Even now, at the end of September, the evenings are still pleasant and many people come out to meet for a coffee, to take advantage of the many offers or simply to stroll around the historic center of Hermannstadt (Sibiu).

Guided tours of the city can be found here: https://heide-reisen.de

Learn more about Cluj-Napoca (German / Romanian):
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-cluj-napoca/

Thanks to the city of Cluj-Napoca for permission to use this image.

Râșnov Fortress (in German Rosenauer Burg) is a historical monument and landmark in Romania.

It is located in Râșnov (Rosenau), Brasov county, about 20 km from the city of Brasov (Kronstadt).

https://discover-brasov.com

The fortress was built as part of a defense system for Transylvanian villages. The present medieval fortress was probably built between 1211 and 1225, during the rule of the Teutonic Knights in Burzenland.

At present (fall 2023), this fortress is still under renovation (images 2022) and therefore access inside is not possible.

In the north of Romania, in the county of Maramureș, there is the Monastery of Săpânța, also called Peri Monastery.

In 1391, the nephews of Dragoș Vodă donated the land and property on which the monastery, a stone church, was built. This stone church served as the seat of the Romanian diocese of Maramureș for over 300 years, and was later built by the master Ioan Macarie as a place of prayer for the Greek-Catholic community in the region.

The tower of the monastery church is 78 meters high, making it the third tallest church tower in Romania, after the Orthodox Cathedral in Timișoara and the Church of St. Michael in Cluj-Napoca.

We thank Vlad the Impaler – Dracula (photo: Romania in pictures) for permission to use this image.

Balea Lake (in Romanian: Lacul Balea) is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 2,034 meters in the Făgăraș Mountains in central Romania, Sibiu County.

There are two huts open all year round, a weather station and a mountain rescue station (Salvamont). The lake is accessible by car on the Transfăgărășan road in summer and by cable car from the “Balea Cascada” hut the rest of the year.

The lake is located in Sibiu county and is about 80 km from the city of Sibiu (in German Hermannstadt) and about 70 km from the city of Făgăraș (in German Fogarash or Fugreschmarkt).

Built by Prince Vlad Țepeș, the Chindienilor Tower has also been a symbol of Târgoviște in Dâmbovița county since the 15th century.

For centuries, the tower was attributed a military role, as it was from the top of the tower that possible attacks could be spotted earlier.

Image / text source: https://www.destinatiaanului.ro/

Bucharest is Romania’s largest city and industrial and commercial center.

With approximately 1.8 to 2.2 million inhabitants (according to the population census), Bucharest is one of the ten largest cities in the European Union.

The castle seen from above… from the so-called “vampire’s perspective”.

https://discover-brasov.com

We thank Mr. Amstad Beat for sending us these images and for permission to use them: https://motobiketrips.ch/

Beautiful pictures from Sibiu, in the heart of Transylvania, at the end of May 2023. A wonderful day to explore a wonderful city.

Thanks to Mr. Michel Tesmar for sending us these images.

Tismana is a small town in Romanian Muntenia, located in Gorj county, in south-western Romania.

The town is known for the Romanian Orthodox Monastery of Tismana, the oldest monastery still existing in Muntenia.

As early as 1377, Prince Radu II built a monastery here, which was rebuilt in 1495 (as it had fallen into disrepair). The town (since 2004 Tismana is a city) developed around the monastery in the 15th/16th century and is today an important Romanian center of wood industry.

We thank Mr. Amstad Beat for sending us these photos and for permission to use them.

Images: https://motobiketrips.ch/

Cocoșu Monastery is located between Galati / Braila and Tulcea (a city in the Danube Delta), at the foot of the Cocoșului Hill.

It was founded in the second half of the 17th century, the church was demolished and rebuilt in 1910. The monastery includes an abbot’s house, a complex of monks’ apartments, a bell tower, a chapel and a church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

Slănic Moldova is a small town in Bacău county, in the Moldova region of northeastern Romania.

The little town is also known as a spa resort with curative saline springs at Targu Ocna. Slanic is also the name of an important former state salt mine in Muntenia.

The Moskovits Palace (named after the engineer Moskovits Miksa) in the city of Oradea (Bihor County) was designed in 1905 by the architect Rimanoczy Kalman Jr.

It is a two-storey building with many ornate plant motifs and one of the finest examples of the Secession style (a variant of Art Nouveau, which developed mainly in Austria) of the time.

The Voroneț Monastery is located in the commune of Gura Humorului in Suceava County, in the historical Bucovina region of Romania.

It was built in 1488 by Stephen the Great in a period of just four (4) months to commemorate the victory in the Battle of Vaslui.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use these wonderful images.

Iulia Hasdeu Castle is located in the small town of Câmpina in Prahova County.

Iulia Hasdeu Castle was built by the historian and politician Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu as a small castle. Work on it began in 1893, after Hasdeu’s daughter, Iulia Hasdeu, died at the age of 19, an event that dramatically shook Hasdeu’s life. He claimed that his deceased daughter had given him the plans for the construction of the castle during séances. The building was completed in 1896.

Stories say the castle is deeply sinister. There are specially designed rooms for spiritualist rituals, complete with spirit chairs. Many claim that Hasdeu (the father) built the castle not to commemorate his daughter Iulia, but to worship Satan. Others say they have seen Julia’s ghost, who haunts the castle to this day, dressed in white and adorned with daisies.

Since 1994, Iulia Hasdeu Castle has been home to the B.P. Hasdeu Memorial Museum, which exhibits the furniture and personal belongings of the Hasdeu family, including photographs, original documents, manuscripts, Hasdeu’s reviews and paintings by Nicolae Grigorescu and Sava Hentia.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use these images.

The Palace of Culture in Iasi, which served as an administrative and judicial palace until 1955, now houses four museums under the name of the National Museum Complex Moldova.

The palace has 298 large rooms with a total surface area of about 34,000 square meters and 92 windows in the front of the building and another 36 inside.

The commune (and valley) Valea Doftanei is located between the Prahova and Teleajen rivers in the historical region Muntenia.

Image source: https://www.destinatiaanului.ro/

Vama municipality in Suceava county is located between the two rivers Moldova and Moldovița. It is situated at the entrance to the Eastern Carpathians.

Thanks to photographer Sorin Onișor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for permission to use this beautiful photo (June 2022).

Autumn invites you to go hiking and trekking, but also to ride an electric bike through beautiful nature.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

Romania offers diverse landscapes and untouched nature… all year round.

Thanks Royal Compass for permission to use these images.

The fortified church of Richiș (in German Reichesdorf, or Reichersdorf) is located in the commune of Biertan, Sibiu county and was built as a monastery in the second half of the 14th century (14th century: 01.01.1301 – 31.12.1400).

Around 1400, this monastery was converted into a fortified Catholic church and completed in 1451 (photo). Today, the visitor encounters an Evangelical Lutheran church, a real treasure that gradually reveals itself to the eye of the visitor. The interior of the church is rich in unique zoomorphic (representations in the shape of animals) and vegetal motifs.

Thanks Your Guide in Transylvania for permission to use these images.

Curtea de Argeș is a Romanian town in Argeș county. It is located on the right bank of the Argeș River, which flows here through a valley of the Southern Carpathians.

Curtea de Arges is one of the oldest towns in Romania. According to tradition, it was founded in the 14th century by Prince Radu Negru, who made it the first capital of the Principality of Wallachia.

Curtea de Argeș Cathedral (Curtea de Argeș Monastery, Curtea de Argeș Cathedral) is one of the most famous buildings in Romania. It stands on the foundations of a monastery and is located about one and a half kilometers north of the city. It resembles a very large and ornate mausoleum and was built in Byzantine style with Moorish arabesques.

Poiana Brasov (German: Schulerau, actually a district of Brasov / Kronstadt) is located above the city of Brasov (Kronstadt), at the foot of Mount Posevar (Schuler, 1,799 meters).

There is a ski resort of the same name in Poiana Brasov, with ski slopes and hiking trails in the Posevarul Mountains. There is also an ice rink, an indoor leisure center and a sports complex for tubing and tobogganing. In summer and fall, hikers and cyclists can explore the trails in the green mountains. Horseback riding trips are offered by several riding stables. In winter, the joy is all around the white snow here.

Thanks Poiana Brașov/ România for permission to use these images.

Vâlcea County Library, located in the county capital Râmnicu Vâlcea, was built in 1950 and currently contains over 400,000 books and documents.

In addition to the large number of books, a special feature worth a visit is the glass roof, “Creation of the World”, made of 86 modules, which is unique in Europe in this respect as well. The glass roof has an area of 142 square meters and is situated 30 meters above the base of the building.

Bran Castle (in German: Törzburg) is located in the region of Transylvania, in the county of Brasov.

Whether Dracula (if he ever existed) or his “human” representative (Vlad III Draculea, Vlad the Impaler) lived/was here or not … the castle and also the whole region is definitely worth a visit.

Thanks Castelul Bran for permission to use these images.

