Vaslui county is a land of beautiful rolling hills and ancient vineyards that have produced fine wines for hundreds of years. You drive along the high ridges where the views look across the vast eastern plains and the quiet valleys of the Moldavian countryside. The scenery is incredibly green and the roads are quiet, offering a peaceful and scenic journey through the heart of the east. You find small, traditional towns where the history of the medieval princes and the local legends are still very much alive. It is a place of wind, bright light and wide-open spaces that offer a sense of freedom and peace.
Visit the town of Huși, which is world-famous for its sweet wines and the ancient vineyards that surround it on every side. You can find historic wine cellars hidden in the hills where the grapes soak up the intense summer sun to create bold flavors. The local people are very proud of their winemaking heritage and are always ready to share a glass and a story about the harvest. It is a great stop to learn about the liquid gold of the region and to enjoy the friendly and honest hospitality of the east. You can even visit the local vineyards to see how the grapes are still harvested by hand in the traditional way.
The city of Vaslui features grand public parks and massive monuments dedicated to the brave princes who once defended this land. You can walk through the city center and find quiet churches, leafy streets, and a pace of life that is steady and calm. The people are warm and welcoming, always ready to point you toward the best local spots for a traditional meal. It is a place that feels deeply connected to the roots of the land and the history of the eastern frontier. This route is a perfect blend of beautiful hilly vistas, fine wine, and the quiet strength of the local culture.
Vaslui (county) highlights
- Huși Vineyards Follow the sun-drenched roads through rolling hills where some of the most famous white wines in the east are produced. The landscape is a sea of green grapes that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially during the autumn harvest. It is a prime region for those who want to visit small, traditional cellars and taste the local Zghihară craft.
- Stephen the Great Memorial (Podul Înalt) Visit the site of a legendary 15th-century battle, marked by a massive bronze statue of the prince watching over the valley. The area is surrounded by quiet meadows and offers a reflective atmosphere to learn about a pivotal moment in the nation's defense. It is a place of deep historical pride and wide, panoramic views of the Moldavian plains.
- Vaslui Royal Church Explore a stone masterpiece built by Stephen the Great in the heart of the town, featuring elegant local architecture and quiet gardens. The church has stood for over five hundred years as a center of faith and a symbol of the city's old administrative importance. It is a peaceful and historic landmark that offers a cool retreat from the busy city streets.
- Miclăușeni Hill Drive Navigate the backroads through the high hills of the central plateau for a view of the vast agricultural landscape stretching toward the horizon. The road is quiet and scenic, passing through traditional villages where life follows the slow pace of the seasons. It is a top route for those who enjoy the simple and honest beauty of the eastern Romanian heartland.
- Bârlad Vasile Pârvan Museum Step inside a grand historic building to see a world-class collection of art, coins, and archaeological treasures from the Bârlad valley. The museum is a landmark of regional culture and offers a deep look into the intellectual history of the southern Moldavian elite. It is a sophisticated and educational stop that adds a layer of grace to your journey.
- Dimitrie Cantemir Monastery Seek out a quiet holy site named after the famous philosopher prince, tucked away in a leafy forest far from the main highways. The monastery is known for its spiritual atmosphere and the simple beauty of its stone architecture and gardens. It is a place of absolute silence where you can hear the wind in the trees and the songs of the birds.
- Elan Valley Nature Reserve Discover a wild and hilly landscape that serves as a sanctuary for rare plants and traditional farming practices. The area offers quiet trails for hikers and birdwatchers who want to see the authentic nature of the eastern hills. It is a serene destination where the horizon feels vast and the connection to the earth is strong.
- Grivița Historical Houses Wander through local villages to see the traditional architecture of the old boyar estates and the simple, sturdy homes of the peasants. The houses often feature hand-carved wooden details and large porches that look out over the fertile fields. It is a picturesque look at the rural past and the enduring spirit of the local communities.
- Movila lui Burcel Hike to the top of a legendary hill to find a small wooden monastery and a field of stone crosses that honor the local folk heroes. Legend says the land was given to a brave peasant by the king himself, and the site offers a 360-degree view of the rolling Moldavian landscape. It is a place of myth and beauty that captures the soulful heart of the county.
- Bârlad Public Garden Stretch your legs in one of the oldest and most beautiful urban parks in the region, featuring giant old trees and quiet walking paths. The park offers a fresh, open atmosphere and serves as a green lungs for the town, providing a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon break. It is a favorite local destination for a slow stroll under the big eastern sky.
The local Four
History of Vaslui (county)
Vaslui is the land of the Great Victory and the historic crossroads of the eastern plains. In 1475 the region became the site of the Battle of Podul Înalt where Stephen the Great defeated an Ottoman army nearly triple the size of his own forces in one of the most significant military victories of the medieval era. The regional capital was a favorite princely residence for centuries with a Royal Court built in the 15th century that served as a tactical center for the defense of the Moldavian border. The county landscape is a series of rolling hills and wide valleys that have been used for large scale viticulture and grain farming since the early middle ages.
The history of the county is also tied to the scholarly traditions of the eastern elite. The city of Bârlad was a major cultural center in the 19th century and served as the birthplace of many national leaders and intellectuals who shaped the modern state. The region holds the Huși Vineyards which have produced the famous Zghihară wine since the time of the princes and was a favorite of the royal court. The local history is preserved in the Mihai Eminescu museum and the various boyar manors that dot the countryside reflecting the wealth of the agricultural estates that once defined the economic power of the Moldavian plains.
Driving through Vaslui offers a path through the quiet beauty of the Moldavian plateau where the roads follow the contours of the green hills. You can visit the Stephen the Great Monument at Podul Înalt or explore the Florești Monastery which features a unique eclectic architectural style from the late 19th century. The local culture is famous for its traditional wood carvings and the energetic folk dances that are still performed during the village festivals. Vaslui is a journey through the heroic military past of the eastern border and the peaceful agricultural soul of the Moldavian hills.