Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By rachel_norfolk
  • 1 Post By rachel_norfolk
  • 1 Post By Vaufi

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Aug 2016
Endurodude's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
Romania!

This appears to be the destination, based on other recent threads!

I'm looking to go next year as part of a larger eastern european trip. Any suggestions for places to visit? I've never been before, but others clearly will have some suggestions! I'm looking for slowish-bimbling-scenery-looking type of places to visit; I'd like to really get a glimpse of / feel for the country rather than big-city visits. The castles connected to 'Dracula' are already on the list, but I imagine there's far more less touristy things to see than these!

Thanks in advance . . . .
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Aug 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Norfolk, UK
Posts: 89
I only left Romania yesterday - it’s an amazing place!

As far as the obvious biking is concerned; Transalpina is a much better road than the Transfagarasan, though the latter has better views.

Făgăraș Mountains are definitely worth a couple of days of leaving the bike and living in the mountain huts. You’ll need decent boots for a climb above Cabana Valea Sâmbetei

I had a ride down to Bran castle, too, though I’m not sure it was somewhere I would return to, tbh. The villages and mountains are the places to be, I think.

I’ve stayed in a couple of lovely places, certainly recommended, so will write them up in the right HUBB section shortly…

Rachel (now in Budapest)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Aug 2016
Endurodude's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
Thanks. Is the Transfagarasan that bad? I was considering using it as a route to various places, but other posts have made it sound awful!

I thought in and around the mountains would be a winner . . . .
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Aug 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Norfolk, UK
Posts: 89
No, it’s not “bad”, it’s just not spectacular - not something to build your hopes up to, if that makes sense.

It is often busy and the surface is just very old and a bit bumpy. Not dangerous at all. All the danger will come from the driving skills of the locals!


Rachel
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Aug 2016
Jil Jil is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 55
Hey Rachel it interests me as I will be in Romania by the end of the week
Where is the Transalpina exactlly (between which cities) ?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Aug 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Norfolk, UK
Posts: 89
Everything you need here, Jil - Transalpina Road


(it’s really not as dangerous as the link implies!)


Rachel
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Aug 2016
Jil Jil is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 55
Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Aug 2016
Scrabblebiker's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 343
Danube Gorge

Along the Danube from Socol to Drobeta Turnu-Severin is quite nice.

Romania!-dscn3036.jpg

Romania!-dscn3048.jpg

Romania!-dscn3124.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Aug 2016
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
Here's an interesting route for enduro fanatics published by MOTUL:
Home - Carpathian 2 Wheels Guide | A complete Guide for 2 wheels travelers

It also offers a download of the track file in GPX-format.

Since Romania is a member of the EU entry formalities are absolutely no problem. Don't forget the green insurance card.
On the main roads traffic can be tough at times, so keep an eye on all traffic ahead AND behind you. On secondary roads you're bound to travel at a slower pace with (fortunately) much less traffic. A puncture kit is important - every time I visited Romania I had a punctured tyre due to horseshoe nails.....

My list of "must-see" suggestions:
- the ancient steam railway at Viseu de Sus, still in use and open to tourists
- the monastries in the north-east, tucked away in the forests (Putna, Sucevita)
- Brasov city and Bran castle in the east
- Sighisoara, Sibiu and halfway inbetween the two towns the little village Biertan with its fortified church
- the Transfagaras scenic route (mentioned above already)
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Aug 2016
Endurodude's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
Thanks Vaufi - I'll have a look at the above.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
UK to Romania: 2 week trip Temporaryescapee Ride Tales 7 29 Aug 2022 21:58
Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece PanEuropean Europe 35 3 Jul 2015 13:28
Riding Romania and beyond on a borrowed BMW? Mendo Europe 14 17 Sep 2014 08:48
Romania. pontnus Europe 21 18 Aug 2014 12:37
Romania tour May 2013 DenArnold Ride Tales 1 19 Jul 2013 08:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:33.