Romania Highlights
Transylvania's castles, the Danube Delta, and Europe's wildest mountain roads
Romania is one of Europe's most underrated destinations — a country of extraordinary natural beauty, medieval cities, and a fascinating history. From the Gothic castles of Transylvania and the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the wildlife-rich Danube Delta and the legendary Transfăgărășan mountain road, Romania offers a depth of experience that few European countries can match.
Top Romania Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate romania highlights experience
Danube Delta
Europe's largest and best-preserved river delta — a UNESCO wilderness of birds and waterways
The Danube Delta is one of Europe's greatest natural wonders — a vast wetland wilderness where the Danube River fans out into hundreds of channels, lakes, and reed beds before meeting the Black Sea. The delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, home to over 300 bird species (including the world's largest white pelican colony) and 45 freshwater fish species.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
- World's largest white pelican colony
- 300+ bird species and 45 freshwater fish species
- Europe's largest and best-preserved river delta
- Vast reed beds, channels, and floating villages
Things to Do
- Boat tour through the delta channels
- Birdwatching (white pelicans, herons, cormorants)
- Fishing in the delta waterways
- Visit the floating village of Mila 23
- Sunrise over the reed beds
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
May–June (birds) or September–October (fewer crowds)
Recommended Duration
2–3 days
Typical Cost
Boat tours from €30/day
Travel Tips
- ·Tulcea is the gateway — fly or take the train from Bucharest (4 hrs)
- ·Hire a local fisherman's boat for the most authentic experience
- ·May–June is peak birdwatching season
- ·Stay in a traditional guesthouse in Sulina or Mila 23
- ·Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes are fierce in summer
Nearby Attractions
Transfăgărășan Highway
The world's most dramatic mountain road — 90 km of hairpin bends through the Carpathians
The Transfăgărășan Highway is one of the world's most spectacular mountain roads — a 90-km route built by Nicolae Ceaușescu between 1970 and 1974 that crosses the Carpathian Mountains at 2,042 metres. The road passes through tunnels, over viaducts, and past the stunning Bâlea Lake before descending to Curtea de Argeș. Top Gear famously called it "the best road in the world."
Highlights
- Called "the best road in the world" by Top Gear
- Crosses the Carpathians at 2,042 metres
- Built by Ceaușescu between 1970 and 1974
- Bâlea Lake at the summit — accessible by cable car in winter
- Poenari Fortress — Vlad the Impaler's real castle at the southern end
Things to Do
- Drive the full length of the highway
- Hike to Bâlea Lake (2,034m)
- Visit Poenari Fortress (Vlad the Impaler's real castle)
- Swim in the Vidraru reservoir
- Photograph the hairpin bends from above
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
July–October (road open; closed in winter)
Recommended Duration
Full day
Typical Cost
Free to drive
Travel Tips
- ·The road is only open July–October — check before visiting
- ·Drive south to north for the most dramatic ascent
- ·Poenari Fortress (Vlad the Impaler's real castle) is at the southern end
- ·Bâlea Lake at the top has a chalet and cable car
- ·Allow a full day — the road is slow but spectacular
Nearby Attractions
More Attractions
Discover more incredible experiences around the world
Ready to explore Romania Highlights?
Let our AI trip planner build you a personalised itinerary including the best romania highlights experiences.