Written by Marius Iliescu – all imagery equipped by Romanian Good friend.
Romania is undoubtedly an underrated gem in Europe. From towering Carpathian Mountains to the Danube Delta, picturesque conventional villages to cosmopolitan medieval cities, you’re in for a shock. Whether or not you’re an expert or beginner photographer seeking to discover and uncover someplace new, I’m certain my nation will give you a number of sights.
Romania could be very widespread amongst photographers seeking to seize conventional rural life and customs, untouched landscapes with wealthy wildlife, and putting metropolis and cultural contrasts in Bucharest. Get your digital camera and backpack prepared as a result of I’m going to inform you the most effective locations to go to in Romania to seize some distinctive pictures.
#1 The place to go for panorama images in Romania
45% of Romania’s land floor is roofed by the Carpathian Mountains reaching altitudes as excessive as 8,380 toes. In addition to the everyday surroundings you’d count on within the mountains, there are a number of mountain ranges identified for his or her spectacular vistas and pure points of interest.
Near the favored vacationer metropolis of Brasov are Piatra Craiului, with their unmistakable limestone ridge and Bucegi Mountains, all going over 7,200 toes excessive. On a typical hike you’ll get excellent views of Prahova Valley or Moeciu – Magura Valley, each identified for his or her picturesque surroundings and conventional mountain villages.
Additionally right here you might have the prospect to seize wildlife. Some notable species embrace brown bears (of which Romania has the best inhabitants in Europe), chamois, black goats, wild boars and plenty of others smaller mammals, together with quite a few birds and butterfly species. In case you’re actually into wildlife images, you may choose to go deep into the mountains with a specialist information and might be able to spot wolves or the reclusive lynx.
As I’ve talked about, the fauna is spectacular, however so is the flora. In Piatra Craiului Nationwide Park you’ll discover greater than 300 species of fungus, 100 mosses and 220 lichen.
Bucegi Nationwide Park however is understood for its pure points of interest and wild landscapes. The wonders of Lake Bolboci, Pestera Ursilor (cave), Cheile Tatarului (gorges), Babele rocks (The Previous Women), Cascada Urlatoarea (Howler’s Waterfall), and, after all, the Carpathian Sphinx are sights you may on a 2 or 3 day climbing journey within the space. Along with the landscapes themselves, you may additionally get curious concerning the native legends surrounding them.
Then there are the villages of Magura, Pestera, Sirnea, and Moieciu within the valley between Bucegi and Piatra Craiului. For my part, they’re the gems of our nation and each photographer’s dream. That is the place time stood nonetheless, nature exhibits its expertise, and other people dwell at peace with themselves.
In case you’re captivated with images, you’ll certainly be blown away by the standard picket homes, inexperienced meadows, and sheep flocks that you simply’ll discover in Moieciu. Sirnea, the primary vacationer village in Romania, is a quiet place with welcoming locals, so for those who discover it arduous to search for images spots, folks right here can be blissful to assist. The identical is true for Magura and Pestera. Peaceable, blissful locals and sheep munching on their meals will make you decelerate too.
Lastly, I can’t speak about Romania’s pure magnificence with out mentioning the Danube Delta biosphere. The biggest pure wetland in Europe and third largest biodiversity reserve on this planet, this UNESCO World Heritage website will shock you. Over 160 species of birds nest right here throughout June – Sept earlier than transferring to hotter nations, the most well-liked being red-crested pochards, ferruginous geese, shiny ibis, bitterns, purple and squacco herons, pygmy cormorants and dalmatian pelicans.
And navigating the canals wealthy with lush vegetation by boat and coming into the place all of the motion is can be an journey in and of itself. Be certain to go to Letea Forest in the hunt for wild horses and catch a sundown within the Delta to finish your portfolio.
#2 Photographing conventional rural tradition and life
There’s reality in saying that Romania is just not completely Westernised as a result of it isn’t. Life within the countryside will take folks on a journey again in time. You’ll be able to see this in sure areas like: South-East Transylvania, Bucovina (North-East), Western Apuseni Mountains and Maramures (North-West).
Of those, my favourite and the popular locations for photographers is Maramures. Simply accessible from Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania’s unofficial capital, Maramures is taken into account Romania’s most culturally consultant area and also known as the soul of the everyday Romanian village. So what’s so particular about it?
Nicely, it’s the locals’ very way of life: self-sustainable, easy, community-based and in accordance with nature’s rhythms. That’s proper, the fantastic thing about the straightforward – however not impoverished! – way of life folks have here’s what makes this area so widespread.
Individuals right here dwell as they did 50 years in the past. Folks rituals, traditions, group values and native crafts and practices are well-preserved and handed from one era to a different in a ritualistic means. Locals nonetheless go to their UNESCO Picket Church buildings each Sunday proudly sporting their greatest folks costumes. The standard garment in Maramures features a white linen shirt for girls, additionally referred to as ie, and a sleeveless sheepskin vest for males, referred to as cojoc, embellished with a mess of handmade particulars. A sight to see, particularly amongst older folks!
In addition to spiritual holidays and rituals which are crucial (particularly Easter and Christmas), there are numerous folks festivals and native celebrations within the villages that are a superb event for photographers to seize the guts of this area. Locals collect to point out their crafts, conventional dishes (sheep cheese, smoked sausages, balmos, cozonac) and have a good time collectively. Conventional dances referred to as hora and folks singers are frequent at these occasions and everyone seems to be welcome to hitch.
Although Romanian and worldwide vacationers are eager to attend these occasions, it’s not like they’re posted on Fb! So if you wish to go, my greatest tip is to discover a native information, ideally a local like ours, with a very good community within the space that is aware of what’s taking place and when. For photographers with an curiosity in rural life and folks tradition, it is a priceless probability to immortalise Maramures’ spirit and perceive its cultural significance.
