Written by Marius Iliescu – all imagery provided by Romanian 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 you’re knowledgeable or beginner photographer trying to discover and uncover someplace new, I’m certain my nation will give you a lot of sights.
Romania may be very widespread amongst photographers trying to seize conventional rural life and customs, untouched landscapes with wealthy wildlife, and placing metropolis and cultural contrasts in Bucharest. Get your digicam 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 images.
#1 Where 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 ft. Besides the everyday surroundings you’d anticipate within the mountains, there are a number of mountain ranges identified for his or her spectacular vistas and pure sights.
Close to the favored vacationer metropolis of Brasov are Piatra Craiului, with their unmistakable limestone ridge and Bucegi Mountains, all going over 7,200 ft 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.
Also right here you’ll have the possibility 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. If you’re actually into wildlife images, you’ll be able to decide 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 National Park you’ll discover greater than 300 species of fungus, 100 mosses and 220 lichen.
Bucegi National Park however is thought for its pure sights and wild landscapes. The wonders of Lake Bolboci, Pestera Ursilor (cave), Cheile Tatarului (gorges), Babele rocks (The Old Ladies), Cascada Urlatoarea (Howler’s Waterfall), and, in fact, the Carpathian Sphinx are sights you’ll be able to on a 2 or 3 day mountain climbing journey within the space. In addition to the landscapes themselves, you may also get curious in regards to the native legends surrounding them.
Then there are the villages of Magura, Pestera, Sirnea, and Moieciu within the valley between Bucegi and Piatra Craiului. In my opinion, they’re the gems of our nation and each photographer’s dream. This is the place time stood nonetheless, nature exhibits its expertise, and other people dwell at peace with themselves.
If you’re keen about images, you’ll certainly be blown away by the standard wood homes, inexperienced meadows, and sheep flocks that you just’ll discover in Moieciu. Sirnea, the primary vacationer village in Romania, is a quiet place with welcoming locals, so should you discover it exhausting to search for images spots, individuals right here can be pleased to assist. The similar is true for Magura and Pestera. Peaceful, pleased locals and sheep munching on their meals will make you decelerate too.
Finally, I can’t discuss Romania’s pure magnificence with out mentioning the Danube Delta biosphere. The largest pure wetland in Europe and third largest biodiversity reserve on the earth, this UNESCO World Heritage web site will shock you. Over 160 species of birds nest right here throughout June – Sept earlier than transferring to hotter international locations, the preferred 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 will likely be an journey in and of itself. Make certain to go to Letea Forest looking for wild horses and catch a sundown within the Delta to finish your portfolio.
#2 Photographing conventional rural tradition and life
There’s fact in saying that Romania is just not solely Westernised as a result of it isn’t. Life within the countryside will take individuals on a journey again in time. You can see this in sure areas like: South-East Transylvania, Bucovina (North-East), Western Apuseni Mountains and Maramures (North-West).
Of these, my favourite and the popular locations for photographers is Maramures. Easily 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?
Well, 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 easy – however not impoverished! – life-style individuals have here’s what makes this area so widespread.
People right here dwell as they did 50 years in the past. Folk rituals, traditions, group values and native crafts and practices are well-preserved and handed from one technology to a different in a ritualistic means. Locals nonetheless go to their UNESCO Wooden Churches each Sunday proudly carrying their finest folks costumes. The conventional garment in Maramures features a white linen shirt for girls, additionally known as ie, and a sleeveless sheepskin vest for males, known as cojoc, embellished with a large number of handmade particulars. A sight to see, particularly amongst older individuals!
Besides non secular holidays and rituals which can be crucial (particularly Easter and Christmas), there are numerous folks festivals and native celebrations within the villages that are a wonderful event for photographers to seize the guts of this area. Locals collect to indicate their crafts, conventional dishes (sheep cheese, smoked sausages, balmos, cozonac) and rejoice collectively. Traditional dances known as hora and folks singers are widespread at these occasions and everyone seems to be welcome to hitch.
Though Romanian and worldwide vacationers are eager to attend these occasions, it’s not like they’re posted on Facebook! So if you wish to go, my finest tip is to discover a native information, ideally a local like ours, with a great 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.
