An acquaintance of mine had recently gone to Romania, and recommended I rent a car like him and visit the mountains, specifically Transylvania. I was so interested in Romania–especially since I was reading a book set in Transylvania (about 500 years ago, but still) at the time.

Then my husband learned how cheap Romania is, not to mention chock-full of gorgeous mountains, cute villages, tons of castles and ruins, and full of cultural heritage unlike anywhere else–well, he was on board, too.

Romania is actually huge, and since we were driving from Budapest, we decided to just stay in Transylvania, for the most part. Here’s our itinerary!

ARAD–One night

We chose Arad as it was right over the border from Hungary, and the main objective for the first day was just to cross into Romania. It as also on the route to Sibiu. It ended up being a really cute little town! Which I took zero pictures of. Oops.

SIBIU–Two nights

Although it poured pretty much the entire time we were in Sibiu, I didn’t mind–it was so cute, colorful, and walkable! We stayed in this Airbnb which was well-located, not to mention clean and charming. It was a brief walk into the center–not even far in the rain ;).

MAGURA–Three nights

We chose Magura purely due to the fact that this Airbnb is located there. It was E’s birthday and he wanted a retreat in the mountains–and this was certainly that! It wasn’t just a cabin in the woods, though– we made friends with the owners and their gigantic dog. The owners provided us with a lot of Romanian tuica, a plum brandy, and hooked us up with their neighbors who gave us cheese, milk, and eggs. Their fresh, smoked cheese might be one of my favorite memories of Romania. And that doesn’t even include the location of the place! We hung out enjoying the view or exploring the nearby trails. I would highly recommend staying in the country in Romania, to experience authentic village life that is hard to find in Europe.

day trips from Magura to: Bran Castle, Zarnesti Gorge

Of course we had to visit Bran Castle while we were in the area. While it remains the most touristy part of our trip, you can’t not see Dracula’s Castle when in Transylvania.

Nearby Magura is Zarnesti Gorge in Piatra Craului National Park. One of the most gorgeous, pristine spots we’ve found in Europe!

BRASOV–Three nights

Admittedly, I had really high hopes for Brasov–I kept hearing from digital nomads that it would be a wonderful nomad base. The internet in Romania is amazing but I just didn’t connect with Brasov like I hoped. However, it’s a really adorable town, and is the best spot for a base to exploring Transylvania. AND our Airbnb there was absolutely amazing! It also ended up being a work stop (mostly for my husband, who works online) which meant the apartment was great for that.

day trips from Brasov to: Peles/Pelisor Castles, Rasnov Fortress, Prejmer

Peles Castle is probably Romania’s most famous castle, after Bran Castle. Some have called it the Transylvanian Neuschwanstein and I can see the comparisons–it was built around the same time, and it’s in the middle of the mountains. Right next to Peles is Pelisor Castle, originally a hunting retreat. Both feel like you stumbled across a hidden, enchanted castle in the middle of the wild mountains.

Another little gem is the fortress of Rasnov, close to both Bran and Brasov.

Romania is also known for its fortified churches from their Saxon roots. We visited the one at Prejmer–half museum, half church. We ended up talking to the guy selling jam and brandy for about an hour, about his life and his craft. Romanians are so friendly and love telling you all about their culture!

SIGHISOARA–Two nights

Little Sighisoara is unforgettable as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Therefore, it is fairly well-known (like Bran Castle, although not nearly as crowded). I liked staying the night there, however, as most people bussed in for the day–it was much quieter in the evenings. Again, the colors and the charm just blew me away!

So there you have it! Our 12-day trip to Romania. See the map below to help you plot out your own trip to Romania! Because if I haven’t convinced you yet…you should go.

Have you been to Romania? Would you go? 

Linking up with Wanderlust Wednesday. 

The post Romania Road Trip appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

One of these famed regions is Transylvania, currently located in the central mountains of Romania. Transylvania is famous, in part, as the home of Dracula.

But it is so much more than that!

I can see how the inspiration for Dracula came about in Transylvania, though–even in the height of summer, the region, nicknamed “The Land Beyond the Forest,” holds an air of spooky mystery and intrigue, full of contrasts around every corner. Visiting Transylvania feels like going back in time-until you use the insanely fast internet and see the occasional shiny car zooming by a horse-drawn cart on the highway.

Today I’m giving you a few photos that will surely inspire you to add the beguiling, beautiful Transylvania–a land of dangerous fairy tales–to your list.

Sibiu rooftopsSibiu Sibiu at sunset This little dog in Sibiu killed me! That face!  In the village!Romanian spirits (tuicā, or plum brandy) at our Airbnb Mountain views  Wildflowers galore Bran Castle Romanian doughnuts, gogosiVistas everywhere  Rasnov fortress in the rearview  Our friendly neighborhood cow Country roads Piatra Craiului National Park  Bran Castle, again  Peles Castle Pelisor Castle More Peles One of the fortified churches famous in Transylvania Lively Brasov Brasov…or Hollywood?  The Black Church in Brasov Charming alleys And charming corners  Random ruins on the road  Sighisoara!  Colorful, colorful.  My favorite one (of course) Sighisoara from above   Lucky with blue skies A common sight on the roads

Well, have I convinced you to visit yet?? 

Linking up with Wanderlust Wednesday.

The post Transylvania: In Photos (and a few words) appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Hello from Romania!

Specifically, Brasov, in Transylvania.

We’ve been here in Transylvania for nine days, and we only have a few left before we head back to Budapest and our next destination (all I’ll tell you for now is that it’s north–any guesses??).

This trip has been full of amazing scenery, remote villages, beautiful castles, random stops as one does on a road trip, and most of all, getting away from it all.

In fact, yesterday was the first time I’d opened my computer in over two weeks!

Part of that time was spent at a summer camp with my (now former!) job, which was at a small farm near Budapest for five days. We did have internet, sort of, but I had little energy for computer work. Let’s just say the very first night I was woken up at 3.30 a.m….and so the week went!

The day I got back to Budapest, we finished moving out of our flat and hit the road for Romania–due to visa reasons, we needed to leave that day.

We’ve been on the road ever since, visiting the adorable Sibiu, spending a few days in the mountains for E’s 29th birthday (!!), and are now in the former market town of Brasov.

I have to say that Romania is pretty amazing and in some ways it feels like moving back in time. It’s a country so full of contradictions I can barely process it all–dramatic mountains, spooky castles, dense forests, charming villages–some neatly clean, some in disrepair. It’s full of crumbling Communist apartment buildings in incredible settings, iron crosses and fortified churches, horse-drawn carts and shiny cars, and so much more. I can’t wait to share more with you!

This little blog of mine has been quite neglected lately, and although I miss writing and keeping in touch with my blogger friends, it’s hard to feel too bad about it when it’s life that’s been getting in the way.

I mean, who wants to open a computer when THIS is your view??

p.s. Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more real-time updates! 

The post First Days in Romania appeared first on Amy and the Great World.