One more reason why the area of Maramures is so widespread is for its woodcarving and picket structure. Locals take nice satisfaction in exhibiting off their inventive abilities via woodcarving – and I’m not speaking about small, ornamental objects. The area has many 400 12 months previous Picket Church buildings (a part of UNESCO heritage) and picket homes with spectacular picket gates. The bigger, detailed and positive carved the gate is – the extra it says concerning the proprietor!
Woodcarvers worth their work and exhibit their creations throughout festivals and gatherings everywhere in the nation. You’ll be able to {photograph} this stuff and present them how a lot you respect their work – we assure this may soften their hearts.
And if you wish to take your images expertise to the subsequent degree, be sure to go to a few of Maramures’ well-known picket church buildings, of which eight are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Websites. A lot of them have giant, spectacular gates with meticulously designed ornaments that may make the villagers proud. It received’t take lengthy till you notice a few of these gates, as they’re quite common on this area. Church buildings it’s best to go to: Breb, Desesti, Ieud and Barsana Monastery.
In addition to folks tradition, Maramures additionally has a number of vacationer points of interest that it’s best to contemplate. The Victims of Communism Memorial Museum is a former communist jail turned story-telling museum. The Mocanita steam prepare is a gradual prepare going via picturesque woodlands and valleys, best for slightly panorama images. Lastly, there may be Sapanta Merry Cemetery which is, as its identify says, a cheerful cemetery. A novel place in Jap Europe and a paradox to search out in a area so eager on spiritual values. Why? I’ll allow you to discover out throughout your go to!
Lastly, Maramures offers you the prospect to {photograph} genuine rural life in Romania but in addition a singular event to detach from the hustle and bustle of massive metropolis life. After spending 3-4 days within the area you’ll quickly see how locals right here dwell unhurried, with out checking their telephones or watches, preferring as a substitute to spend time with household, buddies and guests. At all times smiling, prepared to assist one another and admire what they’ve.
Whenever you go for a stroll via the village or up within the hills to snap a panoramic view of the realm, you’ll lastly perceive why exploring the countryside is likely one of the greatest issues you are able to do once you go to Romania.
#3 The capital – Bucharest: an eclectic combine for city photographers
In case you’re lured by city images, Romania’s capital Bucharest is the most effective spot for that. Additionally referred to as Little Paris because of its many townhouses closely impressed by French renaissance and Parisian structure, the town is stuffed with surprises and obtrusive contrasts. From spectacular communist landmarks with broad boulevards and condominium buildings to Western skyscrapers, quirky alleys with hipster cafes or deserted homes, you’ll discover a variety of images spots in Romania’s capital.
Although tough across the edges and with a definite Balkanic vibe – very completely different from the remainder of the nation – Bucharest is an underrated gem of Jap Europe.
As a consequence of its wealthy and in some way troubled historical past, once you enterprise exterior of the town middle and its important vacationer spots, you’ll possible uncover mind-blowing contrasts. Native photographers are on the hunt for spots the place they’ll seize both the essence of Belle Epoque period or the obtrusive communist structure and compelled landscaping. The primary is greatest seen in Aviatorilor and Cotroceni neighbourhoods, whereas the second round Palace of Parliament, Unirii Blvd, Militari and Southern residential neighbourhoods.
This fascinating mixture of structure, historic transitions and modern-day life has lengthy fascinated photographers who discover Bucharest a singular place to seize on digital camera. Not for its magnificence of unpolluted lower, image good scenes – however for its uncooked, unfiltered actuality. Right here’s a preferred instagram account from Bucharest so that you see what I’m speaking about!
Some fascinating spots to {photograph} embrace Pasajul Victoria, which is understood for its rainbow constituted of vibrant umbrellas, Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, the Romanian Athenaeum, Cantacuzino Palace and Mogosoaia Palace. You’ll additionally discover quite a few restored villas in areas round Gradina Icoanei, Piata Dorobanti or Cotroceni neighbourhood, the place you may snap each the previous and new in a single photograph.
Then there are deserted buildings and post-industrial factories in residential communist neighbourhoods, however for these it’s greatest to go together with a neighborhood information since most are inaccessible for the general public. That’s the attractive decay facet of the town!
And let’s not overlook about Bucharest’s avenue artwork – the very reflection of as we speak’s tradition and society. Fashionable spots to snap avenue artwork embrace Strada Arthur Verona, Lente, Level, and Fabrica Membership. Between routes, you’ll discover how outstanding gentrification is in these areas.
Romania is actually an underrated vacationer vacation spot, that’s why you received’t hear many individuals speaking about visiting it. However I hope I used to be in a position to offer you a glimpse into what photograph alternatives my nation gives so you may enrich your portfolio with a lesser-known vacation spot.
Concerning the Creator – Marius Iliescu is the founding father of Romanian Good friend a one-stop store web site with journey inspiration, tour concepts and sensible data for these planning to go to Romania. His mission is to verify folks expertise the most effective of his nation whereas supporting accountable, inclusive tourism that helps native communities.
*The Wandering Lens takes no duty for images equipped by visitor authors. Checks have been carried out to make sure imagery is royalty free and obtainable to be used, do you have to consider this isn’t the case, please contact the creator/s straight and I’ll completely take away any imagery if requested – I strongly consider in crediting photographers and having permission to publish.
Journey and panorama photographer from Australia who is way extra snug in a pair of flippers than heels! Having labored for publications comparable to Lonely Planet, Wanderlust and the Sunday Occasions, Lisa based The Wandering Lens to share vacation spot guides to the worlds most photogenic locations and out of doors experiences.