I’m jealous of the trip for sure!!

I would skip out on Brno though, unless you have a specific interest in it. It’s rather boring, IMHO. I’d also prob. keep the time on Bucharesti to a minimum and spend it in the Transylvania countryside instead.

-A

Sighisoara and Cluj Napoca are very beautiful and well worth checking up. Biertan near Sighisoara is very small, beautiful and untouristed. Its a winner.

quote: I’m jealous of the trip for sure!!

I would skip out on Brno though, unless you have a specific interest in it. It’s rather boring, IMHO. I’d also prob. keep the time on Bucharesti to a minimum and spend it in the Transylvania countryside instead.

-A

Agree, agree. If you can spare a couple of days head to Poprad or elsewhere in the Tatras from Bratislava — spectacular mountains.

Hello everyone

Thanks so much for the input. Ok, so I will skip Brno. I was hoping I would be able to fit the Tatras in as well, but I wondered if I was being unrealistic.
As for the mountains of Slovakia and Romania, what kind of trails are we looking at? Are there marked trails or is it venture at your own risk? I mean, these are national parks so i guess that was a silly question.

So, for those of you who have been to the earlier mentioned cities/towns/areas, what are some acccomodations you liked? Normally, i would be camping, but not this time ( i will be solo and travelling in different regions 4 weeks prior, and equipment and space issues).

ok, and asking another question—
I posted on the Transportation forum regarding where I can find time tables for eastern routes, and have had no responses yet.
On raileurope.com they only have the popular routes. For example, i tried to find train times from Bucharest to Brasov and it said the route didn’t exist. However, in the guide books it shows there is a rail route that goes to such places.

ONE more thing—
of these cities and the ones you suggested, approximatley how long of a duration should I spend in them? I know some can be day trips.

I always err on the side of the more the merrier. Bratislava is definitely worth a couple (weeks…), Brasov is beautiful, good for a…week.. etc.

I don’t know, I tend to take my time and stay longer where I really like.

I could never put a time duration on any place in the world.

Going to the Tatras Mountains would mean a fair bit of backtracking through Slovakia – but worth it. Or try to do the hiking en route through Transylvania.

Basically Transylvania is really nice and has so much to offer, but then again your whole plan is wonderful. Damn thats tough to make suggestions/critique.

Bucharest to Brasov, there is a train line runs there and Sinaia is a stop on the way…. take about three hours and there are plenty of trains…

http://www.infofer.r…

The reason I provided the above link is so you can check the spelling for the stations…. it’s an english version site but if you type in Bucharest on the timetable search page it errors, it’s Bucuresti Nord (Gard Nord, North Station) so bookmark the above as your Ro destination reference

There are minibuses that leave from outside the train station in Bucharest, they can be quicker (crazy Ro bus drivers do mad shit on the Buch to Brasov road) but if it’s busy you’ll be standing a long time… both Buses and Trains always seem to be packed!

you are all awesome!!

Thanks so much for the links and such. I will continue to research and find out more about the regions I am visiting.

So, it seems like some of you think I have a good plan, thanks.

Sickboy, I know what you mean about not being able to place a limit on time in places. Last year I initally had this intense itineary to follow, only to realize that it was ok to omit things, add things, and basically feel out each city, take things day by day. For example I wound up spending a week in Budapest when I originally had 3 days planned. I realize that this is how things will go, especially in the east because it is so beautiful and rich in history and sights.

My only concern is getting east to west because I will be flying in and out of London and I need to book my flights. I need to have an idea of how much time to allow for the itineary and making sure I get back west to fly home.

mabye I should cut a country or two out?

hmmmmmmmmm
the research continues

Thanks and happy travels

quote:
Thanks so much for the input. Ok, so I will skip Brno. I was hoping I would be able to fit the Tatras in as well, but I wondered if I was being unrealistic.
As for the mountains of Slovakia and Romania, what kind of trails are we looking at? Are there marked trails or is it venture at your own risk? I mean, these are national parks so i guess that was a silly question.

It’s quite easy to get from Bratislava to Poprad (the gateway town to the High Tatras) and from Poprad to Prague, and it’s one of the best places in Europe for hiking and scenery. Buy the High Tatras map in B’lava or Poprad, which shows all the marked trails (plus how long it takes to walk them), cable cars, mountain huts, etc. Most of the trails in the Tatras (and throughout Slovakia) are very well-marked.

