The traveller’s path through Romania: the hidden spots and the countryside

The traveller’s path through Romania: the hidden spots and the countryside

Every country in this world is known or famous for a few touristic destinations, traditions, cultural aspects and landmarks. When it comes to Romania, you’ve probably have heard about the historical region of Transylvania, the Castle of Dracula, the medieval cities of Sibiu, Brașov, Sighișoara or about the largest music festival from Romania, Untold. Well, I am here to tell you that besides all of the above there are plenty of other beautiful and worth exploring places. 

For a simple traveller who is looking for truly experiencing a new unknown location, its people, way of living, tradition and habits or surroundings, the destination doesn’t have to be a famous one or a specific one, but rather a common place where everything goes at a normal pace without being forced by major unnatural events. 

I this regard, I find Romania’s countryside, with small exceptions, as an amazing territory, perfect for wondering around, discovering beautiful landscapes and people, learning from various lifestyles, enjoying delicious natural foods or collecting the fruits and veggies directly from the source and picking up wild fruits like blueberries, raspberry, blackberries or tea herbs from the fields and hills. 

Via Transilvanica, the path of a true traveller 

For this kind of activities and way of travelling, an association called “Tășuleasa Social”  is developing and creating a project named “Via Transilvanica” consisting in a path of almost 1000 kilometers that will unite the entire Carpathian arch, surrounding the historical region of Transylvania, starting from north at Putna Monastery and ending in the south west in Drobeta Turnu Severin. 

The concept behind the project comes out from the idea of exploring the country not with a car, but rather more slowly, step by step so the people will have in this way the time and opportunity to really get to know the natural, historical, geographical and cultural treasures of Romania. 

Via Transilvania will pass through mountains, hills, meadows, villages, forests, historical building and many more. The track is symbolised with the orange capital letter T. The sign will lead the traveller’s way announcing him about the possibilities of accommodation and eating, information about the important regions of which he will meet. 

The creators of Via Transilvanica recommend the traveller who want to start trekking the path to first read the “ Traveller’s guide on Via Transilvanica” that is available for downloading on theirs official website. 

I haven’t been trekking on Via Transilvanica yet, but I really want to travel on it in the nearest future. I encourage people to take this path too and whenever I can I like to speak about this beautiful project.

I admire so much the people who are working for Via Transilvanica because they are doing a very good job in growing the eco-tourism and also promoting the hidden places by giving travellers the possibility to discover the less known spots.

Discovering my place of birth 

I was born and raised in the countryside near the mountains and on the hills surrounding Prahova Valley. The village is called Șotrile and is located at about 100 kilometers away from Bucharest. The closest town is Câmpina, a small city positioned at almost 1 hour journey away from the capital of the country. 

I consider my home village as one of the hidden spots where nature lovers can enjoy beauty, rest and wonder. The village is lacking in places for accommodation because the people living here are not so interesting in tourism even if Șotrile has in my opinion the possibility of developing in this area. 

Travellers can come here using the county road 207 coming from Câmpina. The village can be included in a road trip with stops for admiring the views over the Bucegi Mountains, Baiu Mountains and the Paltinu Dam.

People who are courageous and a desire for a little adventure can walk through the forests but they have to pay attention to the dogs and the wild animals. There is an unmarked hiking trail that goes to a beautiful spot called Vârful Frumos (The Beautiful Peak ) from where it opens up a wonderful view over a mountain village - Secăria - and other mountains. 

I have been with my family many times here, but I recommend the people who want to hike here and are strangers to this places to ask for guiding and even take a local with them. In this regard, I am here if you need me.

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