This is a fast-paced 10-day travel itinerary prepared for us by a Romanian friend. It starts and finishes in Bucharest and will give you the chance to see amazing sights, medieval castles, and visit charming towns.

Romania is not the first country that might come to your mind when you are planning a trip to Europe. But in my opinion, it is a very underrated destination which offers tons of activities – from wondering through fairy tale towns in Transylvania to amazing hiking opportunities in Bâlea Lake.

Tip: We recommend you rent a car – it will give you a lot of freedom to move around the country. Romania has great internet connectivity; you will be able to use Google Maps to guide you.

Day 1: Bucharest to Sinaia and Busteni

Arrive in Bucharest in the morning, pick up your car, and drive towards Sinaia. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive.

Top sights:

• Peles Castle. Surrounded by the Bucegi Mountains, Peles Castle is an example of German new-Renaissance architecture. Each of the 160 rooms is decorated using a different style, or theme, and it was the first castle in Europe to have electricity.

  Address: Str. Pelesului 2, Sinaia. Entrance fees: 30 lei (US$7.5) for adults and 7.5 lei (US$1.8) for students.

• Caraiman Monastery: Surrounded by majestic mountains, this monastery radiates serenity, and it will inspire you to meditate in quietness and solitude.
  Address: No 24 Palanca Street, Busteni City, Prahova County. There is no entrance fee.

Since this is the day of your flight, after visiting Caraiman Monastery head to your hotel and get some rest because there will be plenty of hiking on day 2.

Recommended hotel: Villa Ermitage in Busteni – which is only steps away from Caraiman Monastery.

Day 2: Bucegi Mountains

Wake up early, have a hearty breakfast, then head to the Bucegi Mountains for a hike. It will take you approximately 50 minutes to drive from the Villa Ermitage hotel to the Bucegi Mountains’ parking lot.

Tip: If you are prone to car sickness, make sure you take Dramamine in advance. DJ713, the road that leads to the Bucegi Mountains has innumerable twists and turns – so be prepared.

Top sights:

• Babele (old ladies) and Sphinx: These rock formations are located on the plateau next to Cabana Babele. While Babele appear to be stone mushrooms, the Sphinx resembles a human face. Some people believe these two figures are the results of a combination of erosion and powerful winds, but others think that there were shaped by an ancient civilization.
• Hike to the Heroes Cross: Put your sneakers to work by hiking to Heroes Cross, a gigantic memorial for World War 1 soldiers. It’s a 3-hour (return trip) from the plateau. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the town of Busteni, the Prahova valley as well as of the surrounding mountains.

Read this blog for a complete guide to hiking in the Bucegi Mountains.

Depending on the time of arrival, you might have not been able to visit Peles Castle and the Caraiman Monastery the day before. If this is indeed the case, visit these attractions once you finish the hike.

Recommended hotel: Stay another night at Villa Ermitage

Day 3: Rasnov Fortress, Club Vila Bran, Bran

Head to the Rasnov Fortress in the early morning. It will take you around 40 minutes to get from Busteni to Rasnov. Park your car in town and head up to the fortress. If your legs are not too tired from the hike in the Bucegi mountains, take the walk up to the fortress. If you need to give them a break, take the funicular or train located near by.

Top sights:

• Visit the interior courtyard featuring enchanting medieval tile-roofed houses which now serve as souvenir shops. This section of the fortress is the most picturesque so have your camera ready as you will feel you’re in a Disney movie.
• Find the tower in the exterior courtyard and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside.
• Stroll through the ruins and the narrow paths to be transported back in time.
• Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains as well as from above the city of Rasnov.

The entrance fee to the fortress costs 10 lei (US$2.5) for adults and 5 lei (US$1.25) for children.

Read this blog for a complete guide to visiting the Rasnov Fortress.

Once you are done visiting the Rasnov Fortress head to Club Vila Bran. This is a hotel/restaurant that offers one of the most photographic views of Bran Castle. You will be awed by the castle engulfed by mountains all around – it’s truly an amazing sight. Have lunch and do not forget to order apple strudel for dessert, it is really delicious!

