
Romania is a country in Eastern Europe that rarely appears on most travelers’ bucket lists.
Unfortunately, it is still often associated with outdated clichés and prejudices such as Sinti and Roma stereotypes, high crime rates or stray dogs.
But anyone who thinks this way misses out on a destination full of surprises, a true hidden gem in Eastern Europe.
Both culturally and in terms of landscapes, the country has an incredible amount to offer, all while being one of the more affordable travel destinations in Europe.
And perhaps precisely because of its undeserved reputation, Romania has so far been spared from mass tourism.
For those who are willing to look beyond the stereotypes, Romania reveals rugged mountain ranges, spectacular alpine roads, fascinating mud volcanoes, wide valleys, wild bears, a unique salt mine and much more.
In this post, we share the highlights we discovered on our 12-day rental car road trip through Romania, along with helpful tips to plan your own unforgettable journey.

Maybe you are like us: when planning a road trip, the first thing we check is how far the individual stages are and which mode of transportation works best.
For Romania, we can clearly recommend a rental car.
It gives you maximum flexibility and comfort, saves time, and takes you to remote places that are difficult or even impossible to reach by bus or train.
A perfect example is the famous Transfăgărășan Pass Road, one of the most spectacular roads in the country.
Of course, Romania also has bus and train connections between major cities such as Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca and Sibiu.
For a city trip only, they are a convenient way to get from A to B.
However, if you are planning a road trip that also takes you into rural areas or off the main highways, this type of transport is rather impractical.
For families with young children, a car is likely the best choice.
You can stop whenever you need to, and there is plenty of space for a stroller, all your luggage and lots of snacks.
Most airlines allow you to bring child seats free of charge, which ensures your child travels safely and comfortably throughout the entire trip.
We booked our rental car in advance through discovercars.com. The process at the counter was quick and smooth, so we were able to hit the road right away.
A road trip is full of wonderful, unforgettable moments but it can also be tiring.
To save time and stress along the way, it is worth booking at least some or even all of your accommodation in advance.
This ensures that you find places that truly suit your needs and prevents you from ending up with an overpriced or unsuitable option.
Our tip is to look for places that offer free cancellation.
This keeps your plans flexible and gives you peace of mind in case something changes.
For our own trip, we booked our accommodations via booking.com and everything worked smoothly, so we would use it again.
We spent 12 days in Romania, which turned out to be an ideal amount of time for our route.
It allowed us to explore the main sights at a relaxed pace and still get a good impression of the country and its people.
We were well aware that Romania has much more to offer than what we were able to experience in that timeframe.
With an extra week, we could easily have added many more highlights. You certainly will not get bored here.
Our itinerary starts in Bucharest and ends in Cluj-Napoca, the second largest city in the country.

Our accommodation: Maison Bucarest Apartments by Olala Homes
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days
Right after arriving at the airport, we picked up our rental car and jumped straight into our program for the next three days.
This vibrant metropolis with around two million residents is a fascinating mix of history, culture and modern city life. It is the perfect starting point for a road trip through Romania.
You can find everything we saw and experienced in Bucharest in our detailed separate post: Bucharest Travel Guide: 16 Must-See Sights and Tips for Your Visit.
Our accommodation: Casa Galand
Recommended stay: 1 day
Mud volcanoes. The moment we came across them during our route planning, our curiosity was instantly sparked.
Since we had never seen anything like this before, we did not want to miss the chance.
So instead of taking the direct route to Brașov, we opted for a detour of about two and a half hours to Berca.
The mud volcanoes of Berca are a true natural wonder, which is why the entire area is protected.
Unlike “normal” volcanoes, there is no hot lava here. Instead, gases rise from deep underground and push water and soil to the surface.
This creates cold, bubbling mud. Rather than one large crater, you will find countless small cones scattered across the entire area.
The landscape looks almost lunar, with its grey, barren appearance and many small and large craters.
Once the mud dries, it hardens, allowing you to walk between the still-bubbling openings.
In Berca, there are two volcanic areas located only about five minutes apart by car. The paths are signposted.
The Vulcanii Noroioși Pâclele Mici is accessible only via a narrow footpath that takes about 15 minutes uphill. Both sites require a small entrance fee that must be paid in cash.
At sunset, the landscape shows itself at its very best. The warm light casts soft tones over the grey hills and gives the crater field an almost magical atmosphere.
For us, the visit was one of the real highlights of our road trip and an absolute insider tip.
At the end of September, we were even lucky enough to have the place completely to ourselves at sunset.
Good to know: If it rains during your visit or has rained heavily in the days before, it is better to postpone your trip.
The normally firm mud becomes soft and sticky again, and it can get very slippery.


