Travel Ideas
The Most Unique Places to Visit in Romania This Summer
On this journey, we'll take you to destinations that will amaze you, without revealing all their secrets. You'll discover wild gorges sculpted by water, castles that seem taken straight out of fairy tales, villages with a special charm, volcanic lakes that invite you to relax, or cities where culture, art, and gastronomy are in constant dialogue with the past. Get your bags ready, open your heart to beauty, because Romania has much more to show than you could ever imagine.
From the Vârghiș Gorge, where cliffs rise majestically above the water, to Oradea, a city that will win you over with its art nouveau architecture, from Râșnov with its centuries-old fortress, to the picturesque village of Viscri, where time seems to stand still, or Lake Sfânta Ana, with its clear waters in a volcanic crater — all of them await you on an unforgettable summer journey.
So come on, grab your camera, make your travel plans, call up a few close friends or bring your family, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of our country, where you’ll discover some truly special places.
Râșnov – the fortress that takes you back to the Middle Ages
Râșnov is a small town steeped in history, where time seems to have stopped in a medieval painting. Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, Râșnov will charm you with its imposing fortress that has watched over the valley for centuries. Once a strategic defense point, it also served as a refuge during times of war and invasion.

(source: Cazare Rasnov)
On the cobbled streets, among the vividly colored traditional Saxon houses, you’ll discover a unique atmosphere where medieval legends, knights, and noble ladies seem to come to life. Râșnov Fortress, one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Transylvania, will take you on a journey back in time. You can explore its bastions, towers, inner courtyards, and even a small museum that tells the story of this historic place.

(source: Urlaub in Rumanien)
Beyond the fortress, Râșnov also welcomes you with many other attractions, such as the Valea Cetății Cave, known for its limestone formations and mysterious atmosphere — a perfect spot for adrenaline seekers and exploration enthusiasts alike.

(source: Asociatia Rosenau Turism)
Also located near the fortress is Romania’s very own Jurassic Park — Dino Park Râșnov, where even the youngest visitors can discover the fascinating world of dinosaurs in a fun and interactive way. Here, you can walk among life-sized, ferocious dinosaurs and experience a prehistoric adventure like no other.

(source: Romania Insider)
Râșnov is a perfect destination for families, couples, and history lovers alike — for anyone looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a picturesque and charming setting.
Lake Sfânta Ana – a peaceful oasis in the forests of Transylvania
Lake Sfânta Ana is a little corner of paradise, where nature, legends, and fairytale-like landscapes blend into a scene of rare beauty. Located in the crater of an extinct volcano in the Ciomatu Massif, it is the only volcanic lake in Romania — a true natural treasure that will captivate you at first sight.

(source: Stirile ProTv)
Here, the lake’s turquoise-blue waters reflect the surrounding fir trees, creating an atmosphere of peace and daydreaming, completely detached from the noise of the modern world. The lake’s shore invites you to stroll, picnic, hike, or simply to contemplate nature in a place where time seems to stand still.

(source: Habarics Zsolt)
Besides the lake, the reserve includes the Mohoș Peat Bog, a rare peatland with unique flora where you can discover carnivorous plants, mosses, ferns, and a distinctive fauna made up of animal species adapted to these special conditions.

(source: Baile Tusnad)
Nearby is the Bálványos resort, famous for its thermal waters, mofettes, gas-filled caves, and the fairytale-like landscapes that surround it. Bálványos is the perfect destination for those looking to relax, rejuvenate, and uncover the secrets of truly magical places.

(source: Balvanyos Resort)
Lake Sfânta Ana, together with Bálványos, creates a natural haven where you can reconnect with the earth’s power, tranquility, and wild beauty — far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. It’s the perfect retreat for couples, families, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a well-deserved break.
Oradea — Romania’s Art Nouveau jewel
Oradea captivates you from the very first step, with an atmosphere that is elegant, steeped in history, yet modern and welcoming at the same time. Situated on the banks of the Crișul Repede River, Oradea stands out for its Art Nouveau architecture, truly an open-air museum where colorful facades, stained glass, delicate sculptures, and floral details transport you to a fairytale world.

(source: TripAdvisor)
Among the most iconic landmarks is the Black Eagle Palace, a complex with covered passageways that host cafés, shops, theaters, and event spaces — a true centerpiece of Oradea’s social life.

