Romania is a land of contrasts, where the Carpathian Mountains rise above dense forests and the Danube winds through wide plains. Towering cliffs, glacial valleys and hidden waterfalls create landscapes perfect for hiking, driving or simply pausing to take in the view. The hills in Transylvania are filled with vineyards, traditional farms and fortified churches that have stood for centuries.
Bucharest, the capital, is a city of surprises. Grand boulevards and neoclassical buildings mix with lively markets, cafés and modern street art. Elsewhere, towns like Sibiu, Brasov, Cluj and Sighisoara showcase colorful squares surrounded by Gothic and baroque architecture. Medieval castles, including Bran Castle rise on hillsides while monasteries in Maramureș and Bucovina preserve centuries-old frescoes and spiritual traditions.
Romania’s countryside is just as captivating. River valleys, vineyards and villages provide a glimpse of traditional life. The Black Sea coast offers sandy beaches and charming towns. The winding mountain roads connect villages, forests and highland pastures.
From dramatic natural scenery to rich cultural heritage, Romania offers a mix of adventure, history, and charm. Each journey along its roads reveals hidden corners, surprising landscapes and welcoming communities that make traveling through this Eastern European gem unforgettable.
Romania in a nutshell
- Population 19 million people (2025)
- Capital Bucharest
- Citizens are Romanian
- Native language is Romanian
- Local currency Romanian leu
- Size 238.397 km²
The Big Four
Fun Facts
- Dracula Bran Castle in Transylvania is famously linked to Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for Dracula. You can explore the castle’s winding staircases, hidden passages and medieval rooms while imagining the legends that surround it.
- Europe’s Yellowstone The Danube Delta and the Carpathian Mountains are often called Europe’s Yellowstone. Also known as Europe's last real wilderness. Hundreds of bird species, wild horses, beavers and even wolves inhabit this vast wilderness. It's a paradise for nature lovers.
- World's top scenic drive The Transfăgărășan road (DN7C) is one of the world’s most scenic drives, crossing the Făgăraș Mountains with dramatic hairpin turns, tunnels and steep cliffs. Built in the 1970s as a strategic military route, it now attracts road trip adventurers seeking breathtaking views of alpine peaks.
- Largest underground salt mine The Turda Salt Mine doubles as a subterranean amusement park. It has been in use since Roman times. It features an underground lake where you can row boats, a ferris wheel and mini golf. offering a surreal experience deep underground.
Explore the regions
Romania's history
Romania’s history begins with the Dacians, who lived in the Carpathian Mountains and along the Danube before being conquered by the Romans in 106 CE. They behind ruins that travelers can still explore, including the remains of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa (first and largest city of Roman Daci). Over the following centuries, waves of Goths, Huns and Slavs passed through.
In the Middle Ages, Romanian territories developed as principalities like Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania. Castles and fortified churches were built to defend against Ottoman, Hungarian and Tatar invasions. Legendary figures like Vlad the Impaler in Wallachia became part of folklore and inspired stories. Romania gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877, joined the modern world with railways and roads.
Since the 1989 revolution, Romania has become a modern European country. You can drive through the landscapes that shaped Dacians, Romans, and medieval rulers. Discovering fortresses, monasteries, villages and valleys that tell the story of a Romania.