After a fulfilling meal, drive to Bran Castle. Remember to purchase the tickets online so you don’t need to be in line. This is an extremely popular destination, so plan accordingly.

Tip: The best views of the castle are from the gardens and down the street (this is one of the most popular shots).

Drive from Bran to Brasov (approximately 45 minutes).

Recommended hotel: Residence Ambient hotel

Day 4: Brasov

Brasov is a very popular city which charms a large number of tourists every year. It offers a lot of attractions and you will have a chance to admire the gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture all around.

Top sights:

• Visit the Black Church, the largest gothic church in the country. The church got its name because of the great fire from 1689 when flames and smoke blackened the walls.
• Visit Mount Tampa for one of the best views of Brasov – you can either take the cable car (18 lei I US$4.5 roundtrip) or hike to the top. The hike might take you around an hour. You will get wonderful views of the city – see if you can spot the Black Church and the Council Square.
• Take a picture of Strada Sforii, with approximately 4 feet wide, it is one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
• “Get lost” walking the picturesque streets and alleys.
• Stroll on the Council Square (Piata Sfatului) to marvel at the charming and colorful houses all around you. This is a great place to recharge your batteries drinking a cup of coffee.
• Visit the city’s defensive fortifications including the white and black towers along with the Brasov Fortress.

Recommended hotel: Stay another night at the Residence Ambient hotel.

Day 5: Sighisoara

Have a good breakfast, pack your stuff, and head to Sighisoara – a 2-hour drive from Brasov. Sighisoara is a fortified medieval town and its historic center is a UNESCO-protected site. This shouldn’t come as a surprise: with colorful houses and cobbled streets, it will make you feel you are in a fairy tale.

It’s such a charming town that it’s difficult to image that it was the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (the inspiration for Dracula). Sighisoara is small and sights are all walking distance so it’s a perfect day trip.

Parking in Sighisoara is tricky as vehicles are not allowed inside the historic center. You will need to park in the lower town.

Top sights:

• Vlad Dracul’s House: Located closely to the Clock Tower, this house was where Vlad Tepes was born and lived with his father during the first years of his life. Today the house serves as a restaurant and a museum featuring medieval weapons. You can also visit Vlad’s bedroom, which now has red lighting and a coffin. I spotted someone inside a coffin (maybe a vampire?) so I turned around and flew down the stairs. I was scared as hell – I can’t get over the numerous nightmares I had after watching Dracula as a child.
• The Scholars’ Stairs: This is a covered stairway (with 175 steps) that was built to protect schoolchildren and those going to church while they climbed the steps when heading to the school and church (Church on the Hill) during the winter. The church is open daily from 10 am to 6pm with and entrance cost of 5 lei (US$1.25).
• The citadel square: This charming square is located in the center of the citadel. In the old times public executions and witch trials were held in this square.
• Clock Tower: An entry to the tower will allow you to enjoy amazing views of the houses and the town.

After visiting the charming town of Sighisoara, drive to Sibiu. It will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes approximately.

Recommended hotel: Continental Forum Sibiu

Read blog: Romania 10-day travel itinerary: Best places to visit. Part II

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Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, Romania, is one of the most striking castles in Europe – and a must visit for anyone traveling to this country.

Corvin Castle, interchangeably referred as Hunyadi Castle, Hunedoara Castle, and Castelul Corvinilor is one of the biggest castles in Europe – and in my opinion one of the most stunning as well!

Sitting on a rock overlooking the Zlaști River and featuring impressive Gothic architecture, Corvin Castle dominates the city of Hunedoara. It’s no wonder that the Castle is among the 7 wonders of Romania – a list which catalogues Romania’s most spectacular manmade structures.

As you approach the castle, you will notice the imposing rectangular and circular towers with an elevated drawbridge, over a classic moat, that welcomes visitors inside – which will make you feel you are about to enter Harry Potter’s world or Game of Thrones’ medieval North.

The orange and brown hues of the castle offer a stark contrast with the surrounding lush greenery and blue sky. Do not forget to spend time in the gardens which offer plenty of good opportunities to photograph the castle from several angles.

