9 Days in Romania in July

In mid-July, the three of us, including my 12-year-old son, traveled to Romania. We spent one day and night in Bucharest, which, in my opinion, is just enough, and then rented a car and drove north and east towards the Carpathians, completing a circular route back to Bucharest airport. Along the way, we stayed overnight in 6 different locations.

Romania’s nature is breathtaking: mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and villages—everything we love. The prices are affordable, there aren’t too many tourists, and it’s just perfect. Without a doubt, we’ll return to Romania; there’s so much more to explore. This trip was just a taste of this amazing country.

The Itinerary in Brief:

You can see all the route points in Google Maps and use Google Navigator to reach each destination.

Day 1:
It was 40°C in Bucharest during the day. After lunch, there was a downpour, and by evening, it was cool and refreshing. The Old Town is compact and charming, especially at night. One day in Bucharest is definately enough.

We rented very good apartment in the center of the old city UPSTAIRS BOUTIQUE

Day 2:
We visited the largest salt cave in Europe, Salina Prahova, where the temperature is a constant 12°C. Later, we drove to Sinaia, the summer residence of Romanian kings, surrounded by mountains and forests. Everything felt so fresh after the rain.

We stayed at Uphill Residence , small family boutique hotel 10 minute walk from Peles Castle.

Day 3:
Today, we drove to the Carpathians and Bucegi National Park. We started at Cascada Șapte Izvoare (Seven Springs Waterfall) and Lacul Scropoasa Lake, accessible by an unpaved road (a jeep would have been better). Then we visited Balboci Lake and Tatarului Gorge.

Day 4:
We spent most of the day on a 7-km hike at 7 Ladders Canyon, a stunning forest trail along a river. In the evening, we arrived in the picturesque town of Brașov and stayed in the old town Casa Chitic Hotel

 

Day 5:
In the morning, we left Brașov and visited the White Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. Then we drove to Poiana Brașov, a ski resort in winter and a biker’s haven in summer. We took a cable car to the top and enjoyed a short hike to several viewpoints. On the way to our guesthouse in the mountains, we stopped at Bran Castle, which wasn’t worth the time or money. Our guesthouse, Transylvanian Views, is located in a charming village called Pestera. Now I understand where the word “pastoral” comes from.

 

Day 6:
We stayed close to Pestera and Magura, enjoying walks through these idyllic villages. We also visited Prăpăstiile Zărneștiului Gorge. The Carpathians are stunning, especially in the mist after the rain.

Day 7:

This morning we leaved the village to the alpine highway Transfagarasan. We stayed at the wooden bungalow Complex Villa Balea in the forest. Finally, we saw a bear! We received a phone alert about a bear presence near the Transfagarasan Highway.

 

Day 8:
We hiked for three hours from Balea Lake to the higher Lacul Capra in fog and clouds. The climb was absolutely worth it. Later, we went canoeing on Lacul Vidraru. On the way, we encountered two more bears—a mother and her cub.

Day 9:
Our last day was spent driving back to the airport. We stopped for a snack in a forest by Vidraru Lake at the beautiful Transfagarasan Treehouse Village, where you can rent treehouses. Another stop was at the massive dam on the same lake. As a farewell, we spotted another bear. The last night before flight we stayed at Maramures Residence near the Otopeni Airport. And with that, it was time to head home.