Cluj-Napoca; Unchartered Territory Part 3
May 24, 2024
Cluj-Napoca; Unchartered Territory Part 5
June 2, 2024Cluj-Napoca has charm, but Sinaia is known as the 'Pearl of the Carpathians' thanks to its position in the midst of a mountain range in Romania.
Sinaia’s Charm
I'd booked Vila Agata and told them I would be there around 6pm. Unfortunately, due to the comedy of errors, I was rather late after my unexpected road trip. Having communicated that with them, they ensured I wasn’t stranded. Andrei even ended up collecting me from the train station and taking me directly to the house as I arrived so late. Once again, the hospitality shone through; I couldn’t have asked for a better host. He pointed out some of the best restaurants as we drove past which I made a mental note of.
Conversing further, it came to light that Vila Agata (@VILA.AGATA.SINAIA) can also arrange mountain trips with 4x4s or minibuses, catering for various group sizes and capabilities. If you’d rather be a little more adventurous, there are brand new 2024 model ATV’s for rental - I can vouch, ATV’s are great fun.
Hikes with authorised tour guides can be requested, covering trails within Bucegi, Baiului, and Piatra Craiului massifs. To truly understand how many amazing places there are to explore, here’s an extensive list that I recommend googling;
- Munții Bucegi (Cascada urlătoare, Babele - Sfinx - Crucea Caraiman)
- 7 izvoare
- Lacul Scropoasa
- Cheile Orzei
- Podul cu flori
- Peștera Ialomiței
- Lacul Bolboci
- Cheile Zanoagei
- Cheile Tătarului
- Grota Ursului
- Padina
My return visit will be revolving around mountain hikes, Sinaia leaves you spoilt for choice!
Gallery
Solo Start
The following day I rose early, showered in the best shower of the trip, then ambled about at my leisure while the streets were empty and the mist was clearing. It didn’t take long before I found myself at Castelul Peleș & Castelul Pelișor. The scaffolding ruined the effect, but an air of grandeur could still be sensed. Sadly, not many pictures of here due to low battery (rookie error) but well worth a visit.
Walking back toward Dimitrie Ghica Park, I came across Casino Sinaia which also gave a grand impression. Now used as a conference and events centre, I can only imagine it in its former glory. It was built quickly, in just one year (1911-1912) and is connected to Hotel Palace via an underground passage.
Just across the road from here is the War Cemetery. A poignant reminder of some darker parts of history.
@Next Steps
Moving on, I picked up a coffee from 5 to Go, then met my friend Berni, and his friend Renaldo. We headed up the mountain for a picnic with a view at Poaina Stânii Regale. Perched on a rock, we admired the scenery, drank homemade wine, and ate homemade pizza. Bliss!
Passing Stâncile Franz Joseph, we paused for a photoshoot. We’re just a bunch of hippies at heart and decided to hug some trees. Quite literally. We had an amazing day together and the guys got some great shots for their projects. (@BERNOVICI & @RENALDOBANOPHOTOGRAPHY)
We hiked some more, we laughed a lot, and later even somehow scaled the cliff face to find Stânca Sfânta Ana – before realising there was a path. We certainly had an adventure that day, I can’t wait for the next one. Still laughing at awkward photos and cheesy grins!
Fond Farewells
After seeing the guys off at the train station, I took myself out for dinner at L’Avalon Restaurant. A 3-course meal came to 85.30 lei which was only £14.88 at that point. A large bowl of ciorbă de pui went down extremely well after the hike, though the papanași made my day. I could eat this combination for life.
Still regretting not gorging at Caramello, a quirky place with teddy bears, igloos, and even an old Beetle, but also divine desserts. A must for those with a sweet tooth.
The following day I took the train back from Sinaia to Cluj-Napoca (104.50lei - £18.23). With the journey taking around 10 hours, it was time to relax and read the book Berni had gifted me. I’d already purchased some snacks and bottles of water, so my trip was uneventful but pleasant.
The Cluj Finale is on its way…