Inside you will see how Transylvanian rulers lived during the age of knights, many of whom are some of the most important figures of medieval Europe.  In my opinion, the castle exterior is by far more stunning than its interior. No matter where you are on the castle grounds you will be treading in the footsteps of history.

A bit of history

The castle was originally built by the Anjou family and served as a fortress until the mid-14th century when it became the residence of John Hunyadi who was responsible of transforming it from a strategically fortified stronghold into a palatial gothic residence.

The work was completed in 1446 and the best-preserved parts from this time are the Buzdugan Tower, the Old Gate Tower, and the Capistrano Tower. As time went by, its various owners such as Matthias Corvinus and Gabriel Bethlen continued to change its appearance while also adding towers and halls. These transformations gave way to form a massive castle, full of nooks and crannies filled with secrets – conjuring an ominous and mysterious aura.

The castle has been owned by the Romanian government since 1918…but don’t tell the ghosts!

The castle

Among the main areas of Corvin Castle can be found:

• The Knight’s Hall which is part of the main palace, features octagonal columns made of red marble and tall arches. It was mainly used for dining on festive occasions but also functioned as a court house and council room for noblemen. The coats of arms displayed prominently throughout the hall belong to the Anjou and Corvin families, but it was built in the second stage of construction of John Hunyadi.
• The Diet Hall, which is as large as the Knight’s Hall was used for various ceremonies throughout the castle’s existence. Access to the Diet Hall is through a twisting spiral staircase with the Coat of Arms of the Corvin family guiding the way.
• A chapel: which was constructed during John Hunyadi’s ownership in the same gothic style that dominates the entire castle. The patron saint of the chapel was Saint John the Baptist, which figures symbolically with Hunyadi’s transformation of the former fortress.
• A torture chamber: featuring medieval torture devices for all tastes, it brings a melancholic atmosphere to the castle as you can see the extent of what prisoners endured. One has to wonder what Vlad the Impaler experienced during his time as a prisoner in the castle. Visitors will be charmed by dummies engaged in various torture scenarios.
• A bear pit – my husband’s favorite part – where castle rulers would have prisoners thrown and then ring the dinner bell for the local bears to devour their terrified meals.
• The well: the most famous part of the castle is immortalized in legend. Get to know why in our Legends of the Castle section below!
• Several towers: including the Mace, Solitary, Capistrano, and Drummer’s towers which give you the opportunity to take several photos.
• An inner courtyard which gives you access to the different areas of the castle – you can get a good feel for the enormity of the structure as you walk the courtyard.

The castle, a wellspring of legends and hauntings, has been featured in several movies including in the recent horror film “The Nun” (2018).

Legends of the castle

The legend of the fountain (well):

The fountain located on the castle grounds was dug by three Turkish prisoners who were promised by the prince, John Hunyadi, to be set free if they could dig a well. The prisoners managed to find water after digging for 15 long years.

Unfortunately, during this time, John Hunyadi died, but his wife went against her husband’s word and killed the prisoners. As a last wish, the prisoners asked to write an inscription in the fountain which was granted – the Turks wrote “You may have water, but you have no soul”.

The legend of the raven:

On the Corvin family’s coat of arms there is a prominent figure of a raven holding a gold ring in its beak. Legend has it that John Hunyadi was the illegitimate son of the king of Hungary, Sigismund of Luxembourg, and a woman which history records as Elizabeth. To spare her from the shame of being an unwed mother, and probably to avoid legitimacy issues, the king married her off to one of his knights, Voicu. Upon the marriage, Sigismund gave Elizabeth a golden ring as a present to her unborn child. It wasn’t just a gift, but a way for the king to recognize his son as an adult.

Years later while John Hunyadi was on a trip, a devious raven stole the ring and tried to fly away with his spoils of victory. The raven didn’t get far as it was shot down by John’s arrow and he quickly recovered the ring. When he finally reached adulthood, he recounted the tale to the king, who impressed with his story bestowed John with the now legendary coat of arms of a raven with a gold ring in its beak. Coincidently, Corvin is derived from the Latin word for raven, “corvus”.

