Romania is embracing a vibrant tourism future, with new initiatives enhancing the country’s already rich cultural landscape. The focus is on providing comprehensive and engaging experiences for travelers, both domestic and international.
Via Transilvanica: A Hiking Trail Through History
In 2018, the Tasuleasa Social NGO embarked on a transformative project: the creation of Via Transilvanica, a 1,400 km long hiking trail traversing the heart of Romania. Starting from Putna, the resting place of Stephen the Great, the trail winds its way through Transylvania, ultimately reaching Drobeta Turnu-Severin, the entry point for King Carol I.
The trail is marked by unique andesite milestones sculpted by artists, inviting hikers to explore over 400 villages and towns, each with its own distinct cultural charm. It also passes through thermal resorts, historical monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all nestled within seven historical provinces.
Via Transilvanica offers a truly immersive experience. Hikers can delve into the diverse lifestyles of various ethnic groups, savor traditional cuisine, and witness the enduring crafts of rural communities. The trail has gained considerable recognition, with around 30,000 hikers, primarily Romanians but also an increasing number of international visitors, embarking on this journey annually.
The trail’s popularity continues to rise, culminating in its recent recognition as the most appreciated heritage project, earning the prestigious “European Heritage Awards” from Europa Nostra. Furthermore, Time magazine has included Via Transilvanica among the top 100 tourist attractions worldwide.
The Attractive Romania Programme: Revitalizing Cultural Landmarks
The Attractive Romania Programme, backed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) with a budget of EUR 8 million, aims to breathe new life into lesser-known cultural landmarks across Romania.
This ambitious initiative will enhance 275 cultural and tourist sites with updated signage, multimedia digital content, and online platforms for information and promotion. It also includes a national and international promotion plan for 12 tourist and cultural routes.
The Ministry of Investments and European Projects (MIPE) has already launched the “Promotion of the 12 Tourist/Cultural Routes” campaign, aiming to boost cultural tourism by showcasing significant but lesser-known cultural sites to both domestic and international audiences. The programme is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2026.
As part of the project, an online platform will be developed featuring original content about selected cultural sites. The project also includes the installation of new on-site signage and the promotion of historically and culturally significant locations.
The primary focus will be on 275 key cultural sites, with an additional 450 sites included in the platform’s database. The 12 routes encompass a diverse array of attractions, including castles, Transylvanian manor houses, fortified culăs, traditional culinary experiences, fortified churches, wooden churches, Moldovan monasteries, the Saint Ladislau Route, Roman military forts, ancient fortresses, the cultural landscapes of the Danube Delta, and villages renowned for their traditional architecture. While most of these sites will be accessible from the programme’s inception, some are currently under restoration and will be available later.
