Transylvania is among the best European destinations for a winter holiday without skiing, according to a selection made by the British publication The Guardian. The region is recommended alongside famous places such as Chamonix, Innsbruck, or the Dolomites, and among the attractions that captivated the journalists are snow hiking, the spectacular landscapes of the Carpathians, and the opportunity to observe wild animals.
This is the second significant recommendation for Transylvania in the international press in just a few days. The New York Times recently dedicated an article to the region, inviting readers to discover a Transylvania beyond the Dracula legend, with medieval villages, fairy-tale landscapes, and places that surpass anything imagination could create.
This time, The Guardian offers another perspective: Transylvania seen in winter, when the mountains, forests, and traditional villages become ideal destinations for those who want to enjoy the snow without skiing.
Snow Hiking and Bears in the Carpathians
The British journalists recommend hiking on snowy trails and observing wild animals in the Carpathian Mountains, considered one of the last European refuges for large carnivores. According to figures presented by the publication, Romania has over 10,000 brown bears and approximately 2,500 gray wolves.
One of the proposed routes starts from the village of Măgura, near Piatra Craiului National Park, and crosses the Zărnești Gorge, where the steep limestone walls rise up to 200 meters above the canyon.
Besides hiking through snow-covered landscapes, tourists are encouraged to discover medieval churches, the historic center of Brașov, and the Libearty bear sanctuary in Zărnești.
Bran Castle is also included in the recommendations. The British journalists note that the fortress has an even more Gothic appearance during winter and can be admired without the summer season's tourist crowds.
Eight European Destinations for Those Who Don't Ski
Transylvania is one of the eight destinations included in The Guardian's selection, dedicated to those who want an active winter holiday but are not interested in skiing.
The other recommendations are Ruka in Finland, the Cairngorms region in Scotland, Chamonix in France, Innsbruck in Austria, the Stockholm archipelago in Sweden, the Dolomite Mountains in Italy, and Tromsø in Norway.
The proposed experiences are varied: from observing the northern lights and dog sledding with huskies to ice skating on frozen lakes, mountain hiking, and exploring spectacular winter landscapes.
G.P.