Everything you need to know for Romania
Geographical Position and Climate of Romania
Romania is located in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea between Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is positioned north of the Balkan Peninsula and is flanked by the Carpathian Mountains which sweep through its center. Romania shares its borders with Hungary and Serbia to the west, Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast and east, and Bulgaria to the south.
Romania enjoys a temperate-continental climate due to its geographical position. The country experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Winters can be cold, especially in the mountains, while summers tend to be very warm. Precipitation is moderate throughout the country, with heavier rainfall in the mountains. The Black Sea coast has milder winters and cooler summers compared to the rest of the country.
Brief History of Romania
Romania’s history is rich and complex, marked by numerous cultures and influences. The territory of present-day Romania has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The Dacians, an ancient Indo-European people, established a kingdom which was conquered by the Roman Empire in 106 AD, leading to a Romanization of the local population and the birth of the Romanian language.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Romanian territories faced invasions from various nomadic tribes. By the Middle Ages, several Romanian principalities emerged, most notably Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania. These principalities often found themselves under the suzerainty of powerful neighboring empires such as the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire.
The 19th century was a period of national awakening and the struggle for independence. In 1859, Wallachia and Moldavia united under the leadership of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, laying the foundation for the modern Romanian state. Romania gained full independence from the Ottoman Empire after the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), and Carol I was declared the first king of Romania in 1881.
The country’s borders changed significantly after World War I, with the unification of Transylvania, Bessarabia, and Bukovina with the Kingdom of Romania. World War II brought occupation by Axis powers and territorial losses, but post-war, Romania was re-established within its interwar boundaries.
Communist rule was established after the war and lasted until the revolution of 1989, which led to the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu and the end of the communist regime. Since then, Romania has transitioned to democracy, joined NATO in 2004, and became a member of the European Union in 2007. Today, it continues to develop economically, culturally, and politically within the framework of international cooperation.
Religion of Romania
The majority of Romania’s population professes Orthodox Christianity. The country has Jewish, Muslim and Roman Catholic minorities.
Language of Romania
Romanian is the country’s official language. English and French are common in the tourism industry.
Romania is a country that offers a diverse range of tourist attractions, appealing to various interests from historical and cultural exploration to natural beauty and adventure. The picturesque landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains are perfect for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. Romania’s rural areas, such as Maramureș and the unique region of Transylvania, provide a glimpse into traditional lifestyles and folklore, with well-preserved medieval villages, fortified churches, and castles, including the famous Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend.
Places You Must Visit In Romania
Before you visit Romania
Travel to Romania
Traveling to Romania is relatively straightforward, with several options available for international visitors:
By Air:
The most common and convenient way to reach Romania is by air. The country’s main international airport is Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest (OTP). Other significant airports include Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Traian Vuia International Airport in Timișoara (TSR), and Iași International Airport (IAS). These airports offer flights to and from numerous major cities across Europe and beyond.
By Train:
Romania is well-connected by train to neighboring countries and the rest of Europe. International trains run from countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, and Austria, providing a scenic route into the heart of Romania.
By Road:
Entering Romania by car or bus is possible through border crossings from neighboring countries like Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Moldova. The road network can vary in quality, but major routes are generally in good condition.
By Sea:
For travelers coming from Turkey or other countries around the Black Sea, there are ferry services to the Romanian port of Constanța.
Visas for Romania
Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can enter Romania without a visa and can stay for an indefinite period. However, they must register with the local authorities if their stay exceeds three months.
For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, the need for a visa to enter Romania depends on their nationality. Many countries have agreements that allow their citizens to visit Romania for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) without a visa for purposes such as tourism, visits, business, or transit.
Nationals from countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Romania will need to apply for a visa before arrival. There are several types of visas available, including:
- Short-stay visas (Type C): For visitors who plan to stay in Romania for up to 90 days.
- Long-stay visas (Type D): For those who intend to stay longer than 90 days, such as for work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
Best time to visit Romania
The best time to visit Romania largely depends on the type of activities you are interested in. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you decide:
Spring (March to May):
Spring is a beautiful season to visit Romania, as the weather starts to warm up and the countryside is in full bloom. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing without the summer crowds.
Summer (June to August):
Summer is the peak tourist season, offering warm and pleasant weather ideal for exploring the cities, relaxing at the Black Sea resorts, or attending various festivals. The Carpathian Mountains are perfect for hiking, but it can get quite crowded, especially in popular areas.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is another great time to visit, with the foliage providing a spectacular display of colors. The temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for exploring the outdoors. It’s also the time for wine harvesting and tasting, particularly in regions like Transylvania and Moldova.
Winter (December to February):
Winter sports enthusiasts will find Romania a great destination, with its mountain resorts offering skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Christmas markets and festivities can be enjoyed in the cities during this time, although it can be quite cold, especially in the mountains.
Important Information
Capital – Bucharest
Territory – 238,398 km2
Currency – Romanian leu
Time zone – UTC+2 (EET) / UTC+3 (EEST)
Population – 19,051,562
Demonym – Romanian