Top 10 things to do in Romania (Steam train, ice caves, and more!)
Majority of travellers to Romania travel without any expectations about the country. For the most part, it is just another stop for them in a month-long Europe adventure. Some just do not know where to start. Travelers are surprised just how beautiful this country is. Here are 10 things to do in Romania to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
Explore unique architecture
Here in Romania, ancient and modern buildings coexist even in the same street. Giving its street this eccentric balance that is fascinating to look at and wonderful in photos! Seeing its architecture is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of Romania’s rich history.
Ride a steam train through Oravita-Anina
Harry Potter’s fan would rejoice. This steam train is as close as you can get to getting a letter to Hogwarts and getting to Hogwarts. The train will go through a beautiful mountain scenery, very similar to what it is in the film. You would be passing through several tunnels, bridges, and miles and miles of the mountain side. It is a one of a kind train experience, for sure.
Visit Scarisoara Ice Cave
The Scarisoara Ice cave houses the biggest underground glacer. The ice formed due to the unique weather system inside the cave. The unique ventilation system inside the cave allows it to stay cool even in the summer. In fact, even at the peak of summer, the temperature stays zero degrees. This is what makes it the perfect spot to visit if you want to get away from the sun, add this to your list of things to do in Romania.
Interact with bears at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary
As adorable and as scary as it sounds, Libearty Bear Sanctuary houses about 70 bears that were rescued from abusive shelters and zoos. See the bears swim, eat, and even climb trees here. Opening times of the sanctuary vary throughout the year. It is best to reserve a spot on the sanctuary’s daily tour so you don’t waste a day trip.
Take photos at Rock Sculpture of Decebalus
The history of Decebalus is extremely fascinating. Even if you do not know the history, the sight of the stone carved with a face from a far is a sight to see of its own. There is just something majestic about it. Especially when you think about how it was manually carved in a mountain side. Now the trees surrounding it have made the rock sculpture of Decebalus makes it even more breathtaking. Definitely one of the must-sees of Romania.
Explored the painted monasteries of Bucovina
Another proof of just how culturally fascinating Romania is, it has these colorful monasteries in Suceava County. The paintings depict Romania’s religious and territorial history. There are eight painted monasteries here, but if you are running on a limited time, try to at least visit three of them. Three of our favorites are Annunciation Church, the Resurrection Church. and St. George Church.
Wildlife watching
Apart from its cultural and religious history, Romania boasts of incredible biodiversity, too. Romania is reported to be one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe. It has the most population of bears (yes, bears!), deer, wolves, and bison. Romania’s deltas are the ultimate destinations for rare and beautiful bird watching as well so don’t miss this one of the top things to do in Romania.
See the living fires
Romania has fires that have been burning continuously for thousands of years. Do we need to say more? The living fires of Lopătari are often missed out on, but it is a living legend that continues to be a source of wonder and superstition. The living fires are technically a natural phenomenon generated by the gases that blow out the cracks of the earth. The fires can range from 50 to 100 centimeters.
Seeing the fire spontaneously spurt and combust is definitely a sight to behold.
Vist the mud volcanoes in Buzau
One of the most unique outdoor activities in Romania is seeing the mud volcanoes up close. If you get the camera’s angle just right, it will definitely look like you have just landed on the moon. This is what makes it one of the best popular photoshoot destinations in Romania. You will be walking on dried mud and since the dryness of the mud depends on the weather, the site is closed some days so remember to do your research first.
Visit Romania’s castles
Given Romania’s history, It might not surprise you, that it is home to many castles and fortresses. There are Romanian castles that look like they were cut out from a fairy tale, there are scarier more gothic looking ones, and then there are the charming colorful ones. A trip to Romania would not be completely without seeing one or two of these castles.
Romania has some of the cheapest standard of living in Europe. The most expensive part of your trip may be booking your flight here. Check out our 7 tips and tricks on how to find cheap flights.
