Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Romania. Romania.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree9Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Apr 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 11
Romania.
Hello everybody!

This coming summer its time again for a new bike trip, this time it will be Romania. First time in Romania, will be going down from Sweden through Poland, Slovakia, hungary and then enter Romania and heading for the coast. Any POI thats its a must in Romania, dont really know so much about the country, yet.
How is the road condition, im driving a BMW r1100rt..

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brasov - Romania
Posts: 35
Hi,
Roads are improving all the time - some of the back roads are interesting but perfectly accessible with an rt.
Places to visit - Maramures in the north - include Sapanta (the merry cemetery). Saxon Transylvania - Sighisoara and the Saxon Villages (Viscri), Brasov ( I live just outside) , Trans Fagarasian Highway , Trans Alpina
Castles - Corvina Castle (Huneadoara - used in lots of movies), the real Dracula/Vlad castle - Cetatea Poenari on south of transfag (1480 steps up to it!) , Bran ( not anything to do with Dracula - but ok - in fact the guides are having english lessons in my kitchen at this moment!).
The Black sea coast in Romania is actually crap...

Hope that is useful ....

Gavin
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Apr 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Have a look at this post that I wrote about a trip I made through Romania a few years ago, it might answer some of your questions.

Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece

It's generally a pleasant country. Just keep your wits about you in the larger cities, that's all.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Apr 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 11
Thanks for the info.
How is the saftey for the bikes? is it necessery to have saftey parking during the nigths?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brasov - Romania
Posts: 35
Safety - as with anywhere - it is always good to ensure your bike is safe. Most small guesthouses have courtyards - so simply park in there. Hotels have guarded parking.
Heard more bad tales for Hungary and Poland than Romania. In Hungary - BIKERCAMP Camping in the center of BUDAPEST. - close to centre of Budapest. Magyar Route 66 stayed here once - entertaining night as the Hungarian women's bike club turned up ! Fun in the pool with a bunch of scary ladies!
For Romania - when you have a rough plan of a route - give me a shout and can recommend a few places. Though these days Booking.com is pretty good for finding cheap hotels.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Apr 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 11
Absolutley, will do that Gavin when i got the rough plan.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Apr 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by pontnus View Post
How is the safety for the bikes? is it necessary to have safety parking during the nights?
I stayed at hotels all the time. My choice of hotels varies all the way from little guest-houses in small towns to 5 star palaces in the big cities. I was satisfied to just park the bike on the hotel property, usually close to the front door of the hotel. At smaller places, I'd park it around back, out of sight of the main roadway.

I paid attention to where I parked the bike - in other words, I took a few moments to think carefully about where the safest parking spot would be, and often asked permission to park it near the front door - but beyond doing that, I didn't worry too much.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brasov - Romania
Posts: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post
I stayed at hotels all the time. My choice of hotels varies all the way from little guest-houses in small towns to 5 star palaces in the big cities. I was satisfied to just park the bike on the hotel property, usually close to the front door of the hotel. At smaller places, I'd park it around back, out of sight of the main roadway.

I paid attention to where I parked the bike - in other words, I took a few moments to think carefully about where the safest parking spot would be, and often asked permission to park it near the front door - but beyond doing that, I didn't worry too much.

Michael
A little care - don't be paranoid - its not the UK!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Jul 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 11
Ok.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
Having just come back from Romania I can say that the transfergarian pass isn't that good to be honest , nice scenery but the road surface is very poor - personally I wouldn't waste my time . Sibiu was fantastic as was cluj . The a driving is very dangerous to say the least , they overtake at high speed on blind bends and don't care what's in the way , this includes the lorry drivers . Most hotels have secure parking , so use that . The police generally put the radar at the entrance to towns / villages , didn't see any on the main roads . Fuel is cheap , about a pound a litre . Beautiful country and nice people - enjoy but beware the drivers
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 27 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Thanks for that Chris. I'm on my way to Romania at the moment. Should be there in a week. Will go slow and let all the idiots overtake. I'm in no rush! sorry to hear the Transfag... wasn't good. guess I'll have to do it anyway but I'm more interested in just exploring he place.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris gale View Post
Having just come back from Romania I can say that the transfergarian pass isn't that good to be honest , nice scenery but the road surface is very poor - personally I wouldn't waste my time . Sibiu was fantastic as was cluj . The a driving is very dangerous to say the least , they overtake at high speed on blind bends and don't care what's in the way , this includes the lorry drivers . Most hotels have secure parking , so use that . The police generally put the radar at the entrance to towns / villages , didn't see any on the main roads . Fuel is cheap , about a pound a litre . Beautiful country and nice people - enjoy but beware the drivers
Depends on what your on, the road surface isn't that bad.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 Jul 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 8
Saying the surface of the Transfagarasan isn't good is completely subjective. I have seen bigger potholes and shittier roads in Ohio... I just drove the Transfagarasan Saturday in my car on my way to Sibiu. The conditions were ok, and I can't wait to get there on my V-Strom next week.

I have heard from locals the Transalpina isn't so nice. It's supposedly maintained by a private company that ran out of money. I saw a video online with rocks, landslides and boulders strewn across the road. I heard the Transbucegi is more enjoyable, there are some nice videos on YouTube.

The driving style in Romania is hectic to outsiders and first timers. However, it's chaotic in a very predictable way. I feel safer here than in the states where most drivers are on autopilot while texting on their phone.

Just pay attention to your surroundings, as you should anywhere in this world! Romania is safe and free of violent crime. Your bike will be safe. What I like here is that no one says anything about riding your bike through the pedestrian areas to park in the old center of Bucharest. I can sit at an outdoor terasa close to my bike and enjoy my (lemonade).
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 339
Drove the Transfagarasan today, well worth doing IMO it's an experience and driving in Romania is far easier than many other places.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
this might be a good place to start

Le tour de la ROUMANIE

I did the transfag a couple of years ago in a tranny van supporting a group of bikers, the southern end is a really bad surface, but it becomes much better.

we also did the Stelvio and numerous other Alpine passes on the way, but everyone agreed, the transfag was the best. Stelvio is crap for bikes, too tight on the turns. transfag has wonderful sweeping curves



Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece PanEuropean Europe 35 3 Jul 2015 14:28
Need info about riding in Romania Ron Youngs Europe 20 9 Apr 2014 10:49
Romania tour May 2013 DenArnold Ride Tales 1 19 Jul 2013 09:32
looking for biker friendly places in Bulgaria and Romania seashores. Mehmet Zeki Avar Sleep and Eat, Europe 1 5 Jul 2013 16:08
Italy, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania.... Greasy Biker Europe 6 15 Aug 2012 17:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:40.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top