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Are you thinking about visiting Romania in October? If you need some help planning your trip, I’m here to share my experiences!
Last October, I spent two unforgettable weeks exploring Romania’s charming villages, and it was incredible.
October is the perfect time to visit Romania, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends.
In this post, I’ll help you craft your own spooky itinerary to discover the mysterious and magical spots in Romania!
Romania in October: Epic Things To Do
#1. See the Spectacular Views On a Scenic hike in Transylvania:
I witnessed the most beautiful foliage and fall colors in Romania in October, which is one of the reasons I think October is the best time to travel there.
You don’t want to miss the breathtaking landscapes and stunning views of the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania.
Plan a day on your own or you can join a guided tour like this one through some of Romania’s most scenic hiking trails, such as the trail from Fagaras Mountains Trekking Tour.
Don’t Forget To Bring
- Good hiking shoes. It kinda goes without saying you want to have good shoes when you are hiking in Romania.
- Comfortable clothes and layers. Prepare for the changing temperatures throughout your day. If you dress in layers you can easily get cooler if the sun gets warm in October.
- Water bottle and snacks. It is a good idea to have something to eat and drink on your hike.
- Check the weather forecasts and bring your sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) if the weather conditions are sunny or cloudy.
- A camera to capture all the fall colors and beautiful scenery!
#2. Visit Dracula’s Castle
I love all things mysterious and spooky, so my main motivation for visiting Romania were the castles!
The castles in Transylvania have been standing since the 15th century, and many of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For a truly captivating experience, visit Bran Castle, AKA Draucla’s Castle.
This castle is steeped in mysterious stories and folklore. The famous Bran castle was also the set of Bran Stroker’s Dracula, a film that still gives me nightmares!
I visited these castles via a day tour from Bravso for a number of reasons. The main reason I booked a tour was I knew Dracula’s castle was a popular tourist destination and I didn’t want to deal with waiting in long lines.
I highly recommend the affordable half-day tour I joined.
If tours aren’t your thing, there are other ways to reach Bran Castle.
Tourist Attractions Pro Tip: If you are visiting in October, visit at the beginning of the month.
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#3. Explore ALL The Castles
Transylvania is the region of Romania I spent most of my time, and I was lucky enough to visit a few of the most exceptional castles.
As I mentioned above, Bran Castle (Dracula’s castle) is certainly one of the most iconic ones, but there are plenty of other amazing castles in Transylvania.
Some of the must-see castles in Transylvania include Corvin Castle, Sighisoara Citadel, Rasnov Fortress, and Peles Castle.
Corvin Castle
Corvin Castle is considered one of the most impressive Gothic Renaissance monuments in Romania with its tall towers and dark dungeons.
The castle dates back to the 14th century and it’s been the filming location for films such as The Brothers Grimm and Cold Mountain.
How to get to Corvin Castle
There are a few ways to reach Corvin Castle:
- By car: Most people rent a car and drive from Bucharest, the drive takes around 4 hours.
- By train: If you don’t have or don’t want to rent a car there is a train from Bucharest which reaches Hunedoara. The journey is long, around 9 hours.
- By bus: There is also a bus from Bucharest that takes about 9 hours and costs around 20 euros one way.
- Small Group Tour: Leave all the details up to the tour company and just show up! Day Tour Details
Hours of Operation of Corvin Castle in October
The castle is open from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Mondays & 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Tuesdays through Sundays in October.
Sighisoara Citadel
I really loved visiting Sighisorara in October! This village is full of history and mystery!
Sighisoara Citadel is a 12th-century citadel, which was built to protect the medieval city of Sighioara from invasion.
It’s also where you can find Vlad Ţepeş’s birthplace – a 15th-century Romanian prince whose legend would serve as inspiration for the character of Dracula.
Sighisoara was one of the spookiest places I have ever visited. I highly recommend it!
How to get to Sighisoara Citadel
Located in Transylvania, this 700-year-old citadel is a must-see for any tourist. Getting to the citadel is easy, but can take a little while to reach.
- By Private Transfer: You can take a Private transfer from Bucharest that will take around 4 and a half hours.
- By Train: If you are coming from Brasov, there is a train that will take you there in around 3 hours. Once you arrive at the Sighisoara train station, it’s just a short walk to the citadel.
- By Car: If you are flying into Bucharest, then rent a car from anywhere in the city and drive to the Citadel in 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Hours of operation of Sighisoara Citadel in October
The Sighisoara Citadel is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. On weekends, the citadel is usually quite crowded so plan accordingly.
Rasnov Fortress
Rasnov Fortress is an impressive medieval citadel perched atop a hill with stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The fortress dates back to the 13th century and it’s been one of the most important fortresses in Transylvania.
When I visited Rasnov Fortress it was a little drizzly, but that is what I was expecting in October.
How to get to Rasnov Fortress
- By Car: You can reach the fortress by car, as it’s located only about 30 minutes from Brașov.
- By Bus: Alternatively, you can take a bus from the nearby city Brasov that will directly take you there in about 20 minutes.
