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

We thank Castelul Bran for the permission to use this picture.

Food is, above all… hearty . Romanian dishes are meat-heavy, fatty, usually prepared with plenty of oil and spices, and often accompanied by many sour and pickled vegetables.

To finish, for dessert, there are sweets. Papanasi, clatite cu inghetata (pancakes with ice cream), prajitura (cakes / all kinds of slices), and much more… Romania is also famous for these.

Pictures of offerings from last year’s events, which will surely make many people hungry

If you want to drink your coffee in style today, here’s the perfect serving suggestion, because today is Halloween

The name Halloween comes from the English name for the evening before All Saints’ Day (All Hallows Evening) on November 1, which over the years was simplified and shortened. Irish immigrants probably brought the tradition to the USA a few hundred years ago, and from there, about 30 to 35 years ago, it returned to Europe and then also to Romania.

Halloween parties and events can be found in all major cities in Romania from west to east, and of course around Bran Castle, the home of Count Dracula.

Sighisoara (in German Schäßburg, in Hungarian Segesvár) is one of the most important cities in Mures County, in the Transylvania region of Romania.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

The city is located on the Târnava Mare River.

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks!

The Bear’s Cave (in German Bärenhöhle) is one of the most famous caves in Romania. It is located in the northwest of Transylvania / Romania, approximately 75 kilometers southeast of the county town of Oradea in Bihor County.

The Bear’s Cave (municipality of Pietroasa, village of Chiscau) was discovered by chance in 1975 and showcases an impressive world of stalactites in its beauty and variety of forms. The highlight of each tour is the 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.

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures of their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Thank you very much

https://discover-timisoara.com | https://welcome-to-romania.com

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks!

The “Palace of the Parliament” (The Parliament Building) in Bucharest covers about 360,000 sqm and is not only the second largest building in the world (after the Pentagon in Washington), but it also ranks first in the Guinness Book of World Records for its total weight.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de | https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de

Let yourself be seduced and enchanted. Romania looks forward to your visit.

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures of their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Thank you very much.

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 throughout the year, visitors will find a large number of artistic and historical monuments, as well as buildings in Baroque, Renaissance, Eclectic, Classical, Neo-Gothic or Secession styles in and around Arad.

We thank the city of Arad for the permission to use these pictures (also from the county of Arad):

Pictures from the Danube Delta in southeastern Romania. Starting in Braila, over the bridge (located between the cities of Braila and Galati) over the Danube and then into the Danube Delta. Simply beautiful!

https://urlaub-im-donaudelta.de | https://welcome-to-romania.com

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures of their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Thank you very much

Pictures from the Danube Delta in southeastern Romania. Starting in Braila, over the bridge (located between the cities of Braila and Galati) over the Danube and then into the Danube Delta. Simply beautiful!

https://urlaub-im-donaudelta.de | https://welcome-to-romania.com

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures of their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Thank you very much

A holiday, a round trip through Transylvania and neighbouring regions in Romania.

We would like to thank Mr Daniel Sippel for sending us these wonderful impressions of his trip.

A small selection of destinations in Romania: Brasov / Kronstadt, Transylvania, Bran Castle / Törzburg, the “Merry Cemetery” of Sapanta, the Old Town of Bucharest, the Bigar Waterfall, and much, much more…

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de | https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de

Discover more destinations in Romania and create your own travel plan > https://rotravel24.com

The wooden church in the commune of Goiesti was built in 1712. The paintings of the church were created in 1791 by Simion Silaghi-Salageanu from Abrud.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks!

A lot has happened since our last visit, and Corvin, in addition to the magnificent castle, has also developed into a history museum with many galleries. Pictures from last week (October 24, 2024)

https://xn--willkommen-in-rumnien-m2b.de/ | https://welcome-to-romania.com

Pictures from the end of October 2024

The city of Targoviste (in German Tergowiste or Tergowisch) is the county seat of Dambovita County and the former capital of the historical region of Wallachia.

The first known mention of the city was in 1396 by the Bavarian crusader Johannes Schiltberger.

In Targoviste, Vlad III Draculea was enthroned in 1456*. In 1499, the Wallachian ruler Radu cel Mare (Radu the Great) rebuilt the hill church of Saint Nicolae, but it was only in 1514, under the rule of Neagoe Basarab, that the church was consecrated. Today it is known as Dealu Monastery.

Prince Matei Basarab (1632–1654) restored the city wall, renovated the old churches, and built several new places of worship. Until 1659, Targoviste was the capital of Wallachia and remained a princely residence until 1714.

*Enthronement: a ceremony in which a new monarch is invested in office.

Timisoara (German: Temeswar, also Temeschwar or Temeschburg) is located in the west of Romania in the historical region of Banat and is the capital of Timis County.

https://discover-timisoara.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2023. Pictures from spring / summer 2024.

Romania is rich in nature, flora and fauna, and the corresponding nature parks.

Here is a small selection of pictures from the following parks:
Cozia National Park, Buila-Vanturarita National Park, Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, Retezat National Park, Rodnei Mountains National Park, Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park, Bucegi Nature Park

We thank the photographer Corina E. Mateescu for granting permission to use these beautiful pictures. Thank you!

Anyone visiting Bucharest should definitely see it! Caru’ cu Bere is the most famous beer hall in the heart of Bucharest, which first opened in 1879.

The beer hall is located in the western part of the Old Town (Lipscani) of Bucharest, on Strada Stavropoleos 5.
The ground-floor dining hall is seven (7) meters high, decorated in Gothic style, adorned with columns, stucco ceilings, carved wood paneling, and paintings. Access to the upper floors is via a carved oak staircase.

We thank Tom & Helga for these wonderful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many heartfelt thanks

The Stavropoleos Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in the centre of Bucharest (Old Town, Lipscani district, Strada Stavropoleos), the capital of Romania.

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

Pictures: End of September 2024

A little earlier than usual, but just in time for 2026 holiday planning. Our brochure “Holiday in Romania 2026” with 64 pages in German and lots of information is currently being printed and will be shipped soon.

If you would like to have the brochure in printed form at home, you can order it online from Germany and neighboring countries for a small fee / postage costs > https://romania-euro24.de/de/

Or read it directly online:
https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de

The other language versions will be published step by step in the coming days. We will of course keep you informed. For larger quantities for events, occasions, or collaborations, please inquire by email at: office@red-frog-galati.com

The historic gate is shaped like a triumphal arch and is part of the medieval city wall / fortress surrounding the old town of Brasov.

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

It was built between 1827 and 1828 and, together with the Catherine Gate, is the only remaining gate of the old fortress. In 1955 it was declared a historical monument.

A little earlier than usual, but just in time for 2026 holiday planning. Our brochure “Holiday in Romania 2026” with 64 pages in German and lots of information is currently being printed and will be shipped soon.

