Less crowded destinations to visit in 2021 (I) January 6, 2021
Our selection of destinations to visit in 2021 enlists those less promoted and crowded places. All are from the country, we resume the invitation to rediscover and appreciate Romania at its true value!
In a pandemic or not, we travel enthusiasts want to discover or find places, people and histories. Let's grow rich with new experiences and memories worth telling. We do not stop to think when it comes to new adventures, we are not afraid of hiking to the top of the mountain, caves or rowing on more or less fast waters. All the less relaxing at the SPA in a holiday home or tasting aromatic dishes. We adapt and create opportunities, we are attracted to special things. We do not say "No" to accommodation in a wooden holiday home or in cottages hidden in dense fir forests, whether they are KUB or not!
Here are our recommendations for the holidays and trips of 2021.
Oltenia from under the mountain
You can find everything here: nature and culture, hospitality and really good food! You will be delighted not only by the varied landscapes, with quiet hills and lofty mountain peaks but also the traces of eternity. Old churches and unique crafts included in the UNESCO heritage, mysterious caves and shady mountain paths will make you forget about your daily worries. The journey begins with Ocnele Mari, where the mysteries of the famous fortress "Buridava" continue to stimulate the imagination of historians. The leisure spaces, the playgrounds, the museum of the history of the area and the largest underground church in Romania are attractions one should not miss here, at Ocnele Mari. The salt mine is a "must see", of course!
Traces of eternity
Stopping at the One-tree Church in Dezrobiți, with its written and unwritten stories, will convince you that inventiveness and adaptability are the "keys" to survival. The journey continues with a visit to the Hurezi Monastery, founded by C. Brâncoveanu in 1693 and included in the UNESCO patrimony in 1995. You can't miss Horezu, the most famous pottery centre in the country. Admire pottery mastered in a tradition that must not disappear and buy a significant present to those at home. The colours and technique of pottery also impressed UNESCO, whose intangible heritage it is part of. Not far from Horezu is Culele Măldăreșilor. The fortified mansions Greceanu and Duca are testimonies of the not at all quiet history of this corner of the country and unique examples of Romanian architecture. Here the best option is to find accommodation at a nice mountain guesthouse or in a secluded holiday home in a dense forest.
Standing on a mountaintop.
The Arnota Monastery, imposing with its fortress aspect on a mountain top, and the Bistrița Monastery, where the first printing house in Wallachia was installed, are not to be avoided. Not far away is the Bat Cave, once shared by small mammals with monks who were canonized. The Muierilor Cave, the most visited speleological objective in the country, represents an unmissable stop. Like the spectacular Gorges of Olteț and Polovragi Monastery. Polovragi Cave, the legendary house of Zamolxe, with its Dacian energy and mysteries, will amaze you with its "exhibits".
Masterpieces of universal culture
We set off, there is so much more to see and do! You can admit the legacy that Brâncuși left us in Târgu Jiu. His works sell for millions of euros and are exhibited in museums around the world, but we have the chance to admire some masterpieces "live"! The "Table of Silence", "The Kiss Pot" and the "Infinity Column" are the proof of this creative genius who could not be a prophet in his country.
One of the most important and old monasteries in Oltenia, Tismana, completes the offer of cultural tourism in the area. The place of worship, which dates from the 14th century, it is not the last objective that you can visit on Oltenia lands. You could go down a little below the mountain and visit Craiova. Or maybe you want to climb higher, to Rânca, to cross the Carpathians on the majestic "King's Road". Everything would be the right choice! You can't go wrong, Romania is so beautiful and interesting. Comfortable and intriguingly interesting are the KUB holiday homes; you could make a reservation right now at such a cottage in the forest. This holiday house fits perfectly into the landscape as it is made of wood and designed especially to make you feel comfortable in the middle of nature.
The Land of Hațeg
We remain in the southern part of the country and turn our attention further west, to a truly unique place, where the beauty of nature is intertwined with the uniqueness of the attractions and with so much history.
What is there to be seen here? Amazing landscapes “far from the madding crowd”, villages nestled among hills and valleys, medieval fortresses and palaces, mysterious churches and natural monuments. It may suffice for some, but the Land of Hațeg, guarded by the proud Retezat Mountain, has a lot more to offer. I’m sure you know this would be a chance to visit some of the oldest towns in the country. Sarmizegetusa Regia and Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana are not to be missed! The first is a sample of the history of the free Dacians, which certainly hides many secrets. Ulpia Traiana is the legacy left by the Romans, who settled here with everything they owned and brought all the comfort they were used to in the Eternal City. A string of other small Dacian fortresses, some hidden right here in the Orastie Mountains, are patiently awaiting your visit and attention. Included in the UNESCO patrimony in 1999, the Dacian fortresses were built between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD for purposes of defence and protection against the Romans. Near Sarmisegetuza Regia are the Dacian fortresses Blidaru and Costești-Cetățuie, be sure not to miss them!
