Transylvania

Maramures short break

Posted on Mar 19, 2010 Posted by Diana Varbanescu

Maramures, a valley in Northern Transylvania, totally surrounded by mountains, is probably the most traditional area of Romania. It’s said to be “one of the last places where rural European medieval life remains intact”. I have been thinking a lot before writing this, and I would have loved to agree, to add to its reputation of remote villages steeped in customs and history. We used to joke that nothing has changed here in the last hundred of years. Not anymore. Today it is a land of contrasts, a combination of modern and traditional, a mix of novel and primitive.

Your ideal holiday - help making haystacks, harvesting potatoes or milking cows

Posted on Mar 01, 2010 Posted by Diana Varbanescu

Maramures, a valley in Northern Transylvania, totally surrounded by mountains, is probably the most traditional area of Romania. It’s said to be “one of the last places where rural European medieval life remains intact”. Famous for its traditional wooden churches, ornate wooden gateways and timeless villages, Maramures is an ideal location for alpine walking, hiking, climbing, skiing, caving, paragliding and kayaking. Stunning local pastoral landscapes and picturesque villages offer photographers and artists some wonderful opportunities.

One of Transylvania’s best-kept secrets

Posted on Feb 03, 2010 Posted by Diana Varbanescu

It‘s true that Transylvania was made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel, but I am sure, if you venture to come and see it yourself, you’ll find the local region’s stories and its medieval villages much more charming than Dracula. Staying at the Machine House in the village of Zabola is highly recommended if you like some time away, fancy a forest walk in the area around the volcano lake 'St. Ana', a picnic while listening to the local legend of this teardrop shaped lake, love home-made food, you’re not afraid too of bumping into wild boars or bears, you’d like to see a 16th century castle and discover medieval Transylvania. Shall I add that you shouldn’t forget to pack your ice skates, as there might be a skating on a torch-lit pond opportunity if you’re visiting in winter?

Fantastic adventure to Romania and its Ice Hotel

Posted on Feb 02, 2010 Posted by Diana Varbanescu

Hi, I’m James and I first visited Romania a few years ago, I really enjoyed my trip, but I have to say it isn’t the easiest of countries to travel around, especially with its little tourist infrastructure. I thought it still had a lot to offer and so Untravelled Paths was born!

Romania is a difficult place to explore even for the most hardened traveller, none the less it is a truly captivating country with an incredible amount to offer from the hustle and bustle of the lively capital, Bucharest, to the virtually untouched parts of its beautiful countryside and their charming medieval towns. What stands out the most from this amazing country is the variation, contrast and that there's just so much to see.