Cheile Turzii (in German called Thorenburg gorge) is a limestone gorge in the Trascău Mountains on the eastern edge of the Western Carpathians in western Transylvania in Romania, not far from the town of Turda (Thorenburg).

The gorge, which is about two kilometers long, is crossed by the Hasdate stream, which has been carved into the limestone here. The gorge is bordered on both sides by steep walls about 300 meters high, in which several caves are located.

The gorge was declared a nature reserve in 1938 because of the presence of over 1,000 plant species, some of them alpine. Some 70 species of birds, fish, amphibians and some mammals such as foxes, weasels, martens and wild boars live here, covering an area of 176 hectares.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use this image.

Country life is very different from life in the cities. It is characterized by family, hospitality, traditions, traditions, deprivation and hard work until old age.

And … it’s often a happier life than we think. Those who have little have little to worry about, and even the many daily messages from the world that we receive every hour on our phones (and which we don’t really need) reach these people less often, or perhaps not at all.

Thanks to photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for permission to use these atmospheric images.

The city of Arad was first mentioned in 1078 and has a rich cultural and historical heritage with architectural styles from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

In addition to a variety of cultural events in every season, visitors will find in Arad and its surroundings a large number of historical and art monuments, as well as buildings in Baroque, Renaissance, eclectic, classical, neo-Gothic or Secession styles.

Find out more about Arad and many other cities in Romania:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/travel-destinations-romania-cities/

This mill in the village of Ohaba (Brasov County) has been in operation since 1873 and still produces flour and malai (the basic ingredient for Mamaliga).

Run by the fourth generation, it survived the two world wars and the communist system. The milling system consists of two special millstones supplied from Lyon in France. The mill can grind both wheat and corn.

Rupea Fortress (in German: Reps Castle) is located near the town of Rupea (in German: Reps), about 50 km from Brasov (Kronstadt) – on the road to Târgu Mureș – and is one of the oldest castles in Romania.

The castle was built in the 11th century and is the landmark of the town of Rupea (Reps). Perched high above the town on Kohalmer Hill (578 meters), it can be seen from afar. It is first mentioned in documents in 1324, when the Saxons fought against the Hungarian king.

The Alba Carolina Fortress in Alba Iulia (Karlsburg) was built between 1715 and 1738, under the reign of Emperor Charles VI, as a fortification with seven (7) bastions.

It served the Habsburgs as a strategic point of defense along the military border with the Ottoman Empire. Alba Iulia is located near the highway on the Cluj Napoca – Sibiu route.

Valea Morcunei Monastery is located in the area of the Danube Strait (Cazanele Mici), in the Porțile de Fier Natural Park in Mehedinți County, in south-western Romania.

Thanks to Relu Chiriac for permission to use this image.

We visit Sibiu county (with the county capital Sibiu) in the heart of Transylvania, with a review of previous posts.

All information about the featured destinations, much more information and places of interest can be found at:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/sibiu-county/

Thanks to the photographers / Facebook groups for permission to use these images.

The city of Buzău is situated on the river of the same name and at the southeastern foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, in southeastern Romania.

The first of the city’s landmarks is the Communal Palace (historically the Palatul Comunal, now the Town Hall), which was built in 1903. It is a castle-shaped building in the typical Romanian Brâncoveanu style, like many theaters and other buildings in the city at that time.

About 20 kilometers northwest of Buzău are the mud volcanoes of Berca, one of the most extraordinary natural attractions in Romania and Europe.

Valea Viilor (German: Wurmloch) is a municipality in the county of Sibiu in the historical region of Transylvania.

Valea Viilor, originally Vorumloc, was probably first mentioned in documents under the Hungarian name Baromlak in 1224 (possibly also in 1305). Originally owned by the nobility, the village of Transylvanian and Saxon obedience was later able to join the Mediasch See and thus became free. Until 1964, the village was known in Romania as Vorumloc, a name derived from the German language, and was then renamed “Valea Viilor” (German meaning: Valley of the Vineyards).

In 1850, the proportion of Germans was over 65%, and in 1977 over 50%. Today, only about 1-2% of the inhabitants are German.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula (photo: Adrian Arsu) for permission to use this image.

Pension Inima Deltei is located in Mila 23 (Mile 23), in the Danube Delta, about 50 meters from the central pier.

The guesthouse offers seven (7) double rooms and four (4) triple rooms, which are equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning and satellite TV.

Learn more about Danube Delta (D, EN, RO):
https://discover-sulina.com

Pensiunea Inima Deltei (D, EN, FR, ES, RO):
https://inimadeltei.ro/de/pension/

The Danube Strait, also called the Iron Gate, was a dangerous passage for ships in ancient times.

For more than 100 km, there are densely forested mountain ranges, wild romantic landscapes, the 14th-century Golubac fortress (on the Serbian side) and much, much more to see. The photos show the area around the commune of Dubova, Mehedinți county, in the historic Banat region.

Thanks Banatul Montan for permission to use these images.

The town and spa resort of Băile Olănești is located in the county of Valcea, in the historic region of Muntenia, on the southern slopes of the Căpățânii Mountains, part of the Transylvanian Alps. The county capital, Râmnicu Vâlcea, lies about 15 km to the south-east.

The town was first mentioned in a document in 1527 and has been known for its springs and their curative properties since as late as 1760. In 1830, the physician Karl Friedrich Siller first analyzed the composition of the curative waters, after which spa operations with combined bathing and drinking cures began.

Thanks National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion Valcea (photos: Vacante Olănești) for permission to use these images.

Cluj-Napoca (in German Klausenburg, in Hungarian Kolozsvar) is (probably*) the second largest city in Romania and the capital of Cluj County in Transylvania.

With a population of around 400,000, Cluj-Napoca is the unofficial capital of Transylvania. It is home to universities, a lively nightlife and many buildings dating back to the time of Hungarian and Saxon rule. Surrounding the main square, Union Square, is the Gothic Church of St Michael and an equestrian statue of the 15th-century King Matthew Corvinus. The baroque Banffy Palace is now a museum displaying Romanian art.

Cluj-Napoca has an international airport and is located in northwest Romania.

* It could also be Iași, Timișoara or Constanța. Exact figures are unfortunately not available.

Thanks to the city of Cluj-Napoca for permission to use these images.

Wonderful images of the center / old town of Romania’s capital, Bucharest (Bucuresti in Romanian).

Thanks to Mr. Maik Lanckrock for permission to use these images from early August 2022.

The Muntele Mic massif is a mountain group in the Retezat-Godeanu Mountains, which are part of the Southern Carpathians.

It is situated between the Țarcu Mountains, the Godeanu Mountains and the Retezat Mountains. The highest peak is the Varful (mountain) Muntele Mic, with a height of 1802 meters. It is a small but popular ski resort in Banat, 130 km from Timișoara. There are six (6) slopes with different levels of difficulty: Borlova 1, Borlova 2, Vâlsanu, Nordica, Isai, Felix.

Small Mountain is also popular with hikers in summer and is easily accessible by car.

Thanks to Mrs. Corinna Haisch Coliev for sending us the photos/text. We also thank Little Mountain Online for permission to use the images.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

Visit the European Capital of Culture 2023 in western Romania and the historic Banat region.

https://discover-timisoara.com

Visit the European Capital of Culture 2023 in western Romania and the historic Banat region.

https://discover-timisoara.com

Carta Monastery (Kerz in German) is a former Cistercian (Benedictine) monastery in the Făgăraș region of Transylvania, Romania.

It is located on the left bank of the Olt River, between the cities of Sibiu and Făgăraș, and is now an evangelical Lutheran church.

The exact date of the foundation of Carta Monastery (Latin: monasterium beatae Mariae virginis in Candelis de Kerch) is unknown. A document from Constance of April 17, 1418, issued by Sigismund, King of Hungary, vaguely states that the monastery was founded, built and granted rights and privileges by its predecessors. Cistercian documents from the 13th-15th centuries, collected and analyzed by Leopold Janauschek, mention the founding year of the monastery as around 1202-1203.

Shortly after leaving Brasov in the direction of Sinaia (Bucharest), turn left towards the Seven Stairs gorge.

It’s a good hour’s walk to the gorge or the seven stairs, which is bordered by a stream with clear, cool water and lots of nature. Even if you don’t enter the gorge via the stairs (for a fee, another three-hour walk!), a hike up there and back is certainly wonderful.

For hiking: sturdy shoes highly recommended. Here and there you’ll cross over tree trunks, small wooden bridges and loose stones, or walk straight into the stream bed or along a cobbled path. In any case, you should bring something to drink.

All we can say is that there is something for everyone… Children, families, the hungry, the seekers and of course ourselves.

Today, Saturday, and tomorrow, Sunday, September 23 and 24, the third edition of the Slow Food & Gourmet Hub will take place, under the motto “Taste of Buzo’s Autumn”.

