Winter in Romania is usually cold, gloomy, and wet (as of late, at least, since we don’t get as much snow as we used to). But if you’re planning to visit Romania in the winter, I’m here to help by sharing the best destination for a perfect holiday.
Because there are plenty of nice things to discover here during this less popular time of the year: from unique hotels made entirely out of ice to cities that look perfect under the snow blanket, and many things in between.
Help me keep Romania Experience alive. Become a Patreon supporter today! You can also read my article detailing the situation here. Thank you for your continued support!
While most people will choose to visit Romania during the winter to go skiing, the focus of this article is to share other options. I’ve got skiing covered too, in the article sharing the best ski resorts in Romania here, in case that’s what you are interested in.
With all these in mind, let’s now check the best winter destinations in Romania. Read all the way to the end to see some local’s tips (aka hidden gems few – if any – are recommending).
1. Sibiu
Sibiu is a beautiful town in general, extremely popular among tourists and expats, and one of the few places where you have better chances of seeing snow during the winter.
The old town area is particularly charming, so prepare to walk a lot, surrounded by wonderful architecture and rich history.
There is also the Sub Arini Park, which is stunning anyway, but enhanced with a little snow, it looks even better.
And secondly, there’s the Astra Complex: an open-air village museum. It’s huge, it takes up to 4-6 hours to explore it all around by food, and it’s full with historical information about old Romanian villages.
And here comes the special part: did you know that you can explore Astra Museum on a sleigh during the winter?
Yup! During summer, there’s a carriage available, drawn by a horse; but in the winter, if there’s snow, sleighs are available – also drawn by horses. Make sure to check out the official website of the museum for more details and updated fees.
If you want even more ideas about things to do in Sibiu all year-long, check out my article on its top attractions.
2. The Balea Lake Ice Hotel
You can enjoy a truly unique experience in the small village of Cartisoara, near Balea Lake. Each year, a hotel made entirely of ice is built there to welcome guests who want to experience something different.
I can’t even say how impressive it is to have a hotel built and rebuilt each year – but this is what the Ice Hotel has to go through. Officially called Hotel of Ice, but also known as Balea Lake Ice Hotel, or Hotel of Ice Transylvania, it can be booked here (I recommend doing so in advance, as rooms usually are sold out!).
The rooms and beds here are made entirely of ice too! There is no artificial heating source in the hotel for all the obvious reasons, so prepare to sleep on high-quality mattresses, covered in natural fur and in impermeable sleeping bags.
It’s definitely an experience – but I wouldn’t really recommend to try more than one night. Instead, book one night at the Ice Hotel, and the rest of the stay at their traditional cabin.
Some people even book both places, which is something I strongly recommend doing, because – trust me! – after a few hours spent in the freezing cold, you will want to spend at least some moments in a warmer area.
Click here to check it out (but remember that, depending on the time of the year you visit, the ice hotel might not exist!)
OH, and if spending a night in an ice hotel is not your thing – you can still visit this amazing place and at least have lunch or dinner in the restaurant made entirely of ice. Now that’s something that even the less adventurous ones can do!
3. Brasov
Moving on to the legendary part of Romania, Brasov is probably one of the most memorable winter destinations in the country, and one of the most popular too.
There are enough things to do and see in Brasov for an entire week, maybe even more if you include a few day trips to nearby castles like Peles or Dracula’s Castle.
During the winter, Brasov gets a whole new vibe and legendary atmosphere. The newly opened Aqua Park is great to visit during the winter, as you can feel cozy in the warm water and see the snow outside.
I strongly suggest you to go to Poiana Brasov too- it’s easy to get there, as there are regular buses from the station, and the entire area is dedicated to winter sports during the cold season.
4. Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle)
Since you’re already in Brasov, don’t skip Bran. It’s a small resort, not far from Brasov town, but it has one of Romania’s most impressive castles.
Also known as Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle is by far the main attraction of the village and a symbol of Transylvania, being an important part of the region’s fame.
The landscape is stunning during winter, surrounding the place with fairytale vibes (or, better said, vampire vibes!) and a legendary aura. This medieval trip will certainly make your vacation more memorable!