Our accommodation: Terrace Green Hill House
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days
We continued our journey into the region of Transylvania. Our next stop was Brașov, probably the most well-known city in the area.

In the Middle Ages, many Germans settled in Transylvania.
They were invited to populate the largely uninhabited areas, secure the borders and strengthen the economy.
After the end of communism, however, tens of thousands of Romanian Germans left the country as part of a large resettlement movement, which led to a significant decline in the German minority.
Even so, you can still find many traces of this past in Brașov as well as in Sibiu. These include German street names and locals who speak surprisingly good German.
The city lies picturesquely at the foot of Mount Tampa, surrounded by the forested peaks of the Carpathians.
This makes Brașov not only a perfect starting point for nature excursions but also a highlight in itself on any trip to Romania.
The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot. Many streets are car-free and invite you to stroll around at a relaxed pace.
With its colorful houses and cozy cafés and restaurants, the spacious square is the heart of the old town.
It owes its name to the old town hall, which stands right in the middle of the square.
It is a wonderful place to stroll around, take a coffee break and watch the lively atmosphere.
Restaurant tip: Although very touristy, we still found La Ceaun, located directly on the square, to be exceptionally good.
It can get quite busy in the evening, so it is best to come before 6 pm or reserve a table in advance.


Just a few steps from Council Square stands Brașov’s most famous landmark, the Black Church (Biserica Neagră).
It received its name after a large fire in the 17th century. Although it is no longer black today, the name has remained.
The Black Church is the largest Gothic church in Romania. Its impressive organ and the many oriental carpets inside are especially worth seeing.


You can spot Mount Tâmpa easily from the city center, not least because of the large “BRASOV” sign that resembles the Hollywood sign and is illuminated at night.
In our opinion, the best part of this mountain is the view from the top, especially on clear days.
If you enjoy being active, you can reach the summit via two hiking trails.
Depending on your fitness level, the ascent takes around one hour.
A more comfortable and much faster option is the cable car, which starts right at the edge of the old town.
Good to know: The cable car’s operation depends heavily on the weather and the season, so it is best to check the current opening hours on site.
Tickets can also be purchased at the counter on location.

A walk through the historic Schei District is an absolute must.
With its winding alleys, old houses and small churches, it still preserves the charm of bygone times.
Just a few meters from the Schei Gate you will find Strada Sforii.
At only about 1.30 meters wide, it was originally built as a passageway for firefighters.
Today it is one of the most popular photo spots in the city.

Our accommodation: Hotel Posada Vidraru
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days
Driving the full route from Brașov across the Transfăgărășan to Sibiu in one day was simply too much for us with a toddler.
We wanted to take our time and really enjoy the mountain pass, so we planned an overnight stop.
After about three and a half hours of driving, we reached the beginning of the road and stayed at Hotel Posada Vidraru so we could continue the next day well rested and excited.
The Transfăgărășan (Romanian: DN7C) is considered one of the most spectacular roads in Romania.
Stretching for nearly 90 kilometers, it winds through the heart of the Carpathians, connects Transylvania with Wallachia and reaches an altitude of 2,042 meters at Bâlea Pass.
The Transfăgărășan is much more than just a road, it is an experience.
Between countless hairpin bends, rugged rock walls, tunnels and viaducts, you can expect breathtaking views and an impressive natural backdrop.
Fortunately, there are many small pull-off areas along the way that are perfect for photo stops.
Another highlight of the route is the presence of wild bears, which you may spot along the road with a bit of luck.
You will see warning signs early on, reminding drivers of the bears in the area. For safety reasons, feeding the bears is strictly forbidden.
If you encounter one, stay inside your car and keep a safe distance for your own safety and for the well-being of the animals.
For us, the Transfăgărășan was one of the absolute highlights of our trip through Romania and a must on any road trip through the country.





