Romania
Bavaria-style castles and forests, without the Bavaria prices
Estimated daily budget
€25–50
Estimated 7-day budget (flights excluded)
€175–350
Why it's an alternative to Bavaria, Germany
Fairytale castles, dense forests and medieval towns, on roads made for a proper road trip.
Transylvania has castles, pine forests and pastel medieval towns that echo Bavaria or the Black Forest, at much lower accommodation and food prices — and mountain roads with a fraction of the traffic.
We're not saying they're identical — they share the core experience you're after, with their own differences.
Must-see spots
Bran Castle
The famous 'Dracula's castle,' perched on a rock between the mountains.
Sighișoara
An inhabited medieval citadel with colorful towers and cobblestone lanes.
Transfăgărășan Highway
One of Europe's most spectacular mountain roads — made for a road trip.
Things to do
- • Drive the Transfăgărășan Highway
- • Visit Bran and Peleș castles
- • Wander the streets of Sighișoara
- • Hike the Carpathian Mountains
- • Try local food in Brașov
Romania vs Bavaria, Germany
Romania
Bavaria, Germany 🇩🇪
7-day cost
€175–350
7-day cost
Typically much higher (check current prices)
Crowds
Low-to-medium — growing in popularity, still quiet outside peak season
Crowds
High during peak season
The experience
Fairytale castles, dense forests and medieval towns, on roads made for a proper road trip.
The experience
The original — hence the fame, and the price tag
Estimated total incl. flights
vs Bavaria, Germany
You save approximately €838 (~70%)
Estimated budget for 7 days
Flights not included. These are rough estimates and can vary depending on dates and travel style.
What stands out
- +Castles and medieval towns
- +Uncrowded Carpathian Mountains
- +Excellent roads for a road trip
Worth knowing
- –Long distances between sights
- –Public transport is slow outside major cities
Best time to visit
Continental, with mild-to-warm summers and cold, snowy winters in the Carpathians.
Who it's for
- 👤 Road-trippers and castle lovers
- 👤 Travelers after cheap, forested, central-European mountains
- 👤 Families who want history without the crowds
Safety
Safe country; watch for stray dogs in rural areas and drive carefully on mountain roads.