I started exploring Romania in an attractive medieval town of Brasov, which can be compared with Ljubljana in terms of size. Actually, the original reason that got me interested in visiting this country was the festival they organize each year on a Sunday one week after the Orthodox Easter – the annual Junii Feast. On this day horsemen ride to the old part of the town wearing traditional and attractive clothing. In the past they were allowed to do this only on this one special day, because the city was otherwise closed to the poor rural folks living outside city walls. Both horses and horsemen are a real sight worth seeing, so no wonder they’re accompanied by a crowd of curious people.
A new hostel invites you
It’s good to come to the city a few days before the
festival, for there are festivities at the main square for the whole week. There’s an important musical event taking place at the large town square, which is also the main point of activities. The square is the place where the promenade begins (or ends) with a street reserved for pedestrians only. This street connects the medieval centre with the newer part of the town. In warmer months it feels like the whole streets turns into a big yard with sunscreens inviting you to sit down in the shade of numerous pubs and restaurants. This only one kilometre long street is full of various shops, pubs, bars and restaurants. It is here that I found the youth hostel
Centrum house hostel, Republicii 56-58, with a superb location. The hostel was only opened this year and the king host Joseph with his staff will take good care of you. I got their address from the
Romanian Hosteling International partner association. Joseph is new to the business, but understands the needs of backpackers of all generations. He’s still searching for ways to advertise himself and about cooperation with HI. Because his rooms are neatly kept, the building has a large common room for activities and a kitchen and naturally all he facilities are kept perfectly clean, he will have no trouble joining the association. Three of the rooms are meant as family rooms or couples, for they have three beds and their own television. The biggest advantage of the hostel, though, is its central location. The first shop or restaurant is just a few steps away. And if you don’t feel like going out, the waiters will even bring you food and drinks to the hostel. The price for board begins at 10€ per night.
Brasov used to be the cultural centre of German miners, who settled this part of what is now Romania in the 13th century. Most of the German minority left their homes in Romania in the time of Ceausescu regime, but the rich architectural heritage remain for you to admire in Brasov. The old centre is surrounded by tall walls and the manor with defence towers invites you to explore it. From it you get a magnificent view of the city. But you’ll get an even better view if you reach the peak of the 900m hill, which is easily accessible by a cable cart from the city. Staying in town is so pleasant that many people stay for longer than they previously planned. There’s always something going on and the prices are pocket friendly. You can get a good meal for 3€, but in Romanian Lei. Different snacks and sweets are less than 1€. That’s also the price for a tall cool beer and a cup of coffee is half the price.
And where are the vampires?
Brasov is part of Transylvania which is, off course, known for the vampires! The locals only smile, when you mention them, but ever since Bram Stoker wrote his infamous book Dracula (1897) this part of Romania is connected with these flying blood suckers. The Irish writer used real places and people for his story. Dracula was supposed to be the ruthless Romanian nobleman Vlad Tepes, known for the cruelty towards the enemies. He was born in the city of Sighisoara and lived in various castles. He is connected to the castle Bran, which is less than an hour from Brasov and it visually fits the myths and stories of vampires pretty well. But Vlad, to the best we can tell today, didn’t live there. But the current owners know how to cash in on the story about the famous vampire. The castle chambers present the stories of both Vlad and the vampires and they explain that although Vlad the count never lived in this castle, the vampire Dracula – Vlad turned into – did reside right here! Anyway, the castle is well worth a visit, despite the huge crowds of tourists besieging it every day. There are numerous stands in front of it, which offer local goodness in form of cheese, dairy products and meat products. But if you’re in for a fright, you should visit the nearby spook house...
Castles under ski slopes
There are some other castles nearby, you can visit. The nearest is above the village of Rasnov. And one of the most popular Romanian castles stands in the forest retreat of Sinaia. It is here where the Romanian king Charles I had his fairy castle “Peles” built in the second half of the 19th century. Sinaia is a popular mountain retreat with many trails leading up to it. At around 2000m above sea level it also offers great skiing resorts in winter. You can reach the ski centre by one of three cable carts, which also accept mountain bikes in the summer. You can also get a board suitable for any pocket and tourist wish, or you can just stop by if you’re on a route connecting Brasov to the national capital Bucharest. It’s along the main road and railway connection in the valley of Prahova. The valley itself is known both for natural beauty and vineyards. It is here where the best Romanian wines come from. Definitely worth a try!
