Category: Romania

Category dedicated for all the photos taken in the country of Romania.

  • Lake Trei Ape In The Semenic Mountains

    Lake Trei Ape In The Semenic Mountains

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    From the Semenic ski resort, we continued our journey towards Lake Trei Ape which is a larger artificial lake located in the Semenic mountains. The DJ582 road, also known as the TransSemenic road follows the lake after the village of Garana to the outskirts of Brebu Nou. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to stop next to the lake and admire the beautiful alpine scenery.

    About Lake Trei Ape

    This artificial lake is located in the Gărâna depression, at an altitude of 835 m. If you translate the name to English, Trei Ape means Three Waters because there are three mountain stream that flows into the lake.

    What can you do here?

    If you plan to stay here for a couple of days, then you will find a smaller resort located next to the lake which has the same name as the lake. If you visit this place in summer, you have the option to rent a boat and ride on the lake. Nearby you will find multiple trails for those who would like to make a quick hike and explore a part of Garana depression. Lake Trei Ape also provides camping areas that are designed for tourists who are planning to stay near the lake.

    Very close you will find two important villages, Garana and Brebu Nou founded by settlers of German origin which I encourage you to visit them.

    How to reach Lake Trei Ape

    To reach this lake, you have two possibilities depending from where are you coming from:

    1. You can drive on DJ582 from the city of Resita to Lake Trei Ape (the distance is: 45 km).
    2. You can drive on DJ582 from Slatina Timis to Lake Trei Ape (the distance is: 19.5 km).

    In my opinion, the best route would be the longer one from Resita because the scenery is really beautiful. Along the way, you can make a short stop at lake Gozna located in the village of Valiug.

    Photos of Lake Trei Ape

    Below I’ve shared a couple of photos of Lake Trei Ape from my last trip. As you can see, almost all the lake is surrounded by a pine forest but you will find multiple spots where you can stop near the lake to admire it.

    The lake with the forest in the background.
    The lake and the forest in the background.
    Boats near the dam.
    Boats on the shore of the dam.
    Pine trees on the other side of the lake.
    Pine trees on the opposite side of the lake.
    Trei Ape.
    Trei Ape
    Alpine scenery.
    Beautiful alpine scenery next to Lake Trei Ape.

    Other places to visit in the Semenic Mountains:

    • The Semenic ski resort – this is a popular ski resort in the Semenic Mountains. To visit this place you will have to drive towards Valiug and when you reach Cabana Prislop, you will have to make a left turn on DJ582E.
    • Valiug – this village is 14 km away from Trei Ape as you drive towards Resita. This is another popular place both in the summer and winter.
  • The Semenic Ski Resort

    The Semenic Ski Resort

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    The Semenic ski resort is located in the scenic Semenic Mountains, Romania. As a pivotal subunit of the Banat Mountains and part of the southern group of the Western Carpathians, this resort reaches its pinnacle with the majestic Gozna Stone and the towering Semenic peak which has an altitude over 1.400 m.

    Despite the elevated location, the climate remains remarkably mild and easily tolerable, making it an ideal destination even for families with young children. Winter temperatures range from a crisp -25°C to a comfortable 6°C, while summers offer a pleasant escape with temperatures fluctuating between 10°C and 25°C.

    Semenic distinguishes itself as one of the rare spots in the country where snow blankets the landscape for approximately six months each year, creating a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

    From Valiug to Semenic resort

    Unfortunately, a part of the road is in a pretty bad condition but luckily the snow filled some of the potholes making the road somewhat better.

    Interesting fact, as we drove up to Semenic from Valiug the fog gradually started to appear and the rain turned into snow. Even though we visited this place in early April, I didn’t think that I would find such a big amount of snow up in the mountains.

    Road to Semenic covered with snow and dense fog.
    The road leading to the Semenic resort covered with snow.
    The road near the resort.
    The main road protected by tall pine trees.

    Dense fog on top of the mountain

    After we reached the Semenic mountain, which is located at an altitude of over 1.400 m, the fog started to become even denser.

    statiunea semenic sign.
    Semenic resort sign.
    Buildings in the resort.
    Despite the bad weather, there were many tourists in the resort.
    Cabin and the forest in dense fog.
    In the dense fog, I found a cabin located near the edge of the forest.
    Hotel roof.
    Interesting roof of an older hotel.
    Pine tree near the forest
    A pine tree near the forest.
    Winter wonderland.
    Winter, snow, and of course, dense fog – the perfect combination.
    Forest covered with snow.
    Beautiful winter scenery on the Semenic Mountain.

    How to reach this winter wonderland?

