Roadtrip Romania & Moldova
Roadtrip Romania and Moldova: Our Complete Route
Romania was the first country on our longer journey through Europe towards Central Asia. Before our visit, we had only spoken to a few people about this country, all of them enthusiastic! After visiting, we were surprised that Romania is not more popular, because it truly impressed us.
We knew almost nothing about Moldova, and we could also find very little information online. Nevertheless, we decided to make the drive from Romania. This small country also turned out to be an unexpected highlight. In this blog, we take you along our complete route through Romania and Moldova.
Timișoara: Colourful Squares and History
Our first stop coming from Hungary was Timișoara, often called the “Little Vienna.” It is a city full of history, with beautiful Baroque and Neoclassical buildings. Timișoara played an important role during the Romanian Revolution of 1989, when the first protests broke out here, eventually leading to the end of the communist regime.
Today, the city feels cheerful and relaxed. The car-free centre is perfect for walking around, with wide squares like Piața Unirii, surrounded by pastel-coloured buildings and cosy terraces. Everywhere you feel the relaxed atmosphere, and it is easy to see the highlights in just one day.
Sighișoara: Medieval Fortress and Dracula
Sighișoara is perhaps one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Transylvania. It is built on a hill and completely surrounded by fortress walls, with towers that have protected the city for centuries. Sighișoara is also known as the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, better known as Vlad the Impaler – the inspiration for Dracula.
We wandered through the cobbled streets, past colourful houses and charming squares. The Clock Tower, which once served as a gate and town council tower, is a must to climb. From the top, you see the town in all its medieval glory and almost feel the history around you.
Sibiu: Cultural City with “Eyes”
Sibiu is a city that perfectly combines culture and charm. The city was European Capital of Culture in 2007, which is reflected in the lively cultural offerings and many squares and museums. We especially visited the Large and Small Squares, where you find beautiful buildings, cosy cafés, and colourful streets.
We climbed the Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului), one of Sibiu’s most famous towers, connecting the Large Square and the Small Square. From the top, we had a fantastic view over the red rooftops and the surrounding Carpathians. And then there are the famous “eyes of Sibiu” – small attic windows that look like the houses are curiously watching you.
Transfăgărășan: Beautiful Mountain Road and Bears
The Transfăgărășan is often called the most beautiful road in the world – and for good reason. The road winds through the Făgăraș Mountains and was built in the 1970s under dictator Ceaușescu, partly for military purposes.
We drove from north to south, starting early in the morning. It was busier than expected, but that did not take away from the magic of the landscape. In the afternoon, we saw five bears, including two cubs – a magical moment you will not forget. Nowadays, feeding controls are stricter, so you see them less often. This makes the experience rarer, but also more natural and impressive.
Bran: Mysterious Dracula Castle
Bran Castle is probably the most famous castle in Romania. The castle is often associated with Dracula, although the real link to Vlad the Impaler is very small. Nevertheless, it is an impressive building, with towers, narrow corridors, and beautiful views over the surrounding hills.
Inside, you can learn more about the castle’s history, the royal residents, and the local legends and myths. It is a place where history and stories come together.
Tip: go early in the morning, as the castle attracts many tourists.
Brașov: Historic City with the Black Church
Brașov is in the heart of Transylvania and has a mix of medieval charm and German influences from the Saxon settlers who arrived centuries ago. The city has narrow streets, cosy squares, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Black Church is impressive with its Gothic architecture and enormous interior. From Tampa Mountain, right next to the city, you have a beautiful view over the city and the surrounding Carpathians. Brașov is also ideal to combine with a visit to Bran Castle.
Seven Ladders: Adventurous Canyon and Hike
One of our most adventurous stops was hiking through Canionul Șapte Scări (Seven Ladders Canyon). The path winds through a narrow gorge, with steep ladders and small waterfalls. It is a beautiful walk through the forest and along rock walls.
On the way back, you can choose to walk back or take the zipline. We chose the zipline, which has 37 lines and takes you back to the parking area. It was a real adrenaline rush and a perfect combination of hiking and adventure.
Slănic: Impressive Salt Mine
On the way to Bucharest, we visited Salina Slănic Prahova, one of the largest salt mines in Europe. Inside, the temperature is around 12 degrees all year, so a sweater or jacket is recommended. The underground spaces are huge: there are even sports fields, a chapel, and playgrounds. It was impressive to see how enormous this underground world is and how well preserved.
Bucharest: City of Contrasts
Bucharest is a city full of contrasts. On one side, you see wide boulevards and impressive communist architecture, like the giant Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world. On the other side is the charming old town, full of cafés, restaurants, churches, and cosy squares.
We especially enjoyed the old town, where you can easily spend a whole day walking. In the evening, the city comes alive with terraces and street musicians.
Mud Volcanoes: Bizarre Landscape
On the way to Moldova, we stopped at the Vulcanii Noroioși – the Mud Volcanoes. We visited Pâclele Mici, which many people say is more beautiful and peaceful than Pâclele Mari. It felt like we landed on another planet, with bubbling mud and small volcano hills scattered across the landscape. Since we had camped off-grid nearby, we were the first visitors in the morning.
Hîncu: Peaceful Monastery
The next stop on our road trip was Moldova. On the way to Chișinău, we visited Hîncu Monastery, a 17th-century monastery. It is located in nature and radiates calm. Women must wear a headscarf to enter, but even walking around the grounds alone is beautiful.
Chișinău: Capital of Moldova
Chișinău surprised us with its green character. Everywhere there are parks, wide avenues, and plenty of space. We stayed with the camper at the city lake, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The city has cosy bars and restaurants that come alive in the evening.
During our visit, we saw some highlights. We walked through Parcul Ștefan cel Mare, the central park, where the statue of Stefan the Great proudly towers above the greenery. Here, you can experience the local lifestyle: people jogging, picnicking, or meeting on the benches. We also visited the Nativity Cathedral, an impressive Orthodox cathedral with beautiful domes and serene gardens.
Pridnestrovie: The Country That Doesn’t Exist
From Chișinău, we made a day trip to Pridnestrovie (also known as Transnistria), a small region not recognised internationally. With a guide, we learned about the history, political situation, and Soviet-like atmosphere. It was a unique and special experience. Read more about our day trip to Pridnestrovie in a separate blog post!
Mileștii Mici: World’s Largest Wine Cellar
Moldova is famous for its wine, and Mileștii Mici is perhaps the country’s most famous winery. With more than 200 kilometres of underground wine cellars, it is even the largest in the world. What makes it even more special is the surroundings. Mileștii Mici is located among vast vineyards, rolling hills, and small farms that make up the typical Moldovan landscape. Of course, we bought a few bottles of delicious wine to enjoy later in our camper van!
Constanța: Back to Romania
Our last stop was on the Black Sea, in Constanța. It is a lively port city with a long boulevard and the iconic old Casino building beautifully located by the sea. After so many cities, castles, and mountains, it was wonderful to relax here, swim, and enjoy the sun. Afterwards, we continued our journey towards Bulgaria.