. Peleș Castle

Peleș Castle against a forest and sky backdrop

Peleș stands in Sinaia, on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Carol I chose this spot for a summer residence and hunting, and the German architect Johann Schultz handled the design. Construction began in 1873 and stretched over decades (museum information).

The castle was designed in the Neo-Renaissance style. It became one of the first in Europe to have its own electricity, so a power station was built nearby. Inside there are more than 160 rooms and 30 bathrooms, along with a working home theater and an elevator (official museum website).

The park is laid out on seven terraces with fountains and statues in Carrara marble. In the halls you'll see a collection of weapons and armor, carpets from Bukhara and Mosul, Sèvres porcelain, and hand-painted stained glass. It's worth climbing the tower separately: from there you can see the whole ensemble and the valley.

The castle's history is uneven. After King Michael's abdication it was confiscated, closed to visitors under Ceaușescu, and returned to the royal family in the early 21st century. Today it operates again as a museum with a permanent collection of paintings, silver, and ivory.

Opening hours and prices vary by season. From November 2 to December 1, 2026, the castle is closed for maintenance, and Pelișor is closed to visitors from September 28 to November 3, 2026 (current schedule). Tickets have been sold online since late 2025, so book your slot in advance.

How to get there: by train from Bucharest to Sinaia, then walk uphill or take a taxi.
Who it's for: if you're interested in interiors and collections, not just the facade.
The catch: in season, entry is by guided group, and a group in your language isn't available every hour.

2. Bran Castle

Bran sits on a rock above the valley, half an hour from Brașov. The fortress was built in the late 14th century by local residents as a refuge from raids. In return, the townspeople were exempted from taxes to the treasury for several centuries.

The castle owes its fame to Vlad the Impaler: he stopped here during his campaigns but never lived here permanently. The Dracula legend is alive to this day, and half the souvenirs in the village below the walls are tied to it. Local cheeses are also sold as part of the same legend.

In the early 20th century the castle was given to Queen Marie, and it became a royal residence with a park, fountains, and a lake. The Museum of History and Feudal Art opened here in the middle of the last century, so some of the interiors were recreated after the furniture had been removed.

Plan your visit in advance: tickets often sell out days ahead, and the last entry is sometimes moved because of private events (visitor page). Go in the morning: by midday a line forms at the ticket office.

How to get there: by bus or car from Brașov, the trip takes under an hour.
Who it's for: if you want to see Romania's most recognizable castle from the inside.
The catch: in high season there are crowds at the ticket office, and little of the historical interior remains.

3. Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle with towers and a long bridge

Corvin Castle towers over Hunedoara and is considered one of the largest Gothic fortresses in Europe. It was given as a gift to the Hungarian military leader John Hunyadi, and construction was continued by his son Matthias. Under them the fortress gained seven towers, a chapel, and knights' halls.

The architecture blends Gothic and early Renaissance. Outside there are heavy walls, bastions, and a bridge on stone piers; inside there are loggias and carved window frames. According to legend, Vlad the Impaler was held in the dungeons for several years.

Later the castle survived a fire, lost its wooden finishes, and took a long time to restore. Check opening hours and ticket prices on the visitor page. In summer, arrive at opening time: the halls get stuffy during the day.

Inside you'll walk through the knights' hall, see Matthias's loggia, and view an exhibition of historic weapons. Two hours is enough for the visit.

How to get there: by train to Hunedoara, then walk from the station to the castle.
The catch: some halls are closed for temporary exhibitions, so you can't always complete the full circuit.

4. Poenari Fortress

Poenari Fortress stands on top of Mount Cetatea above the Argeș River gorge. It is believed to have been founded by Radu Negru and reinforced by Vlad the Impaler, who kept a garrison here. The fortress controlled the road between Transylvania and Wallachia.

You reach the ruins by climbing a long stone staircase. The ascent is steep and takes over an hour, so bring water and shoes with good tread. From the top you get a view of the valley and the Vidraru reservoir.

