Romania! Cluj, Castles, Mox, and More!
 

I finally had time to finish the trip report, and I was so pleasantly surprised by Romania that I want to go back! I spent 2 weeks around Transylvania:
1)HNL-SFO-IST to Bucharest then Cluj.
2)Destinations: Cluj to Lunca Visagului to catch the music festival, then from there to castle hunting (Hunedoara and Bran), Citadel Alba Lulia (to learn the painful history of the Austrian-Hungarian period in Romania), the beautiful mountains of Poiana Brasov, and finally the salt mines around Cluj!

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After arriving at Cluj (fast immigration and luggage service; its a small airport) I went to a small modern hotel called Hotel Zero. Most hotels are way cheaper than American ones, and more modern.

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I actually recommend this place as its about 15-20 minutes away from Cluj Airport, and super convenient.

After that, it was time to head to the Mox Music Festival in the mountains: Lunca VIsagului.

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The music festival was around 3 days and had amazing music (if you like alternative and electronic). Unfortunately it did rain pretty heavily on the second day. The music keeps on going even at 5AM.

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Time for Hunedoara Castle; more local tourists at this one compared to Bran Castle. Not as hyped as Bran either. I learned from locals that this is where they shoot a lot of movies that require a castle!

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Off to the Citadel, Alba Lulia!

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The black and white photo is my favorite, as the statue depicts the heroes during the Austrian-Hungarian rule. It is a really sad story of oppression and land grab.

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Here is Bran Castle! A different view:

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Then off to Poina Brasov where they have skiing during the winter time. Its soooo gorgeous! Reminds of Western Canadian Rockies. Took a tram to the top!

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Fried Doughnut made of cheese and dough with a sour cream cheese and berry dressing....soooo good!

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One of the most unique places I have been to: salt mine with a carnival:

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Dug out salt block

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Traditional Desert with Walnuts and Sour Cherry:

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Traditional Grilled Meats:

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In conclusion: I would definitely go back, and explore the Delta region. July time is super hot during the day time, and by evening times, it cools down. Hope you guys enjoyed!

I used a Sony A7rii with the GM 16-35mm lens. Lightroom post production edits. :).

In 1992 the food in Bucharest generally in restaurants was mediocre. But when I went back last year it was fantastic. It was during the Communist regime that it went down hill.

Wow! These pictures are great! I had a wonderful experience in Romania last year! Together with my group of friends, when we planned our vacation, we decided to visit Cluj Napoca, Sibiu and Brasov. We had a unique experience and we enjoyed the places and the food, oh, the food was very delicious, especially the Fried Doughnut made of cheese. We used car rental services from Premium Rent, and we were very happy with the comfort of the car that we had at our disposal for 5 days because we had travel a lot.

I give it an 8/10; photos need more watermarks.