The fortress of Brasov (in German Kronstadt) is a fortification built in the 15th century on Straja Hill (Castle Hill) to repel enemy attacks.

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

Throughout its history, it has been attacked and rebuilt time and again, and was even an important point of defense during the First World War. Originally, there was only the fortress tower. From 1630-1631 the outer fortress was built. The horseshoe-shaped central tower has three floors and served several purposes over the centuries: it was used as a storehouse, was a prison for Turkish prisoners in the 18th century, and was also used as a fortress.

In the 18th century it was a prison for Turkish prisoners and later, during the plague, a special ward was set up for the sick.

Photos from the end of September 2023 (CR)

Peles Castle is located about 1.5 kilometers northwest 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 of 1989, Peles was transferred to the Swiss exile, the former King Michael.

The golf windows and the half-wood walls are reminiscent of Hohenzollern Castle, the king’s house. Some of the 160 rooms are now open to the public, and the castle museum contains weapons, sculptures, furniture and decorative objects from the 15th century. – nineteenth century, as well as an orchestra. The castle impresses with its magnificent wooden crafts.

Learn more about Peles Castle:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/en/uir/peles-castle/

Text and pictures: Georg Schenk … Many, many THANKS

Pictures from a trip on (National Road 7C, turnoff after Sibiu towards Brașov) and over the Transfăgărășan, Bâlea Lake, Vidraru Dam, and the Olt River.

Here: Ascent and descent on the Transfăgărășan

We thank Mr. Roland Schmid for sending us the pictures from his trip, which he took in August 2023. Thank you, Roland

Pictures from a trip on (National Road 7C, turnoff after Sibiu towards Brașov) and over the Transfăgărășan, Bâlea Lake, Vidraru Dam, and the Olt River.

Here: Ascent and descent on the Transfăgărășan

We thank Mr. Roland Schmid for sending us the pictures from his trip, which he took in August 2023. Thank you, Roland

Pictures from a trip on (National Road 7C, turnoff after Sibiu towards Brașov) and over the Transfăgărășan, Bâlea Lake, Vidraru Dam, and the Olt River.

Here: Ascent and descent on the Transfăgărășan

We thank Mr. Roland Schmid for sending us the pictures from his trip, which he took in August 2023. Thank you, Roland

Surrounded by meadows and hills, Gästehaus Simon enjoys an excellent location. On request, excursions to the surrounding mountains and cheese and wine tastings can be organized.

About the pension: Hanul Simon
About Brașov / Bran: Kronstadt – Brasov

Also in the municipality of Bran is the castle Bran ( in German Törzburg ), which is also known as Dracula’s Castle.

Tradition and customs in the Banat—those who see the pictures without knowing the history of the Danube Swabians might believe they are somewhere in Germany, in the Swabian region. But no, these photos are from Romania.

Images from the Kirchweih festival in the community of Liebling, located in Timiș County in the historic Banat region. In the German communities of Banat, Kirchweih festivals are traditionally celebrated. On this occasion, the beautiful Swabian folk costumes are worn. If you travel through Banat from summer to autumn, visiting a Kirchweih festival is well worth it.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for providing these wonderful images and the accompanying text/explanation.

The lake is named after the commune of Văliug (German: Franzdorf) in Caraș-Severin County, Banat region, Romania.

The commune is located in the valley of the Bârzava River at an altitude of 550 meters, at the foot of the Semenic Mountains.

We thank Banatul Montan (photos: Flavius Sfv) for the permission to use these pictures.