Places to visit in Romania if you like Nature

If you’re planning to go butterfly chasing, or simply want to relax and immerse yourself in nature, take a moment to enjoy the deep green areas of Romania. I’ll share the places I’ve visited over weekends, along with some helpful instructions. Depending on where you’re located in Romania, you can decide if it’s a good idea to visit these spots. I took all the pictures. This is my first-hand experience.

I’ve traveled to most of these places by public transportation or car, so you can do either depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that Romania is an absolutely amazing country, filled with amazing and diverse nature and beautiful landscapes, so no matter where you go, it will be a memorable experience.

Here’s my list of recommended places, with a bit more information, advice, and personal reflections. I took all the pictures and everything shared here is based on my own experiences. I’ve double-checked all the names, and you can easily find each location on Google Maps for directions, whether you’re driving or using public transportation.

Făgăraș Mountains, Bear Home

The Făgăraș Mountains are part of the Southern Carpathian mountain range, known for their diverse nature, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, including numerous small rivers and lakes. I highly recommend visiting during the summer, as the Transfăgărășan Road is open, allowing for easier access to explore the area. However, even if you venture into other parts of the mountains, you won’t go wrong. The best way to explore is from around Brașov and Sibiu.

One of the Lakes in Făgăraș Mountains, Romania — One of the Lakes in Făgăraș Mountains

In this area, if you’re lucky (or unlucky xd), you might even spot some bears. So, it’s important to be cautious – stick to the trails, go during the day, avoid hiking alone, and consider carrying some form of self-protection just in case.

I also want to mention that the people I met in this part of Romania were incredibly kind. They would stop and ask if we needed help, and I’m very grateful for their warmth and hospitality. It made the experience even more special. If you feel ready, you can try to go to Moldoveanu Peak, Romanian Highest Mountain

Severin, Orsova, Dubova, Gate of Romania

This part of Romania is one of my favorites – it’s rich in history and has a unique charm. It’s like the gate of Romania, connecting the country with Serbia and Bulgaria. The Iron Gates (Đerdapska Klisura), the largest cliff in Europe, is located here, offering breathtaking views. There’s also the Hidroelectrica Museum on the border with Serbia, which I highly recommend visiting.

While you’re in the area, you can combine your trip with a visit to Drobeta-Turnu-Severin, a city filled with historical significance and a great place to explore. This region truly holds a fascinating mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage!

If you’re traveling by car, I highly recommend crossing the border into Serbia and visiting Kladovo, a charming small town on the river, just about 10 km away. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try some delicious Serbian food. Not far from Kladovo, you can also explore Golubac Fortress, located a bit further north along the Danube. It’s definitely worth a visit! There are also several short, well-marked hiking trails in the area that offer beautiful views.

This region holds a rich history that shaped the whole of Europe. It’s been a border for empires, a meeting point for cultures, and, thanks to the Danube, a key river for Central Europe. I guarantee you’ll be amazed by everything this place has to offer!

Bran Castle, Dracula Castle

For many Romanians, Dracula Castle (Castelul Bran) may not be something extraordinary, but for me, it’s definitely worth a visit. Located near Brașov, it’s easily accessible by public transportation or taxi, with a ticket price around 8€. The castle sits at the foot of the mountains, offering stunning landscapes. It can get quite crowded, especially during peak times, and there’s a small market at the entrance where you can pick up souvenirs. Visiting the castle offers a great chance to dive into Romania’s history, as well as learn about medieval kings and the culture of that era.

Rânca Mountain

This place is one of the favorite spots for Romanians, located in Gorj County. Locals told me it’s a popular destination for school trips. If you visit in spring, you might still find snow on the ground, while in the hot summer, the cool mountain air is a refreshing escape. During the winter months, it’s a great place to go skiing. However, be cautious as there are many stray dogs around the mountain, so keep an eye out while exploring.