Good to know: The Transfăgărășan is only open in summer because snow and ice make the road impassable in winter.
It is usually accessible from early July to the end of October, although the exact opening period depends heavily on the weather.
When we visited in early October, the first snow had already fallen at the top.
For the drive itself, you should plan at least two to three hours. If you make photo stops along the way or pause at the picturesque Bâlea Lake, you should expect more like four to six hours. Since the road is winding, steep and partly narrow, there can be a lot of traffic, especially on weekends.
Extra caution is needed then. It is also important to fill up your tank before starting the drive because there are no gas stations along the route, and to bring enough water and snacks.
Café/restaurant tip: We can highly recommend Treehouse Village.
The beautiful wooden restaurant offers a very cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy something to eat or drink while taking in the forest surroundings. You can also stay overnight there.

Our accommodation: Stone Way Apartment
Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days
After leaving the most beautiful mountain pass road in the country behind us, we arrived in Sibiu in the late afternoon.
The city is also located in Transylvania and is known in German as Hermannstadt.
During our first walk through the narrow streets, we quickly noticed how medieval charm meets modern life here.
This blend gives Sibiu its special character and makes the city so fascinating for many visitors.
For us, Sibiu is a wonderful example of how Romania preserves its traditions while still being open to new influences.
The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
The old town of Sibiu is shaped by three central squares: the Large Square (Piața Mare), the Small Square (Piața Mică) and Huet Square (Piața Huet).
The Large Square is one of the biggest medieval squares in Eastern Europe. You simply cannot miss it.
During your sightseeing tour, you will end up here sooner or later. Colorful houses, cafés and historic buildings line the square.
Particularly worth seeing are the Brukenthal Palace with its museum as well as the town hall.
While strolling around, you might notice that the houses seem to “look at you.”
The typical dormer windows resemble eyes and are now one of Sibiu’s most iconic features. Locals call them Ochii Sibiului, the Eyes of Sibiu, and say that they watch over the city.


There are several ways to reach the Small Square, but the most popular one leads through the archway beneath the old Council Tower.
The square is smaller, yet all the more charming. Numerous restaurants and cafés invite you to sit down and relax.
If you want to see the city from above, you can climb the narrow, spiral staircase inside the Council Tower.
Once at the top, you are rewarded with a fantastic view over the rooftops of the old town and the surrounding squares.
The exact opening hours are posted on site, and payment is accepted in cash only.
Another highlight at the Small Square is the Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor). It was cast in 1859 in Hesse, Germany.
Since it was built without supporting pillars, people initially called it the “lying bridge,” referring to how it appeared to lie rather than stand.
Over time, “lying” turned into “lying” in the sense of “telling lies,” and so the many legends about its name began to spread.


Next is Huet Square, which is dominated by the Evangelical Cathedral, one of the city’s main landmarks.
If you want to experience Sibiu from above from a different perspective than the Council Tower, you should definitely climb the 73-meter church tower.
After 192 steps, you are rewarded with an incredible view over Sibiu. Even though the windows at the top cannot be opened, it does not take away from the experience.
The exact opening hours are posted on site, and payment is accepted in cash only.
Once you are back down, many visitors, including us, end up at Café Wien, located right by the old city wall.
In good weather, you can sit in the garden or directly on the square, always with a view of the church.
They serve Julius Meinl coffee, Austrian-style strudel and Kaiserschmarrn. It is an ideal place to soak in the atmosphere of the old town.


In earlier times, the wealthy families lived in the Upper Town around the squares and Huet Square, while the Lower Town was home to merchants and craftsmen.
The houses here are less grand but much more colorful. Many of them are no longer in perfect condition, yet this is exactly what gives this part of the city its unique charm.
You will not find major sights here, but the narrow streets invite you to wander and explore at a relaxed pace.
There are several ways to reach the Lower Town, and the most beautiful one leads down the Pasajul Scărilor, directly behind Huet Square.
With its impressive brick arches, the staircase passage is a fantastic photo spot. By the way, this is also where our wonderful and highly recommended accommodation is located.
Once you reach the bottom, it is worth looking back: the view up toward the Sag Tower and the Evangelical Cathedral is another beautiful photo opportunity.