If you plan to visit this castle, make sure to book a guided tour of it, to learn all the legends and fun facts. One will surely blow your mind if you don’t already know it – but I don’t want to spoil the surprise. Hint: it’s related to Count Dracula himself!
5. Sinaia
This is another one of the most popular winter destinations in Romania. While it is perfect or skiing, Sinaia is beautiful all year round and has one additional attraction: the Peles castle I mentioned above.
There are a few other things to do and see in Sinaia apart from skiing and visiting the castle, but it’s definitely worth spending a weekend here.
I’ve recently been to Sinaia with my family and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, although I was surprised with how expensive everything was. But it’s totally worth it!
To become an expert in this small town, here are the top things to do in Sinaia, as well as the best restaurants you should check out.
6. Sighisoara
It’s best to visit Sighisoara in winter from two main reasons: first, it’s very crowded during summer and difficult to enjoy it to the maximum; and second, the citadel gets surrounded by an aura of legendary vibration and magical colors during this season.
So the overall experience will be truly unique if you decide to visit in winter.
This time, it’s not about winter sports, but about silent, relaxing, meditative exploration of a medieval town. It’s a place of art, of beautiful architecture, a place that tells a story without a word.
All houses are extremely colorful, and during winter, there’s an impressive contrast between the intensity of those colors and the white snow.
Read my full guide to Sighisoara to learn more about Romania’s medieval city.
7. Alba Iulia
Last but not least, I strongly recommend visiting Alba-Iulia if you’re in Romania in December.
The 1st of December, to be precise, which is when we celebrate the National Day. Alba Iulia had an essential historical role in this context, and as a result, the most beautiful national parade is organized here.
More complex equipment, larger parades and more entertaining or impressive shows may be performed in the capital, Bucharest, at the same date; but no matter what, no place will have the story and the intensity of the feelings that you’ll get at a parade in Alba Iulia.
Alba Carolina Citadel keeps alive the heart and the spirit of the event, and after the parade is completed, most delicious and diverse traditional dishes will be served amongst the medieval alleys of the large fortress.
So if you’re in Romania at the very beginning of the winter season, don’t hesitate to stay in Alba-Iulia for an authentic Romanian experience!
8. Baile Herculane
A small resort town located close to the city of Drobeta Turnu Severin, Baile Herculane should be visited for the thermal baths there.
Now, more and more hotels and resorts offer thermal baths and complete SPA experiences, including All-Inclusive options. My family chose Hotel Afrodita for our stay and we enjoyed the massages, the pool… everything there, including the amazing views over the mountains, and the fresh air.
A lesser known destination (at least for foreigners), it is a perfect place to visit.
Local’s tip: Make sure to visit the “cadite” area (translated as “bathtubs”) which are natural cavities along the Cerna river, filled with hot thermal water, where you can take a bath.
It’s a truly unique experience to do so, while you have a few feet of snow around yourself. Ask locals for their location (there are multiple along the banks of the Cerna river, including in front of the Roman hotel – here on Google maps – and slightly more organized ones here, but also various other places locals know of).
9. Craiova’s Christmas Market
Although many websites out there still recommend Sibiu’s Christmas Market – which remains a good choice – it’s actually Craiova’s Christmas market that became the biggest, best and most beautiful in Romania.
It’s also considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Becoming more and more impressive each year, Craiova’s Christmas market is a must-visit if you want to get into the Christmas spirit, check out some traditional Romanian goodies and feel like a child again.
If you enjoy visiting these fairs, I have an article dedicated to the best Christmas Markets in Romania.
10. Vatra Dornei
Vatra Dornei truly feels like a scene from a fairy tale, especially in the winter months. It’s no wonder it’s celebrated as the “Pearl of Bukovina.”
Similar to Baile Herculane recommended above, it is a town abundant in mineral springs and renowned as a premier spa resort.
Situated where the Bistrița Aurie and Dorna rivers converge, it offers skiing opportunities and natural mineral springs for relaxation – there’s always something interesting and relaxing to do here.
Let me know which of these top winter destinations do you plan to visit. Also, if you know other similarly beautiful places that should be on the list, don’t hesitate to comment below!
Having lived in Romania for over 4 decades, I am here to tell you everything about this beautiful country. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, I love traveling and I’ve been writing about Romania since 2013. Currently living in Constanta.