If you would like to have the brochure in printed form at home, you can order it online from Germany and neighboring countries for a small fee / postage costs > https://romania-euro24.de/de/

Or read it directly online:
https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de

The other language versions will be published step by step in the coming days. We will of course keep you informed. For larger quantities for events, occasions, or collaborations, please inquire by email at: office@red-frog-galati.com

From above… Dumbraveni (German: Elisabethstadt; Saxon dialect: Eppeschdorf, Hungarian: Erzsébetváros) in autumn, a town in the north of Sibiu County.

For a good night’s stay and delicious regional specialties, you can find them here:
https://pensionkokel.ro | https://bistrotecabaum.ro

The town is located on the banks of the Tarnava Mare river, about 20 km east of Medias. It lies on the Transylvanian Plateau, on the border with Mures County, halfway between Medias and Sighisoara / Schäßburg.

Beautiful pictures from the city of Medias (Sibiu County) from September 2025 and our dear Roland on site

We are always happy to receive current pictures and travel reports from all over Romania. If you (and our readers/followers) would like to share, please just send them to us as a PM or via WhatsApp (+40 (0)773 947 438) with your name. Thank you

Pictures from Cluj-Napoca (German: Klausenburg, Hungarian: Kolozsvar) from June 29 and 30. The city is (probably*) the second largest city in Romania and the capital of Cluj County in Transylvania.

Cluj-Napoca, with about 400,000 inhabitants, is considered the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region. The city has universities, a vibrant nightlife, and many buildings from the times of Hungarian and Saxon rule. Around the main square, Piata Unirii, are the Gothic St. Michael’s Church and an equestrian statue of King Matthias Corvinus, who lived in the 15th century. The baroque Banffy Palace is now a museum displaying Romanian art.

Beautiful pictures from September 23, 2025, from Schässburg / Sighisoara in Mures County, from our dear Roland, who is currently busy exploring the region around the city of Medias.

Discover more travel destinations in Romania and create your own travel plan online > https://rotravel24.com

Beautiful pictures from Viscri (thanks, Roland) from September 23, 2025, a village (with fortified church) in Brașov County, Transylvania.

https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

Viscri is located northwest of Rupea and southeast of Sighisoara. Between the 18th and 20th centuries, the village had about 700 inhabitants, most of whom were Transylvanian Saxons.

Pictures by photographer Stefan Bode from the Transylvania region in Romania. We would like to thank him and Mrs. Göddert from Heide Reisen.

https://xn--willkommen-in-rumnien-m2b.de/ | https://heide-reisen.de

In exactly two months it will be Christmas, the evenings are getting darker and darker, and the first Christmas markets will open in less than four weeks.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

Pictures from the Christmas market in Targu Mures, Mures County. One of many markets that are definitely worth a visit

In a picturesque corner of the Apuseni Mountains, where nature and tradition blend in perfect harmony, lies Casa Glod.

Experience your holiday in the heart of the Western Carpathians, in authentic wooden houses with home-cooked food, hot tub, hikes in wonderful nature, and much more.

The host speaks German, English, Romanian, Italian, and French.
https://casaglod.ro | Tel.: +40 (0)746 350 969

In winter, snow and skiing; in spring, summer, and autumn, a wonderful region for beautiful hikes… the Bucegi Mountains in the counties of Prahova and Brasov.

The highest peak is Varful (Mount) Omu, with an elevation of 2,502 meters. The Bucegi Mountains are located south of the city of Brașov (Kronstadt), on the eastern edge of the Southern Carpathians in Romania.

A magical road in and through the Fagaras Mountains. The Transfagarasan road connects the two historical regions of Wallachia and Transylvania in a breathtaking mountain landscape.

https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de | https://rotravel24.com

A bit of city, a bit of countryside, a selection of gastronomic experiences such as restaurants, cafés, bars, and much more.

The (still) limited edition in German and Romanian can be found, among other places, at the following locations:
# Take Five Coffee (Str. Lucian Blaga 5)
# Eggsemplar Breakfast & Brunch (Str. Lucian Blaga 1)
# Timisoara City Information Center (Str. Alba Iulia)
# Cuina Bunicii (Str. Alba Iulia)
# Bookshop at the Cathedral (Piata Unirii 11)
# Restaurant Del Vecchio (Piata Alexandru Mocioni 8)

Discover the cultural and gastronomic diversity of Timisoara and Timis County.

The “Arcul de Triumf” (Triumphal Arch) in Bucharest was completed between 1935 and 1936 by Petre Antonescu, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in Paris, as a grand structure in classical Roman style, and was inaugurated on Romania’s National Day, December 1, 1936.

The Arcul de Triumf is adorned with numerous inscriptions and remarkable reliefs. The opening of the arch is 11 meters high and 9.50 meters wide, and, just like its French counterpart, this triumphal arch is also surrounded by cars.

Hunedoara Castle (also known as Hunedoara Fortress, in German Burg Eisenmarkt, in Romanian Castelul Corvinilor or Castelul Huniazilor, in Hungarian Vajdahunyadi vár) is one of the most important non‑ecclesiastical buildings in Transylvania.

The stone fortress was built on the remains of a 14th‑century fortification and is located in the southwestern part of the city of Hunedoara (German name: Eisenmarkt) in western Romania.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

The castle, a listed historic monument, is also known under many other names (Corvin Castle, Castle of the Corvins, Corvinus Castle, Corvinesti Castle, Corvin Castle, Eisenmarkt Castle, Black Castle, Vajdahunyad Castle, Hunyadi Castle), which trace back to its location or owners.

The Hungarian statesman and military leader John Hunyadi transformed an existing fortification after 1440 into the ancestral seat of the Hunyadi family. During the second construction phase, starting in 1458, the castle was expanded under King Matthias Corvinus. At the beginning of the 17th century, further significant modifications were made under Prince Gábor Bethlen. Today, the castle therefore displays a mix of architectural styles.

From 1724 the castle was in Austrian possession, and since 1918 it has belonged to the Romanian state. Aside from being a tourist attraction, the castle has been (and still is) used as a backdrop for numerous Romanian and international film productions. Today, it houses a museum.

A wonderfully illuminated play of colors at night. In the center of the city of Braila are these fountains, which in the evening invite you for a romantic walk or to linger.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de | https://rotravel24.com

Mud volcanoes (Roman: Muddy volcanoes) are located in the municipality of Berca in the district of Buzău. In 1924, the area of 30 km ² was declared a nature reserve.

The main attraction of the reservation are the small mud volcanoes that have a height of a few centimeters / meters, which is cold volcanism. Volcanoes are made of gases that rise from about 3,000 m deep through layers of clay and contain water. At the surface of the earth, the mud dries up and forms structures that resemble a volcano.

https://xn--urlaub-in-rumnien-2qb.de/ | https://xn--willkommen-in-rumnien-m2b.de/

The church is located in the commune of Biertan in Sibiu County, Transylvania. Biertan is part of the first German-Saxon settlements and was already mentioned in documents in 1398 (other sources: 1402).