Places full of mysteries
The church in Densus, the oldest place of worship where services are still held, amazes you with its strange shape and its history, fondly told by the parish priest. In love with nature and hiking? There’s plenty to choose from on these lands of longing. You could start with the Colți Fortress (15th century), located on the territory of Suseni village. Due to its mysterious shape and location on a rocky peak, Colți is considered the source of inspiration for the novel The Carpathian Castle signed by Jules Verne. The medieval fortress of Mălăiești, which seems to guard the entrance to the Retezat National Park and the much more famous Corvin Castle, should not be bypassed under any circumstances. You already know that! And, if you have the opportunity, why not book a stay at a holiday home in the mountains, at a KUB?
Slănic Moldova and its surroundings
We climb to the Moldavian lands and stop in Bacău County. Bacău is an unexpectedly offering destination, even if it is not promoted at all. Whether you are passionate about history, culture, nature or all in one place, here you get everything. In addition, you can make reservations in KUB wooden houses, an interesting offer for a special, atypical, unique stay. You can start your journey in the town of Bacău, where you can visit the George Bacovia Memorial House, one of the famous sons of the town. Are you interested in nature and science? Don't miss the Vivarium, which will amaze you with its impressive collection of fish, birds and exotic reptiles. Are you looking for the comfort of a 3 * boutique hotel? In one click you make a reservation at one of the KUB holiday homes in Lilieci.
A dear guest
The list of attractions in Bacău County is long, the first attraction not to be missed in the area being Slănic Moldova. The resort guarded by the Nemira Mountains is not surnamed "Pearl of Moldova" for no reason. Its mineral waters have won many international awards, but it is worth coming here for nature and hiking. On the high paths of the Nemira Reservation you may find wooden houses like in fairy tales. They have lofty roofs and large windows that allow nature to be admired up close. Why not make a reservation in these fully equipped holiday homes and feel like a dear guest? The hikes on the marked routes from the Nemira Reservation starting from Slănic Moldova, the Gorges and the Slănic Waterfall, part of the “300 stairs” route, which impress with the wild landscapes, are also not to be missed.
Less than 20 km away, Salina din Tg. Ocna is the ideal place not only for the treatment of respiratory diseases, but also for relaxation and movement. The deep white of salt hides an underground lake and a waterfall, a church and a salt museum. Built on a rocky spur that dominates Tg. Ocna and a beautiful mountain landscape, Măgura Ocnei Monastery is documented in 1653.
Dedication for those who love nature
Valea Uzului Lake is dedicated to those who love nature, as well as Buciaş Waterfall, where whether you want it or not, you will have to reach mountain trails, in a small hike.
The elegant Castel Roşu-Hemeiuş (10 km from Bacău, Lilieci village) strikes you with its eclectic architecture and the shades of red of the bricks. The beautiful roses that dot the place enhance the beauty of the castle, giving you not only beauty but also confidence for better times. You can also have your own residence in Lilieci, if you make a reservation at the KUB wooden houses here. If the appetite for adventure and knowledge is commensurate with the offer of attractions, then don’t miss the Racoș rate and its citadels! The town located 91 km away from Bacau is worth visiting for its history and importance. Here was the largest Dacian settlement in Ţara Bârsei and the second political-administrative and religious centre, after Sarmizegetusa. The Dacian fortress from Racoș has over 2,500 years of attested history that has buried many enigmas of the past. The luxurious Racoș Castle, the property of a Hungarian count, which is now in search for its former glory, is the second attraction of the area.
If you want a stay full of special experiences, book now at one of the holiday homes KUB. You will return for sure and we will be waiting for you!
The Land of Bisons
The Land of Bisons sounds interesting but just wait until you see how rich its tourist offer is! Old, medieval fortresses, famous monasteries, memorial houses, hikes through nature reserves make The Land of Bisons a destination worth checking on your list. In fact, it's worth a leisurely visit ... The first on the list of recommendations is Neamț Fortress. A real eagle's nest of medieval Moldova, the fortress amazes you with its architecture and history. It conquers you at first sight. Not only was it never conquered, but it was somehow reborn from its own ashes and became the most visited attraction in Neamț County. And not without reason!