The walls and towers are partially preserved, reinforced by restorers in the last century, who also added railings for tourists. In the rain the climb is slippery and the entrance is sometimes closed, so check conditions on site. Take your time going back down: some steps have crumbled and railings are not everywhere. In hot weather bring water, there is almost no shade on the way up.

Who it's for: if you care more about panoramas and legends than finished interiors.
The catch: there is no infrastructure at the top, no restrooms, no cafe.

5. Romanian Athenaeum

Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest, facade with a dome

The Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest serves as the country's main concert hall and is considered a symbol of Romanian culture. The neoclassical building was built with public money: residents donated one leu each under the slogan of donating to the Athenaeum.

The auditorium seats about 600 people and is decorated with a fresco by Costin Petrescu depicting scenes from Romanian history. The painting took six years, and the organ was inaugurated in 1939 (auditorium visit page).

In front of the entrance there is a small park with a monument to the poet Mihai Eminescu. Concerts take place almost every day, so it is easier to get inside with a performance ticket than with a tour.

Getting there: central Bucharest, a couple of minutes on foot from the metro.
Who it's for: if you want to hear the organ or simply see the hall from the inside.
The catch: hall tours run on a schedule, and on concert days the visit is shortened.

6. Râșnov Fortress

Râșnov Fortress on a hill with RASNOV sign

Râșnov Fortress was founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. It served as a refuge for local residents and proved so strong that in its entire history it was taken only once, in the early 17th century. The citadel was then captured by the Transylvanian prince Gabriel Báthory.

In the center of the fortress there is a well tied to a grim legend. During a siege, the residents ran short of water and forced two prisoners to dig a deep well. They were promised freedom, but after long years of work the prisoners were killed. During restoration, skeletons were indeed found at the bottom, which gave the story weight.

Today what remains of the fortress are walls with towers and the foundation of a church, and you can walk around the grounds freely. From the observation deck you can see the town and the surrounding area, and on a clear day Bran Castle as well.

Getting there: from Brașov by bus or car, the trip takes under an hour.
The catch: some of the structures are lost, so there are almost no interiors inside.

7. The Merry Cemetery

Merry Cemetery in Săpânța with painted blue crosses

In the village of Săpânța in Maramureș County, there is a cemetery with brightly colored headstones and inscriptions in verse. They reflect the life stories of the villagers buried there, not just dates. The idea came from a local carver, Stan Ioan Pătraș, who carved the first cross with a humorous epitaph in the interwar years.

Since then, hundreds of such crosses have been installed in the cemetery, turning it into an open-air museum. Tourists come here for the same irony as the locals: death is discussed here without pathos. The carver's own grave also bears an inscription saying he never harmed anyone.

How to get there: by car from Baia Mare; public transport runs infrequently.
Who it's for: if you're interested in folk culture and wood carving.
The catch: it's an active cemetery, so keep quiet and don't disturb visitors.

8. The Mud Volcanoes

The Mud Volcanoes reserve lies near Buzău, about two hours from Bucharest. After one of the earthquakes of the last century, the volcanoes became noticeably more active. Mud is pushed to the surface along with gas and water.

Some of the volcanoes are constantly active, while others wake up from time to time. Between the craters you can see solidified flows, and cracks in the clay reach several centimeters. The green hills around make the landscape look more Martian than Balkan.

You can enter the area freely and stay for several days at the campsite. Guided tours are usually offered nearby, but the route through the reserve is simple enough to do without a guide.

Who it's for: if you're traveling with kids and want a natural spectacle without long climbs.
The catch: after rain the clay turns to mush, and your shoes will be ruined.

9. Scărișoara Cave

Vertical entrance shaft of Scărișoara Cave

Scărișoara is located in the Bihor Mountains, about two hours from Cluj-Napoca. The cave, about a kilometer long, formed several thousand years ago during the ice ages, and it was mapped by an Austrian geographer in the second half of the 19th century. Inside, a glacier has been preserved, though it is gradually melting.