The Slow Food Festival will take place in the Artisans’ Square in Berca, located about 15 kilometers northwest of the city of Buzău. As soon as you see the monastery of Berca or arrive in town, turn left immediately after the bridge and follow the road for about 200 meters. Open today between 10:00 and 18:00 and Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00.

Tickets for church, as well as a variety of information/books in several languages are available opposite the main gate at the Inspiratio gift shop.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

Harman (in Saxon Huntschprich, in Hungarian Szaszhermany) is a commune and a village, one of the most famous fortified churches and is located just a few kilometers from Brasov.

https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/the-fortress-of-harman/

This fortified church is a fully preserved small fortress with the church in the center. Besides an interesting museum, you can visit the battlements, the tower and the church. You must see it and it is also for families with children, because of the many corridors, staircases and more … an interesting and wonderful experience.

About the place: In 1211, the Hungarian King Andrew II granted Burzenland to the Teutonic Knights, who settled here, built castles, brought German settlers to the country and founded villages, including Honigberg.

The first documentary mention was in 1240 under the name of Mons Mellis (‘honey mountain’), at which time King Bela IV granted the Cistercian Order the patronage of the churches of Marienburg, Petersberg, Honigberg and Tartlau.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

A review of last weekend’s “Vladislav I” Historical Festival in Braila. Pictures from the parade

History(s) from the Dacians and Romans through the Middle Ages, the 19th and 20th centuries to the present day was represented and presented through various exhibitions, parades and information.

A review of last weekend’s “Vladislav I” historical festival in Braila.

History (or histories) from the Dacians and Romans through the Middle Ages, the 19th and 20th centuries to the present day were represented and presented through exhibitions, parades and a wide range of information.

A wonderful view of Peles Castle, about 1.5 kilometers northwest of the town of Sinaia in Prahova county.

https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/peles-castle/

The castle was built between 1873 and 1883 by order of King Carol I of Romania.

It’s fall and beautiful pictures of the Retezat Mountains, Hunedoara county, in western Romania.

Waterfalls, lakes, mountains and a wonderful fall flora invite the hiker …

Thanks Go Hunedoara for permission to use these images (photos: Iulia Andreea Dragos).

The Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biological Research in Jibou in the county of Sălaj is named after its founder, Vasile Fati (1932-2007).

It covers an area of about 10 hectares (100,000 m2) and is located in the north-eastern part of Jibou, on the banks of the Someș River.

Pictures: https://www.destinatiaanului.ro/

in Turda, located in Cluj county.

The temperature in the salt mine is a constant 10-12 degrees. It is one of the oldest and most famous salt mines in Transylvania / Romania.

Find out more:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/turda-salt-mine/

Thanks to Destination of the Year for permission to use these images: https://www.destinatiaanului.ro/

New Lighthouse and Bird Island on a trip to the mouths of the Danube and the Black Sea > https://discover-sulina.com

The Teiuș monastery in the Caras-Serverin district was built in 1999. It comprises several small churches surrounded by an impressive garden with roses and trees.

Thanks Banatul Montan for permission to use these images.

Next Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24, the third edition of the Slow Food & Gourmet Hub event will take place, under the motto “Taste of Buzo’s Autumn”.

We ourselves went to the first event in May (and we’ll be glad to come this time) and we can only say … DEFINITELY VISIT. In a cozy atmosphere a large number of regional products are on offer, which you can buy and take home or enjoy directly on the spot.

The Slow Food Festival takes place in the Piata (market) Artizanilor in Berca, about 15 kilometers northwest of the city of Buzău. As soon as you see the monastery of Berca or arrive in the village, turn left immediately after the bridge and follow the road for about 200 meters. Open Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00 and Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00.

The village / commune Bârsana (old spelling Birsana) is located in Maramureș county.

Located in a breathtaking landscape, Bârsana has tourist attractions such as the wooden church “The Entry of the Mother of God from the Church” in the center of the village, built around 1720.

The monastery of Bârsana Monastery on the south-eastern edge of the village was first mentioned in 1390, but was abandoned and demolished around 1800. The buildings on the present site were rebuilt in wood at a later date. Today, there is a Romanian Orthodox convent of nuns.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula (photos: Alex Robciuc) for permission to use these images.

Topolnița Cave is a karst cave in Mehedinți County. It is the fourth longest cave (about 11 km) in Romania: only Vantului Cave, Humpleu-Poienița Cave and Hodobana Cave are longer.

The temperature of the cave varies between 8.2 and 10.8 degrees Celsius, making it a relatively warm cave.

As a result, it is a suitable habitat for some animals, including the largest colony of big-shoe bats (bats) in Europe. Radiocarbon dating has shown that bat guano from this colony has been deposited continuously since 1694.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use these images.

Wonderful and atmospheric pictures of Sulina from the mouth of the Danube into the Black Sea.

Descoperiți Sulina | https://discover-sulina.com

Thanks to Călin Ene Sulina fabuloasa for permission to use these images.

The Church of St. Nicholas in Densuș (Demsdorf), Hunedoara County, in western Romania, is the oldest stone church in the country. It was built in its present form in the 13th century on the site of a 2nd-century Roman temple, with materials from the Dacian fortress of Sarmizegetusa. Inside the church are 15th-century murals depicting Jesus in traditional Romanian clothes.

According to Romanian historians, a Dacian temple built to the god Zamolxis once stood on the site of the present church. Later conquered by the Romans, they built another temple there, dedicated to the god Mars. Given its more extensive prehistory, the origin of this church in Densuș dates back to the 4th century AD and is thus considered the oldest church in Romania and south-eastern Europe.

Thanks to Go Hunedoara for permission to use these images.

In July-August we followed “Schnuff” and his motorcycling friends on their journey through Romania, with wonderful pictures and experiences.

Here the village of Bazna (in German Baaßen or Baassen, in Transylvanian-Saxon Baußen, in Hungarian Bazna or Felsobajom) in the county of Sibiu, Transylvania (images from mid-August 2023).

The fortified Protestant church in Baaßen was built in the 14th century, rebuilt in the 16th century. Today, the church and part of the community center are listed buildings.

The Potato Festival at the Brukenthal Palace in Avrig (in German Freck, a few kilometers east of Sibiu) is in full swing.

Every weekend, new potato dishes from all over the world are presented, paired and served, with delicious ‘ingredients’ from the hot oven!
– from France – jacket potatoes
– from Nepal – potatoes in spicy curry sauce
– from Germany – Bavarian-style baked potatoes with onions
– from Switzerland – fried potatoes with cream cheese and smoked salmon
– from Austria – whole potatoes fried in butter with fresh parsley

The dishes are served alongside various meat dishes and, as well as providing an insight into the history of the Romanian potato, offer a great culinary experience!

In 1776 the potato arrived in Transylvania and was first planted in Brukenthal’s garden!

https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/en/home/

Plan now for 2024! Discover the Carpathian Mountains and Romania with the German-speaking tour operator Karpaten Outdoor Tours.

https://www.karpaten-offroad.de/

The Transalpina or “King’s Road”, as the road is also called, is usually open from early/mid-June to late October/early November (depending on snow conditions).

It links the towns of Novaci in Gorj county and Sebeș in Alba county. Over a length of 138 kilometers, this road crosses the Parâng Mountains and has its highest point in the Urdele Pass.

Image / text source: Destinația Anului

Băile Govora is a town in the historical region of Oltenia, consisting of the neighborhoods of Curaturile, Gălănești and Prajila.

The name Govora comes from the Slavic language. In southern languages, govora or govornih means word or sound. The first spa resort was established in 1887 and had 29 cabins for hot baths. The resort was officially opened in 1910.

Thanks Centrul Național de Informare și Promovare Turistică Vâlcea for permission to use these images.

Photo: Ruxandra Gogea

Sarmizegetgetusa Regia is located in the Broșteni Mountains, near the Romanian town of Orăștie in Hunedoara County (Transylvania Region), on the territory of the municipality of Orăștioara de Sus.

The rich deposits of copper, gold and iron in what is now Hunedoara County have fostered extensive trade and lively cultural exchange since the Neolithic colonization. Archaeological discoveries from the Bronze Age attest links between the cultures of Lusatia in the north, the Greeks in the south, the western Urnfield culture and the Black Sea.

Sarmizegetgetusa Regia was a military base and capital of the ancient Dacian Empire until its destruction in 106, during the Second Dacian War of the Roman Emperor Trajan.

There are over 160 fortified churches in the Transylvania region, one of them being Holzmengen / Hosman.

Of the 13th-century basilica, only the west portal and the arched pillars separating the nave from the aisles survive. The west portal is a valuable testimony to Transylvanian Romanesque architectural sculpture, with numerous friezes in relief. Around 1500, the church belfry was erected with wooden volumes and equipped with a battalion – supported by brackets. The side aisles of the church were also demolished. The two walls of the fortress, built in the 15th century, are connected by the gate tower and still show traces of the former battlements and battlements.