Like every Saxon settlement, it stands out through a series of villages arranged around a central square, above which the imposing fortified church rises. Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon episcopate (bishopric of the Evangelical Church A.B.), which favored the development of one of the largest rural communities in Transylvania around this fortified church.

It is a medieval and architectural treasure of Romania, definitely worth a visit.

We thank Go_out_Romania for granting permission to use some of the pictures.

Károlyi Castle is a neo-Gothic-Neo-Baroque palace complex in the town of Carei (Gross Karol in German, Nagykároly in Hungarian) in Satu Mare County in northwestern Romania. It was once the ancestral seat of the Hungarian noble family Károlyi von Nagykároly.

The castle with its gardens and museums is open to visitors and hosts several exhibitions.

Short history:
The origins of the castle are in a stone house built in 1482 by Láncz László Károlyi with the permission of King Matthias. Due to its strategic position, the fortress was part of the system of fortifications used against the Turks in the seventeenth century, after the expansion of the fortifications in 1661 and 1666.

This fortress was demolished by József Károlyi in 1794 to build a baroque castle designed by Joseph Bitthauser in its place. There were also several towers of different shapes and sizes. The inner courtyard was covered with a solid wood ceiling and thus transformed into a reception hall. A ditch was also built around the castle.

Thanks to Andrea Vaclas for sending these pictures.

In just 25 days the first Christmas market in Romania will open. Hermannstadt / Sibiu and Craiova are always among the first markets (from November 14).

Anyone who wants to experience one (or several) of the beautiful Christmas markets in Romania should start planning now.

Always up-to-date information on all Christmas markets:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

This post: Pictures from previous Christmas markets. Thanks to the markets and the photographers for granting permission to use the pictures.

Pictures / impressions from October 20 from Bistrita, the county seat of Bistrita-Nasaud County.

Bistritz, Romanian: Bistrita, Hungarian: Beszterce, is located in Bistrita-Nasaud County, in the north of Transylvania.

The evangelical church has the tallest church tower in the city. You can take the lift to the top and enjoy a wonderful view over the city and the Nösnerland*.

* The Nösnerland (also Nösnergau; Romanian: Țara Năsăudului) is a historical region in northern Transylvania, adjacent to the Reener area. It is the northernmost outcrop of the “Königsboden”, between the Bistritz and Marosch rivers. The main town of the area was Bistritz. Until the 20th century, the Nösnerland was predominantly inhabited by Transylvanian Saxons.

Brateiu (also Bratei; German: Pretai, Transylvanian Saxon: Pretai or Pretua, Hungarian: Barathely) is a commune in Sibiu County.

The village was founded by German settlers and was first mentioned in 1283 as Mons Mariae (Marienberg). The village experienced its heyday towards the end of the 18th century. After complaints to Emperor Joseph II about the poor condition of the fortified church, which was in danger of collapsing — as it was built on marshy ground — were successful, the commune was expanded towards Schäßburg, the natural course of the Kokel river was diverted, and the surrounding marsh was drained.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de | https://rotravel24.com

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for granting permission to use these wonderful pictures.

The Administrative Palace (originally the Town Hall of the Free Royal City of Targu Mures, in Hungarian Közigazgatási Palota, originally Varoshaza) was built between 1905 and 1907 at the initiative of Mayor György Bernady as the seat of the city administration of Targu Mures.

It was the first building at the beginning of the 20th century to give the city center a new look and is distinguished by its Art Nouveau style.

The village of Posmus was founded by German settlers. Mihaly Teleki (1634–1690), Chancellor of Transylvania, acquired a significant estate in this area around 1680. In the mid-18th century, several dilapidated wooden buildings stood on the site of today’s manor house.

Pal Teleki and Borbala Haller had the building rebuilt in the Baroque style. They commissioned the rectangular shape of the castle: on the sides were the warehouses, the stable, and the prison; at the back, the main building, rebuilt between 1750 and 1752; and at the front, the gate bastion, built around 1760. The gate bastion, which also housed a chapel, was later used as a guest house.

A walk through Timisoara… “The Little Vienna”… at the end of April 2025.

The city on the Bega River is a cultural center in western Romania. As one of the few cities, it has three different theaters: a German, a Hungarian, and a Romanian one.

https://discover-timisoara.com | https://welcome-to-romania.com

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (April 24, 2025).

Pictures from the Pumpkin Festival near the village of Tonciu (about 20 km south of Bistrita) in Bistrita-Nasaud County.

We were surprised to see hundreds of cars in the parking lot and thousands of people and pumpkins . In addition to pumpkin oil and pumpkin seeds, there was of course fresh pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, and many other pumpkin-based dishes. Children could play with hay bales and pumpkins, the sun was shining, and it was an all-around beautiful afternoon.

The Pumpkin Festival in Tonciu takes place every autumn for three days (Fri., Sat., Sun.). Pictures from 19.10.2025

Timisoara (also known as Timisoara or Timisoara in German), the European Capital of Culture 2023, is located in western Romania in the historic Banat region and is the capital of Timis County.

https://xn--willkommen-in-rumnien-m2b.de/ | https://welcome-to-romania.com

Find out more about Timisoara:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-timisoara/

The Danube is the border river between Romania and Serbia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.

Near the towns of Socol and Bazias, the Romanian section of the Danube begins, stretching all the way to Mila 0, the so-called Mile Zero, at the Danube’s mouth in the city of Sulina. There are many sights to see along the river’s course, until, after a long journey, it fans out into the Danube Delta behind the cities of Braila and Galati in southeastern Romania, and about 60 kilometers further, it flows into the Black Sea.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://urlaub-im-donaudelta.de | https://discover-sulina.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

Between Schäßburg (Sighisoara) and Medias lies the town of Dumbrăveni, the ideal starting point to discover the “treasures of Transylvania.” Fortified churches, medieval castles, picturesque hiking trails and unforgettable cultural events.

https://pensionkokel.ro | https://bistrotecabaum.ro

At Pension Kokel you will find a true oasis of Transylvanian calm and the warmth of a family atmosphere, where traditional charm harmoniously blends with modern comfort. The guesthouse offers 12 luxurious rooms, lovingly furnished for comfort and relaxation — perfect for guests seeking peace and privacy in an elegant setting.

The house also features a breakfast room, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a SPA area, a fitness room, a children’s Playground and private parking.

And if you want a tasty meal, be sure to visit the Bistroteca / Restaurant Baum.

Autumn impressions from Dumbraveni (German: Elisabethstadt; Saxon dialect: Eppeschdorf, Hungarian: Erzsébetváros), a town in the north of Sibiu County.