Vlad the Impaler

It is also said that Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned by John Hunyadi in the dungeons of Corvin Castle for several years which drove Vlad insane. His experience as a prisoner, who no doubt was tortured may have been the inspiration of his notoriously cruel way of dispensing enemies.

Location

For some reason, Corvin Castle is not as popular as other castles in Romania. Maybe it’s because is located off the beaten path, but this shouldn’t prevent you from visiting it. I promise it won’t disappoint! We drove from Sibiu (located 80 miles away) and had no trouble finding parking. You can also take a tour offered by Viator.

Address: Castelului Street 1-3, Hunedoara

Opening hours and entrance fees

Monday: 12:00 to 17:00
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 – 17:00

Adults – 35 lei I US$8.6
Photo fee – 5lei I US$1.25
Video fee – 15 lei I US$3.72

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Hiking the Bucegi Mountains is a remarkable experience that cannot be missed during a trip to Romania. Not only will you marvel at the impressive Babele and Sphinx rock formations, but you will also be able to enjoy the unspoiled and breathtaking landscape all around you.

Why visit

With classic Romanian mountain scenery all around, a visit to the Bucegi Mountains allows you to breathe some of the freshest air in the country so close to the “Paris of the East”, Bucharest. Once you reach the top you will definitely feel overwhelmed by the unending shades of green surrounding you.

You can’t skip going on a hike when visiting the Bucegi Mountains – trails are well-maintained and easy to spot. Hiking is one of Romanians’ favorite activities and the Bucegi Mountains makes it easy for everyone to partake. While hiking you will find several trails to choose from depending on your experience or fitness level. Keep an eye out on the signs, as some trails are very difficult for first-time hikers. If you are planning to hike for more than a day, there are accommodations where you can spend the night through the mountain range– just make sure you book in advance because it’s a popular destination.

How to get there

Car: This is the option we chose since our time in Romania was one giant road trip. We woke up really early (we were staying at the Villa Ermitage in Busteni) to avoid crowds during our hike. It took us around 50 minutes to get to the parking lot in the Bucegi Mountains.

To get from Busteni to the Bucegi Mountains we followed the roads DN1 and then DJ713. DJ713 is asphalted but narrow and windy – and it’s the third high altitude road in Romania. Additionally, it has innumerable twists and turns – thankfully not as many as the Transfagarasan road. If you are prone to car sickness, make sure you take Dramamine in advance.

Turn right when you reach the top of the road and you will immediately see Cabana Dichiu on the left – here you will find a parking lot (before the road turns right to Cabana Piatra Arsa) with an incredible view.

Start your hike to Cabana Babele, where most of the trails begin. The hike will take you approximately an hour.

Here is the map showing where we parked

Cable car: The cable car from Busteni takes you to the top of the Bucegi plateau so you avoid the 1-hour hike from the parking lot.

We heard that the waiting times -especially during the weekends- can be very long since the cable cars can only take a few people. Therefore, if you end up choosing this option you should get an early start.

The cable car is available all week except for Tuesdays. It runs from 07.30-17.45 (June 15^th – September 15^th) and from 08.30-15.45 (September 16^th – June 14^th).

The ticket costs 70 lei (US$17) for adults and 36 lei (US$9) for children (5-12 years old).

There is also the option to take the cable car from Sinaia but you will have to switch cars.

Chair lift: Keep in mind that they do not work when there is strong wind, and the wind can change on a dime. The ticket costs 15 lei (US$4). Children can ride for free.