Find out more about this fortified church:
https://kirchenburgen.org/en/location/holzmengen-hosman/

Overview of all 160 fortified churches:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/fortified-churches/

Pictures of the Danube, Dubova Bay and, in the background, Mraconia Monastery. Here starts one of the most famous hiking trails in the Danube Gorge: From Dubova to the Ciucarul Mare (Big Sugar Peak).

Difficulty: easy
Duration round-trip: about 2 hours
Marking: yellow triangles
Starting point: Exit Dobova village in the direction of Svinita.

Thanks Banatul Montan (photos: Kokovics Laszlo ) for permission to use these images.

Bran Castle (German name: Törzburg) is located on the so-called Dietrichstein cliff in the town of Bran, Transylvania, Brasov County.

Thanks Castelul Bran for permission to use this image.

Beautiful pictures from July 2023 from the county capital of Bihor county Oradea.

The Valcea Village Museum is located in Bujoreni, about 4 km from the capital of the county, Ramnicu Valcea.

The museum is set up like a village and shows life in rural settlements in times gone by. The idea was developed in 1969 and implemented piece by piece. Definitely worth a visit.

We thank Mr. Alexander Laszlo for his efforts and for sending us these pictures (taken on September 17, 2023).

Up on the highest point of the bank, with a dreamy view of the Danube, is the Church of St. Precista Precista in Galati.

The church is the oldest building in the city and was consecrated in September 1647, during the reign of Vasile Lupu. The architectural style of the church, which was also used as a defensive fortress, is typical of Romanian church architecture in the 17th century.

More about Galati:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-galati/

Images: https://www.facebook.com/mocanu.cip

The city of Oradea (in German Großwardein, in Hungarian Nagyvarad) is located on the eastern edge of the Great Hungarian Plain, on the Crișul Repede River (in German Schnelle Kreisch), with the foothills of the Apuseni Mountains ending at the northeastern edge of the city. The city center is about 15 km from the Hungarian border.

Oradea Castle, and therefore the city, is strategically located at the opening of the Kreiș Valley in the Great Hungarian Plain, at an average altitude of 126 m. The river flows almost centrally through the city. The river flows almost centrally through the city. Geologically remarkable are the caves, some of which reach beneath the town, whose thermal springs have gained some notoriety in Băile (Baths) Felix.

Thanks to the photographer Maciu Alexandru (https://www.instagram.com/maciualexandru/ ) for permission to use these images.

The Cantacuzino Castle was not only the filming location for “Nevermore Academy” in the TV series “Wednesday”, but it is also one of the most beautiful and important historical buildings/castles in Romania.

The 60,000 square meter castle park, framed by its own 1,000 hectare private estate, invites you to linger and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions both in the resort of Busteni and in the Prahova Valley.

The village of Sirnea (in German Schirnen) is located in the county of Brasov and is part of the commune of Fundata.

This region situated above Törzburg and below the Törzburg Pass – an important crossing of the Carpathians – was probably colonized at the end of the 17th century. The village of Sirnea was first mentioned in a document from 1729.

Having belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary, the Principality of Transylvania and the Austro-Hungarian Empire respectively until the end of the First World War, Sirnea has since been part of Romania.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula (photo: Dani Ciuca) for permission to use this image.

The Orizont Hotel Complex in Brasov County is the ideal place to explore the wonderful mountain world of the Prahova Valley in the fall and/or to make excursions to Peles Castle in Sinaia, Bran Castle, Rasnov Castle with its dinosaur park or to Brasov …

… but also to enjoy winter soon with all its diverse offers around Predeal.

The hotel has 139 4-star rooms, a modern spa, Orizont Forum conference center, Orizont restaurant with international cuisine, Miorița restaurant with traditional Romanian cuisine, as well as a wine cellar and a bar with an excellent selection of drinks.

All rooms offer 4-star comfort, and the SPA area (with indoor pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna and massage) is an oasis of tranquility that combines relaxation with rejuvenation. Hotel Orizont’s recreation center offers an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, Jacuzzi, dry sauna, wet sauna, infrared sauna, massage facilities and much more to perfectly unwind as a guest.

Learn more about the hotel and all it has to offer:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/hotel-orizont-predeal-en/

In the Natural Park Gradiștea Muncelului Cioclovina in Hunedoara County there are numerous gorges, including Cheile* Crivadiei, Cheile* Banitei, Cheile* Roșia and Cheile* Taia.

* literal translation: key, used here more as access/link … in German rather to be seen as a gorge.

Thanks to Go Hunedoara for permission to use these images.

Corbii de Piatra Monastery is certainly one of the oldest monasteries in Romania.

It is located in the village of Jgheaburi, Corbi commune, Argeș county. It was built in a cave complex in 1512, during the reign of Neagoe Basarab (1512-1521).

The monastery church is carved into the rock (sandstone). Next to the church, also carved into the rock, is the monastery’s dining hall, a room carved into the rock which, according to tradition, was used by Neagoe Basarab as an open-air courtroom for public hearings. The monastery is located about 400 m from the center of Corbi, on the left bank of the Doamnei River. The cave church itself was carved into a massive rock wall, about 30 meters high and 14.5 meters long.

Thanks to the photographer Corina E. Mateescu for permission to use these images.

In the middle of one of the most beautiful mountainous regions of the Carpathian Mountains lies the Balea Lac chalet (mountain hut/hotel), right next to the glacial lake of the same name.

Directly accessible via the legendary Transfăgărășan road (in winter by cable car) and situated at an altitude of 2,034 meters, the hotel offers accommodation of international standards.

Slanic Salt Mine (Salina) is located in Prahova County, about 100 km northeast of Bucharest.

It opened to visitors in 1970 and was first mentioned as a salt mine in 1686.

Peles Castle is located about 1.5 kilometers northwest of the town of Sinaia, Prahova County.

It was built between 1873 and 1883 by order of King Carol I of Romania and confiscated by the communist regime in 1947. After the Romanian Revolution in 1989, Peles was returned to the former King Mihai, who was living in exile in Switzerland.

The oriel windows and semicircular walls are reminiscent of Hohenzollern Castle, the king’s residence. Seven terraces surround the castle. Some of the 160 rooms can be visited today. The castle museum houses weapons, sculptures, furniture and decorative objects from the 15th-19th centuries, as well as an orchestrion. The castle is particularly impressive for its magnificent carpentry.

Find out more about Peles Castle:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/de/uir/ausflugsziele-sehenswertes-schloss-peles/
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/peles-castle/
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/ro/uir/de-vizitat-locatii-de-vizitat-castelul-peles/

Text and images by Georg Schenk … Many, many THANKS

The village of Fundata is located in the county of Brasov, in the historical region of Transylvania.

Situated at an altitude of 1,360 meters, Fundata is the highest village in Romania. It lies in the middle of the route between Bran and Rucar, near the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use this image.

Almost 138 years ago, Timișoara / Timisoara / Timisoara / Timisoara / Timisoara proved its uniqueness as a city in Europe.

On November 12, 1884, almost 60 kilometers of streets in downtown Timisoara were electrically illuminated with 731 lamps*. At the time it was the record in Europe and second in the world after New York.

* The number of lamps and the number of kilometers are based on different sources, with the same claim on the internet.

** Of course the lamps were smaller than those shown in the picture. This lamp is just a memory and is no longer used for lighting in Timișoara.

The town of Sulina is located at the mouth of the Danube, in the Danube Delta and also directly on the Black Sea.

Pictures from the Amiral restaurant on the town’s waterfront.

https://discover-sulina.com | Restaurant Amiral

Sibiu at night … a city full of life. Even at 23.00 there are still lots of people outside, you can drink coffee at the many terraces, eat ice cream and even the supermarkets in the city center are open until midnight.

The “Bridge of Lies” is one of Sibiu’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1859* in Friedrichshütte in Hesse, this was the first cast-iron bridge in all of Romania (and the second in all of Europe).

There are several legends about the name, but as it was also the first bridge not to rest on pillars, it was called “Liegebrücke”… and the word “Lügenbrücke” (bridge of lies) was not that far away…

* Info: In 1859, Sibiu and the region of Transylvania belonged to the then Kingdom of Hungary (then Austro-Hungary from 1867).

At the highest point of the Transfăgărășan is Lake Balea.

The road is a magical path in and through the Făgăraș Mountains. It links the two historic regions of Wallachia and Transylvania in a breathtaking mountain landscape.

The Protestant church in Nadesch was built about 170 years ago by the citizens of Nadesch (Transylvanian Saxons).

https://nadescher-kirche.com/

The village of Nadesch (Nades in Romanian) is located in the district of Mures, about 15 km north of Schässburg (Sighisoara in German). The church’s valuable organ from 1807 was built by Samuel Maetz and, like many things in and around the church, has over the years become in need of restoration and renovation.

For this reason, the Nadescher Kirche e.V. was founded a long time ago to support the preservation and renovation work of the Protestant church in Nadesch (Transylvania).

