Trip to Romania

Romania - home to Dracula's legend, the famous Transfăgărășan highway, and some of Europe's most underrated natural beauty. With a population of around 19 million, Romania offers a fascinating mix of medieval history, Carpathian wilderness, and a surprisingly affordable travel experience.

Fun fact: Romania has one of Europe's largest populations of brown bears - around 6,000 of them roam the Carpathian Mountains. Spotting one was my main goal for this trip... which remained unfulfilled :)

What I Experienced

This was a proper road trip through the heart of Romania. The Transfăgărășan highway truly lives up to its reputation as "the most beautiful road in the world" (as Jeremy Clarkson famously called it on Top Gear). The winding mountain passes, tunnels carved through rock, and dramatic vistas at every turn made it worth every kilometer.

The trip was full of surprises - from stumbling upon hidden villages to discovering viewpoints that aren't in any guidebook. The Carpathian Mountains provide a stunning backdrop throughout, and the autumn colors in late September added an extra layer of beauty.

I explored several of the famous castles, including the iconic Bran Castle (marketed as Dracula's Castle, though the connection is mostly legend). The medieval towns like Brașov and Sibiu have remarkably well-preserved old centers with a distinct Saxon influence.

Practical Notes

• The Transfăgărășan is usually open from late June to late October (weather dependent)
• Car rental is the best way to explore - roads are generally good
• Bears are most commonly spotted at dawn and dusk near forest edges
• Romanian food is hearty and affordable - try mămăligă (polenta) and sarmale (cabbage rolls)
• Fall (September-October) offers beautiful foliage and fewer tourists

High-resolution photography from Romania is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Eastern European travel marketing, mountain road content, or dramatic Carpathian wall art.