Romania is one of the wildest and most authentic destinations left in Europe for a motorhome: legendary castles, the mountainous Carpathians full of wildlife (bears!), medieval Saxon villages frozen in time, and one of the most spectacular mountain roads on the planet. It's pure adventure, at very low prices. Here's the guide, with preparation ahead of time.
Transylvania and its castles
- Bran Castle ("Dracula's Castle"), the most famous.
- Sighisoara: one of the most beautiful inhabited medieval citadels in Europe, a World Heritage site.
- Brasov, Sibiu and the Saxon villages with their fortified churches (Viscri).
The Transfagarasan
The star attraction for road lovers: the Transfagarasan, a mountain road climbing above 2,000 m across the Carpathians, with dizzying bends and jaw-dropping scenery (only open in summer). An unforgettable driving experience (with care; see driving in the mountains).
Nature and wildlife
The Carpathians hold one of the largest populations of bears, wolves and lynx in Europe. Deep nature, the painted monasteries of Bucovina, the Danube Delta (a paradise for birds)... a country of immense, still uncrowded nature.
What you need to know
- Variable roads: from good to very poor; drive carefully and without rushing.
- Vignette (rovinieta) compulsory; buy it when you enter.
- Respect wildlife: never feed or approach bears.
- Very low prices and huge hospitality.
- Autonomy: remote areas with few services.
In summary
Romania and Transylvania offer legendary castles, the wild Carpathians with wildlife, Saxon villages and the spectacular Transfagarasan, all authentic and cheap. The step to take today: plan Transylvania (Bran, Sighisoara, the Saxon villages) and, if you go in summer, the Transfagarasan; buy the vignette when you enter, travel with autonomy for remote areas and respect the wildlife. Combine it with Eastern Europe.