The stalagmites in the chambers resemble church candles, which is why the rooms were named the Great Hall, the Church, and the Cathedral. You can walk through the cave on metal and wooden staircases, while some galleries are still being studied by scientists. The lighting is dim, so a flashlight will come in handy.

The temperature inside stays around freezing all year round. Bring a warm jacket and gloves even in summer, otherwise you won't last long in the cave.

How to get there: by car from Cluj-Napoca or Oradea, then along a forest road.
The catch: part of the cave is closed to tourists, so the full route is not accessible.

10. Pelișor Castle

Pelișor is smaller than Peleș and stands in the same park complex near Sinaia. It was built in the late 19th century as the summer residence of Crown Prince Ferdinand. The project was designed by Czech architect Karel Liman, and the interiors were largely conceived by Ferdinand's wife, Princess Marie.

The castle has almost a hundred rooms. The furniture was made from sketches by Viennese designer Bernhard Ludwig, and Marie herself drew the furnishings for the Golden Bedroom. In the decor she combined Art Nouveau with Byzantine and Celtic symbols, hence the lilies and the Celtic cross in her study.

The three-story ceremonial hall is finished with oak panels and stained glass, so there is plenty of light inside even on a cloudy day. The collection includes works by Art Nouveau masters, including Tiffany and the Daum brothers.

How to get there: on foot from Peleș Castle, just a few minutes through the park.
Who it's for: if you prefer intimate interiors to grand museum halls.
The catch: the castle is often closed for maintenance, so check the dates in advance.

11. Sucevița Monastery

Painted church of Sucevița Monastery in summer

Sucevița Monastery is located in Bukovina, in the northeast of the country. It was built by brothers from the Moldavian Movilă family in the late 16th century, and the surrounding walls were raised to about six meters. Towers stand at the corners, making the monastery look more like a fortress.

The walls are covered inside and out with paintings based on the Old and New Testaments. They were executed by Moldavian masters along with a large number of anonymous artists. The frescoes are united by the idea of spiritual renewal through faith and deeds.

In the early 21st century, the monastery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the walls houses a museum with a collection of historical objects, and local ceramics are sold nearby.

How to get there: from the town of Rădăuți by car or bus; the journey takes about half an hour.
Who it's for: if you're traveling through Bukovina for the painted churches.
The catch: it's an active monastery, so part of the grounds is closed to tourists.

12. Mogoșoaia Palace

Mogoșoaia brick palace with carved loggia in the garden

Mogoșoaia Palace was built by Wallachian ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. He envisioned the complex as a summer residence for his family and a place for receptions. Brâncoveanu is considered the founder of a national style that combined Venetian, Dalmatian, and Ottoman features.

The decor is rich in carving and painting. After the ruler's execution, the Ottomans turned the palace into an inn, and later the building changed hands until the Bibescu princes took it over. They restored the palace's appearance and opened a salon there that was visited by prominent figures from across Europe.

In the middle of the last century, a museum of Brâncovenesc art opened here. You'll see antique furniture, household items from the 17th to 19th centuries, icons, and documents. The surrounding park remains a place for city residents to stroll.

How to get there: from Bucharest by commuter train or car, less than half an hour.
Who it's for: if you're interested in the national style in architecture, not just castles.
The catch: some rooms are not open every day, so check the schedule on site.

13. The Throne Fortress

Ruins of the stone Suceava Seat Fortress with a tower

The Throne Fortress in Suceava served as the coronation site of Moldavian rulers. It was founded by Petru I Mușat and gained its greatest importance under Stephen III the Great. The fortress is almost square, with towers at the corners and a moat around it.

Stephen reinforced the stone walls and added a forward line of defense to withstand sieges. Inside, he built separate chambers for his family. The Ottomans failed to take the citadel by storm, but it was later surrendered by mercenaries.

