• The Cornet Waterfall Near Nadrag

    The Cornet Waterfall Near Nadrag

    The Cornet Waterfall is nestled in a forest close to the charming town of Nadrag in Romania. To visit this natural gem, drive to an open area in the forest, which is about 200 meters from the edge of the town. You can park your car there and enjoy a pleasant walk along a forest road to reach the waterfall. The walk is scenic and typically takes less than approximately 30 minutes.

    Once you arrive, you’ll find the Cornet Waterfall in a small, steep valley. It is visible from the main forest road, so you won’t miss it. The valley adds to the waterfall’s beauty and makes the view even more special.

    If you plan to take a short break, the Cornet Waterfall is the perfect spot. Right next to the road, near the waterfall, you’ll find some benches where you can sit and relax. This place is ideal for recharging your batteries. However, it can get crowded, especially during the summer when many tourists come to see the waterfall and enjoy walking in the cool forest shade.

    The Cornet Waterfall.
    The Cornet Waterfall
    Small waterfall in the forest.
    A small waterfall in the forest.
    Large rocks near the stream feeding the Cornet waterfall.
    Mountain stream with large rocks.
    Swamp in the forest.
    Swampy area near the Cornet waterfall.

    After visiting this place, I highly recommend to explore other objectives in the area such as lake Surduc or the old wooden church in Zolt.

  • My Top Picks: The Best Places to Visit in Transylvania

    My Top Picks: The Best Places to Visit in Transylvania

    Transylvania, located in the heart of Romania, is a region rich in history, legends, and stunning landscapes. Known for its medieval castles, picturesque villages, and vibrant cities, Transylvania offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

    During my travels through this enchanting region, I discovered a wealth of incredible places that left a lasting impression on me. From medieval castles and fortresses perched on hilltops to charming traditional villages where time seems to stand still, Transylvania is a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be explored. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for the best places to visit in Transylvania. Join me as I recount my adventures and reveal the must-see destinations that made my journey truly unforgettable.

    Sighisoara Medieval Citadel

    Sighisoara is a charming medieval town with colorful houses and cobblestone streets. It is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula legend. The most iconic building in this medieval citadel is the Clock Tower and right under it is one the main entrances into the citadel.

    A street paved with cobblestone in Sighisoara medieval citadel.
    A street which connects the Citadel Square to the Scholar Stairway.

    Biertan

    Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Biertan Fortified Church is a large and impressive medieval church. This Saxon village is close to Sighisoara, so be sure to add it to your bucket list. Its charming old houses and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect stop. You can stroll through the streets, admire the unique Saxon architecture, and enjoy a taste of local life. Don’t miss this hidden gem on your Transylvanian adventure!

    Biertan fortified church.
    The Biertan Fortified Church.

    Sibiu

    Sibiu is known for its well-preserved old town and vibrant cultural scene. Don’t miss the charming Piata Mare and Piata Mica.

    The Council Tower in Sibiu on a warm summer day.
    The Council Tower in Sibiu.

    Deva Fortress

    The Deva Fortress is a popular spot in Transylvania. It sits on a hill overlooking the city, offering great views. You can easily reach it by taking the funicular. Once there, you can explore the historic ruins, enjoy the scenery, and take some fantastic photos. Make sure to visit the Deva Fortress when you’re in the area!

    The Deva Fortress with a large flag of Romania.
    The Deva Fortress with a large flag of Romania.

    Mocanita Sovata

    In Sovata you can take a ride on Mocanita Sovata which is a narrow gauge steam train running from Sovata to Campu Cetatii. Two whole trip will take approximately 2 hours and during this ride, you can admire the beautiful Transylvanian scenery.

    The 764.052 steam locomotive in Sovata.
    The 764.052 narrow gauge steam locomotive belonging to the Mocanita Sovata.

    Rupea Fortress

    The Rupea Fortess can be found on the top of a larger hill overlooking the the small city of Rupea. The fortress is located approximately 50 km from Sighisoara.

    The Rupea Fortress.
    The Rupea Fortress.

    The Traditional Village of Viscri

    The traditional village of Viscri is not very far from the Rupea Fortress. Here you will have the chance to admire beautiful traditional Saxon houses and you can visit the fortified church as well. Walking around Viscri, you’ll get a taste of traditional life and see why this village is a must-visit when exploring Transylvania.

    traditional Saxon house in Viscri, Transylvania.
    Traditional Saxon house in the village of Viscri.

    The old volcano and the emerald lake in Racos

    Near the village of Racos you can find two important objectives: the old volcano and the emerald lake.

    Inside the crater of a volcano located near Racos.
    Inside the volcano crater located near Racos.