    Depending from where are you coming from, you will have two options:

    • Resita – Valiug – Semenic
    • Slatina Timis – Brebu Nou – Semenic

    What else can you visit near Semenic resort?

    • The first option would be the village of Valiug where you can admire the beautiful lake Gozna. If you visit this place in winter, then you will find a ski slope as well.
    • At the foothill of the Banat Mountains, you will find the city of Resita where you can visit the steam locomotive museum. All the steam locomotives from the museum were built a long time ago in Resita.
  • Steam Locomotive Museum In Sibiu

    Steam Locomotive Museum In Sibiu

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    The Steam locomotive museum in Sibiu is located near the main train station. Over there you will find a smaller collection of old steam locomotives which once were used by the CFR. Besides the locomotives, you will have the chance to admire an old steam rotary steam plow and a steam crane as well. Unfortunately you won’t find any sorts of information about the old steam locomotives. You can always Google the number of the locomotives and you will find more details about them.

    The CFR 130.503

    Let me give you a couple of details about the 130.503. I heard that it was built in 1921 by Skoda in the former Czechoslovakia and since they performed very well, the Romanian Railway Company or simply the CFR has decided to make a larger order of these types of steam engines. Today you will find this locomotive near another great steam engine which is the 150.1105 loco.

    The CFR 130.503 in the Sibiu steam locomotive museum.

    The 150.1105

    Probably the 150 series locomotive is one of my favorite steam locomotive from the Sibiu steam engine museum. This steam engine was used in Romania for hauling heavy fright trains on some difficult lines like the line between Brasov – Ploiesti. These great locomotives were retired from service in 1978. Unfortunately, today almost all the exhibits are in a pretty bad condition.

    The CFR 150.1105 steam locomotive in Sibiu.

    The No. 94649

    The No. 94649 steam locomotive is a German loco and it was built in 1914 by Schwartzkopff Berlin. As you can see this loco is unfortunately in a pretty bad condition.

    The No. 94649 steam locomotive

    Old rotary snow plow in the Sibiu steam locomotive museum

    In the photo below you can actually see an old rotary steam snow plow which can be found in the small steam locomotive museum. This snow plow was built in Sweden in 1908.

    Steam plow in the Sibiu steam locomotive museum.

    The Ardelt CFR WMA 65.4 Steam Crane

    Among the amazing and old steam locomotives you will find a very special and probably very unique steam crane which was built in 1939. That steam crane is the Ardelt CFR WMA 65.4. Back in its days of glory, it was capable to lift up to 65 tonne. Now you will find this steam crane inside the small steam locomotive museum in Sibiu, right next to the turntable.

    CFR WMA 65.4 Steam Crane

    The 763-148 narrow gauge steam locomotive

    Besides the standard gauge steam locomotive you will also have the chance to admire a couple of narrow gauge steam locomotives which were used in Romania. One example is the CFR 763-148 which was used in the logging industry near Curtea de Argeş.

    CFR 763-148 narrow gauge steam locomotive in Sibiu.

    What else to do in Sibiu?

    Not far from this steam locomotive museum, you will find the historic center of Sibiu. You should check this place out as well.

  • The Red Lake

    The Red Lake

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    The Red Lake lies approximately 26 kilometers from the quaint Romanian town of Ghiorgheni. As you embark on your journey to this picturesque destination, be prepared for a drive along winding roads that promise to captivate with their scenic charm. Rest assured, the adventure ahead guarantees breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains that are sure to leave a lasting impression. And as you near your destination, brace yourself for the enchanting allure of the Bicaz Gorge, a stunning continuation of natural beauty waiting to be explored.

    Short history about the Red Lake

    Lacul Roșu, known as the Red Lake in English, stands as one of the largest barrier lakes nestled within the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. Its origins trace back to a monumental landslide that obstructed a valley, prompting the accumulation of water within the resulting basin. The distinctive hue of its name is derived from the reddish sediment that blankets the lakebed, adding a unique allure to its natural splendor.

    The Red Lake in a beautiful summer day.
    Pine forest next to the lake.
    Large forested mountains which surrounds the Red Lake.
    Suhardul Mic mountain.
    The Red lake in the summer.

    Boat riding on the lake

    For an alternative exploration of this captivating lake, consider renting a boat. Conveniently located near the restaurants, you’ll discover a spot where paddle boats are available for rental. Embark on a leisurely excursion across the tranquil waters, soaking in the serene surroundings and creating unforgettable memories amidst nature’s embrace.

    Paddle boats on the Red Lake.
    Tourists admiring the Red lake.

