Romania, in my opinion, is a majorly underrated country in Europe and truly a hidden gem. Even within the lesser visited region of Eastern Europe, other countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary seem to get all the love and attention. Romania, however, is full of beautiful places, unique experiences and is even home to 11 Unesco world heritage sites. From historic castles, to impressive painted monasteries, and from awe inspiring churches, to characteristic villages, Romania really is worth exploring. While the high season of the summer months bring the beauty of green hills and colorful flowers, the fall season is also a wonderful time of year to visit this amazing country. It brings its own charm and allure. Let's explore why Fall is such a great time to enjoy Romania.
Weather and What to Pack
Romania has 4 distinct seasons. Of course, the highest temperatures are in the summer when it can get quite hot with temperatures in Bucharest mostly in the upper 80s or low 90s. The coldest month is January with temperatures in the 30s. I think the best season for weather is the fall when you still have long days and the temperatures are mild. The average daily temperatures in October are in the mid 60s in the Romanian capital of Bucharest. Sunrise times are around 7:30 am and sunset times are around 6:30 pm giving you ample time to see all the sights. There are on average 9 rainy days, and 14 sunny days, again in Bucharest. Other areas in the country would have varying weather so make sure to check averages in the area you will be traveling. Weather conditions in October can change from day to day, or even vary quite a bit on the same day so be prepared. It is a good idea to wear layered clothing. Light sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and a waterproof jacket are all good items to have. Also, pack a small umbrella in case you have a little rain.
Natural Beauty
October is perhaps the most picturesque month to visit Romania, especially for nature lovers. The autumn colors are in full effect and the orange, red and yellow against the clear blue skies is stunning. There are a few places where nature is especially spectacular. The Carpathian Mountains with its dense forests, come alive with vibrant fall colors. Popular hiking destinations include Piatra Craiului National Park, Retezat National Park, and Bucegi Natural Park.
Transylvania is another area to visit. The rolling hills and medieval villages are particularly charming in autumn. Make sure not to miss Bran Castle, which is linked to the legend of Bran Stoker's Dracula. Also visit the fortified churches of Viscri and Biertan and the delightful old town of Sighisoara, Sibiu and Brasov. All of these places look especially beautiful surrounded by the fall foliage.
The Danube Delta, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, is a paradise for birdwatchers, as many species migrate through the area in October. You can take serene boat rides through the delta looking for birds and other wildlife.
The Black Sea coast provides a tranquil spot to spend some time in the fall. Although the temperatures will probably not allow for swimming, the beautiful sandy beaches are still welcoming for sitting and relaxing or long strolls and the seaside towns offer cozy restaurants and cafes.
Cultural Experiences and Events
One of the best things to help you understand a country, its history and people, is to attend cultural events and festivals. Romania in October is full of these events where you can enjoy Romanian traditions, music and food as well as hear from contemporary Romanian artists. Many of these festivals take place in more rural areas. It is the perfect way to explore the small towns and experience traditional Romanian life. Here is a list of some of the festivals that take place in October:
Harvest Festivals are popular all over the country as farmers are celebrating the annual harvest season. Wine harvest festivals are common as many regions commemorate the grape harvest with local wine tastings and traditional music and food. Other harvest festivals marking the harvest of all kinds of produce are found throughout Romania. There is even a cabbage festival in the town of Mosna. Enjoying these harvest festivals really give you a glimpse into the lives of Romanians and their history.
Osambritul Oilor is a festival held in many of the small villages and hillside towns. It celebrates the time of year when the sheep are brought from the hills where they have been grazing all summer, down the mountainsides before winter sets in. This is a great folk tradition to witness. There is usually food, dancing, music and traditional Romanian costumes. There is a corresponding festival called Sambra Oilor, which usually occurs at the beginning of May, where the villagers cheerfully send the shepherds and sheep up to the hills to graze for the summer. One of the most renowned of both the Osambrutul Oilor and Sambra Oilor festivals happens in the town of Huta-Certeze in northern Romania.
The end of October, brings Halloween. While Halloween hasn't traditionally been big in Romania, it is starting to gain some ground with large costume parties becoming common. Of course, who wouldn't want to celebrate Halloween at Bran castle, which is famously linked to Dracula?
The George Enescu Festival (in years when it's held) is a prestigious classical music festival which sometimes extends into early October. The festival honors the Romanian composer George Enescu and is one of the largest classical music festivals in Eastern Europe. During the festival, around 20 works from the composer are interpreted during different concerts. There is also a competition portion of the festival consisting of different categories such as composition, piano and violin.
The Revino Gourmet show takes place in Bucharest. The country's leading producers of wine, cheese and cured meats present their wares. This is the perfect place for foodies to try some of the best Romania has to offer.
The city of Baia Mare holds a chestnut festival each year at the end of September or the beginning of October. The chestnut is a symbol of the city. The festival has theater performances, concerts, contests, sporting events, food vendors and fireworks.
Fewer crowds/cheaper prices
Even though Romania is visited less than most of its neighbors, it still can get quite busy, especially at sights like Bran castle, Peles castle, Corvin castle and other popular attractions. Traveling during the fall means less crowds, making it easier to enjoy all the sights and the cute towns. It is so much nicer to wander a castle, for example, without bumping into crowds or having to stand in line. You can also get all the pictures you want without others in the photo.
While the prices in Romania are very reasonable all year round, they drop even further during the shoulder season, making a visit to Romania a great bargain. For example, it is pretty easy to get nice, 4 star accommodations for under $100.00.
Outdoor activities
Fall is a great time to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Romania has to offer. Hiking, biking, kayaking, exploring canyons and visiting waterfalls are all available. The mild temperatures and fall colors make October an enjoyable time to enjoy some spectacular views and fun outdoor activities. If you want some guidance, there are many tours offered that will provide transportation and help you experience all the outdoor activities of Romania. One unique outdoor activity is to see the brown bears of the Carpathian mountains. There are wildlife tracking tours that will help you find them or you can visit bear sanctuaries.
Final travel tips for visiting Romania in October
Here are a few tips to remember when traveling to Romania in October.
1. Book accommodations in advance, as October can still be busy with visitors in the main tourist areas.
2. Consider renting a car to explore the countryside and small villages. There are some spectacular high-altitude roads as well, such as the famous Transfagarasan highway. A car will also give you the freedom to visit all the smaller towns, monasteries, and fortified churches that can be more difficult to reach by public transportation.
3. Try seasonal Romanian dishes like "sarmale" (stuffed cabbage rolls) and "cozonac" (sweet bread). The papanasi (fried dough with sour cream and jam) are a must try at any time of year.
4. Be prepared for occasional rain and pack accordingly by bringing an umbrella and dressing in layers. Have some backup indoor activities available if the weather turns cold or wet.
5. Check the schedule for any local festivals or events happening during your visit. The dates often change slightly from year to year. Sometimes it is hard to find out when the festivals are in small towns and villages. Try looking at the tourist website of each town if they have one.
Visiting Romania in the month of October offers a perfect blend of milder temperatures, stunning natural beauty, and fascinating cultural experiences. From the forests of Transylvania to the vibrant cities and traditional villages, Romania in autumn is a feast for the senses. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a unique European destination, Romania in October has something special to offer every traveler. It is the perfect time for a trip and the perfect destination. You'll see why it is a personal favorite of mine.
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