Top Five Things to Do in Romania

Geo Contributor

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Among the rising travel destinations of the world, Romania is getting more and more attention every day, with much more than just negative facts. The true beauty and authenticity of Romania, its wild and pristine natural environment, the rich cultural heritage and many more advantages are drawing more travelers than ever.

While there are countless places to see and things to do in Romania, these are also the most interesting highlights that any visitor should not miss on a visit to the country.

1. Hike in the Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathian Mountains that stretch their ridges across Romania are considered one of the last natural sanctuaries of Europe, with some of the last wildlife habitats for wild game, including wolfs and bears. Beyond this, exceptionally beautiful landscapes can be found everywhere, with tall peaks, canyons and caves, glacial lakes and hiking trails that link them together.

The Carpathian Mountains in Eastern Europe.  Aqua satellite image, NASA, public domain.
The Carpathian Mountains in Eastern Europe. Aqua satellite image, NASA, public domain.

2. Explore the Enchanting Danube Delta

The Iron Gates is a gorge on the Danube River; it forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. In the broad sense, it encompasses a route of 134 km (83 mi); in the narrow sense, it only includes the last barriers on this route – two hydroelectric dams and two power stations just beyond the city of Orsova. Photo: CIA, public domain.
The Iron Gates is a gorge on the Danube River; it forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. In the broad sense, it encompasses a route of 134 km (83 mi); in the narrow sense, it only includes the last barriers on this route – two hydroelectric dams and two power stations just beyond the city of Orsova. Photo: CIA, public domain.

The Danube Delta is located in the eastern side of Romania, where the great river runs into the Black Sea, being considered the newest land of Europe and one of the most important Biosphere Reserves.


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The delta conserves amazing natural environments, a web of canals with thousands of species of birds and other wildlife, a heaven for those that love evading from daily life.

Rock carving, on the Romanian side of the Danube River, depicting the Dacian King Decebalus (r. A.D. 87-106), who fought the Romans in the early 2nd century but was ultimately defeated. He is considered a Romanian national hero. The carving, made between 1994 and 2004, is 42.9 m (141 ft) tall and 31.6 m (104 ft) wide and is the tallest rock relief in Europe. Photo: CIA, public domain.
Rock carving, on the Romanian side of the Danube River, depicting the Dacian King Decebalus (r. A.D. 87-106), who fought the Romans in the early 2nd century but was ultimately defeated. He is considered a Romanian national hero. The carving, made between 1994 and 2004, is 42.9 m (141 ft) tall and 31.6 m (104 ft) wide and is the tallest rock relief in Europe. Photo: CIA, public domain.

3. Live the Authentic Rural Atmosphere

If you want to discover the atmosphere from centuries ago, fascinating places where times seems to stand still, the authentic villages of Romania are perfect.

From the wooden houses spread over green hills and valleys to the charming fortified churches, from the traditional costumes that people dress for holidays to the famous hospitality of the peasants, a vacation in a Romanian village might be the best experience ever.

Romanian countryside from the Danube River near the Iron Gates. Photo: CIA, public domain.
Romanian countryside from the Danube River near the Iron Gates. Photo: CIA, public domain.

4. Discover Little Paris of the East

The charming capital of Romania, Bucharest, might have some disadvantages, but it also preserves many exceptional landmarks and an extremely lively cultural atmosphere, beyond just being a destination for cheap beer. From the famous House of the Parliament to the idyllic Village Museum and from the increasingly popular Old Town to the shopping streets or the party locations, Bucharest is a true European capital.

Exterior of the Palace of the People in Bucharest.  Photo: CIA, public domain.
Exterior of the Palace of the People in Bucharest. Photo: CIA, public domain.

5. Find peace in the orthodox monasteries

Romania is also known for its religious environments, a deeply orthodox country, with countless wonderful monasteries and churches that also make for great places to visit and find peace. Centuries old an guarding inestimable paintings and artifacts, with exquisite architecture and magnificent locations, some of these monasteries are among the best that Romania has to offer.

The Mraconia Monastery on the Danube River was completed in 1993 on the ruins of ancient monasteries. Photo: CIA, public domain.
The Mraconia Monastery on the Danube River was completed in 1993 on the ruins of ancient monasteries. Photo: CIA, public domain.

About the Author

Silviu-Florin Salomia is a passionate traveler and photographer who is finishing a PhD in Geography at the University of Bucharest. I enjoy writing about travel related subjects, be it from personal perspective or through scientific research.

Also from Silviu-Florin Salomia: What is Tourism Geography?

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