Romania travel guide

Crossing the Prislop pass is a pretty journey - if you don't mind a bit of winding roads. You will pass traditional village after traditional village, before zigzagging the last bit to the top while being spoiled with spectacular views over endless forests. From the top, there are more hairpin turns and amazing views before you end up on the other side of the mountain pass.

The Transylvanian Alps (also called Southern Carpathians) is as majestic and daunting as any other mountain range. One great way to take in the enchanting scenery is by train from Bucharest to Brașov (or reverse). Outside Bucharest, the flat farm land becomes hilly and slowly the Alps shape up in the distance. As the train winds its way through valleys, you will soon be fully embraced by real mountains. Small mountain villages and ski resorts will pass by, as you enter deeper into Transylvania.

The new wooden church at Peri monastery in the outskirts of Săpânța village (yes, the one with the Merry Cemetery) is simply towering. Official signs modestly claim that the 75 m tall wooden church is the tallest wooden building in Europe, but we can't think of any other wooden building worldwide that beats it. Some might argue that the church's stone base disqualifies it, making another Romanian wooden church in Surdești the tallest (72 m). As you probably have figured out, wooden churches are not something new to this region. Wherever you go in northern Romania, you will see beautiful, old wooden churches - though not all are this tall.