Written by Marius Iliescu – all imagery equipped by Romanian Pal.
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 knowledgeable or newbie photographer trying to discover and uncover someplace new, I’m certain my nation will give you a lot of sights.
Romania could be very common amongst photographers trying to seize conventional rural life and customs, untouched landscapes with wealthy wildlife, and hanging metropolis and cultural contrasts in Bucharest. Get your digital camera and backpack prepared as a result of I’m going to let you know the very best 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 standard surroundings you’d anticipate 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 very good views of Prahova Valley or Moeciu – Magura Valley, each identified for his or her picturesque surroundings and conventional mountain villages.
Additionally 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 lots of others smaller mammals, together with quite a few birds and butterfly species. In case you’re actually into wildlife images, you’ll be able to choose to go deep into the mountains with a specialist information and could possibly 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 alternatively is thought 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, in fact, the Carpathian Sphinx are sights you’ll be able to on a 2 or 3 day climbing journey within the space. Along with 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 view, 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 keen about images, you’ll absolutely 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 for those who discover it arduous to search for images spots, folks right here could be pleased to assist. The identical is true for Magura and Pestera. Peaceable, pleased locals and sheep munching on their meals will make you decelerate too.
Lastly, I can’t discuss Romania’s pure magnificence with out mentioning the Danube Delta biosphere. The most important pure wetland in Europe and third largest biodiversity reserve on the planet, 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 nations, 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 might be an journey in and of itself. Be sure to go to Letea Forest searching 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 totally Westernised as a result of it isn’t. Life within the countryside will take folks on a journey again in time. You possibly can 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 standard Romanian village. So what’s so particular about it?
Effectively, 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 common.
Individuals right here dwell as they did 50 years in the past. People rituals, traditions, neighborhood values and native crafts and practices are well-preserved and handed from one era to a different in a ritualistic approach. Locals nonetheless go to their UNESCO Wood Church buildings each Sunday proudly carrying their greatest folk costumes. The normal 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 large number of handmade particulars. A sight to see, particularly amongst older folks!
In addition to spiritual holidays and rituals which can be crucial (particularly Easter and Christmas), there are numerous people festivals and native celebrations within the villages that are a wonderful event for photographers to seize the center of this area. Locals collect to point out their crafts, conventional dishes (sheep cheese, smoked sausages, balmos, cozonac) and rejoice collectively. Conventional dances referred to as hora and people singers are widespread at these occasions and everyone seems to be welcome to affix.
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 superb community within the space that is aware of what’s occurring and when. For photographers with an curiosity in rural life and people tradition, this can be a priceless likelihood to immortalise Maramures’ spirit and perceive its cultural significance.
Another excuse why the area of Maramures is so common is for its woodcarving and wood structure. Locals take nice delight in displaying off their inventive abilities via woodcarving – and I’m not speaking about small, ornamental objects. The area has many 400 yr outdated Wood Church buildings (a part of UNESCO heritage) and wood homes with spectacular wood gates. The bigger, detailed and advantageous 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 possibly can {photograph} these things 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 you go to a few of Maramures’ well-known wood church buildings, of which eight are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Websites. A lot of them have massive, spectacular gates with meticulously designed ornaments that can make the villagers proud. It gained’t take lengthy till you notice a few of these gates, as they’re quite common on this area. Church buildings you need to go to: Breb, Desesti, Ieud and Barsana Monastery.
In addition to people tradition, Maramures additionally has a number of vacationer points of interest that you need 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, ideally suited for somewhat panorama images. Lastly, there may be Sapanta Merry Cemetery which is, as its identify says, a contented cemetery. A novel place in Japanese 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 provides you with the possibility to {photograph} genuine rural life in Romania but additionally a singular event to detach from the hustle and bustle of huge 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, mates and guests. All the time smiling, prepared to assist one another and respect what they’ve.
If 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 whenever you visit 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 very best spot for that. Additionally referred to as Little Paris due to its many townhouses closely impressed by French renaissance and Parisian structure, the town is filled with surprises and obvious contrasts. From spectacular communist landmarks with broad boulevards and house buildings to Western skyscrapers, quirky alleys with hipster cafes or deserted homes, you’ll discover numerous images spots in Romania’s capital.
Although 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 Japanese Europe.
As a result of its wealthy and by some means troubled historical past, whenever you enterprise outdoors of the town heart and its most 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 obvious 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 fresh minimize, image good scenes – however for its uncooked, unfiltered actuality. Right here’s a well-liked 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 created 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 outdated 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 along with a neighborhood information since most are inaccessible for the general public. That’s the attractive decay side of the town!
And let’s not neglect about Bucharest’s road artwork – the very reflection of right now’s tradition and society. Well-liked spots to snap road artwork embrace Strada Arthur Verona, Lente, Level, and Fabrica Membership. Between routes, you’ll discover how outstanding gentrification is in these areas.
Romania is really an underrated vacationer vacation spot, that’s why you gained’t hear many individuals speaking about visiting it. However I hope I used to be capable of provide you with a glimpse into what photograph alternatives my nation affords so you’ll be able to enrich your portfolio with a lesser-known vacation spot.
In regards to the Writer – 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 ensure folks expertise the very best 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 performed to make sure imagery is royalty free and out there to be used, must you 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.
Journey and panorama photographer from Australia who is much extra comfy in a pair of flippers than heels! Having labored for publications similar to Lonely Planet, Wanderlust and the Sunday Instances, Lisa based The Wandering Lens to share vacation spot guides to the worlds most photogenic locations and outside experiences.
