On the way to India, Marie & Matt from the blog Voyages à Deux are traveling across Europe by bus and sharing with you tips, advice, and tricks through their articles!
Last stop: Brasov.
Brasov was the final stop of our stay in Europe before our big departure to India. A little extension to our trip since the unlimited Eurolines pass does not yet allow us to reach it by bus, we hopped on a train and three hours later, we found ourselves in the heart of Transylvania. However, it is entirely possible to book an additional Eurolines ticket between Bucharest and Brasov! More than just the capital of the country, this city and its surroundings are worth spending several days in Romania. We share our favorite tips for fully enjoying it.
The Black Church of Brasov
It is undoubtedly the main attraction of Brasov. This Catholic church (a rare thing in Romania) impresses mainly with its architecture and its unusual dark color. Although there is an entrance fee, it is worth it to discover the beautiful nave adorned with precious gold.
The Narrowest Street in Europe
This is a record that the locals boast about, and having walked through it, we can indeed confirm that this aptly named String Street is indeed narrow: barely enough space to pass! You can take this route to reach the synagogue or just the historical heart of the city.
The Circuit of Towers
To get a bit higher above the city and enjoy a beautiful view, you can take the tour of the white and black towers, which passes through a lovely woodland. In autumn, the season when we discovered it, it is a delight to stroll among the multicolored fallen leaves. A walk that we recommend to all lovers!
Bran Castle
This is the number one visit in the country. Everyone crowds into the walls of this small castle located just 30 km from Brasov to try to uncover the mystery of its darkest occupant: Dracula. The famous vampire, inspired by the historical figure Vlad Tepes, is said to have been imprisoned here for a few years and fed on blood to survive… Between dark legends and real history, that of Queen Marie, his last true occupant, Bran Castle is a lovely visit that we recommend.
The Village of Viscri
Far from vampire legends, Transylvania is primarily a beautiful countryside where some villages still live a minimal existence to thrive in the best of worlds. This is the case of Viscri, situated at the end of a chaotic road one hour from Brasov, where the pavement has not yet arrived and where the land is still cultivated to bring forth the best it has to offer. A small eco-lodge offers a taste of these local products, and a 13th-century church allows for a high vantage point to admire the view over the entire village and its surroundings.
The Ruins of Rasnov
To learn about the history of the country, nothing beats a guided tour of the Rasnov Castle, saved from private sale by a handful of volunteers. Extensive renovation work has been done, and the castle is still undergoing repairs in places, but one can already see beautiful archaeological remains, all narrated with humor by actors who wander in costume through the small alleys of the place. As a bonus: you can also buy traditional handmade souvenirs there.
The Village of Prejmer
Another interesting testimony to rural life in historic Transylvania, the village of Prejmer, or rather its fortified church, is worth the detour for anyone who respects history. One can wander from room to room to discover how merchants and artisans lived until the last century.
The Church of Feldioara
As with Prejmer, the beautiful fortified church here is worth the visit. The village itself is quite calm. However, if you are lucky enough to discover the region during the Christmas holidays, the entire village comes alive with traditional songs and processions to celebrate Christmas as it should be!
The Transylvanian Countryside and the Carpathians
Finally and most importantly, the countryside surrounding the region is worth the detour on its own. Whether discovered in autumn with all its colors or in winter under a white blanket, it carries the soul of the region, and you can’t help but stop by regularly just to enjoy the landscape and the stunning Carpathian Mountains that watch over in the distance.
Where to Sleep?
In Brasov
Armatti Hotel: opened just a few months ago, the newly established Armatti Hotel located just steps from the city center is the perfect base to enjoy Brasov and its surroundings. The design and very comfortable rooms offer great mountain views for the most part. Breakfast and WiFi are included in the room rate, and soon there will even be a spa to relax after exploring deep Transylvania!
Kronwell Hotel: Ideally located just across from the railway station, this is where couples looking for a luxury suite with a bathtub to indulge together get together. While we didn’t test it, we absolutely loved the gigantic underground spa that offers a range of extraordinary treatments. Not to mention La Couchette, the restaurant where we mentioned having lunch earlier!
In Bran
La Casa Nostalgia: Ten minutes by car from the famous Bran Castle, this three-story chalet is the perfect address for couples. We loved its huge suite with exposed beams on the top floor, featuring a large bathtub in the bathroom (where you can comfortably fit two!) and a fireplace to stay warm in the evening. Our favorite in the region.
Where to Eat?
In Brasov:
La Sergiana: People come from afar to taste the specialties of this completely typical restaurant. The ideal place to test picturesque Romanian dishes in a very authentic setting where the staff are dressed in traditional country costumes. To start the meal well, we recommend a small palinca: the very strong local alcohol made from plums.
La Couchette: More modern, this restaurant with a French name located on the ground floor of the beautiful Kronwell Hotel offers both traditional dishes and more international options, crafted in a contemporary style. On the plate, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The perfect spot for a romantic dinner in an atmosphere reminiscent of an old train that pays homage to the great travelers in history.
Not far from Bran
Casa Pastravarului: Specializing in trout, this restaurant is ideal for tasting traditional fish dishes. After the meal, one can go see where the trout are raised. An attached store allows you to fish your own trout in a tank, gut it, and take it home to cook. A bucolic setting in a circular room with wood paneling that we recommend!
Cheile Gradistel: No other place reminded us as much of Switzerland. With its large panoramic windows overlooking the countryside and the Carpathian mountain range in the distance, one cannot imagine a more beautiful setting for lunch. As at Sergiana in Brasov, traditional dishes are also honored here. And if we eat too much, we can treat ourselves to a room in the hotel complex surrounding the restaurant. The ideal spot in winter to enjoy the ski resorts in the region.
Reservations:
As Matt & Marie head to Brasov:
> Book your cheap trip to Brasov with Links12
> Book your accommodation in Brasov
Happy visiting!
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