Category: Romania

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

  • The Cornet Waterfall Near Nadrag

    The Cornet Waterfall Near Nadrag

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    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.

  • Small Wooden Church In Zolt

    Small Wooden Church In Zolt

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    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.

  • Discover the Beauty of Lake Surduc

    Discover the Beauty of Lake Surduc

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    Lake Surduc is about 80 km from Timisoara, the capital city of the Banat region. This makes it a great spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The drive from Timisoara to Lake Surduc is scenic and enjoyable, taking you through beautiful countryside. Whether you are looking to relax by the water or explore nature, Lake Surduc is a perfect destination just a short drive away.

    There are many ways to visit the beautiful Lake Surduc. If you are driving from Timisoara, the fastest route is to take the A1 highway. Near the village of Traian Vuia, you will need to exit the highway. After exiting, drive through the village and look for the sign pointing to Surduc, and make a left turn when you see it. From Traian Vuia, it is about 8 km to the Lake Surduc dam. This route is quick and easy, making your trip more enjoyable.

    Also, it’s important to mention that this is a very popular destination, especially in the summer.

    The scenery as seen from the dam

    My first stop was at the dam, where you can see a large part of Lake Surduc. In the background, you can even spot the Poiana Rusca Mountains. Remember, walking on the dam is not allowed. You will see a few signs reminding you of this. But don’t worry, there are many places where you can enjoy the beautiful view. After spending a little time at the lake, I decided to drive to the shore of Lake Surduc for a closer look. The drive was short and scenic, leading to even more lovely spots to explore and relax.

    The lake with the Poiana Rusca Mountains in the background.
    Lake Surduc with the Poiana Rusca Mountains in the background.
    The lake as seen from the dam.
    A part of the lake as seen from the dam.
    A part of the beautiful scenery.
    A part of the beautiful scenery.

    Near the lake

    Before reaching the village of Fardea, I decided to turn left onto a road that goes down to the lake. The drive was peaceful and gave me a chance to see the area from a different angle. When I got closer to the lake, I took some photos of the beautiful scenery. Here are a couple of pictures showing the stunning views near the lake. The water looked calm and inviting, and the surrounding nature added to the peaceful atmosphere.

    Private houses next to the shore.
    Many private houses next to the shore.
    Paddle boat on the lake.
    Paddle boat on the lake.
    The shore of lake Surduc.
    The shore of lake Surduc.
  • The Poiana Marului Village Located In The Tarcu Mountains

    The Poiana Marului Village Located In The Tarcu Mountains

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    Poiana Marului is a beautiful village located in Tarcu Mountains, not far from the city of Caransebes, Romania. If you plan to visit this place than you will have to drive from Caransebes toward Hateg and after the small town of Otelul Rosu you will have to take a right turn toward the village of Maru. Once you will leave the village, the road runs alongside a smaller river, coming from a dam nearby. It’s a scenic route, with green hills and trees all around.

    The landscape next to the dam

    Before continuing your journey to the village, you can make a short stop at the dam and admire the beautiful scenery. After you will leave the dam, the road continues next to the lake until you will reach the village. The dam has a height of 130 meters and it was constructed between 1984 and 1992.

    The dam near Poiana Marului and the scenery which surrounds the lake.
    The scenery near the dam.
    Lake Poiana Marului.
    Lake Poiana Marului near the dam.

    Poiana Marului village

    Once you arrived in the village and after you crossed the small bridge over the Sucu river, you will have two options:

    1. If you make a left turn you can drive down to the lake Poiana Marului. As you drive on the road down to the lake, you will pass next to a beautiful orthodox hermitage called Maru. You can make a short stop and check it out. When you will reach a larger abandoned hotel, you will have to make a left turn and drive down to the lake. Also from the main road you can spot a couple of hotels and restaurants in case you decide to eat or drink something.
    2. If you take a right turn, you’ll find yourself driving on a dirt road that runs alongside the Sucu River. This scenic route offers the chance to visit two stunning waterfalls: Ropote and Sucului. However, be aware that this road is not really suitable for regular cars; it’s best navigated with a 4×4 vehicle. For those who love adventure, you can continue driving on this dirt road until you reach the main road that leads up to the Muntele Mic Winter Resort.

    Poiana Marului Hermitage

    As you follow the main road down to the lake, on the right side you gonna see the Poiana Marului Hermitage.

    The church belonging to the hermitage.
    Orthodox church in the hermitage.
    The entrance into the hermitage with a cross in front of the place.
    The main entrance into the hermitage.

    Abandoned hotel

    A couple hundred meters away from the hermitage and after you cross the small bridge over the Bistra Marului River mountain stream, you will find an abandoned hotel. Right in front of the hotel, you will have to make a left turn if you plan to explore the beautiful scenery near the lake.

    Abandoned hotel in Poiana Marului.
    Abandoned hotel in Poiana Marului.
    Deer statue overlooking the village.
    Deer overlooking the village and the alpine scenery.

    Near the lake

    Below I’ve shared a couple of pictures of the amazing scenery near the lake. On the left side of the lake, between the forest, is the main road that comes from the dam and on the right side you will gonna see a larger bleach forest.

    The Poiana Marului lake as seen from the village outskirts.
    Lake Poiana Marului seen from the outskirts of the village.
    Old houses next to a birch forest.
    A couple of old houses with a larger birch forest in the background.
    The village with the Tarcu Mountains in the background.
    Hotels and pensions in the village with the Tarcu Mountains in the background.
  • The Enchanting Panorama of Sighisoara

    The Enchanting Panorama of Sighisoara

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    Since the city is surrounded by taller hills, a nice vantage point over the city of Sighisoara can be found on the top of a larger hill right behind the train station. You can easily get there by car. This is one of the best places to admire the beautiful panorama of the city because from there, a large part of the city is visible including the old inhabited medieval citadel.

    As you can see from the photos below, both the upper and lower part of Sighisoara medieval citadel is visible. Unfortunately, the most emblematic building, the Clock Tower, is covered by the town hall, only a part of its roof is visible. On the left side of the citadel, you will find the Holy Trinity Orthodox church.

    Close-up panoramic view of Sighisoara medieval citadel.
    The Sighisoara Medieval Citadel.
    Holy Trinity Orthodox church.
    The Holy Trinity Orthodox church surrounded by residential buildings.
    A large part of the city as seen from a hill next to the train station.
    Panoramic view of the city.

    Visit the Sighisoara Medieval Citadel

    After admiring the city’s panorama from above, it’s time to explore the old Sighisoara Medieval Citadel because it is home to one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe. Its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval architecture create a picturesque setting that transports visitors back in time.