Should I go to Transylvania?

Question

Sounds like a cool place for a holiday. Can anyone tell me what it's like?

Answer 1

The answer above is totally inaccurate.  First of all, Transylvania is not the "old name" for Romania.  Transylvania is actually one geographical region in central Romania, among many.  And it's a name that is currently in use.   I'm not sure what cloud that answer was pulled out of.

Tourism is fairly well developed in parts of Transylvania, especially with the Dracula-themed tourism in "cities" like Brasov and Sighisoara.  Some of that stuff is a bit hokey though.  The scenery is gorgeous, especially in the Carpathian mountains, and if you're at all inclined to go hiking/trekking, it's a magnificent place to be.  You'd be best off sticking with the more rural locations, as the traditional culture of Romania is really its most captivating aspect.  Bucharest isn't worth more than a brief stopover.  I was in Transylvania in the summer of 2006 and loved the train rides through the countryside, the ancient architecture - especially the palace and monastery in Sinaia - and the sense of tradition and history.  I would recommend visiting earlier in the summer, as it gets quite grey and rainy in August.  Be sure to keep a close eye on your belongings on the train, just like anywhere in Europe.

Answer 2

The previous poster is right, Transilvania is a geographic location in Romania, not an old name for it.  And Sinaia is absolutely to die for...there is a hotel called "Cota 1400" that is perched at an elevation of...you guessed it...1400m.  The view is breathtaking from every room.  The thermal baths near Oradea at Baile Felix and Baile 1 Mai are a fun local hangout and only 25 km from the border with Hungary through Artand/Bors (E60).  The historical cities of Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu are nice to visit, even though all souvenirs in Transilvania tend to be emblazoned with Vlad Tepes' face.  All in all, Transilvania has beautiful mountains and natural areas, charming rural villages and decently modernized cities that would be easily accessible for a tourist, but from personal experience, if it's in a guidebook, I don't go there but once.  I enjoy finding the things that only the locals know about.  It makes for great memories and a fun time exploring.

Answer 3

Its current name is Romania. They don't have much for tourism, but I think it would be interesting.  My hubby was there for work and stayed 3 weeks.  Where he stayed wasn't very nice, it was rural and nothing to do AT ALL.  But Bucharest is a pretty modern city.  

The men are big and burly and a bit chaovanistic and the girls are wafer thin and very polite.  

I say, why not explore it.