Just a few steps from the city center, the Orthodox Cathedral impresses with its magnificent dome and colorful frescoes. Entrance is free.

The Cibin Market is the largest farmers’ market in Sibiu and is located in the Lower Town along the Cibin River.
Local farmers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, honey, meat and many other regional products.
Along the edges of the market, you will find butcher shops, cheese stores and bakeries. In the back area, everyday household items are also sold.
If you enjoy experiencing real local life, this is where you will find authentic Romania.
In early October, the market stalls overflow with cabbage, peppers, eggplants, onions, chilies, garlic, tomatoes, apples, plums and grapes.
Once you have tasted fresh fruit or vegetables in Romania, you will quickly notice how aromatic and flavorful they are.
There is no comparison to the produce from Spain or the Netherlands that fills many supermarket shelves back home.
Cibin Market is open daily from 7:00 am until the afternoon.


Our accommodation: Saltwood a Frame
Recommended stay: 1 day
We traveled to Turda for one main reason: we wanted to visit the most famous salt mine in the country. Before heading there, however, we made a stop along the way at Râpa Roșie.
Râpa Roșie is one of the most impressive rock formations in the country and is fortunately still a real hidden gem.
From Sibiu, you can reach Râpa Roșie in about 45 minutes. The final kilometers lead along a narrow, gravel farm road.
Eventually, you arrive at the “parking area,” which is essentially a large meadow directly in front of the spectacular rock wall.
Even from a distance, the mix of red, ochre and grey is striking and gives the landscape its unique character.
The name Râpa Roșie translates to “Red Ravine,” which perfectly describes this place.
This protected natural area was formed millions of years ago through erosion.
Wind and rain gradually shaped the distinctive cliffs, deep cracks and bizarre channels that define the landscape today.
From the meadow, several small footpaths lead directly to the base of the rock wall. If you like, you can continue up narrow trails to higher viewpoints.
Once at the top, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding scenery.
The landscape is said to be especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the warm light makes the red rocks glow even more intensely.

During our visit, it had been raining all morning. Fortunately, the rain stopped just as we arrived at Râpa Roșie.
For anyone planning to visit the area in rain or snow, here are a few practical tips:

Salina Turda is located just about an hour’s drive from Râpa Roșie.
From the outside, the entrance looks rather inconspicuous, but what lies underground is, in our opinion, truly spectacular and completely different from what you might expect from a traditional salt mine.
Salt was actively mined here until 1932. This so-called “white gold” played an important economic role for the entire region.
After the mine was closed, it remained unused for decades until its potential was rediscovered and it was carefully transformed into an impressive tourist attraction.
You first walk underground before choosing whether to continue deeper via the elevator or the stairs.
What awaited us down there made the mine’s history almost fade into the background: at a depth of more than 100 meters sits a massive illuminated chamber whose walls are made of shimmering salt crystals.
But that is not all. Something hardly anyone expects: right here underground you will find a full leisure complex with a ferris wheel, bowling lanes, a mini-golf course, a playground and even a small amphitheater where events are regularly held. At the deepest point accessible to visitors, there is also an underground lake where you can take a ride in small rowboats.
It is a truly unique experience.



The climate inside Salina Turda is also quite special.
Due to the high salt content and the constant humidity, a unique microclimate is created that is said to have a positive effect on the respiratory system.
It is no surprise that the mine is also used for therapeutic purposes. In designated relaxation areas, you can simply sit down, breathe deeply and take in the unique atmosphere of the place.
We enjoyed not only the fresh, clean air but our entire visit to this extraordinary salt mine.
You can find your ticket for Salina Turda here.
Our accommodation: Pensiune Restaurant La Cassa
Recommended stay: 1 to 3 days
The town of Vișeu de Sus is located in northern Romania, only a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The Maramureș region is far less touristy than places like Brașov or Sibiu, likely because the journey takes longer and many visitors skip this remote part of the country.