For a good night’s stay and delicious regional specialties, you can find them here:
https://pensionkokel.ro | https://bistrotecabaum.ro

The town is located on the banks of the Tarnava Mare river, about 20 km east of the town of Medias. It lies on the Transylvanian Plateau, on the border with Mures County, halfway between Medias and Sighisoara / Schäßburg.

Medias (German: Mediasch, Hungarian: Medgyes, and in Saxon: Medwesch, Medves or Meddesch) is a town / commune in Sibiu County in Transylvania. It consists of the town of Medias and the village of Ighisu Nou (German: Sächsisch-Eibesdorf) and has about 55,000 inhabitants. After Sibiu, Medias is the second largest and most populous city in Sibiu County.

Pictures / impressions from autumn, October 17, 2025

In Roman times, there was a Roman fortress called “Media” on the territory of today’s city. Later, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Hungarian kings settled Germans and Western European colonists, known as the Transylvanian Saxons, in this area of Medias.

Medias (German: Mediasch, Hungarian: Medgyes, and in Saxon: Medwesch, Medves or Meddesch) is a town / commune in Sibiu County in Transylvania. It consists of the town of Medias and the village of Ighisu Nou (German: Sächsisch-Eibesdorf) and has about 55,000 inhabitants. After Sibiu, Medias is the second largest and most populous city in Sibiu County.

Pictures / impressions from autumn, October 17, 2025

In Roman times, there was a Roman fortress called “Media” on the territory of today’s city. Later, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Hungarian kings settled Germans and Western European colonists, known as the Transylvanian Saxons, in this area of Medias.

The old town / city center of Sibiu in recent pictures from April 12 and 13, 2025. Hermannstadt (Romanian: Sibiu, Hungarian: Nagyszeben, and Transylvanian Saxon: Hermestatt) is the county seat of the county of the same name in the historical region of Transylvania.

It is believed that the first German settlers arrived in the area in 1147. The first documentary mention of the city dates from 1191. From 1223 the Latin name “Villa Hermanni” is attested, and from 1241 the German equivalent Hermannstorf.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending the pictures and for granting permission to use them.

Pictures from these days from Galt (Romanian: Ungra) in Brașov County. On the route from Kronstadt to Schäßburg, a few kilometers before Rupea, you turn about 4 km into a small side valley to Galt. On a hilltop lies the evangelical fortified church. In the former castle guard’s house, a small homeland museum of the Transylvanian Saxons has been set up. In this typical Saxon village, about 30 Germans still live.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending the pictures (mid-October 2025) and the accompanying text / explanations.

The old town / city center of Sibiu in recent pictures from April 12 and 13, 2025. Hermannstadt (Romanian: Sibiu, Hungarian: Nagyszeben, and Transylvanian Saxon: Hermestatt) is the county seat of the county of the same name in the historical region of Transylvania.

It is believed that the first German settlers arrived in the area in 1147. The first documentary mention of the city dates from 1191. From 1223 the Latin name “Villa Hermanni” is attested, and from 1241 the German equivalent Hermannstorf.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending the pictures and for granting permission to use them.

Bucharest at night … Pictures from the Old Town (Lipscani) from January 18, 2024.

https://xn--willkommen-in-rumnien-m2b.de | https://welcome-to-romania.com

Pictures / impressions from Kronstadt / Brasov from early October 2025.

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

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (photos from October 2025) and for granting permission to use them.

Those who follow us know that we also report on parking in the cities of Romania. We find parking in Miercurea Ciuc, the county seat of Harghita in Transylvania, particularly interesting.

In the city center, you can choose between 30 minutes, one hour (1 ora), or even 1 year (1 an) . The latter is definitely recommended for long-term parkers, but also for repeat parkers it’s a very good deal . If you have to pay 5 Lei (1 Euro) for an hour, you get the whole year for a “mere” 500 Lei (100 Euro), which would mean only 27 cents per day.

How did we solve our parking problem? About 500 meters away begins zone 1, where you also have the option for 1 day, 1 week, 1 / 3 / 6 months. A day here costs 15 Lei (3 Euro) and again we see… the annual flat rate in the center is really a “bargain” .

Note & info: The SMS can only be sent from a ROMANIAN phone number. So, if necessary, ask a passerby and hand them the fee in cash

Conclusion about the city: A beautiful small town, apparently very cold in winter (temperatures as low as -38 degrees have been recorded), surrounded by mountains, very clean and well-kept, and if you speak Hungarian or English, you’ll get by much easier than with Romanian. It is also said that many people here speak German, but we didn’t have much time to find out or test it ourselves. But, for the next visit, it’s definitely on the list.

Lots of information about parking in Romanian cities, and much more, can be found here > https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/informationen-tipps-reise-rumaenien/

Pictures from yesterday (16.10.2025) from Bazna (German: Baaßen or Baassen, Transylvanian Saxon: Baußen or Boassen, Hungarian: Bazna or Felsőbajom), located in the historical region of Siebenbürgen / Transylvania.

The commune is situated in the Kokel valley in the north of Sibiu County, about 15 kilometers northwest of the town of Medias and about 70 kilometers north of the county capital Sibiu / Hermannstadt.

King Stephen V (King of Hungary from 1270 to 1272) gave the place to the son of Count Bozouch. In 1302, Baaßen was mentioned for the first time in a document. In 1359 it was referred to as a free commune of the “Königsboden”, belonging to the Medias seat. The German colonists first settled on the hill at the back, and later the village developed in the front valley.

Thanks to dear Roland for the wonderful pictures from 16.10.2025

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 wide range of cultural events throughout the year, visitors will find a large number of art and historical monuments, as well as buildings in Baroque, Renaissance, eclectic, Classical, Neo-Gothic, or Secession styles in and around Arad.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (photos from October 2024) and for granting permission to use them.

Miercurea Ciuc (in Hungarian: Csíkszereda, in German: Szeklerburg) is the county seat of Harghita County. It is located in the Szeklerland, a predominantly Hungarian-speaking ethnocultural region in eastern Transylvania, in the valley of the Olt River.

In the Jigodin district of Miercurea Ciuc, the remains of three Dacian fortifications were found, belonging to the Dacian culture of the 1st century. Between 1876 and 1918, Csíkszereda was the seat of Csík County in the historical Szeklerland in the Kingdom of Hungary. After the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, it became part of the Kingdom of Romania.

Miercurea Ciuc became part of Hungary again between 1940 and 1944 as a result of the Second Vienna Award. In March 1945, it was returned to Romania, which was confirmed by the Paris Peace Treaties of 1947. Between 1952 and 1960, the city belonged to the Magyar Autonomous Region, which was later renamed the Mureș-Magyar Autonomous Region between 1960 and 1968. Since 1968, Miercurea Ciuc has been the county seat of Harghita County.

