Forget somber, grey headstones. In a small village in Maramureș, you’ll find a cemetery that celebrates life with humor and color. Each vibrant blue cross features a painted scene and a witty, often brutally honest, poem about the person’s life. One might read, “Underneath this heavy cross, lies my poor mother-in-law… Try not to wake her up, for if she comes back home, she’ll bite my head off.” It’s a unique and poignant philosophy that views death not as an end, but as a beginning.
Nearby accomodation:
Hotel Gradina Morii – a well-rated option close to the cemetery.
While it’s in the capital, it’s often overlooked for flashier attractions. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a time capsule. Spread over 100,000 sqm, it’s one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe, featuring over 300 authentic houses, farms, churches, and windmills transported from every region of Romania. You can walk from a Maramureș wooden church to a Danube Delta fisherman’s house in minutes.
Nearby Stylish Mid-Range / Boutique Picks accomodations:
Hotel Christina — In Old Town, modern and vibrant, a good balance of style and cost.
Hotel Scala — Historic building, classic interiors, prime location near central streets and cultural spots.
Suter Palace — Boutique, heritage charm with very elegant touches, ideal for travellers seeking refined comfort.
High in the Făgăraș Mountains, near the Bâlea Lake, you’ll find Hotel de Gheață. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a fully-functional hotel built entirely from ice, right down to the beds and glasses at the bar. The catch? It melts every spring and is completely rebuilt from thousands of tons of ice each winter, making every year’s design unique.
Hotel of Ice / Ice Hotel Romania (Bâlea Lake, Făgăraș Mountains)
In Romania’s Apuseni Mountains, the Polar Cave (Peștera Poleva) enchants with its year-round ice formations, shimmering stalactites, and frozen chambers. Nearby, travellers can explore charming villages, hiking trails through pine forests, and other famous caves like Scărișoara Ice Cave and Bear’s Cave, making the region a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.
Accomodation options in Apuseni National Park
Raven’s Nest — Hidden deep in the Apuseni Mountains, this retreat blends nature and comfort, with warm wood interiors, forest views, and a calm, immersive setting.
Pensiunea Casa Butnarului — A guesthouse with clean, scenic rooms, a restaurant, and mountain views. Good for nature seekers who want authenticity and simplicity.
Transylvania House / Hotel Brilliant Plaza — Among the more refined lodging options in the region, with good comforts and service.
Step onto a landscape that feels more like the moon. In the Berca region, the earth breathes. Small volcanoes, a few meters high, constantly gurgle and spew cold, grey mud. The phenomenon is caused by underground gases pushing methane-rich mud to the surface. The surrounding area is barren and alien, with cracked earth and bubbling pools. It’s a fantastic and surreal place for photography.
Accomodation options near Buzău Mud Volcanoes (Berca region)
Hanul Moara Veche — in the village of Berca, about 12–13 km from the mud volcanoes.
Pensiunea Cetățuia — A cozy farmhouse style guesthouse ~30 km away from the mud volcanoes, ideal for rustic stays.
Everyone knows about Stonehenge, but few know about the breathtaking and sophisticated solar calendar built by the Dacians in the Retezat Mountains. The ruins of Sarmizegetusa Regia include a series of stone and wood sanctuaries aligned with astronomical precision. Reaching it involves a hike through pristine forests, adding to the sense of discovering a lost civilization.
Pensiunea Dacică (Boșorod area) — Very close to Sarmizegetusa, highly rated by travellers, making it a great base for visiting the sanctuary.
Poarta Raiului, Tău Bistra — Another nearby guesthouse / hotel option frequently booked by those visiting Sarmizegetusa.
Cabana Sargetia, Costești — Comfortable cabin / lodge in Costești, also listed among the top choices near Sarmizegetusa.
WERK Hotel & SPA— A more upscale choice, about 40 minutes drive from Sarmizegetusa, good option if you want comfort and amenities.