Sinaia 👑

Carol I's summer residence, finished in 1883, in German neo-Renaissance style. The interiors — the armory, the library with a secret door, the theater hall — are as spectacular as the exterior.

Built for Ferdinand and Maria, in Art Nouveau style. Smaller, more livable, more personal — Queen Maria's golden room is the highlight.

The third building on the estate, long used as a protocol residence. Not always open to visitors, but worth seeing from the alley.

The road from the monastery to Peleș climbs through the forest, past old villas. Ten minutes of uphill that completely changes how you arrive at the castle.

Built in 1695 and named after Mount Sinai, it gave the town its name. Two courtyards, two churches, and a small but beautiful religious museum.

Opened in 1912, inspired by the one in Monte Carlo. Nothing is played here anymore, but the performance hall and facade are worth seeing.

The central park, with shaded alleys, the Casino in the middle, and the best view of the slope. Where the whole town strolls in the evening.

The main artery, with terraces, pastry shops, and old villas. All the climbs to the castles and cable car start from here.

A small, elegant station with a separate royal pavilion — built so the royal family wouldn't wait with the other travelers.

Climbs in two stages: from town to Cota 1400, then to Cota 2000. In winter it's access to the slopes, in summer to the ridge trails.

First stop, with cabins, terraces, and a view over Valea Prahovei. Also reachable by car, on switchbacks.

The top station, just below the ridge. In winter, the start of the long slopes; in summer, the entry point to the Bucegi Plateau.

Slopes for all levels, from Furnica to the long trails below the ridge. The season usually runs from December to March.

A relatively flat hike on the plateau, with wide views. A good starting point for those who want the Bucegi Mountains without a brutal climb.

The neighboring resort, with a cable car to Babele and a short, beautiful trail to Urlătoarea Waterfall.

A 1911 castle in Bușteni, with terraces toward the Bucegi Mountains. Also known from the series filmed here.

The sparkling wine cellars with over a century of tradition and quieter slopes than those in Sinaia.

The highest town in Romania, with good beginner slopes and even colder air.

Easy to do in a day, by train or car — Saxon historic center, the Black Church, and Tâmpa.

The main artery gathers most of the eateries — from Romanian cuisine to pizzerias. Most convenient after a day of castles.

The cabins up top serve simple, warm food, with the Prahova Valley spread out below. Worth it for the view.

Sinaia has a resort tradition, and it shows in the pastry shops. A cake and a coffee in the afternoon are part of the ritual.

Visit with tasting in the sparkling wine cellars that supplied the royal court. Book in advance.

For kids, the ride up is the attraction. Cota 1400 has room to run and terraces where you can sit quietly.

Shaded alleys, playgrounds, and space, right in the center. Good for a break between visits.

The short tour is enough for kids — the armory with suits of armor is usually the moment that sticks with them.

The area has easy sections and ski schools, so a first lesson is easy to arrange.

The castle has a closing day and seasonal hours — check beforehand, so you don't build your day around a closed door.

From the station to the castles, you climb constantly. Distances are small, but wear comfortable shoes — it's not a flat walk.

The Prahova Valley gets blocked on Sunday afternoons towards Bucharest. Leave in the morning or late in the evening.

Up there it can be 15 degrees colder than in the city, with wind and fog that appear quickly. Check the forecast for the altitude, not for Sinaia.