Cantacuzino Castle is one of the most beautiful and important historical buildings in Romania. The castle park, covering 60,000 sqm and surrounded by its own 1,000 ha of private land, invites visitors to relax and is now one of the most visited attractions, both in the resort of Bușteni and throughout the Prahova Valley.

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures of their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Thank you very much

If you are nearby next Friday or over the weekend… in the city of Deva, from 17 to 19 October 2025, the gastronomic and cultural-artistic event “Autumn and Harvest (Thanksgiving) Festival” will take place daily from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Piata Cetatii (Fortress Square).

The village of Viscri (in German: Deutsch-Weisskirch, in Hungarian: Szaszfeheregyhaza) is located in Brașov County in Transylvania.

It lies northwest of the town/citadel of Rupea and southeast of the city of Sighișoara. Between the 18th and 20th centuries, the village had about 700 inhabitants, mainly Transylvanian Saxons and a Romanian village section. Viscri is notable for its fortified church and the typical Saxon village layout.

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

In the 12th century, before the German settlers arrived, the Székelys (a Hungarian-speaking ethnic group in eastern Transylvania) built a small Romanesque hall church here. In the 13th century, it was expanded. After the first Turkish incursions, the church was fortified in the 14th century, and a defensive wall with towers was built.

We thank photographer Brian Randall for the permission to use these pictures (early September 2021).

Pictures from Maramureș County / region in the northwest of Romania.

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for granting permission to use these wonderful pictures.

Pictures from Maramureș County in the northwest of Romania. Colorful, full of customs, traditions, history, and stories.

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for granting permission to use these wonderful pictures.

The carpenter’s storm in Sibiu / Sibiu ( in Romanian: The carpenters’ Tower ) was in the 14th century. 17th century built by the Saxon carpenter’s guild in Hermannstadt.

The tower was part of the city’s third fortified belt and is today the left tower, the defensive wall and the fortress still preserved. It is located on Zitadellenstraße ( Harteneckgasse, named after Mayor Johann Sachs von Harteneck ).

Pottery Tower ( in Romanian Potters’ Tower ) was built in the 15th century by the Saxon guild. It was also part of the city’s third fortified belt and is located to the right of the defensive wall and a preserved fortress.

An excursion boat on the Bega, the river (canalized in the city) that flows through Timisoara.

https://discover-timisoara.com | https://rotravel24.com

Museum of Traditional Popular Culture in Sibiu (Hermannstadt in German) is one of the largest open-air museums in Romania.

Located just south of Sibiu (German: Hermannstadt), the museum is located in the “Dumbrava Sibiului” forest, on the connecting road between Sibiu and Rășinari, about three kilometers (3) from the city.

Contains installations of traditional pre-industrial Romanian popular civilization. Houses, workshops and construction complexes are scattered around a lake, among the trees of the Sibiu Drumbrates.

We thank Mrs Farkas Ildiko ( facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75 ) for the permission to use these pictures.

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

It served the Habsburgs as a strategic defense point along the military border with the Ottoman Empire. Alba Iulia is located near the highway on the route to or from Sibiu (Hermannstadt). A visit is definitely worthwhile.

We thank photographer Rene Benner ( facebook.com/rene.benner.1 ) for sending these beautiful images. Thank you!

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

Cluj-Napoca, with about 400,000* inhabitants, is considered the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region. The city has universities, a vibrant nightlife, and many buildings from the times of Hungarian and Saxon rule. Around the main square, Piata Unirii, are the Gothic St. Michael’s Church and an equestrian statue of King Matthias Corvinus, who lived in the 15th century. The baroque Banffy Palace is now a museum displaying Romanian art.

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

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (photos from summer 2023) and for granting permission to use them.

* It could also be Iasi, Timisoara or Constanta. Unfortunately, there are no exact figures.

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

Cluj-Napoca, with about 400,000* inhabitants, is considered the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region. The city has universities, a vibrant nightlife, and many buildings from the times of Hungarian and Saxon rule. Around the main square, Piata Unirii, are the Gothic St. Michael’s Church and an equestrian statue of King Matthias Corvinus, who lived in the 15th century. The baroque Banffy Palace is now a museum displaying Romanian art.

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

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (photos from summer 2023) and for granting permission to use them.

* It could also be Iasi, Timisoara or Constanta. Unfortunately, there are no exact figures.

A beautiful shot of the fortified church / peasant fortress of Tartlau in Prejmer (Tartlau), Brasov County, in the Transylvania region.

The construction of the church in the center of the complex was probably started in 1218 by the Teutonic Order, which, however, was expelled from the region in 1225. Under the Cistercian monastery of Cârța, the construction was then continued. A special feature of the inventory is the late Gothic winged altar from the mid-15th century.

We thank Mrs. Daniela and Mr. Gerhard Zitzmann for the permission to use this picture.

“Bunicii” for grandparents, and “bunica” for grandmother (Oma). In Romania, family has a much higher importance than in Germany, and grandmothers, who continue working alongside their families even into old age, have been and still are the backbone of many families.

A hard life, yet always there for everyone – this defines the daily reality of these women. And… they are and will remain the best cooks in the whole country, and we can confirm this from our own experience.

We thank photographer Sorin Onișor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for the permission to use these wonderful images.

Another picture by photographer Sorin Onisor, which he “captured” a few days ago. In the countryside, especially older people still live with great hardships, especially in winter. But … despite everything, fly swatter held high , people here are in many ways much more content and happier than we are with all our “luxury”

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for granting permission to use these wonderful pictures.

Beautiful autumn pictures of Romania by photographer Sorin Onisor. Impressive, colorful, and simply … wonderful

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for granting permission to use these wonderful pictures.

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

In a picturesque corner of the Apuseni Mountains, where nature and tradition blend in perfect harmony, lies Casa Glod.

Experience your holiday in the heart of the Western Carpathians, in authentic wooden houses with home‑cooked food, a hot tub, hikes in wonderful nature and much more. The host speaks German, English, Romanian, Italian and French.

https://casaglod.ro | Tel.: +40 (0)746 350 969

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

Bistritz (Romanian: Bistrița, Hungarian: Beszterce) is located in Bistrița‑Năsăud County, in the north of Transylvania.

The evangelical church has the tallest church tower in the town. You can take the lift to the top and enjoy a wonderful view over the town and the Nösnerland*.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de | https://welcome-to-romania.com

*The Nösnerland (also Nösnergau; Romanian: Țara Năsăudului) is a historic region in northern Transylvania, adjacent to the Reener area. It is the northernmost outcrop of the “Königsboden”, lying between the Bistrița and Mureș (Marosch) rivers. The main town of the area was the city of Bistrița. Until the 20th century the Nösnerland was predominantly inhabited by Transylvanian Saxons.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (early October 2025).