In the 17th century, the fortress was blown up on the orders of Dumitrașcu Cantacuzino, and an earthquake finished off what remained. Revival began after archaeological excavations, followed by a long restoration that continues to this day.

How to get there: the center of Suceava; the ruins are an easy walk.
The catch: mostly walls and foundations remain of the fortress, so it's not an intact monument.

14. Neamț Fortress

Stone Neamț Fortress on a hill with a bridge

Neamț Fortress stands near the town of Târgu Neamț. Legends attribute the first fortification on this site to the Teutonic Knights, and the town's name itself translates as "German market." Stephen the Great included it in a ring of fortresses as he prepared to fight the Turks.

On his orders, the walls were raised even higher and an outer courtyard for artillery was built. A large bridge was thrown across the moat, and a well was dug in the courtyard in case of siege. Neither the Ottomans nor the Polish commander Jan Sobieski could take the fortress.

The Turks entered it only after conquering Moldavia and chose not to destroy it, leaving it as an observation post. Today a small museum exhibition with household items of the defenders operates inside. The reconstruction was carried out in the 21st century, so a convenient road leads to the fortress.

How to get there: from Târgu Neamț by car or taxi, then a climb up to the walls.
The catch: the exhibition is small, and the visit takes less than an hour.

15. Bicaz Gorge

Bicaz Gorge is located in the Eastern Carpathians and served as the only natural road between Moldova and Transylvania. It is considered the deepest and longest in the country, and a river of the same name flows along its bottom. Today it is a protected area where nearly vertical cliffs rise directly above the highway.

The road through the gorge stretches for several kilometers. You can only take photos in designated areas, but the views open up right from the car. Trout live in the river waters, and rare red-winged wallcreepers nest on the cliffs.

In the second half of the last century, a hydroelectric dam with a reservoir was built at the exit of the gorge. It became the largest lake in Romania and a spot for boat trips.

How to get there: by car between Piatra Neamț and Gheorgheni; buses run infrequently.
The catch: on weekends the road is jammed, and there are few parking spots near the viewpoints.

16. Ceahlău

Rocky Ceahlău peaks above forested slopes

The Ceahlău Massif in the Eastern Carpathians is considered one of the most beautiful in Romania. Its peaks rise to nearly two thousand meters, and Lake Bicaz borders the massif on the east. A national park and a skete that attracts pilgrims operate here.

A legend tied to these mountains tells of the daughter of the Dacian king Decebalus, Dochia, who fled to Ceahlău to avoid falling into Roman hands. In one version she turned into a stream, in another into rocks. The mountain is considered the second Christian peak after Mount Athos.

Routes to the top are marked and designed for different fitness levels. The ascent takes several hours, and once you reach the plateau you enter a different climate. Bring warm clothing even in July.

How to get there: from the town of Piatra Neamț or Lake Bicaz by car, then on foot.
Who it's for: if you're ready for a full mountain day, not a stroll near the road.
The catch: in bad weather the trails become slippery, and some routes are closed.

17. Lake Lacu Roșu

Lacu Roșu lies near Bicaz Gorge at an altitude of about one thousand meters. The lake formed in the first half of the 19th century when a cliff collapsed after heavy rains and blocked the valley. The dammed lake took the shape of the letter L, and tree trunks still stick out of the water.

Mountain lake among spruce forests and rocks

The shoreline stretches for several kilometers, and the depth in some spots exceeds ten meters. A fairy tale about a girl named Eszter, who was kidnapped by a robber, is tied to the lake. According to the legend, the mountains took pity on her and collapsed, hiding her in the waters along with her kidnapper.

The water in the lake is cold, but people still come here to swim. Guesthouses operate around the lake, and convenient paths lead from the parking lot to the shore.

How to get there: by car along the highway through Bicaz Gorge; the lake sits right by the road.
The catch: in season it's noisy here, and it gets cold quickly in the evening.