    The Lutheran Church in Daia

    In this small Transylvanian village you will find an old Lutheran church and interesting church tower. Unfortunately the church tower in Daia is not in a good condition but hopefully one day it will be repaired.

    The village of Daia.
    The village of Daia.

    Bezid Memorial Park

    Close to lake Bezid, you will find the small Bezid Memorial Park which was built in the memory of Bezidu Nou village which is under water since 1985.

    Bezid Memorial Park.
    Bezid Memorial Park.

    The Corvin Castle

    The Corvin Castle in another popular attraction in the region of Transylvania that you must visit. The castle can be found in Hunedoara which by the way is very close to the city of Deva.

    The Corvin Castle in Hunedoara.
    The Corvin Castle.

    The Carta Monastery

    The Carta Monastery can be found in the southern part of Transylvania, very close to the Fagaras Mountains. Here you will find some old ruins of a former, much larger church. Do not miss this objective especially if you are planning to explore the southern part of Transylvania.

    The Carta Monastery.
    The Carta Monastery.

    The Clay Castle From The Valley Of Fairies

    Even closer to the Fagaras Mountains, in the village of Porumbacu de Sus you will find the popular Clay Castle.

    The Clay Castle in Porumbacu de Sus.

    The Fagaras Mountains

    If you plan to visit the southern part of Transylvania then you will able to see and admire the tall Fagaras Mountains which are the highest mountains in Romania. The highest peak is called Moldoveanu and it has a height of 2544 m. If you would like to drive up in to Fagaras Mountains and explore the beautiful alpine scenery especially on the warm summer days, then I highly recommend to drive on the famous Transfagaras road at least to Balea Waterfall.

    The Fagaras Mountains near Avrig.
    The Fagaras Mountains as seen near Avrig.

    The former Dacian capital in Sarmizegetusa Regia

    Located in the scenic Orastie Mountains lies Sarmizegetusa Regia, an archaeological gem and the ancient capital of the Dacian Kingdom. This historic site, hidden away in dense forests, offers a glimpse into a civilization that once thrived in the heart of Romania. As you wander through the ruins of Sarmizegetusa Regia, you’ll encounter the remains of impressive stone structures, sanctuaries, and fortifications that tell the story of the Dacians.

    The great circular sanctuary in Sarmizegetusa Regia.
    The great circular sanctuary in Sarmizegetusa Regia.

    Cisnadioara fortified church

    Cisnadioara, located just a few kilometers from Sibiu, is a stunning Saxon village in Transylvania. The village’s highlight is the 13th-century fortified church perched on a hilltop located within the village. The panoramic views and peaceful surroundings add to the charm of this place. From the fortified church you can see a large part of the village of Cisnadioara, including the distant city of Cisnadie.

    Interior of the Cisnadioara fortified church.
    Interior of the Cisnadioara fortified church.

    Is there something else to visit in Transylvania?

    In the southwestern part of Transylvania you will find a smaller region called Tara Hategului or Hateg Land that worth visiting as well. There you will find ancient ruins, charming villages, scenic landscapes and the Retezat Mountains that will make your visit truly memorable.

  • Small Wooden Church In Zolt

    Small Wooden Church In Zolt

    The small village of Zolt can be found in the Poiana Rusca Mountains, just a short distance from Lake Surduc. The village is home to the charming old wooden church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul situated on its outskirts. I visited Zolt during my return trip from Cornet Waterfall because in order to reach my next objective in the area, I had to drive through the village.

    If you are driving from Gladna Romana, as I did, you will have to drive through the village of Zolt in order to visit the church. As you near the outskirts of the village, you will see the old wooden church from the main road. It stands on a small hill in the Orthodox cemetery, right next to the cemetery you will find a small park in case you would like to take a small break.

    The cemetery and the wooden church.
    The Orthodox cemetery in Zolt with the old wooden church in the background.
    Stairs leading to the church.
    Stairs leading to the church.
    The front of the church.
    The front of the small church.
    Multiple crosses made from wood.
    Multiple wooden crosses on the wall.
    Roof made of wooden tiles.
    Wooden tiles on the roof.
    The village of Zolt.
    The village of Zolt.

    Where should you go next?

    After visiting the small church, I suggest continuing your journey on DC116 to Luncanii de Jos. The road is narrow with many tight curves, so you will need to drive slowly. As you get closer to Luncanii de Sus, you will drive up a large, steep hill. The climb is challenging, but once you reach the top, the view is incredibly beautiful and worth the effort. After that, the road gently slopes down into the valley until you arrive in Luncanii de Jos.

    The Poiana Rusca Mountains.
    The Poiana Rusca Mountains and the small village of Luncani de Sus.

    Once you are Luncanii de Jos I highly recommend you to check out the popular Translucani road which is bascially a smaller version of the Transfagaras road.