Located halfway between Brasov and Bran, Rasnov was for a long time just a place to pass through for the people visiting the area, relying heavily on the three large factories who used to employ most of the adult population. After the Romanian Revolution in 1989, the factories got closed down and the town had to reinvent itself so in the recent years the place has seen a major transformation: the Rasnov Citadel has been renovated, Valea Cetatii Cave has been opened to the public, a new dinosaur park has been inaugurated in 2015 and now the town is heaving with  people visiting or attending various events, … Continue reading Rasnov, an all year round holiday destination

Myth or Reality, whatever you choose to believe, Bran Castle or Dracula Castle, as some people call it, has earned his spot on the Top Destinations in Transylvania list! Bran Castle view Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the village of Bran, the castle was first of all a humble wooden defense fort built by the Teutonic knights in the 13th century, and then, during the 15th century, the castle was reinforced and later converted as a defensive post against the Ottoman invaders who were trying to cross between Wallachia and Transylvania. With the time Bran Castle became an important customs check point … Continue reading Bran Castle

Romanian New Year traditions are some of the finest displays of customs and traditions. If you spend your holidays relaxing in the countryside, in one of the many villages where everybody helps with the preparations and festivities you will definitely be able to join the fun.  These celebrations are diverse, colorful and rich in symbols and meanings bringing a glimpse into the pre-Christian rituals and the predominant agrarian lifestyle from the past. WHAT ARE THE ROMANIAN NEW YEAR TRADITIONS?   The celebrations start in the morning of the New Year’s Eve when small groups of children go from house to house … Continue reading Romanian New Year Traditions

Weather you are looking to relax in the sun or to enjoy a more active day, Rasnoavei Gorge is the ideal place for a family day out. During the summer the gorge is a very busy destination. Some people choose to grill and have picnics along the stream while others  climb the abrupt wall or hike around the forest.  If you would rather enjoy the views and the forest walk from the saddle you can always visit the Diana Horse Riding Centre and check if they have any horses or a carriages available.  HOW TO GET TO THE RASNOAVEI GORGE The best way … Continue reading Rasnoavei Gorge – Cheile Rasnoavei

Located between Rasnov and Zarnesti in the county of Brasov, Libearty Bear Sanctuary is the largest Brown Bear sanctuary in the world, covering 69 hectares of hill and oak forest.  Although the bears living here are still surrounded by tall fences, this is a fantastic place to observe brown bears living in a habitat as close to their natural one as possible.   The bears living there have been rescued from circuses,  zoos  and other places where they were being kept in unfit conditions and offered a safe haven to rest, recover and enjoy the rest of their life.  Visiting is … Continue reading Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti, a safe home for bears, wolves and dears

Located just outside Rasnov on the road towards Poiana Brasov, Valea Cetatii Cave might be a small one but is definitely worth a visit. Impressive through its height rather than its length, the cave’s main hall almost resembles  a cathedral and has amazing acoustic qualities therefore during the summer is an ideal place to host classical music concerts.  The cave was discovered in 1949 the place was not heavily explored or visited until more recent years.  In 2010 the entrance was enlarged and the cave opened its doors for guided tours and organised concerts.  During the tour the visitors can admire … Continue reading VALEA CETATII CAVE, THE PLACE WHERE THE BATS CAN LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS…

Children put tree branches (mainly apple, pear or plum) in water and hope that they will bloom in time for St. Vasile on 1st January when they will use them in their “sorcova”. Sorcova is a bunch of tree branches (can be a branch of the Christmas tree) nicely decorated that children take along when they visit people on the first day of the year. For sorcova, children normally go in small groups and sing traditional songs.  Single girls should put some leaves of basil and/or wheat grains under their pillows and if they are taken away over night that means … Continue reading WHAT SHOULD ONE DO ON ST. ANDREW’S DAY?

OUT AND ABOUT IN BRASOV – MUST SEE AND DO Considered to be Romania’s outdoor capital and one of its top tourist destination, the town of Brasov is a perfect escape regardless of the season. A charming mix of medieval,  gothic and baroque  architecture surrounded by virgin forests and snow clad mountains, this place has it all. To really be able to say you have seen Brasov you’ll need at least a couple of days but if you have limited time make sure you visit The Council Square with its iconic Black Church and the Union Square where the First Romanian School started its … Continue reading One day in Brasov

To reach Poiana Brasov you have to drive through Brasov or Rasnov and head for the top of Postavaru Mountain. After a couple of km of amazing scenery, at the base of the mountain, you will reach Poiana, the best developed and most attractive Romanian winter sports resort.  WHAT CAN YOU DO IN POIANA BRASOV?  Skiing and Snowboarding  The resort has more than 20 km of slopes with different degrees of dificulty. Cable cars and drag lifts are also available. Around the resort you will find various ski schools and rental places where you will get all the necessary equipment. There are also a … Continue reading Poiana Brasov – Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Riding or just …. Relaxing

Geographically Peles Castle is not located in Transylvania but Sinaia is so close to the border that we decided to add it to our list.  Former summer residence for the Romanian royal family, Peles Castle is one of the most attractive and well preserved castles in Romania.  Together with the smaller castle, Pelisor, and the nearby monastery, the site is a must stop for anyone travelling between Bucharest and Brasov.  A BIT OF HISTORY… If you travel through Romania and arrive in county Prahova, the best place to stop for a break is Sinaia.  You will find the town only … Continue reading Peles Castle – Sinaia