18. Seven Ladders Canyon

Seven Ladders Canyon is located in the Piatra Mare Massif near Brașov and got its name in the interwar years. Back then, wooden walkways with ladders were built here for local residents. Today it is a popular route that you can complete without special equipment.

The walkways, over two hundred meters long, climb a drop of several dozen meters. Along the way you'll encounter small waterfalls that spray you with water. Scientists date the canyon's formation to the Jurassic period and consider its floor to be the base of an ancient sea.

A ritual is tied to the canyon: young men used to bring girls here to test their endurance. If a couple didn't argue on the climb, they were promised a long life together. The air in the gorge is rich in ozone, so a walk here is considered health-boosting.

How to get there: from Brașov by car, then on foot along a marked trail.
The catch: after rain the ladders become slippery and the climb takes longer.

19. Retezat National Park

Retezat became Romania's first national park, created in the interwar years to protect alpine vegetation. Traces of glacial lakes remain on the plateau, and some routes climb above two thousand meters above sea level. Peleaga Peak is also located here.

Bucura glacial lake and Retezat mountain peak

The park is home to more than a thousand plant species, dozens of them endemic: rhododendron, draba, bluegrass, hawkweed. Brown bears, lynx, and wolves live in the forests, and golden eagles and cinereous vultures are among the birds. Because of the rare species, the area has been declared a specially protected zone.

Visiting is paid and inexpensive: a visitor ticket costs 10 lei per person and is valid for 7 days with multiple entries (as of 09/2026, tourist information). Buy it at the visitor center or from park staff at the entrances. The weather in the mountains changes within an hour, so a raincoat and a supply of water are essential.

How to get there: from the town of Hunedoara or Uricani by car to the park entrance.
Who it's for: if you want a multi-day hike with overnight stays in the mountains.
The catch: infrastructure is minimal, and rescuers take hours to reach a group.

20. Piatra Craiului national park

Piatra Craiului lies in the Southern Carpathians north of Bucharest. The reserve was created before World War II, and it received national park status in the 1990s. Its area exceeds fourteen thousand hectares.

The karst landscape with limestone outcrops explains the diversity of flora. More than a thousand plant species grow here, including nearly fifty species of orchids, as well as pines, willows, hornbeams, and oaks. Among the animals are brown bears and lynx, a dozen bird species, and only a few fish species.

Routes of varying difficulty are laid out for tourists, from easy walks to climbs to the ridge. They let you see gorges, valleys, and glacial lakes without mountaineering training.

How to get there: from Brașov or Câmpulung Muscel by car, then on foot.
The catch: the ridge requires experience and protection; beginners are not allowed there.

21. Rodna Mountains

Haystacks in a meadow at the foot of the Rodna Mountains

The Rodna Mountains are located in the north of the country, near the Ukrainian border. They are made of granites and crystalline rocks, and pyrite deposits are also found here. The national park covers almost fifty thousand hectares and was established in the early 21st century.

The park's territory includes caves, valleys, forests, and mountain pastures. Some of its inhabitants are protected by law. Mammals here include brown bears, wolves, and lynx, and among the birds are capercaillie and eagles.

Local routes lead to lakes and viewpoints over former mines. Infrastructure is sparse, so it's more convenient to stay overnight in villages near the park boundaries. Bring cash: there are almost no ATMs in the villages.

How to get there: from the town of Bistrița or Suceava by car, then along dirt roads.
Who it's for: if you're looking for quiet routes without lines and crowds.
The catch: there are few signs, and some trails are hard to find without cell service and navigation.

22. Sarmizegetusa

Stone circles of Sarmizegetusa Regia sanctuaries in the mountains

In the southwest of Transylvania stood the capital of Dacia, Sarmizegetusa. The fortress sat on the hill of Grădiștea Muncelului and served as a military and religious center. The last Dacian king, Decebalus, included it in his defensive system.

