Top 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Romania

Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe, bordered by Ukraine to the north, Moldova to the northeast, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, and Bulgaria to the south. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest.

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Romania is a diverse country, with a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. It is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube Delta, and the Black Sea coast. The country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, the fortified churches of Transylvania, and the ancient Dacian fortresses in the Orastie Mountains.

Here are The Top 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Romania

1. Transfagarasan Highway

The Transfagarasan Highway is a spectacular mountain road in Romania, which stretches for 90 kilometers (56 miles) through the Carpathian Mountains, connecting the regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. The road was built in the 1970s as a strategic military route, and it remains one of the most challenging and scenic drives in the world.

The highway starts at the town of Bascov, near the city of Pitesti, and climbs to an altitude of 2,042 meters (6,699 feet) at its highest point, the Balea Lake. Along the way, it crosses through tunnels and over viaducts, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

2. Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” is a medieval fortress located in the Transylvania region of Romania. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the town of Bran and the surrounding mountains, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Romania.

The castle dates back to the 14th century and has served many purposes throughout history, including as a royal residence and a military fortress. However, it is most commonly associated with the legend of Dracula, the fictional vampire created by Bram Stoker.

3. Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

4. Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina are a collection of eight Eastern Orthodox monasteries located in the northeastern region of Romania, in the historical region of Bukovina. The monasteries are known for their stunning exterior frescoes, which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries and depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints.

The monasteries were founded by the rulers of the Moldavian principality as a way to promote the Eastern Orthodox faith and strengthen their political power. Each monastery has its own unique architectural style, but all are adorned with colorful frescoes that cover the exterior walls and ceilings..

5. Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle, is a medieval fortress located in the town of Hunedoara, in Transylvania, Romania. The castle is one of the largest and most impressive Gothic castles in Europe, and it has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 14th century.

The castle was built by John Hunyadi, a famous Hungarian military leader, and regent, as a strategic stronghold against the Ottoman Empire. The castle was later expanded and renovated by his son, Matthias Corvinus, who was the King of Hungary and one of the most powerful rulers in Europe during the 15th century.

6. Sighisoara Citadel

The Sighisoara Citadel is a fortified medieval city located in the historic region of Transylvania, in central Romania. The citadel was founded in the 12th century by German craftsmen and merchants, and it is one of the few medieval fortified cities that are still inhabited in Europe.

7. Peles Castle

Peles Castle is a stunning Neo-Renaissance castle located in the town of Sinaia, in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. The castle was built by King Carol I of Romania in the late 19th century as a summer residence and as a symbol of Romania’s cultural and national identity.

The castle is situated in a beautiful park, surrounded by the stunning Carpathian Mountains. The exterior of the castle features intricate carvings and ornamentation, while the interior is adorned with luxurious furnishings, art, and decorative elements.

8. Balea Lake

Balea Lake is a glacial lake located in the Fagaras Mountains, in central Romania. The lake is situated at an altitude of 2,034 meters (6,673 feet) above sea level, and it is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and a variety of hiking trails.

During the summer months, Balea Lake is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who come to explore the surrounding mountains and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Visitors can take a cable car up to Balea Lake or drive along the scenic Transfagarasan Highway, which passes by the lake and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

9. Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is a vast and unique natural reserve located in the southeastern part of Romania, where the Danube River meets the Black Sea. The delta covers an area of over 5,000 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including over 300 species of birds.

The Danube Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance. The delta is home to an intricate network of channels, lakes, and wetlands that provide habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

10. Retezat National Park

Retezat National Park is a protected area located in the Retezat Mountains of western Romania. The park covers an area of over 38,000 hectares and is known for its stunning alpine scenery, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and diverse plant and animal life.

The Retezat Mountains are part of the Southern Carpathians, and they are home to over 80 peaks, many of which rise above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). The park’s highest peak is Peleaga, which rises to 2,509 meters (8,232 feet).

11. Brasov Old Town

Brasov Old Town is a historic district located in the city of Brasov in central Romania. The old town is surrounded by medieval walls and is home to a number of well-preserved buildings, churches, and monuments that reflect the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

The heart of Brasov Old Town is the Council Square, which is dominated by the impressive Black Church. The Black Church is the largest Gothic church in Romania and dates back to the 14th century. Other notable buildings in the old town include the First Romanian School, the Schei Gate, and the Hirscher House.

12. Cozia National Park

There is no Cozia National Park in Romania, but there is Cozia National Park in neighboring country Bulgaria. In Romania, there is Cozia Monastery, which is a medieval Orthodox monastery located in the southern part of the country, near the city of Ramnicu Valcea.

13. Apuseni Mountains

The Apuseni Mountains, also known as the Western Carpathians, are a mountain range located in western Romania, covering an area of around 10,000 square kilometers. The Apuseni Mountains are known for their stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

14. The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta

The Merry Cemetery is a unique and colorful cemetery located in the village of Sapanta in Maramures County, northern Romania. The cemetery is famous for its brightly painted wooden crosses, each of which is adorned with a humorous and often irreverent epitaph that tells the life story of the person buried beneath it.

15. Red Lake

Red Lake, also known as Lacul Rosu in Romanian, is a natural dam lake located in the eastern Carpathian Mountains in Harghita County, Romania. The lake is famous for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and the forested mountains that surround it.

