Vrancea county is the land of the vine and is home to the largest and most productive wine region in the entire country. You drive along the wine road, where thousands of acres of grapes cover the rolling hills in a sea of green that stretches for miles. The soil is unique and the sun is intense, which creates bold and famous flavors that are celebrated by wine lovers everywhere. You can visit massive underground cellars in towns like Panciu and Odobești that store millions of bottles in a cool, dark environment. It is a paradise for any fan of the vine, offering tours and tastings that show the deep heart of the local culture.
Head toward the mountains to see the spectacular area where the Carpathian range makes a sharp turn toward the west. The road winds through deep, untouched woods and past rushing mountain streams that flow from the high peaks. You find the Putna Waterfall, where the water crashes over a massive rock ledge into a deep and narrow canyon below. The scenery is rugged and full of wild power, offering a sense of the earth being alive and active in this unique seismic zone. You can hike the trails around the falls to find the best views of the water and the surrounding pine-covered cliffs.
The county is famous for its ancient legends of shepherds and the spirits of the mountains that still haunt the high ridges. You find small, isolated villages where the traditional way of life has not changed in a hundred years and the people still follow the old laws of the mountains. The residents are resilient, strong, and always ready to share their hearty food and their fascinating stories with travelers. Stop at a local village market to buy fresh mountain cheese, honey and handmade wool vests. This route is a perfect blend of golden wine and high mountain power.
Vrancea (county) highlights
- Putna-Vrancea Natural Park Explore a wild and rugged landscape of deep forests and narrow gorges that serve as a sanctuary for bears, wolves, and lynx. The park offers quiet trails through untouched nature where the air is fresh and the mountains feel massive and silent. It is a paradise for hikers who want to see the raw and colorful power of the eastern Carpathian range.
- Panciu and Odobești Vineyards Drive through the Land of Wine where thousands of acres of grapes cover the rolling hills as far as the eye can see. This region is famous for its sparkling wines and its deep, cool cellars that have been used for centuries. It is a warm and inviting destination that offers a refined and tasty break in the middle of the sunny eastern plains.
- Putna Waterfall (Cascada Putnei) Visit a powerful cascade where the river falls into a deep, turquoise pool surrounded by steep rock walls and green moss. The sound of the water is deafening and the mist fills the air with a fresh, cool scent that is perfect for a summer afternoon. It is a spectacular nature site that shows the raw geological energy of the Vrancea mountains.
- The Living Fire of Andreiașu Witness natural gas flames that dance eternally from the mountain soil in a remote and quiet valley. The blue and orange fires create a magical and surreal atmosphere, especially as the twilight shadows stretch across the hills. It is a rare geological wonder that perfectly captures the wild and mysterious energy of the region.
- Vrancea Gorges (Tișița) Hike along a narrow trail carved into the limestone walls where the river has created a cool, natural corridor of stone and water. The path takes you through tunnels and across small bridges, offering a dramatic look at the mountain’s rocky core. It is a favorite route for those who want to experience the wild and vertical side of the southern peaks.
- Mărășești Mausoleum Stand before a massive stone monument that honors the heroes of the Great War, featuring a grand dome and rows of silent tombs. The architecture is powerful and somber, serving as a national symbol of bravery and sacrifice. It is a mandatory stop for history buffs who want to see the scale of the region's military heritage.
- Soveja Resort Road Navigate a winding forest road to reach a mountain town famous for having the purest air in the entire country. The drive is scenic and offers many lookout points over the rolling green hills and the deep valleys of the Vrancea range. It is a perfect sanctuary for those looking to escape the city noise and enjoy a quiet mountain retreat.
- Focșani Union Square Walk through the center of the regional capital to see monuments that celebrate the birth of the modern nation. The square is surrounded by elegant buildings and offers a pleasant atmosphere for a slow stroll and a coffee under the big eastern sky. It is a place of historical pride and local energy that captures the spirit of the borderlands.
- Lepșa Mountain Village Discover a charming wooden village hidden in a deep valley, serving as a gateway to the high peaks and the rushing river. The area is famous for its trout farms and its traditional mountain hospitality, offering a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. It is a great base for exploring the wild parks or enjoying a quiet walk by the cool mountain water.
- The "Stone Sea" of Vrancea Explore a high plateau where the landscape is covered in white limestone boulders that look like frozen waves on a green field. The area offers a unique and minimalist beauty that is perfect for a quiet afternoon of photography and walking. It is a serene and strange nature destination that shows the diverse geological face of the eastern hills.
The local Four
History of Vrancea (county)
Vrancea is the tectonic heart of the land and the historic frontier where the three provinces met. The region is home to the Mausoleum of Mărășești which was built to honor the 22000 soldiers who died in the most decisive battle of the Great War in 1917 where the national army stopped the final German offensive. The county history is defined by its position on the Vrancea Fault which has caused massive earthquakes for centuries and influenced the local architecture with low heavy timber frames. This region was also the legendary home of the Seven Shepherds whom Stephen the Great granted lands to in the 15th century for their bravery in battle.
The county is the premier wine region of the east with the Panciu and Odobești vineyards dating back to the medieval era. The Panciu Cellars include the famous Great Cellar of Stephen the Great which is a network of underground tunnels used for aging sparkling wines since the 19th century. The local history is also preserved in the Putna Vrancei natural park where the landscape is a mix of wild karst formations and deep forests that served as hideouts for the local outlaws for generations. The region is famous for the Vrancea Masks which are pre Christian ritual objects used in the winter solstice ceremonies to represent the spirits of the ancestors.
Driving through Vrancea offers a path through the sun drenched vineyards of the foothills and the rugged peaks of the Vrancea Mountains. You can visit the Soveja resort which is known for having the most ozone rich air in the country or explore the Unirea Museum in Focșani which marks the spot where the border between Moldova and Wallachia once stood. The local roads lead to the Tișița Gorges where you can hike through narrow stone tunnels carved by the river. Vrancea is a journey through the heroic battlefields of the modern era and the deep viticultural traditions of the eastern slopes.