Motorhome freedom in Transylvania

A mysterious land surrounded by dark legends attracts adventurers. Transylvania offers everything that lovers of Freedom of Travel could wish for, that is: camping everywhere (even in most National Parks), beautiful landscapes, lots of places to visit, great cuisine and friendly hosts of Dracula's country.

Those who are afraid that it may be dangerous are convinced by other travelers. On the forums you can read that you have to be afraid of being attacked by a bear rather than looting the tents and possible theft. Contrary to prevailing stereotypes, Romania is not a wild country.

However, if you are going with a camper or a trailer, it is worth checking a few places recommended by others before traveling. Also remember that if you ask residents about the campground, they can show you the first free field or a piece of forest.

Now for some practical information

1. The currency in Romania is funnels. You can pay for most of the services in euros, but in shops this is usually not the case. Fortunately, we will withdraw the lees at an ATM in every major city and you do not have to worry about the unfavorable exchange rate on the spot.
2. Unfortunately, there is no need to count on low prices. Often, we will pay more for basic products there. Only fuel and bread can be cheaper than in Poland.
3. We will pay from 5 - 10 PLN each time for visiting the monuments.
4. If you are going to go to the mountains, get maps while still in the country. It may not be possible on the spot.

The driving culture of Romanian drivers can also surprise you a bit and give you chills. There are many carts that are unlit at night. It is also common to use the horns, the impatient attitude of the locals behind the wheel and overtaking on the third.

However, all this is rewarded with beautiful views, delicious food and amazing places.

It is also undeniable that Transylvania is one of the most mysterious places. All this thanks to Vlad the Impaler. His father was a member of the Order of the Dragon, established by Sigismund of Luxemburg to defend Christianity against the growing power of the Ottoman Empire, to which he owed his nickname ("Draco" - "Dragon", transformed into "Dracul" - "Devil") - hence the nickname of Włada - " Dracula ”, then popularized in the legend, simply meaning the son of the Dragon or the son of the Devil.

Terrible legends arose from the macabre deeds of the ruler of Transylvania, who ruled bloody. He skinned the guilty, boiled them alive, cut off bits of their bodies, blinded them, and his favorite way of depriving enemies of their lives was to impal them. It all inspired the Irish writer Bram Stoker to write a vampire story.

Transylvania takes its name from seven cities: Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brasov, Sighisoara, Bystrica, Sebesh and Medias. Ethnic diversity has left its mark in the form of unique, historic towns, churches and castles.

Interestingly, the main castle in Bran - this is not the seat of Dracula at all. The legend was simply invented for the needs of crowds of tourists. Wlad himself has probably only been there a few times, during his trip to the mountain lodges. However, the castle is impressive. It is full of tight corridors, courtyards, attics and turrets and looks really mysterious.

If you want to see the real stronghold of Vlad, you have to go south-west and overcome the gloomy face of the Fagaras Mountains, which is only possible in summer. They are crossed by a road climbing to a height of 2034 m. The originator of this dangerous over 150 km. it was Nicolae Ceausescu who needed her for the army. The ruins of Poienari Castle are located on one of the mountains. To get there, you need to climb 1,480 steps.

If you do not want to set off alone, there are quite a few organized tours on the internet for lovers of motorhome travel. Besides, the region is so beautiful and you can move freely, so sometimes it's definitely worth changing your plan.

What is definitely worth seeing in Transylvania is

1. Braov and Sighisoara, located about 120 km to the north-west (via E60), known as the Romanian Carcasone. Near the Clock Tower is the city's oldest secular building - the house where Vlad Dracula lived in 1431-36 and where Vlad the Impaler was probably born.

1. When visiting Sighisoara, it is worth visiting the Viscri village, which is under the care of, among others UNESCO. One of the houses is owned by Charles, Prince of Wales.

1. To visit other interesting places, you have to go to the vicinity of Sibiu (Sibiu) - from Brasov along the E68 road to the west. On the way, you can stop for a short while to Fagaras where there is a castle from the 14th century.

1. Sibiu is a city founded in the 12th century and the cultural capital of Transylvania. You will find there a lot of monuments, including: Evangelical parish church - it is a late Gothic basilica with a massive tower dominating over the city, a Jesuit church and the Brukenthal Palace or the Liar's Bridge.

1. To visit the most beautiful gothic castle in Transylvania - Hunedoara, go west from Sibiu, take the E68 road towards Deva and turn left 9 km before the city, to reach the destination after 14 km. The castle, whose history dates back to the times of Sigismund of Luxemburg, was expanded in the 15th century under the rule of the voivode Jan Hunyady.

1. For lovers of the mountains, a better starting point from Sibiu can be - about 40 km away - a campsite near the village of Cartisoara, at the foot of the Fagaras Mountains (turn into the 7C road past Arpasu de Jos).

1. The mountains are worth visiting, if only for a short time, to take a ride on the famous road. Near Balea Lac - where Ceausescu himself owned the property - you can leave your car and try to climb one of the surrounding peaks. The closest are Netedu (2351 m) and Vanatoarea lui Buteanu (2507 m).

We are waiting for your reports from your trip around Romania. Also, share your impressions and useful information from your travels on our and add your reports to the Travels section.

We also invite you to read the traffic regulations in Romania