The name “Red Lake” comes from the reddish-brown color of the water, which is caused by the presence of large amounts of iron oxide in the lake bed. Legend has it that the lake was formed after a landslide caused a large forest to fall into the valley, blocking the Bicaz River and creating the lake.

16. Piatra Craiului National Park

Piatra Craiului National Park is a protected area located in the Southern Carpathians, in the counties of Brasov and Arges, in Romania. The park covers an area of approximately 15,000 hectares and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Carpathian goat, the brown bear, and the lynx.

The park is named after the Piatra Craiului mountain range, which forms a natural barrier between Transylvania and Wallachia. The range is known for its steep cliffs, deep gorges, and rugged terrain, making it a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

17. Bigar Waterfall

Bigar Waterfall, also known as Cascada Bigar in Romanian, is a beautiful and unique waterfall located in the Anina Mountains of southwestern Romania, near the town of Bozovici. The waterfall is formed by the Bigar Stream, which flows over a cliff covered in moss and ferns, creating a stunning and otherworldly landscape.

What makes Bigar Waterfall particularly unique is the way in which the water flows over the moss-covered cliff, creating a series of small cascades that sparkle in the sunlight. The water is also rich in minerals, giving it a bright blue-green color that adds to the beauty of the scene.

18. Fagaras Mountains

Fagaras Mountains, also known as Munții Făgăraș in Romanian, is the highest mountain range in Romania and one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the Southern Carpathians, the range is home to several peaks over 2,500 meters, including Moldoveanu Peak, which is the highest peak in Romania at 2,544 meters.

19. Maramures Wooden Churches

The Maramures Wooden Churches are a series of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in the Maramureș region of northern Romania. These churches are known for their unique architecture, which combines traditional Transylvanian and Byzantine styles, as well as their well-preserved frescoes and interior decoration.

Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, the churches are made entirely of wood, with intricate carvings and painted decorations on both the interior and exterior. They are also known for their tall, pointed spires, which give them a distinct appearance against the surrounding landscape.

20. Sinaia Monastery

The Sinaia Monastery is a 17th-century Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the town of Sinaia, in the Prahova Valley of Romania. It is one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in the country and is also a popular tourist destination due to its stunning architecture and beautiful mountain setting.

21. Ceahlau National Park

Ceahlau National Park is a protected area located in the Eastern Carpathians in northeastern Romania, near the border with Ukraine. It is one of the oldest and most well-known national parks in Romania and is known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged terrain, and rich biodiversity.

22. Alba Iulia Citadel

Alba Iulia Citadel, also known as the Alba Carolina Fortress, is a historic fortified city located in Alba Iulia, in the central region of Romania. It is one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Romania and is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning architecture and rich history.

23. Targu Mures Cultural Palace

The Targu Mures Cultural Palace, also known as the Palace of Culture, is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture located in the city of Targu Mures, in the Transylvania region of Romania. It was built in the early 20th century and is considered one of the most important cultural and architectural landmarks in the region.

24. Hunedoara Castle

Hunedoara Castle, also known as Corvin Castle, is a medieval fortress located in Hunedoara, a city in the Transylvania region of Romania. It is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Romania and is a popular tourist destination.

25. The Sphinx and Babele in the Bucegi Mountains

The Sphinx and Babele are two natural rock formations located in the Bucegi Mountains of Romania. They are located close to each other and are popular tourist destinations, known for their unique shapes and stunning views.

The Sphinx is a rock formation that resembles the head of a Sphinx, with a height of over 8 meters and a width of around 12 meters. It is located at an altitude of 2,216 meters and is accessible via a hiking trail. Many people visit the Sphinx to witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from this spot.

26. The Black Church in Brasov

The Black Church is a Gothic-style church located in the historic center of Brasov, a beautiful city in Transylvania, Romania. It is the largest Gothic church in Romania and one of the most important landmarks of the city.

The church was originally built in the 14th century by German settlers and was named Saint Mary’s Church. However, it was partially destroyed in a great fire in 1689 and was later rebuilt in the Baroque style. The church’s exterior walls were blackened by the fire, giving it the name “Black Church.”

27. Voronet Monastery

Voronet Monastery, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East”, is a Romanian Orthodox monastery located in the region of Bucovina, in northern Romania. It was founded in 1488 by Stephen the Great, one of the most famous rulers of Moldavia.

28. Targu Jiu Sculptural Ensemble

The Targu Jiu Sculptural Ensemble is a collection of sculptures created by the famous Romanian artist Constantin Brancusi. The ensemble is located in the city of Targu Jiu in southern Romania and is considered one of the most important works of modern art in the country.

29. Apuseni Natural Park

Apuseni Natural Park is a protected area located in the western part of Romania, in the Apuseni Mountains. The park covers an area of over 75,000 hectares and is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and over 900 species of plants. It also features numerous caves, gorges, waterfalls, and other geological formations, making it a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

30. Biertan Fortified Church

Biertan Fortified Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Transylvania region of Romania. It is considered one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of fortified churches in the country.

The church was built in the 15th century as a place of worship and a stronghold for the local Saxon community, who faced frequent attacks by invading Ottoman armies. The church is surrounded by a fortified wall, with a gate tower and several defensive towers. Inside the walls, the church features a Gothic-style nave, a Renaissance-style altar, and numerous other historical and artistic treasures.

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Top 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Romania