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! ?c? 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:oops2:, but I imagine there's far more less touristy things to see than these!

Thanks in advance . . . .

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)

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 . . . .

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! :blink:


Rachel

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) ?

Everything you need here, Jil - Transalpina Road


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


Rachel

Thanks :)

Danube Gorge
 

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

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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)

Thanks Vaufi - I'll have a look at the above.