If you are interested in the church or would like to support the association/church, you can find all the necessary information at the link above.

Almost two months ago, on the road from Lepsa to Târgu Secuiesc (direction Brașov), on DN2D.

Just when Vrancea county turns into Covasna county, after a curve in front of us, the mother bear stands on the road and blocks our way. Like other motorists, we stop, put on our hazard lights and calmly wait for the next stage. The two cubs appear and we slowly cross the road. The mother bear doesn’t bother with the cars and continues on with her two cubs. We, too, carefully pass the family of bears and are once again enriched by the experience.

in Sarichioi… Nobody knows it, but the church somehow looks great and in May 2020 we “wandered” there by chance.

Sarichioi is 35 km from Tulcea, directly on the Razim Lake and therefore practically on the Black Sea.

“Little Paris”… maybe in some ways. This month’s images from Bucharest, Romania’s capital.

Thanks to Mr. Liviu Jakob ( facebook.com/leaveu.jacobs ) for the images and permission to use them. Thank you

Visit the Forest Retreat & Spa in Valcea county for a relaxing vacation, time to unwind or simply a perfect stay near the wine region of Drăgășani, in the historic region of Muntenia (here Oltenia, Muntenia Mica).

The hotel offers a wide range of treatments, therapies, massages and spa services, as well as tennis lessons and much more.

More information, offers and contact (English, Romanian):
https://www.forestspa.ro

Only 8 km from Călimănești, on the left bank of the Olt River, in the commune of Berislăvești, there is a precious monument of late feudal architecture – the monastery of the same name – the foundation of the nobleman Sandu Bucșenescu and his wife Maria.

In his first will, Sandu Bucsenescu, the founder of several holy places, wrote that he built this church, painted it and endowed it with “sacred vessels and priestly vestments” as well as land. In his second will, written on December 6, 1760, the founder expressed his wish that a school for poor children should be established in the monastery’s monastery cells. Work began in 1752-1753 and was completed in 1762 under the direction of Abbot Nicodim Beligrad. The school also began to function.

The monastery complex consists of a slightly trapezoidal fortified complex, in the center of which is a triangular church with a narrow rectangular rectangular pronaos. Later, an open porch with six decorated columns at the capitals and trefoiled arches was added. On the north side of the complex was the rectory, a rectangular building with remarkable vaulted cellars. On the west side of the complex the bell tower, which also served as a gate tower, with three large silver bells from the founding period, has been preserved.

The spiritual life of the hermitage developed under the auspices of the time; initially it was a monastic settlement. In 1864, the hermitage church dedicated to “Holy Three Hierarchs” was briefly transformed into a parish church and monastic life was resumed. Since 1948, the hermitage was without monks and was again converted into a church for the parish faithful.

Images and text: Centrul Național de Informare și Promovare Turistică Vâlcea

Tismana is a small town in Romanian Muntenia, Gorj county, in southwestern Romania.

The town is known for the Romanian Orthodox Monastery of Tismana, the oldest monastery still existing in Muntenia.

As early as 1377, Prince Radu II built a monastery here, which was rebuilt in 1495 (as it had fallen into disrepair). The town (since 2004 Tismana has been a city) developed around the monastery in the 15th/16th century and is today an important Romanian center of wood industry.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use this image.

The hotel is the ideal place for a weekend in the countryside, away from the noise of the big city.

For private parties, hikes with friends in the mountains, courses, team-building meetings or simply to relax. Nearby you will find many destinations worth a visit, such as Hurezi Monastery (Horezu Monastery).

Find out more about this German-speaking host:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/hanul-vatra-hotel/

Petrele Waterfall is also called Maria Magdalena Waterfall by the locals.

It is located in the Pietrele valley in the Retezat Mountains (Hunedoara county, western Romania), at an altitude of about 1,450 meters.

Thanks Go Hunedoara (photos: Liana Marin) for permission to use these images.

Timișoara (in German Temeswar, also Temeschwar or Temeschburg) is located in western Romania, in the historic Banat region and is the capital of Timiș county.

Find out more about Timișoara:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-timisoara/

The mocomotive – a magic word for every fan of steam locomotives all over Europe.

Locomotives from the last 100 years invite you for a ride, an overnight stay and as a dining car. The flair of yesteryear, as we (in Germany and Austria) had it long ago…. still palpable, directly in Romania, in the county of Maramureș.

Information, timetable and more:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/mocanita-vaser-valley/

The village of Viscri (German: Deutsch-Weisskirch, Hungarian: Szaszfeheregyhaza) is located in the county of Brasov in Transylvania (Transylvania).

It lies northwest of the town/castle of Rupea (German: Reps) and southeast of the town of Sighișoara (German: Schäßburg). The village had about 700 inhabitants between the 18th and 20th centuries, mainly Transylvanian Saxons plus a Romanian part of the village. Viscri is characterized by both the fortified church and the village structure, which was shaped by the Saxon farms.

Viscri is/was also made famous by King Charles III, who owns a house/estate here and regularly visits the village/village.

The village was founded by Transylvanian Saxons in the late 12th century and was first mentioned in documents in 1185. The fortified church stands at the north-western end of the village.

In the 12th century, the Seclavs (a Hungarian-speaking population group in eastern Transylvania) built a small Romanesque hall church here before the German settlers. In the 13th century the church was enlarged. After the first Turkish invasions, the church was fortified in the 14th century and a defense ring with defense towers was built.

We thank the photographer of the photos, Brian Randall, for permission to use them.

Sibiu is an important cultural and economic center in southern Transylvania (Transylvania), with over 150,000 inhabitants (source: Google, Census 2011).
In 2007, Sibiu was European Capital of Culture alongside Luxembourg.

Find out more about Sibiu:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-sibiu/

Thank you Living in Sibiu ( https://www.instagram.com/living.in.sibiu/ ) for permission to use these images.

If you want to see the whole Old Town from high above and take in a dream view, this is the place to be.

The White Tower was built between 1460 and 1494 and still impresses with its massive and sleek architectural lines. Its architecture consists of an open, semicircular plan, with a height difference of 30 m from the city wall, a height of 20 m from the city and 18 m from the hill. Read more …

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

On the road from Galati to Tecuci is the Tudor Vladimirescu Monastery in south-eastern Romania.

The Clock Tower is a landmark of Sighișoara and a popular subject of movies and photography both day and night.

Find out more about the town:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-sighisoara/

Letea Forest (Letea Forest) is located in Tulcea County, in the northeast of the Danube Delta, between the Chilia and Sulina rivers, and covers an area of over 5,000 hectares. It is the northernmost subtropical forest in Europe and the oldest nature reserve in Romania. Parts of the forest have been protected since 1930.

Historical documents prove that the ancestors of today’s horse population arrived in the north of the Danube Delta 300-400 years ago via the Tatars, became indigenous there and became increasingly wild.

https://discover-sulina.com | https://urlaub-im-donaudelta.de

The Letea Forest area is home to 500 plant species and over 3,000 animal species, over 2,000 of which are insects. Mighty trees, such as hundred-year-old oaks, provide ideal living conditions for, for example, the hoopoe, but also for wild cats and many other animals. White-tailed eagles, swallows and large numbers of ducks and ducklings are also at home here.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use these images.

Vama is a small municipality in Suceava county in northeastern Romania.

It is situated between the two rivers Moldova and Moldovița and is at the entrance to the Eastern Carpathians or Transylvania.

Thanks to photographer Sorin Onișor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for permission to use these images.

If you ever get to Bucharest, you must visit it! Caru’ cu Bere is a famous brewery in Bucharest that opened in 1879.

The brewery is located in the eastern part of the center of Bucharest (Old Center), between Lipscani and Stavropoleus streets.

The dining room, located on the ground floor, is seven (7) meters high and decorated in Gothic style, with columns, stucco ceilings, carved wainscoting and paintings. Access to the other floors is via a carved oak staircase.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula (photos: @simon_gruber) for permission to use these images.

At the beginning of September, cross the new bridge from Brăila over the Danube, continue for about 15 km to Macin and continue straight ahead for another 500 meters after you reach the end of the village.

Then turn left from the main road to the Izvorul Tămăduirii Monastery (also Macin Monastery) and as soon as you turn left again towards the monastery, park on the right and start going right … into the Macin mountains.

Butterflies, lizards, a tortoise and lots and lots of nature all the way to the top of Vraju, the (probably) highest elevation of the mountains, 335 meters above sea level. A marvelous view over the monastery and the landscape in the direction of the Danube Delta, Braila and Galati, including the new bridge over the Danube, rewards the ascent in the afternoon, when the temperature is still around 28 degrees.

Duration of the ascent/ descent hike: 4 hours, the last 30-45 minutes of which are mostly rocky terrain and therefore good footwear is a must. The hiking trails are well signed and easy to follow/find.

Defileul Someșului Rece National Park, near the villages of Măguri Răcătău and Măguri-Marisel, is located west of Cluj-Napoca, in north-western Romania.