Baile Herculane, Thermal Waters and Parcul National Domogled

An Austrian prince once had a resort in this area, so if you’re wondering whether it’s worth a visit, remember that even royalty used to come here. You can also enjoy the soothing thermal waters for free, making it a perfect spot to relax. There are plenty of hotels available if you decide to stay overnight and fully experience the area’s charm.

Runcu and Park Constantin Branesi

There’s a beautiful hiking trail near a small town, marked by a white cross on one of the peaks. The nature here is absolutely stunning, and the trail is about a 2-hour journey from Herculane. Be cautious on the final stretch of the trail, as it’s quite steep with a significant incline and plenty of loose rocks.

Another highlight of this area is the fascinating old Hajduk Cave. Inside, you’ll find countless signatures etched into the walls, some of them over a hundred years old. It’s a place full of history and intrigue, adding to the charm of the hike.

This is one of the most fascinating hiking routes I’ve experienced in Romania, offering beautiful landscapes and the breathtaking “Ring” rock as a highlight. While the trail isn’t well marked, you can usually follow the path by watching for the footsteps of previous hikers. During our hike, we had an unexpected but delightful guide – a friendly local dog who led us all the way to the final point. Big thanks to our hard-working, four-legged companion!

This trail is perfect for a one-day hike and ideal for beginners just getting into hiking. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Romania’s flat southern plains. The starting point isn’t clearly marked, but it begins in the village of Suhodol. The hike to the “Ring” takes around two hours, making it a manageable and rewarding adventure.

This region of Romania is also a hotspot for rock climbing, and if you visit on a weekend, you’ll likely see many climbers tackling the impressive rock formations. It’s a lively and picturesque area worth exploring!

Solina Ocnele Mare

This old salt mine is located near Râmnicu Vâlcea and has become a wonderful tourist attraction. I highly recommend spending the day there, as it offers a unique experience filled with interesting activities and a cool atmosphere that makes it perfect for a summer visit.

In this old salt mine, there’s a lot to do! You can play table tennis, foosball, tennis, and enjoy other sports, or simply relax with a drink. It’s a popular spot for families, offering fun activities for all ages. One unique feature is the cool temperature inside – it’s a refreshing escape from the summer heat. When I visited, it was 35°C outside, but inside the mine, it was a chilly 12°C, so be sure to bring a long-sleeve shirt or jacket to stay comfortable!

Băile Olănești and Tisa, old Forest Resort route

This place is truly fascinating, offering a variety of sights and experiences. You can explore ancient churches, enjoy scenic hiking trails, and visit the historic “1 Mai” resort, also known as Elias Sanatorium. What stood out to me the most was the charm of the surrounding Romanian villages, where people still embrace a traditional, old-school way of life. It’s like stepping back in time.

The forest here is incredibly dense, creating an atmosphere of mystery and serenity. Some of the roads are restricted, with walking prohibited and cars banned, particularly on the old resort forest road. In this enchanting setting, I came across a small lake filled with frogs, their croaking creating a beautiful symphony of forest music that adds to the magic of the place.

Baia de Fier

In this area, Peștera Polovragi is a wonderful cave you can visit for an entrance fee of 20 lei. The cave tells fascinating stories about soldiers who once hid inside, a priest who lived there, and the unpredictable nature of life itself.

There are also several other well-known caves nearby. The most famous is Peștera Muierilor, or “Women’s Cave.” Located in the Parâng Mountains, it stretches an impressive 8 kilometers. This cave is particularly popular due to the discovery of fossils of modern humans that are 35,000 years old, adding a touch of ancient history to its natural beauty.

This place is fascinating due to its unique churches carved into the rocks, numerous small rivers, charming bridges, and rare flowers that add to its beauty. Additionally, there’s a lovely monastery nearby that’s well worth a visit.

Conclusion

These are my personal experiences. Romania is a stunning country filled with incredible places to explore. I recommend coming prepared with water, food, and proper hiking gear. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather forecast before your trip. Many of these spots are best visited in spring or summer. Romanian people are very friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask them for directions or advice while exploring.