Romania is a country that lends itself beautifully to road trips, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historical sites that are best explored by car. Our journey began from my family home (in the west of Romania), but if you’re flying into the country, Cluj-Napoca is an excellent starting point for this adventure. Renting a car is highly recommended, as it gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace and discover some of Romania’s best-kept secrets.
- Gilau Lake and Motel Gilau: A perfect start
- Lake Tarnita: A photographer’s Paradise
- Turda: Our Home Base
- Rimetea Village: A step back in time
- Onwards to Coltesti and Conacul Secuiesc
- Templul Cavalerilor Castle: A hidden treasure
- Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii Nature Reserve): A natural wonder
- Viator trips from Cluj-Napoca: Explore with ease
Gilau Lake and Motel Gilau: A perfect start
Our first stop was Gilau Lake, where we headed to Motel Gilau. I had come across a breathtaking picture of the lake view from their restaurant on social media and knew that one day I had to experience it myself. Let me tell you, the photos don’t do it justice. To enjoy a meal with that serene lake view is an experience like no other.
While the restaurant prices are a bit on the higher side, the view alone makes it worth every penny. It’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling refreshed and recharged, ready for the journey ahead.
Lake Tarnita: A photographer’s Paradise
From Gilau, we continued up the road to Lake Tarnita. I had my drone ready, eager to capture some aerial shots of this beautiful lake. The drive itself was scenic, offering glimpses of the lush, forested hills that surround the area. After capturing some stunning footage, we turned around and continued our journey towards Turda.
Turda: Our Home Base
Knowing that Turda was close to all the places we wanted to visit the next day, we decided to base ourselves there. Originally, I had planned to stay in Rimetea village, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find any available accommodation. After a quick stop at our Turda accommodation to check in and drop off our luggage, we headed straight to Salina Turda for an afternoon visit. Be sure to check out my post, Salina Turda: The Underground Marvel you can’t miss, for detailed information about this incredible place.
Rimetea Village: A step back in time
The next morning, we set off for Rimetea village, a short half-hour drive from Turda. As soon as we arrived, we were mesmerised by the traditional whitewashed houses with green shutters, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Rimetea has long been on my list of places to visit, and it exceeded all my expectations. The village’s charm is undeniable, with its cobblestone streets and the serene atmosphere that seems to transport you back in time.
We parked in front of the Ethnographic Museum, located right by the Orthodox Church, where parking was free. Inside the museum, I was particularly excited to find a photo spot I had seen all over social media. The museum itself offers a glimpse into the village’s rich history and culture, displaying traditional clothing, tools, and household items that paint a vivid picture of life in Rimetea through the ages.
Rimetea is a haven for nature lovers and hikers. The nearby mountains offer various trails, some leading to breathtaking viewpoints over the village and surrounding areas. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and soak up the tranquillity.
Onwards to Coltesti and Conacul Secuiesc
After spending several hours in Rimetea, we continued our journey to Coltesti, just a five-minute drive away. The mountain views here are just as stunning, and we stopped at Conacul Secuiesc (Székelykő Mansion), a place that looks like something out of a fairytale. The mansion offers accommodation, but even if you’re not staying there, the restaurant is open to visitors. The food is fantastic, and there’s a playground to keep the kids entertained while you take in the incredible views. There’s also a lovely pond with colourful fish and water lilies, adding to the idyllic setting.
Close to the mansion is the Trascau Fortress. Although we didn’t have the chance to visit it, we did manage to send the drone as close as possible to capture some stunning footage of the ruins perched high on a hill, surrounded by the dramatic landscape.
Templul Cavalerilor Castle: A hidden treasure
Our next stop was Templul Cavalerilor Castle in Valisoara, about a 10-minute drive from Székelykő Mansion. Unfortunately, the castle wasn’t open on the day we visited, but we were able to drive up to the entrance and take in the breathtaking mountain views. We also hiked a short distance to a famous spot that offered a perfect vantage point for photographing the castle from above. The sight of the castle nestled in the mountains was worth the visit, even if we couldn’t explore the interior.
Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii Nature Reserve): A natural wonder
After a brief stay at Templul Cavalerilor Castle, we made our way back towards Turda, with the intention of stopping at Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii Nature Reserve). This nature reserve is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering paid parking and a small fee to visit the reserve. In season (May-September) the tariffs for visiting the natural reservation are the following:
– children (under 14 years old) 4 RON
– adults 6 RON
Visiting the gorge is not charged in the off-season. The point where the payment is made is located on the path, after the first bridge in the gorge, ie 200-300 m from the cottage.
Parking fee for 24h:
– cars – 10 lei / 24 h
– caravans – 30 lei
– minibus – 30 lei
– coach – 70 lei
The gorge is a spectacular natural formation, with towering limestone cliffs and a series of trails that take you through its breathtaking landscape.
For the more adventurous, Turda Gorge is a hotspot for rock climbing and paragliding, especially from spring to autumn. The various tourist routes cater to different skill levels, whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with exploration and adventure.
Viator trips from Cluj-Napoca: Explore with ease
If you’re starting your journey from Cluj-Napoca, there are a variety of Viator trips available that can take you to some of these incredible destinations. Whether you’re interested in guided tours or prefer to explore on your own, these trips offer a convenient and stress-free way to see the best of what this region has to offer.
This road trip through Romania was a journey of discovery, from tranquil lakes and charming villages to historic castles and breathtaking gorges. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or solo, these hidden gems offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and history of Romania.
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