Find out more about Cluj-Napoca:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-cluj-napoca/

Thank you Mrs. Farkas Ildiko (facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75) pentru permission to use these images.

The village of Poiana Brasov is located above the city of Brasov, at the foot of Mount Postavarul (1,799 meters high), which marks the border between the Southern and Eastern Carpathians.

In and around Poiana Brasov, visitors can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities in summer and winter.

Thanks Poiana Brașov/ România for permission to use these images.

Stavropoleos Monastery is an Orthodox monastery located in the center of Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

It was built in 1724 in the Brâncovenesque style by the Greek monk Ioanichie Stratonikeas and is considered one of the most beautiful and important architectural monuments of the Romanian capital. The church is dedicated to Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

The Black Church (Biserica Neagra) is a Gothic hall church in the Transylvanian city of Brasov in Romania.

It was originally a Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Black Church bears its current name from a fire in 1689 and is currently the main church of the German-speaking Honterus congregation of the Evangelical A.B. Church of Romania.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

Sucevița Monastery (built between 1582 and 1584) is located in Sucevița commune in Suceava county, northern Romania.

The Romanian Orthodox church inside the monastery walls, dedicated to the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, is one of the eight Moldovan monasteries included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since August 2010.

Thanks to Mrs. Farkas Ildiko Farkas ( facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75 ) for permission to use these images.

Tour of the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dorna-Arini commune, Bukawina region, Suceava county.

Thanks to Mrs. Farkas Ildiko Farkas (facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75) for permission to use these beautiful images.

Beusnița Protected Area is part of the Cheile Nerei – Beusnița National Park. It is located in the county of Caras-Severin, on the administrative territory of the communes Sasca Montană and Sopotu Nou.

Learn more about gorges/waterfalls in Romania:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/excursions-romania-lakes-waterfalls/

Bran Castle (German name: Törzburg) is located on the so-called Dietrichstein cliff, in the town of Bran, Transylvania, Brasov County.

Thanks Castelul Bran for permission to use this image.

A wonderful picture of Peles Castle, located about 1.5 kilometers northwest of the town of Sinaia, in the Prahova district.
The castle was built between 1873 and 1883 by order of King Carol I. Built by Romania.

Thanks Vlad the Impaler – Dracula (Photo: @world_walkerz) for permission to use this image.

Visit the Potato Festival at the Brukenthal Palace/Restaurant between 8.09 and 08.10 in Avrig (Freck in German), just a few kilometers east of Sibiu. The restaurant is open daily between 8:00 and 22:00.

The various potato dishes and delicacies from the hot oven, the potato cakes and the atmosphere of the baroque gardens offer a special and relaxing experience at the Brukenthal Palace! Try and savor various potato dishes after your walk in the park and let yourself be pampered.

https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/en/home/

The history of the potato in Romania began in 1776 in Avrig – the potato was planted for the first time in Brukenthal’s garden in Avrig!

Life-size dinosaurs animated and brought to life. A Stone Age cave, a small volcano and lots of dinosaur history await visitors Dino Parc Râșnov in Brasov.

As well as the countless dinosaurs, there’s plenty on offer, especially for the little ones and those who have stayed ‘little’. Paint your own dinosaur, sit on the dinosaur train or use the spacious play areas. It’s a great day out with the whole family at Dinopark.

The Durău Monastery in Neamț County was built between 1830-1835 by some monks with the help of Safta Brâncoveanu and at the expense of three wealthy merchants from Piatra Neamț.

It was built on the site of a hermitage of nuns founded in the 17th century by one of the daughters of Prince Vasile Lupu. The first documentary mention of Durău Monastery dates back to 1779.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use this image.

The Rarău Mountains are a mountain group in the Moldo-Transylvanian Carpathians, part of the Eastern Carpathian mountain range.
The highest peak/mountain is Rarău Peak with a height of 1,651 meters.

Thanks to Mrs. Farkas Ildiko Farkas ( facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75 ) for permission to use these images.

Transfăgărășan has been reopened from June 15, 2022, so you can meet them again… brown bears.

Our big request in advance:
DO NOT FEED THE BEARS!
DO NOT ATTRACT BEARS!
BEARS are wild animals of the forest and not “adventure objects”, please respect this on your journey on this trail!

There are about 6,000 brown bears still living in the wild in Romania and more and more bears are being attracted to this trail, the bears unfortunately receive food from some travelers and thus return again and again to the trail with their cubs.

We understand, it’s a great experience… but bears can also be dangerous and above all, by feeding them, you are destroying the animals’ natural life base… for a moment of attraction.

Therefore, please let the bears … be bears and show responsibility … Do not feed the bears and please do not stop when you see one or more bears by the roadside. By this behavior you are attracting the bear because it thinks it is getting food. However, leaving your vehicle in such a situation to get a closer look at a bear should NEVER happen. Thank you!

He is in our midst, day after day. Pictures from yesterday (Sept 09) from the fortress / citadel of Brasov and from the Oktoberfest Brasov, which is taking place in Brasov today and tomorrow.

https://discover-brasov.com | https://oktoberfestromania.ro

A beautiful picture from Biertan. The village and fortified church of Biertan (Biertälm in German), first mentioned in a document from 1283, is located in the county of Sibiu in the Transylvania region.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula (photo: @beacaesar) for permission to use this image.

The Museum of Traditional Folk Culture in Sibiu is one of the largest open-air museums in Romania.

Situated south of Sibiu, the museum is located in the Dumbrava Sibiului forest, on the road linking Sibiu to Rășinari, about three (3) kilometers from the city.

It contains installations of traditional, pre-industrial Romanian folk civilization. Houses, workshops and building complexes are scattered around a lake, among the trees of Dumbrăvii Sibiului.

Thanks to Mrs. Farkas Ildiko Farkas ( facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75 ) for permission to use these images.

Bear Cave (German: Bärenhöhle) is one of the most famous caves in Romania. It is located in northwestern Transylvania / Romania, about 75 kilometers southeast of the county town of Oradea, in Bihor county.

The Bear Cave (Pietroasa commune, Chiscau district) was discovered by chance in 1975 and presents a world of stalactites impressive by the beauty and variety of its shapes. The highlight of each guided tour is a visit to a fossilized skeleton of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus). This skeleton is fully preserved and has been there for about 15,000 years.

Pictures of Vlad the Impaler – Dracula and Zátonyi Sándor, (ifj.) Fizped – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26325780

Porumbacu de Sus is a commune in Sibiu county in the Transylvania region of Romania.

The locality is located halfway between Făgăraș (German: Fogarasch or Fugreschmarkt ) and Sibiu and is also known by its German name Unterforrembach or Unterporumbach.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula ( photo: @george.mihaiescu ) for permission to use this image.

Romania is a country rich in history and therefore … just as rich in buildings. Today there are 300 fortified churches
in Transylvania, in addition to fortresses, castles, many castles and ruins in large numbers.

Thanks to the photographers / Facebook groups of the photos for permission to use them.

Romania is a country rich in history and therefore … just as rich in buildings. Today there are 300 fortified churches
in Transylvania, in addition to fortresses, castles, many castles and ruins in large numbers.

Thanks to the photographers / Facebook groups of the photos for permission to use them.

Sibiel (in German Budenbach or Biddenbach) is a district of the small town of Săliște in the county of Sibiu, in the Transylvania region of Romania.

Beautiful pictures of lake Cinciș in the commune of Teliucul-Inferior in Hunedoara county (pictures March 2023).

Thanks Go Hunedoara for permission to use these pictures.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24, the third edition of the Slow Food & Gourmet Hub event will take place, under the motto “Taste of Buzo’s Autumn”.

We were at the first event in May and we can only say … DON’T FORGET TO VISIT. In a cozy atmosphere there are a large number of regional products on offer, which you can buy and take home or enjoy directly on the spot.

The Slow Food Festival takes place in the Piata (market) Artizanilor in Berca, about 15 kilometers northwest of the city of Buzău. As soon as you see the monastery of Berca or arrive in town, turn left just after the bridge and follow the road for about 200 meters. Open both days between 10:00 and 17:00.

Sarmalele are not made to the same recipe everywhere in Romania. Depending on the region and taste, they vary from one locality to another, and also in size.

Sarmalele contain meat that is wrapped with other ingredients in vine leaves or pickled cabbage. Salsals can also be meatless (vegetarian) or with vegetables. Here is a special recipe from Moldova with meat stuffing.

To 1 kg of minced meat (pork, beef, chicken or a mixture) add:
– 4-5 medium onions
– 100 grams of rice
– salt, pepper – 1 teaspoon each
– dill and parsley – to taste
– tomato broth (150 grams)
– 4 tablespoons oil (in combination with the chicken)

If it’s lean meat, a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs or cornflour can be added to bind the mixture better. Mix well and then wrap in vine or cabbage leaves, depending on preference.

Boil for about two (2) hours. To do this, place the sausages close together in a pot and pour water over them. When the liquid in which the sarm runs out, add hot water to compensate. Check after the first hour of boiling and then whenever you feel necessary.