Archita (German: Arkeden, Hungarian: Erked) is part of the commune Vânători in the historical region of Transylvania.

The commune was probably founded around the year 1200 by German settlers. From 1324 until 1876 Arkeden politically belonged to the Schäßburg seat. By the Andreanum, the “Golden Charter” of 1224, the territory of Arkeden was assigned to the province of Hermannstadt. The first documentary mention dates from 1341.

Until around 1700 Arkeden was an exclusively German community; later Roma and Romanians settled there.

Whether in autumn / winter, spring or summer. The tour operator DRS Reisen GmbH from Stuttgart offers an 8‑day Transylvania tour including accommodation / breakfast, a rental car, itinerary and a city tour in Sibiu / Hermannstadt from €489 per person (price depends on travel dates, based on double room, according to further information from the tour operator).

Provider: DRS Reisen GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
Travel dates: From September 2025 until the end of 2026

More information / booking at:
https://drs-reisen.de/…/auf-der-historischen-cafes…/

Sibiu / Hermannstadt | Brașov / Kronstadt | Sighisoara / Schäßburg | Count Dracula’s Bran Castle / Törzburg and much more …

About 20 km from Brașov (Kronstadt), on the way to the village / castle Bran, lies Râșnov (German: Rosenau).

https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de | https://discover-brasov.com

Rosenau (Râșnov) is a small town of about 15,000 inhabitants, with a fortress and a Dino Park. In the 14th century the fortress was built above the town on the limestone cliffs. The Râșnov Dino Park is only 200 metres from the back of the fortress (as shown in the picture). Nothing stands in the way of a wonderful family day.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://rotravel24.com

All of Transylvania / Siebenbürgen in one place awaits young and old / all visitors in Odorheiu Secuiesc. The town is about 25 km east of Sighisoara in Harghita County.

Learn more and find lots of information > https://parculminitransilvania.ro/minitransylvania-en

In many villages, especially in the foothills, there are usually no shoulders along the roads. Neither outside nor inside settlements. And… anyone who wants to park here has to be creative! And, by our (German) standards, a bit daring too

But it’s the perfect parking spot to check the undercarriage in time before winter!

In just 35 days the first Christmas market in Romania will open. Hermannstadt / Sibiu and Craiova are always among the first markets (from 14 Nov).

Anyone who wants to experience one (or several) of the beautiful Christmas markets in Romania should start planning now.

Always up‑to‑date information on all Christmas markets:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

Pictures from past Christmas markets. Thanks to the markets and the photographers for granting permission to use the pictures.

Near the town of Anina lies the Bigar Waterfall, which formed on a base of travertine (calcareous tuff) and topped the list of the world’s most impressive waterfalls on the World Geography website in 2013.

A large cantilevered travertine slab collapsed under its own weight on 7 June 2021. Since then the appearance of the waterfall has changed, but it remains well worth a visit

A truly interesting idea / accommodation option with a view of Corvin Castle / Hunedoara. Hotel & Spa Werk is located in the city of Hunedoara, directly opposite the castle.

https://hotelwerk.ro/

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks

A truly interesting idea / accommodation option with a view of Corvin Castle / Hunedoara. Hotel & Spa Werk is located in the city of Hunedoara, directly opposite the castle.

https://hotelwerk.ro/

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks

“The Home of Dracula”, even though he never lived there and his “flesh-and-blood” prototype, Vlad III Țepeș Drăculea, probably was never there.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025). In any case, the castle is definitely worth a visit

Pictures from the day before yesterday of the medieval hilltop fortress / Poenari Fortress. Today it is only partially preserved and is located in Arges County, in Greater Wallachia.

At the beginning of the 13th century, the rulers of Wallachia built the fortress. The legendary founder of Wallachia, Prince Rudolf Bessaraba the Black (Romanian: Radu Negru Vodă), is mentioned as the builder.

In the 15th century, Vlad III recognized the strategic importance of this hilltop fortress and ordered its repair and reinforcement using forced labor. He also made it one of his most important fortresses. In June 1462, Vlad III Drăculea fled from Tatars and Turks under Sultan Mehmed II to the fortress but managed to escape his enemies, who discovered his remote hideout and bombarded it from the neighboring mountain, through a war stratagem. Until 1529, the fortress remained a stronghold for Wallachian and Transylvanian princes.

We thank Mr. Iercosan Marian for sending these beautiful pictures from September 24, 2025.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending us these beautiful pictures (photos from October 2024) and for granting us permission to use them.

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

https://welcome-in-romania.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

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

The bay windows and half-timbered walls are reminiscent of Hohenzollern Castle, the king’s homeland. Seven terraces surround the castle. Part of the 160 rooms can now be visited. The castle museum houses weapons, sculptures, furniture, and decorative objects from the 15th–19th centuries, as well as an orchestrion. The castle is especially impressive for its magnificent woodwork.

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks!

The city of Sighisoara (German: Schäßburg / Schäßburg, Hungarian: Segesvár) is one of the most important and also most colorful towns in Mureș County.

Schäßburg is located in the historical region of Siebenbürgen (Transylvania) in the heart of Romania and is also named as a possible birthplace (around 1431 — the alternative would be Nuremberg) of Vlad III Drăculea / Țepeș.

Plan your trip / holiday to Romania now with https://rotravel24.com and create your own travel plan with destinations, experiences and more!

The village of Rimetea, in Hungarian Torockó, in German Eisenburg, is located in Alba County in Transylvania.

This village, predominantly inhabited by Hungarians, is also one of the most beautiful villages in Transylvania. Beautiful houses set in a magnificent landscape, and the Hungarian Unitarians* are worth a visit.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these wonderful pictures and the accompanying text/explanation.

*Unitarians > religious community of free faith

A picture from previous years — in the middle‑right you can see the Black Church / Black Church.

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

We followed the Zitzmann family through Romania, who not only allowed us to use the photos from the trip (end of September 2023) but also permitted us to share their experiences and impressions. Thank you

“Romania, Day 16 — we drive about 90 km over the Transfagarasan Pass; it is open only four months a year — for the rest of the year the high road is closed because of the long winter. Many media call and write about this road as the ‘most beautiful’ mountain pass road. It is certainly unique in that you can see free‑living bears there. The high road was built in just 4½ years and its highest point is 2,042 meters.

By order of the then head of state Nicolae Ceaușescu (dictator), the high road was intended, besides a military purpose — caused by the tense relations with the then Soviet Union after the events of the Prague Spring — also to serve a tourist purpose. Thus, the mountain road connection was meant to enable rapid troop movements. After four and a half years of construction, the road was opened on 20 September 1974. “

Beautiful pictures of the “Merry Cemetery” and the museum/workshop in Săpânța (Maramureș County), which we received, among others, from Mr. Alexander Laszlo. Many thanks for these.