(source: Visit Oradea)
Also in Oradea, you’ll find the Moon Church, famous for its unique mechanism that displays the phases of the moon — the only one of its kind in Romania. Just as impressive is the Greek-Catholic Episcopal Palace, a majestic building that has become a true symbol of the city.

(source: Oradea Heritage)
In Union Square, the heart of Oradea, you’ll find a collection of buildings that tell the story of centuries of multiethnic coexistence: the Greek-Catholic Cathedral, the Orthodox Cathedral, the City Hall, along with hotels, cafés, museums, and theaters — all brought together in a blend of architectural styles, from Baroque and Secession to Eclectic and Neoclassical.
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(source: Libertatea)
Beyond its museums, theaters, parks, and cafés, Oradea takes pride in the Oradea Fortress — a medieval stronghold that has been transformed into a multifunctional cultural space. Here, festivals, exhibitions, guided tours, and events bring together history and contemporary art in a vibrant and inspiring setting.

(source: Planiada)
In recent years, Oradea has become a city that beautifully blends the past with the future — a perfect destination for a romantic city break, a cultural journey, or a weekend escape to a charming corner where history is rewritten with every step.

(source: Urlaub in Rumanien)
Vârghiș Gorge — a wild corner full of legends
Vârghiș Gorge is one of Transylvania’s most beautiful nature reserves — a truly wild haven where limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and dense forests blend into a fairytale-like landscape. Nestled in the Perșani Mountains, the gorge stretches for about 4 kilometers, forming a dramatic canyon carved by the Vârghiș stream. This untouched setting is home to rare plant species, diverse wildlife (including bats, birds of prey, and salamanders), and stunning geological formations that take your breath away.

(source: Extazy)
Beyond hiking, climbing, caving expeditions, or simple walks, the Vârghiș Gorge area will lead you to other hidden gems of the region — such as the Daniel Castle in Tălișoara, a beautifully restored residence that blends history with luxury tourism.

(source: Daniel Castle)
— or Count Kálnoky’s Manor in Micloșoara, where you can discover the lifestyle of the Székely nobility in an authentic and charming setting.

(source: Kalnoky Castle)
Vârghiș Gorge, along with its surrounding attractions, is an ideal destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts looking to connect with Transylvania’s cultural heritage in a truly unique and memorable way.

(source: Clubul Copiilor)
Viscri — the village where time stands still
Viscri is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque villages in Transylvania — a little corner of the world where time seems to have paused, allowing you to reconnect with your roots, with traditional ways of life, and with the people who keep alive the crafts, customs, and spirit of centuries long gone.

(source: Valea Verde Retreat)
Viscri village, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, became famous thanks to its Evangelical Fortified Church — a striking medieval structure that dominates the landscape and stands as one of the best-preserved Saxon fortifications.

(source: Romanian Journeys)
On the cobblestone streets, among the colorful houses with simple yet charming facades, you’ll discover an authentic world where locals continue to practice ancestral crafts — from weaving and pottery to blacksmithing and baking bread in traditional clay ovens.

(source: Coltisor de Romania)
Over the years, Viscri has also gained fame thanks to the involvement of Prince Charles (now King of the United Kingdom) in preserving the heritage of the Saxon villages. It has become a shining example of sustainable and responsible tourism that supports local development without compromising the village’s unique identity.

(source: Monitorul Express)
Beyond its idyllic landscapes, storybook houses, and welcoming people with smiles on their faces, Viscri invites you into a special atmosphere where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Wander its cobblestone streets, rest in a traditionally colorful house, or uncover the secrets of folk art in a village that has preserved the charm of bygone times — almost like a living fairy tale.

(source: Location Scout)
Romania — a destination full of charm, history, and dreamlike landscapes
From medieval fortresses that tell tales of long-gone times, to hidden mountain lakes, wild gorges, villages preserving ancestral customs, and cities skillfully blending history with modernity — Romania is a destination that will amaze you, move you, and reconnect you with nature, culture, and your own roots.
No matter your preferences — a romantic getaway, an outdoor adventure, a cultural journey, or an escape to a picturesque village — Romania offers something special for every traveler. Every corner hides a story, a landscape, an experience that will make you pause, breathe, and savor the moment.
Pack your bags, open your heart to beauty, authenticity, and traditions that withstand the test of time, to breathtaking views — because Romania awaits you with open arms, ready to surprise you, whoever you are.