Last winter we decided to drive to this amazing location in the Romanian Fagaras Mountains called “Amfiiteatrul Transilvania”. Having reserved the tickets some 3 weeks earlier on an almost fully booked location we started the drive in the early morning hours
The trip from Bucharest is 3 and a half hours long by car, around 1 hour 30 on the highway and then on some picturesque mountain roads, idyllic sprawling hills and rolling valleys leading the way into the impressive mountain views.
The road was smooth an uneventful only dotted by us stopping the car to take in the views. Around 1 hour before arrival we were called by the owners and asked if we had an SUV capable of off-roading or we’d prefer to be picked up. Happy in our choice of an Audi Q4, we confirmed we could go up. The road is not well signaled, and our google GPS wanted us to breach private property, but after a bit of wiggling and a call to reception, we managed to find our way. The road, while amazing in the views, is 3 kilometers of pure pain, driving at 10/hour, with a sheer mountain cliff on the left and a river on the right. Our choice of going in the winter made the road slippery and were it not for the automatic mode it would have been a nightmare. As it was, we made the drive in 40 minutes, in daylight and that was an experience, ending up in a 50 degree incline in front of a barrier.
Once we entered the location, it was a feast for the eyes and any thought of it not being worth it was dashed away. Sat on top of a cut off hill, surrounded by mountains, sits a 4 star hotel, reminiscing of Austrian Alps resorts. In the middle sits the restaurant, surrounded by viewing platforms. Inside it has a giant fireplace shaped like the trunk of a tree, surrounded by tables. Dining is split in 2 parts, the public one, with great mountain sights for the people that come just to dine and then an inner sanctum around the crackling fire in the tree room for those that have lodgings. With perfect waiters and a small menu but superbly cooked to rival fine dining in Bucharest, we were spoiled for food in the 3 days we stayed there. The location was packed, but the people were really cool, no noise, perfect neighbors, even if most of them were families with small children.
The accommodations are in reconditioned, old Romanian traditional houses. The whole setup is wood with wood bedding and soft mattresses while perfectly hiding the modern amnesties. Everything, even in the bathroom is made of wood and makes the floors warm under the naked foot even in winter. The door is padded with home-spun woolen carpets and sealed by a lock pad. Even the road to the houses was covered in soft squishy moss and easy to step onto, making the location from outside vaguely reminiscent of the hobbit houses in Lord of the Rings.
In the 3 days spent, we went outside the resort to visit just once, in rest we raveled in the tranquility and the amazing views, peace and quiet. The wi-fi is amazing too if you need to work or study so the location is truly a dream come true.
Pros
- Amazing views
- Divine food
- Quiet tranquility and amazing views
- Easy access to mountain trails and hiking
Cons
- Steep price -100 euros per night/room
- Horrendous access road
Conclusion
Would we go again? Definitely, in the summer to enjoy the views. It is a location that is truly unique and a week working from there, enjoying the views. We deeply recommend this place if you want a treat after the Pandemic and wish to experience the true beauty of Romania, the beauty that no video or presentation can bring to life.
Unlimited Travels 