The walls stood above one thousand meters above sea level, and inside were sanctuaries important to the Dacians. The road to them was paved with tightly fitted stones, and ceramic pipes carried water into the terraced houses. This speaks to the high standard of living of the Dacian tribes.

The Romans destroyed the city during their conquest campaigns, and it was never rebuilt. In 1999 the remains were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (site page). It's best to get there by car: public transport to the mountain villages runs infrequently.

How to get there: from the town of Orăștie or Deva by car, then on foot along a forest road.
The catch: there are no cafes or shade on site, so bring water and a hat.

23. Vidraru Dam

The Vidraru Dam blocked the Argeș River in the middle of the last century. The village of Argeș Arefu was flooded to create the reservoir, and the artificial lake covers several hundred hectares. It is the tallest dam in the country: it has the shape of a bow about one hundred and seventy meters high.

When it was commissioned, the dam was among the largest in the world, and modernization work is underway here now. A viewing platform with a statue of Prometheus was built nearby. Climbing the stone staircase to it used to be allowed, but access is now restricted.

Explosives are stored on the slopes in case of a water breach, so the dam is monitored. Boat rides are offered on the reservoir, and bungee jumping is available for thrill-seekers.

How to get there: by car along the Transfăgărășan Highway, one of the most scenic roads in the country.
The catch: the highway is not open year-round; it closes in winter.

24. Bucegi Sphinx

The Bucegi Sphinx is located in the Bucegi Mountains in the center of the country, at an altitude of about two thousand two hundred meters. The rock formation so closely resembles the Egyptian sphinx that it received the same name. Its shape was carved by wind and sandstone erosion.

Many legends surround this place, from ancient civilizations to underground labyrinths full of treasure. They cannot be verified, but that does not stop the rock from remaining one of the symbols of the Carpathians. The Sphinx is listed among Romania's natural wonders.

Cable cars and hiking trails of varying lengths lead to the Sphinx. At the top you find yourself in a rocky desert with sparse junipers. The weather changes instantly, so a jacket and windbreaker are essential even on a hot day.

How to get there: by cable car from Bușteni or on foot from the Bucegi Plateau.
Who it's for: if you are comfortable with altitude and want to see Romania from the mountains.
The catch: fog often settles over the plateau, and the view disappears within minutes.

25. Curtea Veche

Old Princely Court ruins with a column and statue

Curtea Veche, or the Old Court, served as the residence of Wallachian rulers. The complex was built in the second half of the 14th century under Mircea, but after his death the buildings stood abandoned for a long time. Later, Vlad the Impaler founded the Dâmbovița Fortress here, which historians link to the beginning of Bucharest.

In the 16th century, the Church of Saint Anthony was built near the walls, and the fortress itself became a coronation site. Fires and earthquakes gradually destroyed the court, and the residence was moved elsewhere. That is how the complex came to be known as the Old Court.

Today it is an open-air museum. You will see the remains of a water supply system, fragments of murals, defensive fortifications and galleries, as well as a Turkish bath. Admission is cheap, and the visit takes less than an hour.

A couple of old churches stand nearby, so the walk is easy to extend. Guided tours are not necessary here; you walk along the boardwalks on your own.

How to get there: historic center of Bucharest, near Piața Unirii metro station.
Who it's for: if you want to understand where the city began.
The catch: these are ruins on a small site, so don't expect a grand spectacle.

Tours and tickets in Romania

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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Romania's attractions on the map

Mark the points you need on the map and build a route for your vacation. The points are scattered across the country, so first choose a region, then specific sites. We checked opening hours and prices in September 2026 on the official websites of the sites, for example Peleș Castle; schedules change by season, so verify them before your trip.

