After I spent some time exploring the fascinating watermills in the village of Rudaria, it was time to hit the road again. My next destination was the city of Baile Herculane, which was about an hour’s drive from Rudaria. I was excited to visit this place because it’s famous for its historic thermal baths and unique charm.

When I arrived in Baile Herculane, I decided to focus my visit on the old town. This area is where most of the city’s iconic and well-known buildings are located. The architecture told stories of the city’s rich past, and every corner seemed to hold a new surprise. This town has a history that stretches back to the Roman times, making it one of the oldest spa towns in Europe.

The Austrian Imperial Baths

The Austrian Imperial Baths, also known as the Neptune Baths, are a fascinating historical site that, sadly, has been abandoned. While the interior of the building is not open to visitors, you can still enjoy its stunning architecture from the outside. Standing before this magnificent structure, it’s easy to imagine how grand it must have been in its prime. In its glory days, this place was a bustling hub that drew many tourists, all eager to experience its beauty and splendor. Although time has taken its toll, the exterior remains a testament to the elegance and charm that once made it a sought-after destination.

Hercules Square

Just a short walk from the Imperial Baths, you’ll find Hercules Square, the heart of the old town in Baile Herculane. Though the square is small, it has a unique charm that makes it worth a visit. On a hot summer day, it’s the perfect spot to pause and enjoy a delicious ice cream from one of the nearby vendors. If you’re looking for a place to rest, there are benches shaded by the tall, historic buildings surrounding the square, offering a cool and relaxing spot to take a break. At the far end of Hercules Square, you’ll come across a small yet fascinating church, adding a touch of history and culture to this quaint area.

Between Hercules Square and the Imperial Baths, you’ll come across the Diana Bath, a historic building with a story to tell. Originally built entirely out of brick in 1810, it was redesigned in 1858 to take on its current appearance. One of the most unique features of this building is the statue of Hercules that proudly stands on its roof.

The Stone Bridge

This stone bridge across the small Cerna River connects the old town with the rest of the city.

Before leaving Baile Herculane, I took some time to capture more photos of this charming and historic city. Nestled in a valley surrounded by steep, dramatic mountains, Baile Herculane is a place of incredible natural beauty and rich history. I wanted to preserve the memories of its unique atmosphere and stunning views. Here are some of the photos I took during my visit:

Where should I go next?

Just 21 km from Baile Herculane lies the small and picturesque city of Orsova, situated on the scenic shores of the Danube River. From Orsova, you can take a memorable drive along the Danube all the way to Moldova Noua. This road offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. Along the way, you can admire the impressive Decebalus Rex statue, the largest rock sculpture in Europe, and visit the historic Ladislau Fortress in the village of Coronini.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, you can check out additional photos from this breathtaking road trip here: Road trip next to the Danube River in Clisura Dunării.

After exploring Bigar Waterfall, I headed to my next stop which was high on my bucket list: the charming village of Eftimie Murgu located in Caras Severin County. This village is famous for its historic watermills, which have drawn visitors for years. Until 1970, it was actually known as Rudaria. These watermills have a rich history and are a unique part of the area’s heritage, nestled in a beautiful valley and surrounded by peaceful, scenic landscapes.

Once you arrive in Eftimie Murgu, drive to the end of the village to find the mills. Near the first mill, there’s a parking area on the left side of the street where you can leave your car. Be prepared for a narrow road as you get closer to the mills—it’s only wide enough for two cars to pass slowly.

Let’s explore a couple of watermills

Talking with a local, I learned that there are 20 functional traditional watermills here, most of which are still in use today. Each mill harnesses the river’s flow to power large circular stones inside, which grind grains into flour.

During my visit to Rudaria, I had the chance to explore a few of the traditional watermills to see firsthand how wheat is transformed into flour. I was fortunate to find two mills in operation, allowing me to observe the intricate mechanisms used to grind the grain. The rhythmic motion of the water-powered wheels and the craftsmanship behind each mill made the experience both fascinating and memorable.

The two watermills I visited were called Firiz and Indaratnica dintre Rauri. Both of these mills use paddles beneath the building to harness the flow of the river. As water rushes over the paddles, it pushes them, making a long shaft turn. This rotating shaft connects to a heavy, round millstone inside the mill, which spins as a result. The spinning stone grinds the wheat into flour in a steady, rhythmic motion powered entirely by the river’s current.

The Firiz watermill

Indaratnica dintre Rauri watermill

This watermill was in much better shape compared to the first one I visited, likely because it had been renovated a few years ago. Right outside the mill, there was a small area where locals sold various souvenirs, giving visitors a chance to take home a piece of the experience. You could also buy freshly ground flour or maize flour for 5 RON per kilogram. The maize flour is perfect for making mămăligă, a traditional Romanian dish similar to polenta.

Below you will find a video in which you can actually see the watermill in action.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zoltan Nyaradi (@nyzphoto)

Other watermills

Besides the two ones from above which were opened and the interior can be visited by the tourists, in Rudaria you can find other watermills along the Rudaria valley.

After exploring the watermills in Rudaria, I decided to try one last treat before leaving—a delicious, freshly made donut from a local vendor. It was the perfect way to end the visit. Honestly, I’m glad I came here because it gave me a chance to learn about the traditional methods of milling wheat, which are still used today. Watching the old water-powered machines at work was like taking a step back in time. The whole experience was not only educational but also a great reminder of how communities used to make their own food using simple, natural techniques.

It’s been almost 10 years since I last visited the Bigar Waterfall, and a lot has changed in that time. One of the most noticeable changes is the area around the waterfall. Now, when you arrive, you’ll find several food vendors in the parking lot, offering snacks and refreshments for visitors.

The biggest and most significant change, however, is the waterfall itself. The famous bell-shaped form that made Bigar so popular is no longer there because a large part collapsed in 2021 under its weight. Despite this, many people still come to admire the site, drawn by the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the area.

Back in 2014, I had the opportunity to visit a part of Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park, which included the stunning Bigar Waterfall. At that time, the waterfall still showcased its iconic bell shape, a natural wonder that attracted many visitors for its unique beauty.

How to reach the Bigar Waterfall

If you’re driving from Oravita or Anina towards Bozovici, getting to the Bigar Waterfall is simple. After passing Lake Minis, keep an eye out for a larger parking area on the right side of the road. This is where you can park your car while visiting the waterfall. From there, it’s just a short and easy walk to the Bigar Waterfall along a path that runs parallel to the main road. Don’t worry about the distance—it’s a brief stroll, and you’ll be at the waterfall in no time.

Next to the Bigar Waterfall

When you arrive at the site, you’ll find a wooden viewing platform that has been built to give visitors a perfect spot to admire the waterfall. From this platform, you can enjoy a clear and beautiful view of the falls and the surrounding nature. It’s designed to make sure everyone has a safe and comfortable place to take in the scenery, offering a great vantage point for photos or simply soaking in the beauty of the waterfall.

In the video below, you can watch as the water flows gently over the green moss of the Bigar Waterfall, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zoltan Nyaradi (@nyzphoto)