Visit the website for more information

What to do

• Marvel at the Babele (old ladies) and Sphinx: Both figures have been a source of several legends throughout history and they are located in the plateau next to Cabana Babele. While some believe that these figures are the results of a combination of erosion and powerful winds, others prefer the legend that they were shaped by humans from a forgotten epoch. The Sphinx, situated at more than 2,200 meters of altitude, resembles a human face similar to its famous Egyptian counterpart and Babele appear to be gigantic stone mushrooms.
• Hike to the Heroes Cross: You can find the hiking trail right by Cabana Babele to the Heroes Cross – just follow the red cross markings. It takes 3 hours (round trip) from the start to the Heroes Cross. The Heroes’ Cross was built between 1926 and 1928 in the memory of the railway heroes who died on duty during World War I. During the hike to the Heroes Cross you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the town of Busteni, the Prahova valley and the surrounding mountains. Why are the views so stunning? For one, you’ll be seeing the landscape from above the clouds – which gives you excellent photo opportunities.
• Hike other trails: There are other trails available that you can take including to the Urlatorea Waterfall and Omu peak. Because we only spent a few hours in the Bucegi Mountains we skipped these hikes, but looking back it’s worth taking a couple of days to explore.
• Enjoy the company from the locals: Cows, sheep and the shepherd dogs. The quietness the Bucegi Mountains offer was only interrupted by the noises made by these wonderful, and cute, animals. It was quite funny to witness the dogs bark and chase after rogue sheep that wandered off from the group. When we first arrived, we were greeted by a massive heard of curious cows who stopped by the car to say hello.

What to bring for a day hike:

• A backpack: To carry money, water, sunscreen, a jacket and other important stuff I recommend this backpack. It has a padded mesh back panel and offers several compartments to ensure you keep everything organized.
• Water: Bring water for your hike – especially if you are planning to hike for several hours. While water in Romania is safe to drink, we recommend bottled water to save time.
• A hat and sunscreen: This is key because you will be outside for several hours so take the necessary steps to protect your skin. On these mountains there is very little shade so avoid getting a painful sunburn. A hat will also help limit prolonged sun exposure.
• Hiking shoes/boots: Bring sturdy and waterproof shoes to hike the Bucegi Mountains. Your hiking footwear should be made for trails of jagged rocks; one pair is all you need for the entire trip. We wore the following hiking shoes and highly recommend them:

For women: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

For men: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

• Ponchos: On many Romanian mountain ranges the weather can change frequently and abruptly. Bring an easy to store poncho to stay dry.
• Wear layers: You can experience all seasons in a matter of hours on Romanian mountains. Remember that because of the elevation it will be colder when you reach the plateau so make sure you layer appropriately. We visited the Bucegi Mountains in July and we were wearing light jackets during the entire hike.

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Rasnov Fortress is a gem in Romania and it’s definitely worth a visit. You will not only marvel at the imposing fortress but step back to medieval times and wander through cobbled streets with charming houses.

Getting to Rasnov

After visiting the Bucegi Mountains in the early morning and a filling lunch to replenish the energy we had spent hiking, we drove from our hotel to Rasnov in the afternoon. I was really excited to finally witness the enchanting and imposing fortress that I had admired while I was doing research for the trip.

The Rasnov Fortress is conveniently located just 6 miles away from Bran and 9 miles from Brasov – making it an easy pit stop if you are staying at either of these towns.

Tip: I highly recommend that you rent a car if you travel to Romania – there is so much to see and do in the country that having your own vehicle will give you a lot of freedom to move around. Don’t worry about getting lost – Romania has great connectivity so you can use Google maps on your phone to guide you during your trip.

If you don’t enjoy driving, take a tour – Viator offers plenty of choices.

The Rasnov Fortress is perched in an imposing hill located 650 feet above the town. Originally constructed to protect Transylvanian villages from invaders’ attacks, it was restored a few years ago giving you an opportunity to enjoy this beautiful attraction.

How to get to the fortress

After arriving in Rasnov and parking your car you have 3 options to get to the fortress:

• Walk up: It might take you around 15 minutes to go up to the fortress.
• Take the cable car: The journey takes around 2 minutes and it costs 12 lei (US$3) for a return trip for adults and 6 lei (US$1.5) for children. The entrance to the cable car is located behind the Rasnov House of Culture.
• Take the “train”: While it is a bit slow, it will save your legs for other hikes.