The “Merry Cemetery” is located about 18 km west of Sighetu Marmației and is one of the most visited attractions in the Maramureș region.

The crosses, painted by local craftsmen, are rendered in vivid, predominantly blue colors.

The idea for this cemetery originated in 1935 and comes from the woodcarver Stan Ioan Pătraș. He wanted to establish a cemetery unique in Romania that would portray the life and personality of the deceased in a cheerful manner.

Each cross shows a carved picture in the upper part depicting a special moment in the deceased’s life. Below it, humorous short poems or rhymed texts describe the life of the person buried there.

The planning has begun and the first Christmas markets have already announced their opening hours. We’re staying on it (the snow globe ☺️) and will regularly and comprehensively inform about the most beautiful Christmas markets in Romania.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

Christmas Markets in Romania 2025/2026
Craiova | 14 Nov. 2025 to 04 Jan. 2026
Hermannstadt / Sibiu | 14 Nov. 2025 to 04 Jan. 2026
Bucharest | 29 Nov. 2025 to 28 Dec. 2025
Oradea | 29 Nov. 2025 to 26 Dec. 2025
Cluj‑Napoca | 21 Nov. 2025 to 01 Jan. 2026

Further dates for, among others, Timisoara, Kronstadt / Brasov, Piatra Neamț and more will follow shortly.

Pictures: Christmas markets in Hermannstadt / Sibiu, Bucharest and Timisoara from previous years.

Pictures from the summer of 2023 from Oradea, the capital of Bihor county in north-western Romania.

We would like to thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending us these beautiful pictures.

We followed the Zitzmann family through Romania, who not only allowed us to use the photos from the trip (end of September 2023) but also permitted us to share their experiences and impressions. Thank you

“Romania, Day 10 – Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. ❤️
Getting up early was worth it. The sunrise boat tour was WOW.
Today a lazy day at the campsite, doing a bit of laundry; tomorrow we move on. A few pictures of the enchanting Danube Delta — I have many more. Hard to believe that about 25 km away, drone attacks took place last week on a Ukrainian port. Still, we feel very safe here. “

Thanks to Mrs. Daniela and Mr. Gerhard Zitzmann for the pictures and text.

Pictures from August 2023 from Biertan. The commune and fortified church Biertan (German: Birthälm), first mentioned in a document in 1283, is located in Sibiu County in the region of Siebenbürgen (Transylvania).

Our thanks to Mr. Andreas Knüpfer, who sent us these pictures. Thank you, Andreas

Pictures from the fair on October 5, 2025 in Tartlau. Everything can be found here: from warm outdoor clothing, fruit, vegetables, cheese, pots, horse accessories, flying devices for Halloween (brooms ) to a Mici stand, so visitors don’t go hungry.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these pictures (early October 2025).

Pictures from 05 October 2025. The fortified church Hărman (German: Honigberg) is located in Transylvania, Brașov County, just a few kilometres from Kronstadt (Brașov).

An hour spent there flies by and there’s something for everyone: for the history- and story-lover, for the Transylvania enthusiast, for the adventurer, for families with children who can explore the defensive galleries and the way of life from long ago — and much more!

Our conclusion: The visit is worth it 100%

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (05 October 2025).

The city of Sfantu Gheorghe is the county seat of Covasna County, located north and northeast of Brasov.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (early October 2025).

Mocănița is the name for a narrow‑gauge railway on which steam locomotives still operate. The best‑known “Mocănița” runs through the Vaser Valley in Maramureș County, north of the Transylvania region in Romania.

Moldovița is located in Suceava County in the northeast of Romania.

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor) for granting permission to use these impressive pictures.

Horezu Monastery (also known as Hurezi Monastery) is a Romanian Orthodox nunnery located in the historical region of Valahia Mică in Vâlcea.

At the foot of the Căpățânii mountains, a massive mountain range of the Transylvanian Alps, on the territory of the Romani de Jos village, the monastery is located about three kilometers (airline) north of the small town of Horezu.

The cries of nocturnal birds of prey (Romanian huhurezi) that live in the surrounding forests of the monastery probably gave the name of the place. The monastery was founded in 1692 by the then prince of Wallachia Constantin Brâncoveanu (1654-1714) and was built in 1709 until 1862 it was a human monastery. After the monks were transferred to your Bistrita, the nuns came to the monastery. The monastery complex has been restored several times since 1827 and is under conservation.

On a hill the monastery complex is surrounded by two fortifications. The exterior of a smaller wall surrounded the entire estate of the monastery with its hermits. The second consists of three parts of different buildings and a wall to the east. The entrance to the monastery is in the south part of a bell tower, armored with a solid wooden steel gate. The church of the monastery of Saints Emperors Constantine and Helen, built in the middle of the complex in a cross shape, is 32 meters long and was built between 1693 and 1697. Brâncoveanu, however, did not fulfill its purpose and, therefore, was never used. The large iconostasis is carved in lime wood and wrapped in gold.

The square chapel with octagonal tower, whose windows are the light source of the chapel, is located on the west side opposite the entrance to the church and was erected in 1697. The frescoes of the formation were created between 1705 and 1706 and are still in good condition today.

We thank Relu Chiriac, Galati for the permission to use these images.

Historical documents confirm that the ancestors of today’s horse population in the Danube Delta arrived there 300 to 400 years ago, brought by the Tatars. They settled there, gradually adapting to the environment, and became increasingly feral.

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

In the northeastern Delta (Tulcea County), between the Chilia and Sulina branches, lies the village and forest of Letea (Romanian: Pădurea Letea), covering an area of over 5,000 hectares (50,000,000 m²). This is Europe’s northernmost subtropical forest, Romania’s oldest nature reserve, and home to these horses.

We thank photographer Sorin Onișor ( Sorin Onisor ) for granting permission to use these photos.

Humor Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox nunnery located about 5 km north of the town of Gura Humorului, Suceava County (historical region of Bukovina).

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

Pictures from July 2025 from the city of Deva (German: Diemrich).

Deva is the county seat of Hunedoara County, known for Deva Fortress which sits high on the summit of the town’s hill, and is only a few kilometres from Corvin Castle / Hunedoara.

We are here, completely underestimated the city, and just have to say: it is 100% worth a visit!!!

The historic center is full of life at night, the wonderful and very large city park invites you to stay, and many historic buildings can be explored and experienced. One day is not enough, and just one evening is definitely not either

The city of Targoviste (in German Tergowiste or Tergowisch) is the county seat of Dambovita County and the former capital of the historical region of Wallachia. The first known mention of the city was in 1396 by the Bavarian crusader Johannes Schiltberger.