    Conclusions

    The only downside I encountered was the scarcity of parking spots in the vicinity. During my visit, I observed just one paid parking area situated alongside the main road, which was predictably packed with cars. Consequently, I had to settle for parking my vehicle along the roadside, squeezed in amongst others. Despite this inconvenience, I wholeheartedly endorse a visit to this area. Moreover, you’ll discover numerous hiking and trekking trails waiting to be explored nearby.

    What else can you visit in the area?

    A short drive along the main road toward Piatra Neamt will lead you to the stunning Bicaz Gorge, a natural wonder awaiting your discovery.

  • Mocănița Sovata

    Mocănița Sovata

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    Mocănița Sovata is a narrow gauge steam locomotive hauling 3-4 passenger cars. This steam train runs between the city of Sovata and Câmpu Cetății which is a Transylvanian village located 14 km away. The starting point of each journey is from Gara Mică in Sovata. The entire journey to Câmpu Cetății and back usually takes approximately 2 hours. Along the line, the Transylvanian rural scenery is pretty amazing. I bet you won’t regret this trip on the Mocănița Sovata.

    Important tip: For the latest updates on the schedule and ticket prices, be sure to visit their official website at https://mocanitasovata.ro/. You’ll find all the details you need, including the most up-to-date information to help plan your visit!

    What is a Mocăniță?

    In Romanian, Mocăniță means a train which runs on a narrow gauge railway. The most important one is in the region of Maramureș. However, there are a couple of them in Transylvania as well. Today, the majority of the narrow gauge lines in Romania are used for touristic purposes.

    What type of steam locomotive is used?

    The steam locomotive which is used on the Sovata to Câmpu Cetății narrow gauge line was built in Poland in 1949. It has a top speed of 35 km/h. On this line, the steam train doesn’t exceed an average speed of 15 km/h.

    764.052 narrow gauge steam locomotive in Sovata.

    What is the history of this line?

    In 1912 the construction of the narrow gauge railway line between Târgu Mureș and Praid has started and the first train started to operate on this line on 31th January 1915. Unfortunately, after 82 years, this amazing railway line was closed. In 2011 a private company has started to operate on a 14 km segment of the old Târgu Mureș – Praid narrow gauge railway line. To be more precise, between the “increasingly popular health resort” of Sovata and Câmpu Cetății. In a nutshell, this is how Mocăniță Sovata was founded.

    From Sovata to Câmpu Cetății

    As I mentioned above, the starting point is at Gara Mică in the city of Sovata. Below you will find some photos of the beautiful Transylvanian rural landscape along the railway line.

    The Mocăniță Sovata close to an accident with a car.
    The Mocănița Sovata with tourists.
    Transylvanian houses in a Romanian village.

    At Câmpu Cetății

    Basically this is the terminus station on the Sovata – Câmpu Cetății narrow gauge line. Here, the steam locomotive is uncoupled from the front of the train and its coupled at the back of the train. Usually at Câmpu Cetății, the train stays for almost 10 minutes. In those 10 minutes you have plenty of time to take some amazing photos of the gorgeous train and the surrounding area.

    Changing tracks at Câmpu Cetății.
    The Mocăniță Sovata next to the passenger cars in Câmpu Cetății.
    Tourists taking admiring and taking photos of the Mocănița.

    From Câmpu Cetății back to Sovata

    After almost 10 minutes the Mocănița Sovata was ready for the journey back to Sovata. Below, I’ve shared a couple of photos from this part of the trip.

    Transylvanian rural scenery.
    Forested hills next to the narrow gauge railway line.
    The former trains station in Săcădat, right before Sovata.
    Transylvanian rural landscape.

    Back in Sovata

    After another hour of chugging through the picturesque landscapes, the steam train finally arrived in Sovata. A large crowd of tourists and train enthusiasts had already gathered, eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the famous Mocăniță.

    Mocănița in Sovata
    The steam locomotive at the depot in order to be loaded with wood.
    Passenger cars in Gara Mică.

    What to Do in Sovata?

    Sovata is a charming and popular health resort, known for its natural beauty and therapeutic properties. One of the main attractions here is the famous Bear Lake, or Lacul Ursu in Romanian. This unique salt lake is renowned for its warm, heliothermal waters, making it a must-visit for relaxation, swimming, or simply soaking up its health benefits. Surrounded by lush forests, Bear Lake is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway.

    Something else to visit near Sovata?

    Absolutely! Just a short drive away—only 10 km—you’ll find the quaint town of Praid, home to the impressive Praid Salt Mine. This underground marvel is more than just a salt mine; it’s also a health retreat and an exciting destination for tourists. Inside, you can explore vast galleries, learn about salt mining history, and even experience its therapeutic microclimate, which is said to benefit respiratory health.