The reason we still decided to travel to this region was the famous Vaser Valley Railway (Mocănița), a historic narrow-gauge steam train that today operates as a tourist attraction.
Before heading to Vișeu de Sus, we made a 30-minute detour to Bârsana Monastery, one of the best-known monasteries in Maramureș.
The complex was built in traditional wooden architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful oak constructions in the region.
Crafted by local artisans, it is regarded as a masterpiece of Romanian wooden craftsmanship and is now used as a Romanian Orthodox nunnery.

Our lovely accommodation was located right in the center of Vișeu de Sus, which allowed us to take a relaxed walk to the train station the next morning.
During the low season, only one steam train departs into the Vaser Valley at 10 a.m., so it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance through the official website, as seats often sell out quickly.
The Mocănița was originally built to transport timber, carrying felled logs from the forests down into the town.
Today, it is used exclusively for tourists. A loud whistle from the steam engine signals the start of the journey.
Right on time, the nostalgic train begins to move, rolling slowly along the river, passing villages and small waterfalls, and continuing deep into the forest.
In summer, open carriages are used, while in autumn and winter, closed wagons with small wood-burning stoves are attached.
Passengers can even feed the stoves with briquettes themselves, something that would probably be unthinkable in many other countries, which made it all the more charming for us.
The windows can be opened, allowing you to enjoy the fresh forest air and the steam from the locomotive up close.


Especially in autumn, when the leaves turn colorful, the ride becomes an even more memorable experience.
The journey to the final stop deep in the forest takes about two hours. About halfway, the Mocănița makes a short stop for a toilet break.
At the end point, a larger rest area deep in the woods, warm food and drinks are offered.
A sign even warns about possible bears. We did not see any, but we did encounter a few very shy, skinny stray dogs with their puppies, hoping to get a little food from visitors.
After about an hour at the rest area, the steam train follows the same route back to Vișeu de Sus.
For this trip, you should plan at least half a day, ideally most of the day.


Our accommodation: Sky Airport Hotel
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days
The final stop of our Romania road trip took us to Cluj-Napoca, the second-largest city in the country, for a very practical reason: it was the closest airport along our route.
We spent only one full day in Cluj-Napoca. Since we were not in the mood for classic sightseeing, we skipped the city center and instead chose an outing to Wind Mill Zoo (Parc de Agrement “Moara de Vânt”), about 30 minutes outside the city.
It is a lovely destination, especially for families with children. You can feed and pet animals and simply enjoy some time in nature.
In the evening, we headed to the city’s largest mall, Iulius Mall Cluj, to take care of a few last errands.
If you are in Cluj, feel like shopping or just want something to eat or a coffee, this is the right place. There is also a large supermarket inside the mall.
Our fast-food tip: If you are craving something similar to a döner kebab, try Mesopotamia. We thought it was really tasty.
On our way back to Cluj-Napoca, we drove past the city’s large landfill – directly next to the main road, impossible to miss and impossible not to smell.
What we saw there honestly shocked us.
While waste in most EU countries is incinerated and used for energy production, here, in Romania’s second-largest city, it still ends up on a massive landfill.
What truly unsettled us, however, was not only the size of the landfill but also what surrounded it: numerous small huts made of corrugated metal, scraps of wood and particleboard.
It was hard for us to comprehend that people are living under such conditions in the middle of the European Union.
We decided to drive closer, as the settlement, called Pata Rât, lies directly beside the road.
Seeing it up close was deeply moving. Roma families live here under extremely difficult conditions right next to, and in some cases even on, the landfill.
Of course, we had already informed ourselves about the situation of the Roma community before our trip and had read and seen various reports.
In many places, Roma settlements are located outside the cities and remain largely invisible to most people. But this one is visible to anyone who passes along the main road.
The sharp smell of the landfill hung in the air. Children were playing among piles of waste, adults were going about their daily tasks – a sight that left us speechless and thoughtful.
It was yet another reminder of how large social inequalities in Europe still are.
If you would like to help, you can get in touch with Bert & Margriet Looij (bertenmargriet@gmail.com), who have been supporting the people in Pata Rât for many years.
You can also support projects through ProRomi.nl, which work to improve education, medical care and living conditions in Pata Rât.
Important: If you pass by the settlement, do not get out of your car or walk through the area on your own.
There are many stray dogs, and the situation can be unpredictable. If you want to get involved, make sure to contact the local helpers beforehand.


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