In the footsteps of his most famous childhood
Somewhere, lost at the base of the fortress, the beautifully flowing Ozana seeks its clarity… And Creangă's house, the bojdeuca of our childhood eager for stories, is a landmark of this fairy-tale land. If you like to read, you will be glad to follow in the footsteps of M. Eminescu, V. Micle, A. Vlahuță and M. Sadoveanu. Their memorial houses have open gates… Old monasteries, with frescoes signed by famous painters and with more or less troubled histories, are an invitation to the soul. In Văratec, Agapia, Sihăstria, Neamț and Secu, time seems to have another measure and the silence of the icons seems even deeper.
Ecotourism destination
The Land of Bisons, centred on the town of Târgu Neamț, is above all an ecotourism destination. This means that it meets all the criteria that attest to sustainable tourism, related to nature and the values of the local community. You can enjoy hiking in the Vânători Neamț Natural Park, go cycling, enjoy various landscapes, particularly beautiful. Get out of your comfort zone and search for "the Silver Forest" or "Copper Hills". You can see, like Eminescu, the same immortal beauty, shrouded in mystery as hundreds, maybe thousands of years ago. The Dumbrava Secular Oak Reserve and the Dragoș Vodă Bison Reserve are other reasons why this destination deserves a place on your wish list! Book in a wooden holiday home and your experience will be unforgettable! You will not regret.
Cluj-Napoca and its surroundings
This city is used to be in the spotlight, even without the famous festival that closed its gates for a while due to the pandemic. Maybe now is the perfect opportunity to visit this otherwise crowded borough. You will enjoy the quiet atmosphere, the Transylvanian hospitality and you will have so many tourist attractions that you will not get tired. The best part is that you don't need who knows what physical condition to enjoy all the attractions, most of them are concentrated in the historic downtown. You can start your journey with Avram Iancu Square, where the imposing Orthodox Cathedral and the National Theatre, the most important institution of its kind in Transylvania, are located. The steps will somehow take you, alone, on the Boulevard of Heroes, also flanked by old buildings in pastel colours. You arrive quite quickly in the most important square in Cluj-Napoca, Unirii Square. Here you are impressed by the old buildings and palaces, with extensive stories behind them.
Steps on the traces of history
One such example is Banffy Castle, which has housed many royal faces in its centuries-old existence so as not to be overlooked. Today, this building representative of Baroque architecture (with Rococo influences) hosts the Art Museum of Cluj-Napoca and many cultural events. Which, by the way, we do not advise you to miss.
You can't help but notice the city's symbol, St. Michael’s Cathedral. The construction of the largest Gothic cathedral in the country, after the Black Church in Brasov, began in 1316, when the town was raised to the rank of city. Stand a little at the base of Matia Corvin's equestrian statue and look around! Isn't it a surprisingly beautiful city? Not far away, on the cobbled streets, a memorial plaque marks the house where Matia (Matei) Corvin, son of Iancu de Hunedoara, was born. The walk on the streets of Cluj should lead you, without failt, at least to the Cetățuia hill, where you the city lies at your feet. And at the famous Botanical Garden and necessarily, at the Tailors' Bastion, recently renovated:
If you have a craving for adventures, then don't miss Baciu Forest. We do not guarantee extra-terrestrial appearances or energy anomalies, but you will surely find an enigmatic atmosphere! And you will remember! As you will remember the stay at the KUB mountain house:
From the depths, on the peaks of the Apuseni
The surroundings of Cluj are at least as offering. You can choose between Turzii Gorges, where you can go climbing and hiking, on routes of varying degrees of difficulty and relaxation at Salina Turda. You can stay in a KUB holiday home, you are one click away from a dream vacation! The Apuseni Mountains are waiting for you to quench your thirst for beauty at Lake Tarnița providing crumbs of comfort at less than 32 km from Cluj-Napoca. Another famous attraction is the Bride’s Veil Waterfall from Răchiţele village. You quickly travel through the 70 km from Cluj-Napoca seduced by the amazing landscapes of the Apuseni. And, once you reach your destination, you will be amazed by the delicacy of nature. People are the ones who created a sad story for the Bride’s Veil Waterfall, but what is the water whispering to us in its transparent 20-meter fall?! The area is also suitable for mountaineering, hiking or quiet walks. Haven't we convinced you yet? The famous Bannfy Castle and the huge Apuseni Natural Park are temptations that no self-respecting traveller can overlook! And, if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of regular tourism, not to mention the meals, make now a reservation for a holiday home or a bungalow.
Whatever you choose in 2021, don't miss one of the KUB holiday homes. Here you will feel safe and comfortable, just one click away!
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