What to see and do

• Visit the interior courtyard which hosts enchanting medieval tile-roofed houses that now serve as souvenir shops. This is by far the most picturesque section of the fortress; the houses are straight out of a fairy tale and coupled with the surrounding fortress you will feel like you are in a Disney movie

  

• Visit the exterior courtyard where you can find cannons and the tower where you can climb to enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside
• Stroll through the ruins and the narrow paths made of stone for some unique photo ops
• Take in – and photograph – the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains as well as from above the city of Rasnov
• Visit the Feudal Art Museum to learn more about the local history while observing weapons, armors and medieval furniture
• Stop by the gift shops and purchase souvenirs for your loved ones and colleagues
• Take a picture of the fortress and the church as a backdrop with the Rasnov “Hollywood” style sign

Opening hours & entrance fees

• April through October from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
• November and March from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The entrance fee to the fortress costs 10 lei (US$2.5) for adults and 5 lei (US$1.25) for children.

There isn’t a lot to do in Rasnov so grab a bite to eat and relax with some coffee. Exploring the city and fortress only takes a couple of hours, then head to Bran Castle. Bran is a major tourist destination in Romania, so take advantage of charming Rasnov.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

The Transfagarasan road in Romania offers a unique experience: driving in one of the most scenic highways in the world. Sharp turns with several ascents and descents throughout the road will make your adrenaline kick in as you marvel at the magnificent beauty that surrounds you.

Have you heard of the Transfagarasan road? I never did until my husband’s Romanian coworker showed us pictures. I was immediately drawn to the magnificent landscape surrounding the road and was eager to experience the adrenaline rush driving that serpentine mountain highway. When planning our trip to Romania, this was an important part of our itinerary as it is one of the most breathtaking experiences we ever had traveling. Here are some tips to better help you plan your trip.

Day 1: Sibiu to Bâlea Lake

This was the entire reason we went to Romania – a stunning glacier lake high above a mountain and with a unique path to get there. We started our drive from Sibiu to Bâlea Lake in the early morning. The drive takes around 1:30/1:45 hour, and while we left early to avoid the crowds, we were in no particular hurry. The scenic surroundings start a little before you reach the Transfagarasan road so have your camera ready and be prepared to stop for photos along the way.

Tip: Romania has some of the best WIFI and internet connectivity in the world; we used Google Maps the entire trip without a hitch!

The Transfagarasan Road

The drive up is not for the faint hearted as the road has numerous scintillating sharp turns and several ascents and descents. Don’t be intimated though: the road is well-maintained and during the summer months you shouldn’t encounter major issues. Just be extra careful while you drive.

Note that because of the dangers posed by avalanches, falling rocks, landslides, heavy snow and ice, the road is partially closed between October and June.

As you drive up the Transfagarasan Road you will encounter tiny viewing areas where you can park your car and photograph breathtaking green scenery, waterfalls, and the majestic Făgăras mountains. On a personal note, this was one of the most beautiful scenery I’ve encountered while traveling.

We were blessed with perfect weather for mountain hiking. The average temperatures in July and August are between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius so it can get pretty cold even in summer. Even on a sunny day, the weather is unpredictable and temps can drop quickly.

Tip: The weather is always unpredictable so if you want to hike, I recommend that you stay at least for one night in case the weather doesn’t cooperate with you the first day you arrive. Unfortunately, in this area fog, rain and clouds can ruin your hike.

Walking around Bâlea Lake

The highest point of the Transfagarasan road is Bâlea Lake, a glacier lake located at 2042 meters of altitude in the Făgăraș Mountains. There is a live camera feed (one of many in Romania) where you can check out the lake all year round.

Once you reach Bâlea Lake, you should park your car and take in the full view of the Transfagarasan road from high above. You should feel proud of the drive you just did – it’s quite an accomplishment!

At the top, there is a small “observatory” where you pay a minor fee and you can get to a platform and marvel at the sharp spins of the Transfagarasan road. Since it’s not that expensive, do it, but honestly the view it’s not much different than what you can observe from the surroundings. However, the best views of the lake come from above…

Tip: We travelled in July and thankfully we brought jackets and warm gear. It gets cold up there so make sure you layer appropriately.  