The recipe matches the pictures. Thanks to “Mom” Postolache for the recipe and to her daughter for her work and photos.

Cantitatea de ingrediente face aproximativ 120 de sarmale. Se mănâncă de obicei cu smântână (smântână/cremă acră) și ardei iute (ardei iute). De asemenea, în funcție de regiune, se servește pâine albă și mamaliga (făcută din semolă de porumb, asemănătoare cu polenta italiană).

Vă dorim Pofta bună (bon appétit).

Caraiman Monastery is an Orthodox monastery founded in 1998 in Bușteni, Prahova County, at the foot of the Caraiman Massif.

Pictures of Dănilești Cave in Bulzești, Hunedoara County.

Thanks Go Hunedoara (photos: Nicu Ardeu ) for permission to use these images.

The Cozia Monastery, built by Mircea the Elder in 1388 near Călimănești and which also houses his tomb, is one of the exceptional monuments of national medieval art and architecture in Romania.

Visit the Danube Delta in south-eastern Romania.

Observe and enjoy the town of Sulina, the Letea Forest with its wild horses, the fish eating and/or the diversity of nature in the Delta (1,830 plant species, 2,440 insect species, 100 species of molluscs and reptiles, 320 bird species and many more…). September is an ideal time!

Find out more about the Danube Delta:
https://urlaub-im-donaudelta.de | https://discover-sulina.com

Thanks to photographer Sorin Onișor ( https://www.facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for permission to use this image.

Many, many excursions and offers (German speakers)

https://www.karpaten-offroad.de

We received evidence that Vlad III also visited Törzburg (Bran).

Born in Sighisoara (Schässburg), the main character in Bram Stoker’s novel and one of the best-known characters in Transylvania.

Shortly after leaving Brasov in the direction of Sinaia (Bucharest), turn left towards the Seven Stairs gorge.

It’s a good one-hour walk to the gorge or the seven stairs, which is criss-crossed by a stream with clear, cool water and lots of nature and also … butterflies.

From Tulcea to Sulina or vice versa, to Sf. Gheorghe, Crișan, Mila 23 and many other places in the Danube Delta.

https://www.navromdelta.ro/

Book your ticket online and just enjoy the beautiful nature and the journey to your destination.

Wonderful play of colors illuminated at night. These fountains in the center of Braila invite you to take a stroll in the evening or simply to linger a while.

Brăila is the capital of the county of the same name. It is situated on the Danube and on the border with the Danube Delta in south-eastern Romania.

Carta Monastery (Kerz in German) is a former Cistercian (Benedictine) monastery in the Făgăraș region of Transylvania, Romania. It is located on the left bank of the Olt River, between the cities of Sibiu and Făgăraș, and is now an evangelical Lutheran church.

The exact date of the foundation of Carta Monastery (Latin: monasterium beatae Mariae virginis in Candelis de Kerch) is unknown. A document from Constance of April 17, 1418, issued by Sigismund, King of Hungary, vaguely states that the monastery was founded, built and granted rights and privileges by its predecessors. Cistercian documents from the 13th-15th centuries, collected and analyzed by Leopold Janauschek, mention the founding year of the monastery as around 1202-1203.

Țara Hațegului is a historical and ethnographic region in Hunedoara county, in the southwest corner of Transylvania. It is located near the town of Hațeg, in the Hațeg valley.

The Retezatul Țara Hațegului has been recognized by UNESCO as a World and Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO International Geopark. Since 2016, Țara Hațegului Retezat has also received national recognition, being the third ecotourism destination in Romania certified by the Ministry of Tourism.

Source: https://www.destinatiaanului.ro/
Picture : Descopera Eco-România & Mihai Moiceanu

In addition to many visitors and interested guests, Vlad III Draculea, the former voivode of Wallachia, also known as Vlad the Impaler, surprised the fortress with his visit.

The festival “The Festival of the Teutonic Knights Return” took place at the end of last week (Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd) in Feldioara | Marienburg Fortress.

Read more: Cetatea Feldioara – Marienburg

Last weekend (Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd) the Teutonic Knights Return Festival took place in Feldioara | Marienburg Fortress.

Read more: Cetatea Feldioara – Marienburg

A photo taken in the Calendar Story from Porumbacu de Sus, Sibiu county.

Image / Text: Destinația Anului

More beautiful pictures from Bolii Cave.

The cave is located on the road that connects the Jiului Valley to Sara Hațegului, about 6 kilometers from the town of Petroșani in Hunedoara county.

The Bolii Cave is a natural opening, which is accessible along its entire length.

Thanks to Mrs. Corina E. Mateescu for permission to use these images.

If you are in the region or want to come in the coming days, pictures from yesterday (Friday 01.09) from the Oktoberfest in Brasov.

Maß (1 liter) of beer costs 23 lei and will continue for another week.
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/oktoberfest-brasov-romania-en/

Horezu Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox monastery of nuns located in the historical region of Muntenia Mică, in Valcea county.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/ausflugsziele-sehenswertes-kloster-horezu/
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-horezu-monastery/
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/ro/uir/de-vizitat-locatii-de-vizitat-manastirea-horezu/

Situated at the foot of the Căpățânii Mountains, a mountain massif in the Transylvanian Alps, in the village of Romanii de Jos, the monastery is about three kilometers (in a straight line) north of the small town of Horezu.

The cries of nocturnal birds of prey (huhurezi in Romanian) nesting in the woods around the monastery probably gave the place its name. The monastery was founded in 1692 by Constantin Brâncoveanu (1654-1714), then Prince of Muntenia, and completed in 1709. Until 1862 it was a men’s monastery. After the monks were transferred to Bistrița, nuns came to the monastery. The monastery complex has been restored several times since 1827 and is a listed building.

Situated at the foot of the Căpățânii Mountains, a mountain massif in the Transylvanian Alps, in the village of Romanii de Jos, the monastery is about three kilometers (in a straight line) north of the small town of Horezu.

The cries of nocturnal birds of prey (huhurezi in Romanian) nesting in the woods around the monastery probably gave the place its name. The monastery was founded in 1692 by Constantin Brâncoveanu (1654-1714), then Prince of Muntenia, and completed in 1709. Until 1862 it was a men’s monastery. After the monks were transferred to Bistrița, nuns came to the monastery. The monastery complex has been restored several times since 1827 and is a listed building.

Thank you Centrului Național de Informare și Promovare Turistică Vâlcea for permission to use these images.

The journey of “Schnuff” and his motorcycling friends goes on and on (part 17 of x).

Bistrița is a town in northeastern Transylvania, in the county of Bistrița-Năsăud. The river of the same name, Bistrița, flows through the town, which lies near the Bârgăului Mountains, on the slopes of which is a wine-growing area

St. Nicholas the Great Church in Iasi is an Orthodox church.

It was built by Stephen the Great in 1491 and 1492 and rebuilt between 1884 and 1904 by the French architect André Lecomte du Noüy by demolishing and rebuilding it on the same foundations and approximately in its original form.

Wildly romantic for some, hard work with many hardships for others, in the Apuseni mountains both meet. Who’s happier… everyone has to decide for themselves. More is not always more… at least not when it comes to your own satisfaction.

The Apuseni Mountains are a mountain range in western Romania. It reaches heights of almost 1,850 meters (highest peak: Cucurbăta Mare at 1,849 meters) and forms the northern section of the Romanian Western Carpathians. The mountain range has an almost circular contour with a diameter of 130-150 km, is bordered by the rivers Mureș, Someș and Barcău and lies in the counties of Arad, Bihor, Cluj, Alba and Hunedoara.

Thanks to the photographer Gerd Deeken for permission to use these images.

The Vulcan Pass is a mountain pass in the Romanian county of Hunedoara, in the Ji Valley. The nearby town of Vulcan is named after this pass.

Thanks Go Hunedoara (photo: Marina Szekely) for permission to use this image.

Iasi city in northeastern Romania in the evening or at night

Pelișor Castle is located about 300 meters from its “big brother”, Peles Castle, in Prahova County.

The castle was built by King Carol I between 1899 and 1902 for the future King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria of Romania by architect Karel Liman in chalet style.

The shoemaker’s tower, first documented in 1522, was rebuilt in 1681 after the fire of 1676 and has the shape of a hexagonal prism with unequal sides.

The jagged roof, with two watchtowers on the south and north sides, gives it a distinctive appearance. The stone tablet with the oldest coat of arms of the town and the motto “Nomen Domini, turris fortissima” (in translation: The name of God is the strongest castle), which is kept in the History Museum in the Clock Tower (in German Uhrturm) in the town of Sighisoara (in German Schäßburg), comes from this tower.

After World War II, the appearance of the tower underwent some changes. The windows were widened and the entrance was changed, and the external staircase was added in later years.

București (Bucharest) was the final destination in the Destination of the Year 2022 competition in the City Break category and has lost none of its charm, fascination and diversity.