Here are some links you may find useful:[url=‘http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/02-06/a-guide-to-hiking-the-high-tatra-mountains-poland-and-slovakia.html’]A guide to hiking the High Tatra mountains[/url] (written by me, so if you have any further questions, just ask)
[url=‘http://blogs.bootsnall.com/karlien/archives/003178.shtml’]Travelogue of my last visit[/url]
[url=‘http://www.vysoketatry.com/en.html’]The High Tatras[/url]
[url=‘http://www.tanap.sk/index.html’]Tatra national park[/url]
[url=‘http://www.tatry.net/’]Hotels guide and tourist information[/url]
[url=‘http://www.cs.put.poznan.pl/holidays/tatry/mhuts/mhuts.html’]The mountain huts in the Tatras[/url]
[url=‘http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/seraphimkarlien/album?.dir=1d47&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/seraphimkarlien/my_photos’]My Slovakia pix[/url]

quote:
I’m jealous of the trip for sure!!

Mee too !

quote:
I’d also prob. keep the time on Bucharesti to a minimum and spend it in the Transylvania countryside instead.

I’d say pretty much the same. I live in Bucharest right now, it’s an interesting city, but there are places way more spectacular / interesting in Romania. But, of course, at the end it’s a matter of taste and of what you’re looking for to see in your trip.

So, I’d try to give some hints without having a clear ideea of what’d be nicer and more interesting for you. In Sinaia you could stop for a couple of hours to see the Peles Castle, former residence of the Romanian former Royal Family (until 1947, when Romania become a republic).

The fortified peasants citadels in Transylvania are indeed great. A nice conserved one (and recently restaured)is[url=‘http://www.outdoorholiday.com/Transylvania.php’ title=‘Rasnov citadel’]Rasnov[/url], near Brasov, a fortress built in XIV-th century . (FYI, part of "Cold Mountain" movie was shot in Rasnov citadel). Of course, on the way you can see Bran, known as Dracula Castle even if Vlad Tepes lived here for only short time. (The royal court of Vlad Tepes was in Targoviste). If you see Bran just as a border castle it’s ok, but if you expect to see hundreds of bats, you might be dissapointed
Brasov is an interesting city having an old town, and a nice neighbourhood, Scheii Brasovului. If you pass by Brasov, don’t miss the black church, a really big one. Brasov offers to the visitor a first ideea over the saxon culture in Transylvania. Also, Brasov is a good starting point if you want to hike the mountains. Beeing surrounded by Postavaru Mts, Piatra Mare, Bucegi and Ciucas, Brasov is the place to go if you are mountain hiking addicted (like me )

As you follow E60, you can go to Oradea passing thru [url=‘http://www.outdoorholiday.com/SighisoaraMedievalTown.php’ title=‘Sighisoara, one of European’s best conserved medieval citadels’]Sighisoara[/url] and even stay here for the night. Note that the access by car into the fortress is forbiden (even if you’ll see some cars inside, unfortunately), but you can leave the car in the parking 5 minutes away from the center of the old town (I’ve never had any problem with this).

Also, from Sighisora you can do a visit to Sibiu, yet another old german town. On the way to Sibiu also you could stop to see some of the fortified churches. Here, you could go visit the Astra Museum of traditional civilisation, the biggest open-air museum in Europe. In 2001 I spent more than half a day here and saw only half of it. They have houses from allover the country, togheter with the tools used at that time.

If you have any questions about Romania, don’t hesitate to ask.
All the best,
Radu
[url=‘http://www.outdoorholiday.com’ title=‘Outdoors in Carpathians. Romanian Countryside’]Travelling in Romania[/url]

quote:
So, for those of you who have been to the earlier mentioned cities/towns/areas, what are some acccomodations you liked? Normally, i would be camping, but not this time ( i will be solo and travelling in different regions 4 weeks prior, and equipment and space issues).

If you’re in Bratislava in july or august, I would highly recommend the Bernolak hostel. If not, the Hotel Druzhba isn’t too bad either.

quote:
ok, and asking another question—
I posted on the Transportation forum regarding where I can find time tables for eastern routes, and have had no responses yet.
On raileurope.com they only have the popular routes. For example, i tried to find train times from Bucharest to Brasov and it said the route didn’t exist. However, in the guide books it shows there is a rail route that goes to such places.

I know they aren’t complete for every country, but check out the German Railways website, http://reiseauskunft… For Slovakia and the Czech Republic, http://www.vlak-bus…. , has timetables for both bus and train, and often mentions prices as well.

Your original itinerary does sound like a bit much for 3 weeks, but as I’ve only been to a limited number of places on it (Györ, Bratislava and Prague), I can’t really comment on what to cut out. I’m not a huge fan of Hungary in general, but you can’t really avoid it. I don’t think Györ is worth more than 1 day, and wouldn’t go out of my way to see it, though it is a nice place if it’s on your way.

I really like Bratislava, but if you haven’t got much time, just spending 1 or 2 days there would suffice. If you have an extra day, take a daytrip to Devin castle (by boat, bus or on foot). Prague is worth at least 4 days, but beware that it can be quite hellish in high season, I don’t know when you’re taking this trip. I agree with sickboy about the duration thing being hard, so take all this with a grain of salt.

OH my GOSH!!!!

