Romania is a country I had long associated with medieval castles, the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania, and, inevitably, the legends of Dracula. My trip focused on the central part of the country, beginning in Bucharest before continuing through Transylvania and into the mountains. Along the way I explored both Bran and Poenari castles, traveled through traditional villages, and hiked in Piatra Craiului National Park.
What I remember most is how much variety I encountered within a relatively small part of Romania. Bucharest combined grand architecture with remnants of the communist era and a lively historic center, while the countryside quickly transitioned into villages, forests, limestone mountains, and medieval sites. The contrast between heavily visited Bran Castle and the isolated ruins of Poenari Castle was particularly memorable, and Piatra Craiului showed me an entirely different, wilder side of the country.
There is still considerably more of Romania I would like to explore. The Black Sea coast around Constanța interests me, but the Danube Delta is probably at the top of my list for a return trip. The Danube reaches the Black Sea through an enormous landscape of channels, lakes, reed beds, marshes, and wetlands that supports exceptional birdlife. I’d also like to return to the Carpathians and spend more time exploring Romania’s mountains.
Explore Bucharest
Bucharest is Romania’s capital and largest city, with architecture and neighborhoods reflecting several distinct periods of the country’s history. Its most imposing landmark is the Palace of Parliament, the monumental government complex begun under Nicolae Ceaușescu during the communist era. Elsewhere, historic churches and older buildings stand alongside broad boulevards, parks, apartment blocks, and modern development. Bucharest’s Old Town provides another contrast, with historic streets now forming one of the city’s main concentrations of restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightlife.
Explore Bran Castle
Bran Castle is one of Romania’s best-known landmarks, rising above the historic Bran Pass between Transylvania and Wallachia. The fortress dates to the late 14th century and served defensive, commercial, and later royal purposes during its long history. Today it is internationally associated with Dracula, although its connection to Vlad III, better known as Vlad the Impaler, is limited and the vampire connection owes far more to modern interpretations of Bram Stoker’s fictional character. Beyond the legend, Bran Castle is worth exploring for its medieval architecture, narrow stairways, interior courtyard, historic rooms, and dramatic setting.
Explore Poenari Castle
Poenari Castle has a much stronger historical connection to Vlad the Impaler than Bran Castle. An earlier fortress already occupied the site before Vlad’s reign, but he expanded and strengthened it during the 15th century. The surviving ruins occupy a narrow mountaintop above the Argeș Valley, reached by a long staircase climbing through the forest. Although little of the original fortress remains intact, its steep location, mountain views, defensive position, and documented connection to Vlad make Poenari one of Romania’s most interesting medieval sites.
Explore Piatra Craiului
Piatra Craiului National Park protects one of Romania’s most distinctive mountain landscapes. Its defining feature is a narrow limestone ridge stretching for roughly 25 kilometers above the surrounding forests and valleys. The park contains limestone cliffs, gorges, caves, streams, forests, alpine terrain, and diverse plant and animal life. Hiking routes range from forest trails and lower mountain walks to demanding routes along the exposed main ridge, making Piatra Craiului an important destination for both hiking and mountaineering in the Romanian Carpathians.
