Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moieciu de Jos
, 4km southwest of Bran on the road to Câmpulung, is known for its
cheese with a pine aroma. It celebrates a
summer festival
at the end of June. From
Moieciu de Jos, a dirt track leads northwest to
Peştera
, named after the village's 160m-
long cave said to be full of bats. From Peştera, it's an easy 6km ride or hike north through
Măgura
to
Zărneşti
.
Continuing south along the upper course of the Moieciu River, you reach
Moieciu de
Sus
, a long, cinematically perfect valley of low hills and rocky peaks, specked with
clumps of fir trees and shepherd shacks. This meandering village is gorgeous Hobbit Shire
material - if three-quarters of the Shire were guesthouses, that is. The endless line of
pensiunes
charge 100 to 140 lei for double rooms, without breakfast. Hiking trails into the
Bucegi Mountains are marked from here.
Staggering views of the mountains unfold along the road signposted to Câmpulung, of-
fering a breathtaking panorama of rolling green hills and farmhouses teetering on rid-
getops at 1290m before reaching the minuscule
Fundata
, 25km south of Bran, where you
can cross-country ski or cycle. On the last Sunday of August this village holds the fascin-
ating
Mountain Festival
(Nedeia Munţilor), bringing together local artisans.
Continuing south along the same road, you come to
Podu Dâmboviţei
, home to the
Peştera Dâmbovicioarei. This 870m-deep cave is not particularly noteworthy but the drive
to it is. Sheer rock faces line either side of the road, as do villagers, who frequently stand
on the roadside selling homemade cheese
(caşcaval de casă),
sausages, smoked and dried
meats, plus fresh milk.
Poiana Braşov
She might not be as starry as Verbier (though Jude Law and Nicole Kidman have left a se-
quinned trail), but with her winter coat on Poiana Braşov (1030m) is a very pretty ski re-
sort and well serviced by a plethora of hotels and chalets. While advanced skiers will head
for Sinaia, intermediates and beginners will appreciate gentle runs to practise their carve.
Just 12km from Braşov, it's an easy day trip. Come summer, Poiana Braşov is also popu-
lar with hikers, thanks to its year-round cable car taking you right into the panorama of
mountains and forests.
The recently built
St Ivan Butezatorul church
(Str Valea Dragă)
in the centre is fin-
ished in Maramureş style - made entirely of wood, with a tall spire.