Another motive why the area of Maramures is so widespread is for its woodcarving and wood structure. Locals take nice pleasure in displaying off their artistic skills by means of woodcarving – and I’m not speaking about small, ornamental objects. The area has many 400 yr previous Wooden Churches (a part of UNESCO heritage) and wood homes with spectacular wood gates. The bigger, detailed and wonderful carved the gate is – the extra it says in regards to the proprietor!
Woodcarvers worth their work and exhibit their creations throughout festivals and gatherings everywhere in the nation. You can {photograph} this stuff and present them how a lot you respect their work – we assure it will soften their hearts.
And if you wish to take your images expertise to the following stage, be sure you go to a few of Maramures’ well-known wood church buildings, of which eight are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many of them have massive, 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. Churches it is best to go to: Breb, Desesti, Ieud and Barsana Monastery.
Besides folks tradition, Maramures additionally has a number of vacationer sights that it is best to take into account. The Victims of Communism Memorial Museum is a former communist jail turned story-telling museum. The Mocanita steam prepare is a gradual prepare going by means of picturesque woodlands and valleys, ideally suited for just a little panorama images. Finally, there may be Sapanta Merry Cemetery which is, as its identify says, a contented cemetery. A novel place in Eastern Europe and a paradox to seek out in a area so eager on non secular values. Why? I’ll allow you to discover out throughout your go to!
Finally, Maramures gives you the possibility 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. Always smiling, prepared to assist one another and admire what they’ve.
When you go for a stroll by means of the village or up within the hills to snap a panoramic view of the world, you’ll lastly perceive why exploring the countryside is likely one of the finest issues you are able to do once you go to Romania.
#3 The capital – Bucharest: an eclectic combine for city photographers
If you’re lured by city images, Romania’s capital Bucharest is the most effective spot for that. Also known as Little Paris because of its many townhouses closely impressed by French renaissance and Parisian structure, town is filled with surprises and evident contrasts. From spectacular communist landmarks with huge boulevards and residence buildings to Western skyscrapers, quirky alleys with hipster cafes or deserted homes, you’ll discover a variety of images spots in Romania’s capital.
Though tough across the edges and with a definite Balkanic vibe – very totally different from the remainder of the nation – Bucharest is an underrated gem of Eastern Europe.
Due to its wealthy and in some way troubled historical past, once you enterprise exterior of town middle and its essential vacationer spots, you’ll possible uncover mind-blowing contrasts. Local photographers are on the hunt for spots the place they’ll seize both the essence of Belle Epoque period or the evident communist structure and compelled landscaping. The first is finest 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 digicam. Not for its magnificence of unpolluted lower, image excellent scenes – however for its uncooked, unfiltered actuality. 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 thought for its rainbow constructed from 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’ll be able to 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 finest to go together with an area information since most are inaccessible for the general public. That’s the attractive decay side of town!
And let’s not overlook about Bucharest’s avenue artwork – the very reflection of at present’s tradition and society. Popular spots to snap avenue artwork embrace Strada Arthur Verona, Lente, Point, and Fabrica Club. Between routes, you’ll discover how distinguished gentrification is in these areas.
Romania is really an underrated vacationer vacation spot, that’s why you received’t hear many individuals speaking about visiting it. But I hope I used to be capable of provide you with a glimpse into what photograph alternatives my nation provides so you’ll be able to enrich your portfolio with a lesser-known vacation spot.
About the Author – Marius Iliescu is the founding father of Romanian Friend a one-stop store web site with journey inspiration, tour concepts and sensible information for these planning to go to Romania. His mission is to verify individuals expertise the most effective of his nation whereas supporting accountable, inclusive tourism that helps native communities.
*The Wandering Lens takes no duty for images provided by visitor authors. Checks have been performed to make sure imagery is royalty free and accessible to be used, do you have to imagine this isn’t the case, please contact the writer/s straight and I’ll completely take away any imagery if requested – I strongly imagine in crediting photographers and having permission to publish.
Travel and panorama photographer from Australia who is much extra comfy in a pair of flippers than heels! Having labored for publications equivalent to Lonely Planet, Wanderlust and the Sunday Times, Lisa based The Wandering Lens to share vacation spot guides to the worlds most photogenic locations and outside experiences.