In Targoviste, Vlad III Draculea was enthroned in 1456*. In 1499, the Wallachian prince Radu cel Mare (Radu the Great) rebuilt the hill church of Saint Nicolae, but it was only in 1514, under the rule of Prince Neagoe Basarab, that the church was consecrated. Today it is known as Dealu Monastery.

Prince Matei Basarab (1632–1654) restored the city wall, renovated the old churches, and built several new places of worship. Until 1659, Targoviste was the capital of Wallachia and remained a princely residence until 1714.

The monasteries of Bukovina (Bucovina) are located in Suceava County in the northeast of Romania.

They include the areas and monasteries of Putna, Sucevita, Vatra Moldoviței, Arbore, Monastirea Humorului, Cacica, Botoșana, Cajvana, Patrauți, Mitocul Dragomirnei, Scheia, Ilișesti, Udești, Baia, Rașca, Slatina, Vama, Sadova, Fundu Moldovei, Pojorata, Dorna Arini, Ciocanești, Panaci, the towns of Gura Humorului, Dolhasca, as well as the communities of Suceava, Siret, Campulung Moldovenesc, Falticeni, Vatra Dornei.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks!

The monasteries of Bukovina (Bucovina) are located in Suceava County in the northeast of Romania.

They include the areas and monasteries of Putna, Sucevita, Vatra Moldoviței, Arbore, Monastirea Humorului, Cacica, Botoșana, Cajvana, Patrauți, Mitocul Dragomirnei, Scheia, Ilișesti, Udești, Baia, Rașca, Slatina, Vama, Sadova, Fundu Moldovei, Pojorata, Dorna Arini, Ciocanești, Panaci, the towns of Gura Humorului, Dolhasca, as well as the communities of Suceava, Siret, Campulung Moldovenesc, Falticeni, Vatra Dornei.

https://welcome-to-romania.com | https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks!

Pictures from Hermannstadt (Sibiu), located in the historical region of Siebenbürgen (Transylvania) in the heart of Romania.

Discover more destinations in Romania and create your own travel plan > https://rotravel24.com

The old town and the fortification walls were built by Saxon settlers (the Transylvanian Saxons) in the 12th and 13th centuries and are still preserved today in many of their original features.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

Between Schäßburg (Sighisoara) and Medias lies the town of Dumbrăveni, the ideal starting point to discover the “treasures of Transylvania.” Fortified churches, medieval castles, picturesque hiking trails and unforgettable cultural events.

https://pensionkokel.ro | https://bistrotecabaum.ro

At Pension Kokel you will find a true oasis of Transylvanian calm and the warmth of a family atmosphere, where traditional charm harmoniously blends with modern comfort. The guesthouse offers 12 luxurious rooms, lovingly furnished for comfort and relaxation — perfect for guests seeking peace and privacy in an elegant setting.

The house also features a breakfast room, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a SPA area, a fitness room, a children’s Playground and private parking.

And if you want a tasty meal, be sure to visit the Bistroteca / Restaurant Baum.

Pictures from Timisoara from two days ago. Timisoara is worth a visit in every season.

https://discover-timisoara.com | https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (October 1, 2025).

Putna Monastery is located about 70 kilometers from the city of Suceava and is part of the so-called Moldavian monasteries, a group of Romanian Orthodox monasteries in southern Bukovina.

According to a legend told by the historian Ion Neculce, before founding the monastery, Stephen the Great shot an arrow from a mountain into the nearby Carpathian valley. The prince decided to build an altar at the spot where his arrow landed. Afterwards, Prince Stephen had the monastery built between 1466 and 1469.

The monastery was consecrated on September 3, 1470. At that time, Putna Monastery was a flourishing cultural center. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, clergy and chroniclers from the region were trained there.

We thank Mrs. Monika Opreapopa for sending and allowing us to use these pictures.

The fortified church of Tartlau, in the commune of Prejmer, Brasov County, has the most powerful ring wall of all the Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania. The oldest fortification ring is said to have been built before 1300 and was expanded at the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century.

In its present form, the walls still stand 12 to 14 meters high and up to 5 meters thick at the base. Inside the fortress are over 270 refuge and storage chambers, arranged on up to four levels.

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks

The three places are only a few kilometers apart. The fortress / town of Rasnov (in German Rosenau), the village and castle of Bran (in German Törzburg), and the city of Brasov (in German Kronstadt).

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many heartfelt thanks

The town of Baile Herculane (in German Herkulesbad, in Hungarian Herkulesfürdő) is a spa resort in Caraș-Severin County, in the historical region of Banat. Over a length of four kilometers, 16 thermal springs with different mineral compositions are utilized.

Notable monuments and buildings include the bronze statue of Hercules (1847), the Spa Museum with archaeological finds from Roman times, the Roman baths (Hotel Roman on the ground floor), the Casino (1913), and the Austrian baths (built between 1883 and 1886 according to the plans of architect Carl Wilhelm von Doderer).

Pictures from early October 2025, OM

Spring in Romania … not only in the cities but especially in the countryside, is a wonderful time. You could plan your next vacation now or at least dream about it

This and many other destinations (as of today: more than 420) in Romania can be found here > https://rotravel24.com/rumaenien-bucket-list-top-reiseziele/

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor (Sorin Onisor) for granting permission to use these impressive pictures.

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

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

The bay windows and half-timbered walls are reminiscent of Hohenzollern Castle, the king’s homeland. The castle is surrounded by seven terraces. A part of the 160 rooms can now be visited. The castle museum houses weapons, sculptures, furniture, and decorative objects from the 15th to 19th centuries, as well as an orchestrion. The castle is particularly impressive for its magnificent woodwork.

Beautiful pictures of the castle from July / August 2024. We thank Mrs. Monika Simon for sending and granting permission to use these pictures.

Pictures from Brasov at the end of September 2025. At any time and in any season, the city in Transylvania / Burzenland is worth a visit.

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

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

We don’t know exactly if the “nice gentleman” in the picture is meant to represent the former voivode of Wallachia or if he’s just showcasing his stylish attire as a witness of the times.

He never actually lived here, but either way, the castle in Brasov County is definitely worth a visit

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

… while at Balea Lake / the Transfagarasan, the first snow has already fallen ⛄️⛄️ … Romania

We thank Sulina fabuloasa for granting permission to use this picture.

Siria (in Hungarian Világos, in German Hellburg) is a commune in Arad County.

On the territory of the current commune, there was already a settlement called “Villa Siri” in 1169. Documentarily, Világosvár was mentioned in 1326, referring to the Világos fortress, today the ruins of Siria fortress.

An important part of Siria’s history is the story of the fortress ruins from the 13th century. In 1444, the fortress briefly came into the possession of John Hunyadi, and in the second half of the 15th century, it passed to Matthias Corvinus. For strategic reasons, the Habsburg army destroyed the fortress in 1784.

Today, the fortress ruins are a popular excursion destination

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).