I don’t know where to begin! Once again you have come through and provided such thorough and valuable information for me!!!

I am very much taking your advice and it is so wonderful.
Don’t be jealous just yet, it hasn’t happened, I havn’t booked my tickets (airfare is so high!!), and I wonder if I am actually going to commit. I am a little concerned about my lack of language education, and I hope I will get around just fine. I been to Czech Rep (Prague, Kunta Hora, etc)and Hungary (Budapest)and I didn’t have a problem there, but those are heavily touristed cities.

From your experiences, will I get by with no clue? (Yes, I agree it is a major problem that the American educational system that did not have compulsory second language education).

As for questions on my preferences as to what I would like to see/do, I have an obsession with castles and fairy tale towns where time stands still. Additionally, I am an outdoor lover who has a basic need of walking amongst the trees (and all the other beautiful parts of nature).

oh, and yes, I am going in the summer, i know i know, it is hell and super touristy anywhere in Europe in the summer. But, I can’t deny I am a tourist too. I am traveling solo so i don’t want to be too isolated from fellow travelers, especialy since I don’t know any Slavic languages.

I can’t wait to see these places you describe. There is never enough time. The more research, the more I want to add!!

Ok, well thanks so much again!!

Anyone going to these countries this summer?
If so, anyone want to meet up?

Take care everyone and happy travels

quote:I am a little concerned about my lack of language education, and I hope I will get around just fine. I been to Czech Rep (Prague, Kunta Hora, etc)and Hungary (Budapest)and I didn’t have a problem there, but those are heavily touristed cities.

Well, Melissa, in Bucharest and any other big city in Romania, you won’t have any problem speking english (as soon as you spek slightly clearly than in normal american to american conversation And don’t use to much slang )
In the countryside will be sensible more difficult to find one to understand english. However, romanian is a latin language, so if you or your fellows know a little bit of any latin language (french or italian) that could work, but much more difficult.

quote: I have an obsession with castles and fairy tale towns where time stands still.

As I’ve told you, for this you should go see the castles arround Brasov: Rasnov and Bran. On the way from Brasov to Sighisoara (that I hope you’ll enjoy, because it’s really a "fairy tale town where time stands still&quot you’ll pass by Feldioara Village. You can find here the[url=‘http://www.outdoorholiday.com/images/Feldioara%20Fortress.jpg’ title=‘A picture of Feldioara Fortress’]ruins of a castle[/url] said to have been built by the Teutonic Knights between 1211-1225; The old name of Feldioara was Castrum Marienburg (The Saxons still use this name today). After the Teutonic Knights went to Poland they built Marienburg (Malbork). Some theories however said in fact it was not a tipical castle for Teutonic Knights; by it’s position beeing mainly a defending castle, as Râsnov.

Also, not far away there is another one Rupea, still ruins, first attested in 1324, built on the ruins of an old Roman "Castrum". This one is way bigger than Feldioara, and also better preserved. More about Rupea and other castles you can find on [url=‘http://www.brasovtravelguide.ro/bv-en/surroundings/fortress.php’]this site[/url]. To reach it take care to turn right on a very bad foresty road when you exit the village, going throught Sighisoara. You can also leave the car down and do a small 5 minutes walk up tp the castle. [url=‘http://members.chello.at/freshminds/sbneu/bild_34.htm’]Here [/url] it’s a picture of Rupea that I found for you. First signs of inhabitants in this place are from paleolitic and neolitic era (5500-3500 b.C.). The Dacians had the citadel called Ramidava, then the romans called this place Rupes (meaning cave). That leaded to the nowadays name, Rupea.

quote: Additionally, I am an outdoor lover who has a basic need of walking amongst the trees (and all the other beautiful parts of nature).

For walks in the nature you can just leave the main road and go in a village, be sure you leave the car in a safe place and ….take the walk. Or, near Sighisoara, sleep in Danes Inn instead of Sighisoara (not Danes Motel). The inn is on a forestry road, 5 km away from the main road, and is nicely placed among the forests.

quote:
oh, and yes, I am going in the summer, i know i know, it is hell and super touristy anywhere in Europe in the summer.

Romania is not such a touristic place yet, except Sighisoara you won’t meet many tourists. Still, for Sighisoara and the close surrrounding places you’ll have to have a reservations to be sure you find good accommodation. Speaking of accommodation, what kind of lodging do you have in mind ? I can recommend you some places

Further, from Sighisoara to Oradea you can pass by targu Mures, but I ‘d rather go thru Medias, Tarnaveni, following DN 14 (national road 14) then turn right on DN 14A in Medias. You’ll be close to Biertan, that sickboy mentioned and it’s anoter nice fortified citadel (well preserved this time).

if you decide to see, Sibiu, near Sibiu that’a another fortification that I like a lot, Cisnadioara (I’d say that’s my favorite). Very simple, it’s well preserved and offer some hints on the military architecture of the time.

