Travel to Romania (and Northern Hungary) – Episode 910

Hear about travel to Romania and Northern Hungary as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lisa VanderVeen about her recent Intrepid trip to the area.

Why should you go to Romania?

Lisa says, “Romania is much more than Dracula and Vlad Tepes, though I will confess that was my initial draw to the country. It’s got a great diversity of landscape and a multi layered history going way, way back. And then also as recently as the, communist times. Lots of really interesting museums to visit.”

“In terms of the topography and the geography, it’s just amazing. It’s got beautiful towns the Maramures region has a history of weavings and just the colors, red, orange, pink, and blue with the haystacks dotting the rolling hills and the mountains in the backdrop are really stunning.”

“The Carpathian Mountains are moody and they’re filled with lore and at the same time they feel a little bit like Switzerland. There’s great beauty, great history, and wonderful food and wine in Romania.”

Here’s the itinerary of the trip to Romania and Northern Hungary as described by Lisa:

1. Northern, Hungary:
   • Start the trip in Budapest, Lisa’s favorite European city, known for its architecture, the Danube River, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and thermal baths.
2. Eger, Hungary:
   • Travel by train to Eger, a small town with Baroque architecture, a notable history of resisting the Ottomans, and a rich wine tradition.
   • Explore the Castle of Eger and the Valley of Beautiful Women, known for its wine cellars.
   • Visit the Basilica of St. John the Apostle and the Camera Obscura.
3. Maramureș, Romania:
   • Cross the border into Romania and explore the Maramureș region, known for its picturesque villages, wooden churches, and deep traditions.
   • Visit the Mănăstirea Bârsana, a UNESCO site.
   • Explore the wooden churches, St. Nicholas Church, and the Memorial of the Victims of Communism.
   • Visit the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, famous for its colorful crosses and humorous epitaphs.
4. Sighetu Marmației, Romania:
   • Visit the Sighetu Village Museum, an open-air museum with traditional wooden structures from the region.
5. Sighișoara, Romania:
   • Travel to Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Dracula).
   • Explore the medieval upper town, with its towers and cobblestone streets.
6. Viscri, Romania:
   • Visit Viscri, a traditional Saxon village, and explore the fortified church and guest houses.
   • Enjoy the rural life, including the unique experience of watching cows return home in the evening.
7. Brașov and Bucharest, Romania:
   • The trip continues to Brașov, a city in Transylvania, and concludes in Bucharest, the capital of Romania.
   • Visit Bran Castle, which is associated with Dracula lore.

This itinerary combines historical exploration, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes, highlighting Hungary and Romania’s rich heritage.

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Show Notes

Lisa VanderVeen
Budapest to Bucharest – 10 Days Hungary & Romania – Intrepid Travel
Budapest
Romania
Eger
Dobo Square
Cathedral Basilica of Eger
Eger Castle
Eger Minaret
Hotel Minaret & Étterem, Eger
Egri Bikavér
Eger, Hungary, and the Valley of the Beautiful Women
Maramureș
Schengen area
Mănăstirea Bârsana
Wooden churches of Maramureș
Sighet Memorial and the Story of Communism in Romania
Merry Cemetery
The Village Museum of Maramures
Pálinka
Sighișoara
Vlad the Impaler
Things to do in Transylvania in Romania (Podcast)
Scholars’ Stairs
Cafe Martini & Habermann, Sighisoara
Papanasi: Romanian Sweet Cheese Donuts with Blueberries & Cream
Viscri: The Saxon Village Where Traditions Came Back to Life
King Charles owns a Romanian guest house
Nicolae Ceaușescu

Community

Hi Chris,

Apologies in advance for what will be a lengthy email if you read it all the way to the end! As a long time fan of your Amateur Traveler podcast, I have often found myself composing emails to you in my head, and so below are many of the points I’ve considered communicating to you recently.

Firstly and belatedly, my condolences on the passing of your parents.

Secondly, I enjoyed what was possibly the best trip of my life to Tanzania last November. Heavily influenced by your podcast #757, my father and I travelled to Katavi and Mahale National Parks as your guest Jen Curran did, and it was every bit as wild, remote and incredible as we had hoped. We also visited and enjoyed Chumbe Island off Zanzibar, which you had featured on an earlier podcast, so thank you for your contribution to our wonderful experience.

Closer to home, I enjoyed podcast #884 featuring Amber Hagerty. It is a testament to the accuracy of your show that a visitor (her) and a local (me) could share almost exactly a list of what the best things to do are in a certain area. One note is that the islands she visited off the coast of Wexford are called the Saltees as opposed to Salty Island, as is the Saltee Sauna in Kilmore Quay.

…

Rachel

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