TRAVELLER IN THE HEART OF TRANSYLVANIA, CLUJ-NAPOCA AND SURROUNDINGS February 9, 2021
Traveller in the heart of Transylvania, in Cluj-Napoca and surroundings
Come to Cluj-Napoca and you will not regret it, these words do not come from the mouth of a proud local with a sweet Transylvanian talk, but from a slave to travelling, such as us! You don't have to take our word for it; this surprising and welcoming city is waiting for you with open arms! Now join us!
Why visit Cluj-Napoca?
This city in the heart of Transylvania is used to being in the spotlight, and the famous festival that staged it and made it VIP is one of the reasons. With, but especially without UNTOLD, you will enjoy the calmer provincial atmosphere, the Transylvanian hospitality and there are so many tourist attractions to see that you will not stress over missing something. Medieval fortresses and churches, large and small parks, large panoramas and several museums make Cluj-Napoca a "must do" destination. If we take into account the surroundings of Cluj, things get complicated: there is a lot to see and do; most likely you will have to come back.
At a slow pace in Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is NOT a city that puts you on the run from one attraction to another. Here, you will adapt to the local style: calm, relaxed, breezy. The even better news is that most important tourist attractions are concentrated in the historic downtown, the heart and soul of the city. Don't miss Avram Iancu Square, with the imposing Orthodox Cathedral and the National Theatre, the most important one in Transylvania. It continues with the Boulevard of Heroes, flanked by old and sophisticated buildings, in pastel colours and guarded by the statue of Lupa Capitolina. You quickly reach the most important square, Union Square. And here you will be watched over by old, imposing buildings and palaces with old stories behind them.
History goes on
Spot the local star, Banffy Castle, which has hosted many royal faces and stars in its centuries-old existence. Today, the standard building of Baroque architecture is home to the Art Museum and many cultural events. At a stone's throw the impressive St. Michael Cathedral raises its towers to the sky. Built since 1316, this is the largest Gothic cathedral in the country, after the Black Church in Brasov. Stand a little at the base of the equestrian statue of Matei Corvin and look around! You are in a surprisingly beautiful city! Not far away, on the cobbled streets, a memorial plaque marks the house where Matia (Matei) Corvin, son of John Hunyadi, was born. These streets are bridges to history but the connection with the present is strong. Here are some temptations too; some nice cafes and restaurants entice you with their offer! A university city, Cluj has a lot of bars and pubs, several being along Piezișa Street, near the student campus.
Where to stay in Cluj-Napoca? Cluj-Napoca is the second city in the country in terms of population, so the offer of accommodation in holiday homes, guesthouses and hotels is more than generous. Make your choice!
Cluj-Napoca and its mysteries
The stroll on the streets of Cluj should lead you as sure as fate at least to the Cetățuia hill, where the city lies at your feet. The famous Botanical Garden, with its Japanese gardens and the old Tailors' Bastion, are not to be missed either. If you have a craving for adventures and mysteries, don't miss Baciu Forest, near Cluj. We do not guarantee epiphanies from another world, but you will surely find an enigmatic atmosphere! The feeling that you are being watched by someone or something will follow you for a while. The Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania also offers you a real journey back in time. A long-forgotten world can be seen walking on the alleys of the Traian Vuia Ethnographic Park. The houses transformed into a museum have untold stories, which may not have been forgotten. What was life like then, without electricity and the internet? What would it be like to stay in such a holiday home, of course equipped with everything you need to feel the comfort of the 21st century? Sounds tempting, doesn't it?
From the depths, on the peaks of the Apuseni
Nature has been generous with Cluj, its surroundings are at least as beautiful and interesting. You can choose between Turzii Gorges, where you can go hiking and climbing and relaxing at Salina Turda. This underground place looks phenomenal and is very exciting. The architecture is amazing, the foray into the bowels of the earth is adventurous, the history of the place is special. And the boat ride in a lake located at the bottom of a salt mine is not something to be denied!
Upstairs, in the light, Cluj has several other unique places to offer. The westerners seduce you with their bucolic beauty, with pastures, hamlets and old villages. See for yourself by going anywhere in the area, for example to Lake Tarnița, less than 32 km from Cluj-Napoca or in Răchiţele.
The Tureni Gorges are another natural wonder near Cluj. With a wild relief, with caves, impressive rock walls and small waterfalls, Turenilor Gorges have been declared a Nature Reserve and an archaeological park due to the numerous objects that have been discovered here. We recommend that you approach this attraction only if you have a minimum of equipment, because the route goes along the water. Book a mountain guesthouse or a traditional house brought to the 21st century, make yourself at home here in the middle of nature.
Famous mountain trails and waterfalls
The Bride's Veil) Waterfall from Răchiţele Village (70 km from Cluj-Napoca) is also one of the stars of local tourism, but much more accessible. From Huedin, the fairy-tale land of the Apuseni opens up as a preamble for the Bride's Veil. After passing the Stanciului Valley Gorges, with walls up to 40 m high with climbing routes, you reach one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Transylvania. The Bride's Veil amazes you with great views in any season. The water spreads like a fan on the three steps, giving the feeling that a diaphanous bridal veil floats in the air ... From the waterfall, if you are a hiking enthusiast, you can climb on foot, on a marked route, to Lespezile Albe. Above, the reward of the effort awaits you: the panorama over the entire valley and the Vlădeasa Massif.
The famous Bannfy Castle and the huge Apuseni Natural Park, with its mountain paths, time-forgotten villages, caves and chosen mountain trails are temptations that no self-respecting traveller can overlook! You will not be able to request accommodation at the castle, but you can choose the option of booking a traditional holiday home.
We hope you have enjoyed our selection of reasons and objectives for visiting Cluj-Napoca. Get inspired by our bungalow accommodation recommendations and make reservations in mountain guesthouses or in bungalows. From Romania, of course! We are happy to have guests over and we can't wait to welcome you!
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