4 Local Experiences You Must Try on Your Next Trip to Romania

4 Local Experiences You Must Try on Your Next Trip to Romania

Sure as eggs ain’t chickens, before we set off on a journey to a new destination most of us engage in this ritual of trip planning. We brace ourselves, pour a large cup of coffee to awaken our senses, power up the computer and dive fearlessly into the World Wide Web in search of information. Precious information that will make our trip one-of-a-kind: kind of safe, kind of worthy and most of all, kind of memorable! Well, with all the social media and constant reminders popping-up every day, nowadays, everything becomes kind of memorable, including the things we try so hard to forget! 🙂

Let’s imagine this year, you’ve decided to go somewhere few have gone before. And no, not in space, and not on starship Enterprise, but on a regular plane, to a strange new country, here on planet Earth. And to puzzle and astonish your friends even more, let’s make that country: Romania! We know, the inevitable questions will pop up: Where is Romania? Was it part of the USSR? Is Budapest its capital? Do Romans still exist? Why would you visit Romania? Is it even safe? Instead of getting annoyed, just send them a Wikipedia link or better yet, take them along for the ride via social media – it’s the 21st century, after all!

Now, what really tickles your fancy on your travels these days? Is it the swanky hotels with all the bells and whistles? The picture-perfect spots that make your Instagram followers green with envy? Or maybe it’s the heart-racing adventures that make you feel alive? Well, those are all fine and dandy, but we’ve found out from our history as travel planners that, for the discerning traveler like yourself, there’s nothing quite like the simple pleasures of exploring Romania: getting back to basics, connecting with a world that’s rapidly disappearing into the fast-paced age of tomorrow and, more than anything, immersing yourself in authentic local experiences.

Today, we’re excited to unveil 4 local experiences you must try on your next trip to Romania, they are so fail-proof, they’ll leave you thinking you’re the star of a rom-com set in Romania. Whether you’re a spring chicken or a seasoned pro, a daredevil or a worrywart, a gazelle or a sloth in hibernation, these activities will have you feeling like a local in no time. With Romania’s stunning natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people, you really can’t go wrong – it’s like having a cheat code for an unforgettable trip!

1. Take a hike – and we mean that literally!

Romania is as beautiful as its countryside, that’s a fact. And when that countryside is nestled in the rolling hills or lying at the foot of a mountain, you know you found the right place to take that hike. Mind you though, it needs not be a marathon nor a “keep pushing” experience, but a chance to enjoy a delightful walk, with all your senses wide open to the natural world around you.

So, if you want to have a truly magical time in Romania, you better channel your inner Little Red Riding Hood! Stray from the beaten path, leave the main road behind, and discover the wonders that await you. Take that narrow trail that leads to a flowery meadow, a mountain sheepfold, a lost village, a scenic mirador – or simply find the perfect spot for a picnic with a breathtaking view. Just watch out for the big bad wolf and keep a safe distance from the chubby bear – but don’t be shy to say hi to the friendly shepherd bringing down some fresh cheese from the hills!

It may sound like a fairytale, but trust us, Romania is the land where fairytales come to life. All it takes is a dash of curiosity and the will to step out of your comfort zone and explore the unknown.

2. Bite into local life

Food is a a big motivator when it comes to both love and travel. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” translates flawlessly into travel. So, if you want to know a country inside out, forget the tourist attractions and head straight to its kitchens. Because let’s face it, a country’s real national treasure is the food that makes you want to loosen your belt and take a nap.

>> More about Romanian food  right here <<

And what better way to experience a culinary treat than in a local household, prepared by the hard-working hands of a nanna with a black belt in baking, stewing and simmering all kinds of goodies from her bountiful backyard garden? The love, the patience and the expertise that goes into her dishes beats any pretentious meal from a fancy restaurant. And with the added bonus of homemade aperitifs and delightful conversation, it’s a feast for both the stomach and the soul. 

3. Drink like a local or even better, drink WITH a local. 

They say, “in vino veritas”, and we couldn’t agree more. Like it or not, alcohol has been a social glue since Adam and Eve and we doubt that’ll change anytime soon. It’s probably the only area where AI won’t manage to overtake us – at least not yet. So, why fight it when you can embrace it? That’s our motto!

Romania has been producing alcohol since time immemorial, and given the laborious process, the reward had to be worthy. In fact, in Dacian times it appears it was so worthy that drinking became a national sport; so competitive and thriving that Burebista, the Dacian king, had to set the grapevines on fire to defeat the Romans. But those days are over and the vines are back in the game and so are the good wines and much more. Romanians love anything that makes their heads spin and ideas flourish: wine, fruit brandies of various strengths and flavours, and last but not least, beers.

>> Read about Romanian hygge lifestyle right here <<

All this to say, that no experience is whole when in Romania if you don’t stop at a winery, a distillery or simply at a village pub to try the local liquors and feel the local pulse. Who knows? You might discover your hidden wisdom or find inspiration from those who have been diligently searching for it at the bottom of every glass of “good spirits”.

4. Try your hand at scything or gather-round for some hay-larious fun.

If you’re planning a trip to Romania during the summertime, be prepared to witness some serious hay action! You’ll see locals scything, flipping, drying, gathering, and piling it up into haystacks that are are so shaggy and funny-looking, you’ll wonder if they’re not Cousin Itt’s distant relatives from Eastern-Europe. It’s safe to say that when the hay is plentiful and top-notch, it’s the glue that holds everything together. It keeps the animals plump, the winter cozy, and the farmers grinning from ear to ear.

Hay scything and gathering is an extended family & friends affair that operates with a Musketeer-esque mentality – all for one and one for all! Not only is this a team effort, it’s also an excellent chance to catch up on the village gossip and stay in the know. The day is filled with lively banter, belly laughs, and of course, a delicious meal and some local spirits to toast a job well done.

So, if you find yourself with some spare time and a hankering for adventure, why not lend them a hand and return home with some new skills and hands-on experience. Not to mention that you may get to sample a glass of their “spirited” motivation as a bonus. Sure, you might not be the most efficient worker, but your presence alone will be a welcome distraction for them – just as they will be for you.

Looking for Some Local Experiences for Your Next Trip to Romania?

This was the last, but nor least of the 4 local experiences you must try on your next trip to Romania! We hope you found this information helpful and inspiring. And if you’re not keen on leaving your adventure to fate, let us be your cultural compass and guide you to the best local experiences there are. Contact us now to make your trip one for the books!

>> Check out our feature in Travel and Leisure Magazine for more inspiration <<

by Cezarina Pomojnicu