Hours of operation of Rasnov Fortress in October
The fortress is typically open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in October. The tickets are around 5 lei (around 1 euro). You can also take a guided tour of the fortress for 30 lei (around 6 euros).
UPDATE 2023: Rasnov Fortress is under repair and is closed. Check the website for updates.
Peles Castle
Aside from Bran Castle, Peles Castle is another one of the most visited Romanian Destinations.
Peles is located near Sinaia, a small town in the Romanian Carpathians Mountains. The castle was built between 1873 and 1914 as the summer residence of Romania’s royal family.
It’s one of the most beautiful castles in Romania with its distinctive Renaissance-style architecture and stunning grounds.
One of the best things you can do to visit this castle is to join a small group tour. I was able to join this tour when staying in Brasov. It was the most efficient and affordable way for me to see this castle.
How to get to Peles Castle
Peles Castle is located in the town of Sinaia, about 2 hours away from Brasov.
- By Train: You can take a direct train from Brasov that will get you there in around 1.5 hours. Note there is a 23 minute walk involved if you choose this option.
- By Car: Alternatively, you can also reach the castle by car – it’s only a 1-hour drive from Brasov.
- Small Group Tour: Here is my recommendation for a group tour.
Hours of Operation at Peles Castle in October
May 15th 2023 to September 30th 2023:
Closed Monday
Tuesday 9:15 to 17:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday to Sunday 9:15 to 17:00
October 1 2023 to April 14th, 2024:
Closed Monday
Closed Tuesday
Wednesday 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday to Sunday 9:15 to 17:00
For pricing check the official website.
#4. Explore Bucharest’s Historic Old Town:
Bucharest is filled with historical landmarks, museums, and cathedrals. Walk around the Old Town in October and admire the colorful architecture and visit some of the city’s most famous monuments, such as the Palace of Parliament or the Romanian Athenaeum.
The food scene in Bucharest was surprisingly great! I had some of the best vegan meals here. Also, it was very affordable!
I really suggest a walking tour like this one see all the hidden gems Bucharest has to offer!
#5. Take A Trip to the Black Sea
The Black Sea Coast is one of the most visited of the Romanian destinations and it’s a great place to visit during the milder months.
In October, temperatures may warm enough to enjoy sunny days on the beach or take a stroll along the promenade.
Taste some of the freshest seafood while admiring the stunning views of Romanian coasts.
Spend some time in the lively city of Constanta and explore its ancient ruins, museums, and beaches.
A fantastic boutique hotel is Belle Epoque Boutique.
#6. Visit all the Oldest Fortified Churches
In October, one of the top things to do is explore the country’s oldest fortified churches of Transylvania.
Many of these churches date back to the 13th and 14th centuries and are located throughout Transylvania and beyond.
The most famous and my personal favorite, is Viscri (also known as Weisskirch). It is one of the oldest Saxon villages in Transylvania.
The Viscri fortified church is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites and gives visitors a glimpse into Romania’s rich religious history.
Make sure to spend some time exploring the area and learning about its unique architecture.
Other must-visit churches include Biertan, Prejmer, and Calnic.
Of course, when visiting these churches, please be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
All in all, exploring Romania’s fortified churches is a great way to get an up-close look at the country’s past.
#7. Check out the Harvest Festivals
If you’re visiting in Autumn, one of the best things to do is take part in the country’s many harvest festivals.
Many villages and towns hold these celebrations to honor the bounty of the season.
The traditional countryside Romanian experience consists of parades, concerts, and markets full of local wares.
There will be plenty of food, including traditional food of Romanian dishes, as well as plenty of wine.
The atmosphere at these harvest festivals is one of a kind! It’s a chance to meet locals and learn about Romanian culture firsthand.
Ziua Recoltei (Harvest Festivals)
The Maramureş region located in the Northeastern Carpathians is where you find the most harvest festivals.
The village of Remeţi holds the traditional festival. For more information on festival dates check the Romanian Tourism Board.
More Interesting Things To Do in Romania
It is also worth noting that October is a fantastic time for outdoor activities thanks to its mild temperatures.
Consider visiting the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to an array of wildlife.
This great 2-day tour will give you the best overview of the Danube Delta. Stop at the towns of Tulcea and the Old Roman Terriority of Constanta.
Weather To Expect When Visiting Romania in October
The average temperature in Romania in October is around 8 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is common but the country generally has mild, sunny days. I experienced light rain for a few days on my two-week trip.
Romania, part of Eastern Europe, has distinct seasons. I recommend you consider the large temperature differences between summer and winter when deciding to book your trip.
In October you have around 11 hours of daylight. Some of my days were full of straight sun and others in a cloud cover. But overall, I found the average daily temperature pleasant.
Summary
With its mild temperatures and plentiful festivals, October is absolutely one of the best months to visit Romania.
From its beautiful small towns to its stunning mountain resorts, Romania offers something for everyone during this time of year.
What really made Romania special for me in October was the variety of cultural events from the major cities to the Romanian countryside.