Hiking Bâlea Lake to Lake Capra

We wanted to see Bâlea Lake from above, so we decided to hike to Lake Capra. It’s very easy to locate as the path starts right by the hotel’s parking lot and there are signs that guide you to the trail. I had a cold and just the thought of a hike made me tired, but I pushed through. How was I going to miss the opportunity to absorb such beautiful views?

Tip: All of Romania’s mountain hikes are mapped and can be found online categorized by levels of difficulty or region. Along all the hiking trails, there are clear signs based on color to keep you on the path you need – it’s very easy to follow along.

Despite my husband and I exercise several times a week, my husband is an avid practitioner of Brazilian jiujitsu, and I am a Barre fanatic, we are definitely NOT hikers. For us, the way up was strenuous…and embarrassing. Many elderly hikers passed us with ease up the mountain, many with a friendly hello as they blew past us and we gasped for air as a cordial reply. We were shell-shocked by the embarrassment to say the least! We also saw a few tents along the way to the top as we made the first pitstop along lake Capra; I applaud the brave people that can stand the cold nights.

Tip: Ensure you have the right hiking boot as the mountain terrain is full of jagged rocks. Below are the hiking shoes we used and highly recommend. They are waterproof and provide cushioning and stability.

Before reaching the top, you will find a gorgeous “rest area”. Stop here for a snack and then you have the choice of going a few feet to the other side to see Lake Capra or keep hiking to the top. Exhausted, we chose to snack by the lake and then turn around to capture the views of Bâlea Lake. This view was my favorite of the trip.

Afterwards we headed down, not much faster than we did going up, and grabbed lunch at the Cabana Bâlea Lac – the hotel and restaurant by the lake. Make sure you walk around the lake for more views and to digest the heavy meal that you’ll want to eat. We couldn’t stay on the site as the rooms were booked way in advance (the hotel may not appear in common travel websites for booking).

In the afternoon we headed to Cabana Capra where we stayed the night and ate dinner. However, we made a quick stop nearby to photograph Capra waterfall (It’s on the main road very close by to the hotel so you can’t miss it) to take a few pictures.

Staying at Cabana Capra

We stayed for only one night at Cabana Capra. It was a really convenient location (9 kms from Bâlea Lake) because we were quite tired after the apparently easy hike. The accommodations are comfortable and there is a restaurant with local specialties only on-site.

Tip: When staying in a Cabana, ask for additional blankets. Some of these offer more amenities than others, so be prepared. It gets really cold at night in the mountains!

Cabana’s are not hotels in the traditional sense. These function as short-term bed and breakfasts for hikers who need a place to crash. We wanted a very local experience and highly recommend you do the same…but choose carefully! You may need to call them personally as many do not have a regular website.

Day 2: Vidraru Lake and Poenari Castle – the REAL Castle Dracula

The next day we drove back to Bucharest, but we made two additional stops: Vidraru Lake and Poenari Castle.

Vidraru dam is among the largest hydroelectric plants in Europe and offers beautiful views of the Vidraru Lake. This is really an amazing stop and it can get packed with locals. Keep in mind you may have to park farther away than expected, but it’s well worth the time and effort.

The Poenari Castle was one of the main strongholds of Vlad the Impaler from whom Bram Stoker draw inspiration to create one of the most terrifying fictional characters of all times: Dracula.

Read blog: Poenari Castle in Romania: The real Castle Dracula

This fortress has been featured on tons of shows, but it’s still a well-kept secret from everyone but the locals. Originally a strategic stronghold Vlad used against the Turkish invaders, where he displayed many impaled victims along the cliffs – you can still take of picture with “them” (or mannequins dressed like impaled prisoners of war)!

There is an entrance fee of less than US$2, right next to a giant “beware of bears” sign, so it’s really cheap and you will be able to check off your daily exercise goal as you will need to climb 1480 steps to get to the top. It sounds like a lot but it’s totally doable and you can stop to catch your breath when you are tired. It should take you around 30-35 minutes to reach the top at a medium pace.

After stopping by the Poenari Castle we drove back to Bucharest – the last leg of our unforgettable trip to Romania.

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