Furthermore, if you have some time and will really be in the mood of going for a hike, take a tour to Cheile Rametilor (some nice interesting gorges on some hills, where you’ll have to walk into the water for a wile, but that’s the whole fun in it). To reach this, from Aiud town go to Râmet area (Valea Mânastirii village). The walk is about 2-3 hours, but really nice.

quote:Anyone going to these countries this summer?
If so, anyone want to meet up?

I live i Romania, so if I’ll be in Bucharest (or elsewere on your itinerary) I’d like to meet you and your fellows for a chat.

As I said, these are just some ideeas.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you feel like I could further be of any help to you !
Radu
[url=‘http://www.outdoorholiday.com’ title=‘Active Travelling in Romania’] Travelling in Transylvania [/url]

Even if you did know more than 1 language, you still couldn’t be expected to know every language of every country you go to. You’ll meet some people who speak English, you’ll meet many others who don’t, but with the help of a phrase book and sign language, you’ll get by just fine.

Bratislava isn’t too crowded even in high season, the High Tatras would be much more crowded in july-august than in june or september, but still I don’t think it’s quite as bad as some places in western Europe. I think the only places that might be unpleasant would be Prague (I promised myself not to go there in high season again) and Cesky Krumlov (haven’t been there but I get a hunch that it’s very touristy). But hey, it’s always better to go in summer than to not go at all.

Hello again

Thanks again to all who have responded.

Radu, you are a valuable resource of information!

AS for accomodations, unfortunatley I am not camping this summer, so I am looking for hostels and budget accomadations.

There is so much to see and do but I don’t have access to a car so i think some of it might not be possible. Basically I am staying within train/bus routes.

Anyway, thanks again

Happy travels

This is just a fantastic thread. I’m actually going to be on a similar trip in August (Sarajevo, Budapest, Bratislava (maybe), Sighisoara/Brasov, Belgrade, Montengero. So it’s super helpful to me. Kudos to all you Romania experts. You are saving this board just when it was sinking into the depths of bad postings!!

And most importantly, Funkyj, have an awesome trip. This one will be one you don’t forget for some time, I’m quite sure. Do come back and post some trip reports when you get back…….It will be lovely to read something that isn’t about London, Paris, or Rome

-A

quote:AS for accomodations, unfortunatley I am not camping this summer, so I am looking for hostels and budget accomadations.

There are not many hostels in Romania, so I’d recommend you look for guest-houses (=pensions)[‘Pensiune’ in romanian]. They have good conditions and lower prices than hotels (comparable to hostels).

If you have a clearer idea over the places to stay, I’ll be able to suggest you some places (we have a database of tested guest-houses that we use for outdoor tours).

quote:There is so much to see and do but I don’t have access to a car so i think some of it might not be possible. Basically I am staying within train/bus routes.

You might consider renitng a car, or for pretty much the same price, hiring a driver…if you come alone this won’t probably be very cheap for you, but if there’ll be anyone else joining you that’s absolutely affordable.

quote:Anyway, thanks again

You’re welcome ! Anytime, any questions you have…

Radu
[url=‘http://www.outdoorholiday.com/mountain.php’ title=‘Hiking in Carpathian Mountains’]Hiking in Transylvania[/url]

Hello again

Now that I have the Romanaia info i needed, anyone want to share some Hungary, Czech Rep, and Slovakia info? Such things as places to stay, interesting things to do, and places worth a stop (and where to avoid) would be greatly appreciated. I been to Prague and Budapest so I don’t need that info (unless there is something I might not know about).

I want to hug you guys for all the help!!

Take care and happy travels

Hello everyone,

I updated my itinerary. Here goes, please critique:

Fly into Bucharest (from Italy),Trains to—>Sinaia—>Brasov—> Sighisoara—>Cluj-Napoca—>Oradea—>Eger—>Budapest—>Bratislava—-> Olomouc—>Jicin—&gtrague—>Cesky Krumlov—> somewhere in Germany or Austria

I know some cities require backtracking, but this seems like the best way (I think?). I cut out some places, hey, there is always next year.

What do you think? Anyone try something similar?

Thanks in advance for all your time and efforts

take care and happy travels

hmm….eastern europe and no visit to bulgaria??
Radu thanks for the info on romania as on my next trip to bg I plan on spending some time there.
Funky recomend taking a look into bulgaria,varna,sliven,vilaka tarnov,Plovdiv and sofia…..also have been to a few villages off of the beaten path….any questions let me know

Thanks northernlights,
I will do some research on Bulgaria, but I have a very short amount of time to pull off adding another country.

I have itinearies planned for the next 4 years, no joke, so I am sure Bulgaria could make it to my next trip, especially since I want to do more east and in more depth.

Thanks

happy travels