Landmarks of Romania

Places on the map

1Peleș Castle Carol I's summer residence in Sinaia, over 160 rooms
2Bran Castle 14th-century fortress above the valley, the Dracula legend
3Corvin Castle Gothic castle above Hunedoara, one of the largest in Europe
4Poenari Fortress Ruins atop a mountain above the Argeș gorge, Vlad the Impaler's garrison
5Romanian Athenaeum The country's main concert hall, built with public donations
6Râșnov Fortress 13th-century Teutonic Knights' fortress, the legend of the well
7Merry Cemetery Cemetery in Săpânța with colorful headstones and epitaph poems
8Berca Mud Volcanoes Mud volcano reserve near Buzău, a Martian-like landscape
9Scărișoara Cave Cave in the Bihor Mountains with an ice glacier inside, near zero degrees year-round
10Pelișor Castle Ferdinand's summer residence in the same park as Peleș
11Sucevița Monastery Painted monastery of Bukovina, a UNESCO site
12Mogoșoaia Palace Brâncoveanu's summer residence, museum of Brâncovenesc art
13Suceava Fortress Coronation site of Moldavian rulers in Suceava
14Neamț Citadel Fortress near Târgu Neamț, never taken by the Ottomans or Sobieski
15Bicaz Gorges The country's deepest and longest gorge, sheer cliffs above the road
16Ceahlău Massif of the Eastern Carpathians, the second holiest Christian peak after Athos
17Lacu Roșu (Red Lake) Dammed lake with tree trunks rising from the water, near the Bicaz Gorges
187 Ladders Canyon Wooden walkways and waterfalls in the Apuseni Mountains
19Retezat National Park Romania's first national park, glacial lakes on the plateau
20Piatra Craiului National Park Karst reserve of the Southern Carpathians, nearly 50 orchid species
21Rodna Mountains Massif on the Ukrainian border, glacial crevasses and caves
22Sarmizegetusa Regia Capital of Dacia on Grădiștea Muncelului hill, a UNESCO site
23Vidraru Dam The country's highest dam, viewpoint with the Prometheus statue
24Sphinx of Bucegi Rock formation in the Bucegi Mountains, shaped by erosion
25Curtea Veche Old court of the Wallachian rulers, the origin of Bucharest

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days should I set aside for Romania's attractions?

For a first trip, a week is enough: two days for Bucharest, two to three for Transylvania, and one for the Carpathians. Peleș, Bran and Corvin castles make sense to see on one route, while Retezat and the Bicaz Gorge should be left for separate days. Mountain roads are slow, so don't plan more than three stops per day.

When is the best time to visit Transylvania and the Carpathians?

The optimal months are May through September: cable cars run and mountain passes are open. In July and August, castles and gorges are crowded, so arrive at opening time. In winter, high-altitude highways like the Transfăgărășan close, and some parks operate on a limited schedule.

Do I need a car to travel around Romania?

Trains are enough for Bucharest and Sinaia. Public transport barely reaches Poenari, the mud volcanoes, Sucevița Monastery and the national parks, so without a car you will lose half a day on transfers. Renting a car is more convenient if you plan to visit Râșnov, Bran and Corvin castles in one loop.

Can you enter Peleș Castle without a guided tour?

You enter the castle with a group, and tours are organized by language, so the visit time depends on the schedule (museum data). Tickets have been sold online since late 2025. Some rooms close for maintenance: Peleș is closed from November 2 to December 1, 2026.

What to see in Romania with children?

The easiest options with children are the mud volcanoes, the cable car to the Bucegi Sphinx and Vidraru Dam. They don't require long walks and offer plenty to see. The Scărișoara Cave is better left for older children: it's around freezing inside, so dress warmly.

In short: what to book

If you have a week and it's your first trip, go for Transylvania: Peleș, Bran, Râșnov and Sinaia cover the main interest in the country. Nature lovers should leave Retezat and the Bicaz Gorge for later, while those traveling for history should see Sarmizegetusa and the Throne Fortress. Tickets to Peleș and Bran sell out first for weekends, so buy time slots in advance and check the maintenance schedule on official websites before you set off.

What to see in Romania: castles, the Carpathians and mud volcanoes