In 1659, Bucharest permanently replaced* Targoviste as the provincial capital of the Principality of Wallachia and became the political, economic and cultural center of Wallachia and later of Romania.

* From 1859 to 1862, Iasi was the capital of the Principality of Romania.

Find out more about the city:
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-bucharest/

Image source: Destinatia Anului

The Basilica of the Assumption in Cacica, Suceava County, is a Roman-Catholic church built in 1904 by the Polish community of the locality.

It was built in neo-Gothic style and is 40 meters long, 23 meters wide and the tower is 50 meters high.

Thanks to the photographer Corina E. Mateescu for these images and text.

A photo taken in late August 2022 from the beach in Sulina, Danube Delta, Black Sea.

https://discover-sulina.com

The town of Sulina in the Danube Delta is not connected to the road network in Romania and can only be reached by water, by private boats and passenger ships. It is located in the easternmost point of Romania, in Tulcea county, directly on the Black Sea.

Thanks to Florian van der Bell for sending us this photo.

Transfăgărășanul, Făgăraș Mountains and Balea Lake at sunset.

Please note: photo is from an earlier date. Today there is already snow on the Transfăgărășan and you should check the weather/road conditions accordingly before driving.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use this image.

The Cantacuzino Castle was not only the filming location for “Nevermore Academy” in the TV show “Wednesday”, but it is also one of the most beautiful and important historical buildings/castles in Romania.

The 60,000 square meter castle park, framed by its own 1,000 hectare private estate, invites you to linger and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions both in the resort of Busteni and in the Prahova Valley.

The 5* Hotel “Das Fort Boutique” is a wonderful ensemble of renovated houses, which have been transformed into guest houses with skill, knowledge and elegance, with a fine gourmet restaurant and quiet, secluded areas.

About the hotel: https://dasfortboutique.ro/
About Brasov / Râșnov: https://kronstadt-erleben.de

Old meets new, here you feel neither transported into the past nor thrown into the future, but rather into the beautiful, carefully designed present.

The hotel is located at the foot of the Rosenau (Rasnov) fortress/fortress and is a center for many eventful excursions in the surrounding area.

A film (in German, 43 min.) about Transylvania (Siebenbürgen) made by NDR in the ARD Media Library.

https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/Y3Jp…

Experience pure nature! Guided tours, sightseeing, hiking or horseback riding vacations, hiking and much more are offered by the German-speaking provider Carpathian Offroad Tours.

More information and all travel dates:
https://www.karpaten-offroad.de

Vizitați expoziția Tezaur, cu peste 1.100 de exponate realizate de fabrica de sticlă din Avrig.

https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/en/home/

The Brukenthal Palace (Palace) is located in Avrig (Freck in German), just a few kilometers east of Sibiu.

In south-eastern Romania it’s very hot in summer and the skies are cloudless almost every day.

Ideal for a visit to the Black Sea … Mamaia, Constanța, Eforie, Costinești, Mangalia, Vama Veche and much more….

Lake Tarnița is a reservoir located between the communes of Râșca, Mărișel and Gilău, west of Cluj-Napoca.

It has a surface area of about 215 ha, a length of almost 9 km and a depth of up to 70 meters.

Thanks to Vlad the Impaler – Dracula for permission to use this image.

If you are in the region or want to come in the coming days, pictures from yesterday (Friday 01.09) from the Oktoberfest in Brasov.

Maß (1 liter) of beer costs 23 lei and will continue for another week.
https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/en/uir/oktoberfest-brasov-romania-en/

The town of Sighișoara (German: Schäßburg) is located in Mureș County, in the heart of Transylvania, and is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Eastern Europe.

Brasov is always worth a visit. The old town is charming in many ways, and although it’s in the middle of the city, in a few minutes you’re immediately in the middle of nature on both sides.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

We thank Mr. Cristian Macedonschi (President As. Smart City Brasov, DEKRA Trusted Facility Romania Ambassador, Operator of Hotel Casa Chitic and Restaurant Cucinino Pasta Bar in the heart of Brasov) for the impressive guided tour, the varied information this afternoon and the cappuccino made especially for us (photo).

We saw and experienced wonderful places and gathered many, many impressions, which we will present here in the near future.

Brezoi is a small town in the Muntenia region / Valcea county of Romania.

The town is located in the middle of the Southern Carpathians, in the Lauterbach Valley (in Romanian Valea Lotrului), a right lateral valley of the Olt River. The county capital Râmnicu Vâlcea lies about 30 km to the southeast.

Photo source: Destinația Anului

The restaurant / café / bar “La Aeroport Buziaș” welcomes its guests with an indescribable ambiance … with airplanes incl. tower

Buziaș is a small town in the county of Timiș, in the historical region Banat.

Find out more about La Aeroport-Buzias.

Thanks to Mr. Eric Manger for sending us the photos (mid-August 2022).

Moskovits Palace in Oradea was designed by architect Rimanoczy Kalman in 1905.

It is a two-storey building with many ornate plant motifs and one of the most beautiful examples of the Secession style (a variant of Art Nouveau, which developed mainly in Austria) of the period.

The palace is located on Bulevardul Republicii in the city of Oradea, Bihor County, in north-western Romania.

This church / fortified church is located in the commune of Biertan (in German Birthälm, in Hungarian Berethalom) in the county of Sibiu, Transylvania.

Biertan belongs to the first German-Saxon settlements and was mentioned in documents as early as 1398 (other sources: 1402).

Like any Saxon settlement, it is characterized by the cluster of houses around a central square surmounted by the imposing church-church.

Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon bishopric (episcopal see of the Protestant A.B. Church), which encouraged the building of one of the largest farming communities in Transylvania around this fortified church. It is a medieval and architectural treasure in Romania, definitely worth a visit.

Thanks Your Guide in Transylvania for permission to use this image.

A wonderful view of Peles Castle, which is located about 1.5 kilometers northwest of the town of Sinaia, in Prahova County.

The castle was built between 1873 and 1883 by order of King Carol I of Romania.

The Hunedoara Castle (also known as Hunedoara Castle, in German as Eisenmarkt Castle, in Romanian as Corvin’s Castle or Huniazilor Castle, in Hungarian as Vajdahunyadi vár) is one of the most important non-clerical buildings in Transylvania. The rock castle was built on the remains of a 14th-century fortification and is located in the south-western part of Hunedoara (German: Eisenmarkt) in western Romania.

The listed castle bears many other names (Castelul Corvinilor, Castelul Corvinilor, Castelul Corvinilor, Castelul Corvinilor, Castelul Corvineștilor, Castelul Corvinilor, Castelul din Piața de Fier, Castelul Negru, Castelul Vajdahunyad, Castelul Hunyadi), which can be attributed to its location or its owners.

After 1440, the Hungarian statesman and army commander Johann Hunyadi had an existing fortification rebuilt and turned it into the ancestral castle of the Hunyadi family. In the second construction phase, the castle was extended from 1458 under King Matthias Corvinus. At the beginning of the 17th century, further major changes were made to the building under Prince Gábor Bethlen, so today’s castle is a mixture of different architectural styles.

The castle has been in Austrian hands since 1724 and has been Romanian state property since 1918. Apart from being a tourist attraction, the castle is (and has been) used as a backdrop for a number of Romanian and international film productions. The castle now houses a museum.

Thanks to Go Hunedoara for permission to use these wonderful images.

Lacul Roșu (Red Lake) is a natural dam in Harghita county, northeastern Romania.

It is located in the Hășmașului Mountains, at the headwaters of the Bicaz River and at the foot of the Hasmașul Mare peak, near the Bicaz gorge, about 25 kilometers from Gheorgheni and about 30 kilometers from Bicaz (Neamț county).

Images (AP), mid-July 2022.

At Geoagiu-Băi, about 45 km northeast of Deva, in Hunedora county, are the excavation sites of Băile Romane (a former Roman thermal bath) and Băile Daco-Romane (a new thermal bath now used for treatments).

Geoagiu-Băi is a balneothermal (balneotherapy) resort first documented in 1805. The ozonized air, constantly freshened by the mountain breeze, is recommended for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, fatigue, overwork, anemia and neuroses, among others.

Thanks to traveler.s_bucket_list ( https://www.instagram.com/traveler.s_bucket_list/ ) for permission to use these images (Romanian Baths).

The construction of the Nicolae Romanescu Park in Craiova (Dolj County) was designed and started in 1898, after Nicolae Romanescu was elected mayor.

The French architect in charge of the project was Édouard Redont, who designed the park, which was built between 1898 and 1903.

The park is considered the largest nature park in Eastern Europe. It was laid out in a romantic style, a synthesis of landscape architecture and painting.

Thanks to the photographer Corina E. Mateescu for permission to use these images.

Wonderful impressions from the beginning of May 2022 from the southeastern Romanian city on the Black Sea.

Thanks to Marius Nistor ( https://mariusnistor.ro ) for permission to use these images.