Explore Romania’s Filming Locations

From the mystic allure of Transylvania to the historic charm of Bucharest, Romania’s enchanting landscapes and cultural richness have been a source of inspiration for numerous filmmakers, authors, and television producers. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the cinematic facets of Romania, featuring famous films, TV shows, books, and travel suggestions tailored for your Romanian adventure.

Romania on the Silver Screen: 10 Famous Films Shot in Romania

Romania’s diverse scenery, from its scenic mountains to its medieval castles, has served as the perfect backdrop for numerous films. Let’s explore ten renowned films shot in Romania.

1. “Cold Mountain” (2003) – This epic war film captures the rugged beauty of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains.
2. “The Brothers Bloom” (2008) – This comedy-drama showcases several Romanian locations, including Bucharest and Constanta.
3. “The Nun” (2018) – This horror film was shot in various locations, including the eerie Corvin Castle.
4. “A Farewell to Fools” (2013) – Set during World War II, this film was shot in the picturesque city of Sibiu.
5. “Youth Without Youth” (2007) – This dramatic fantasy film showcases the stunning landscapes of Piatra Fantanele.
6. “The Whistleblower” (2010) – This crime drama was filmed largely in Bucharest, Romania’s capital.
7. “Charlie Countryman” (2013) – This romantic drama captures the vibrant energy of Bucharest.
8. “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” (2011) – This action film features various Romanian landscapes, including the unique Turda Salt Mine.
9. “The Keeper of Lost Causes” (2013) – Parts of this Danish thriller were filmed in Bucharest.
10. “Highlander: Endgame” (2000) – The fourth installment of the Highlander series was filmed in the stunning location of Bucharest.

These films not only highlight Romania’s scenic beauty but also its versatility as a filming location.

Romania on the Small Screen: 5 TV Shows Set in Romania

Beyond movies, Romania has also lured TV producers with its cultural richness and picturesque landscapes. Here are five notable series set in Romania:

1. “Hatfields & McCoys” (2012) – This Emmy-winning miniseries was filmed in various locations around Romania, including Bucharest.
2. “Comrade Detective” (2017-present) – This unique series, presented as a dubbed Romanian action-comedy, was shot in Bucharest.
3. “Umbre” (2014-present) – A dark comedy-drama series, “Umbre” is set and filmed in Bucharest.
4. “The Silent Valley” (2016) – This crime drama series was filmed in the beautiful Transylvanian region.
5. “Hackerville” (2018-present) – This Romanian-German co-production crime drama is set in the city of Timisoara.

These series offer viewers a glimpse into various facets of Romanian culture, history, and modern city life.

A Cinematic Journey for the Young: 5 Animated Films Set in Romania

Romania’s charm is not only limited to films and TV shows aimed at adults. The country has also been an inspiration for various animated films. Here are five animated films that bring the spirit of Romania to the screen:

1. “The Son of Bigfoot” (2017) – This family-friendly animation features scenes set in the Romanian wilderness.
2. “The Secret of Kells” (2009) – Parts of this Oscar-nominated film were animated in the Romanian city of Brasov.
3. “Storks” (2016) – In this animated comedy, the storks deliver packages for a fictional internet retailer, Cornerstore.com, which has its servers located in Romania.
4. “Ghost Pirates” (2014) – This animation, produced by a Romanian studio, features a thrilling adventure set on the high seas.
5. “The Fantastic Journey of Margot & Marguerite” (2020) – This French-Romanian animation, set in the WWII period, was co-produced by the Romanian animation studio, DSG.

These animated films showcase the creative potential of Romania’s animation industry while bringing captivating stories to a younger audience.

Literary Landmarks: Famous Books Set in Romania

Romania’s rich history, culture, and landscapes have inspired many authors. Here are some notable books set in Romania, offering a literary journey through the country’s multifaceted persona:

Classic:

1. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker – This timeless tale of the infamous Count Dracula is set in Transylvania, a region in Romania.
2. “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova – This novel, part history, part suspense, unfolds across Europe, including parts of Romania.
3. “They Were Found Wanting” by Miklós Bánffy – Set in Transylvania, this novel provides a glimpse into the aristocratic life in the early 20th century.

Contemporary:

1. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – This critically acclaimed novel, set during World War II, includes scenes set in Romania.
2. “Between Shades of Gray” by Ruta Sepetys – This historical novel, set during Stalin’s cleansing of the Baltic region, includes scenes set in a labor camp in Romania.
3. “All Our Yesterdays” by Cristin Terrill – This time-travel novel includes scenes set in Romania, giving a contemporary twist to the country’s history.

These novels provide an immersive exploration of Romania’s past and present, making the reader travel through time and space.

Exploring Romania’s Filming Locations: Where to Go

Romania, with its historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a favorite among filmmakers. Here are some essential filming locations in Romania that you must visit:

1. Corvin Castle, Hunedoara – Featured in “The Nun,” this is one of the largest castles in Europe.
2. Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania – Filming location for “Cold Mountain,” these mountains offer scenic views and hiking trails.
3. Turda Salt Mine, Cluj County – Featured in “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” this mine is now a popular tourist attraction.
4. Bucharest – Romania’s capital has been a filming location for numerous films and TV shows, including “The Whistleblower” and “Hackerville.”
5. Sibiu – Featured in “A Farewell to Fools,” this city is known for its beautiful old town and annual film festival.

These locations offer a unique blend of sightseeing and entertainment, allowing you to immerse in Romania’s film heritage while enjoying its cultural and natural attractions.

Where to Sleep in Romania: From Budget to Luxury

Romania, known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Luxury:

1. Athénée Palace Hilton, Bucharest – Located in the heart of Bucharest, this historic hotel offers luxury amenities and is a short distance from major landmarks.
2. Epoque Hotel, Bucharest – This five-star hotel, located near Bucharest’s old town, offers luxurious suites and a fine dining restaurant.
3. Castel Dracula Hotel, Piatra Fantanele – For a unique luxury experience, stay in this hotel that’s a replica of Dracula’s Castle.

Budget:

1. Podstel Bucharest – Located in the center of Bucharest, this budget-friendly hostel offers a welcoming community vibe.
2. Transylvania Hostel, Cluj-Napoca – This hostel offers affordable accommodation in the heart of Transylvania.
3. Kismet Dao Hostel, Brasov – This budget-friendly hostel is a short distance from Brasov’s historic city center.

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation or a budget-friendly option, Romania offers a wide range of options to suit every travel style.

A Taste of Romania: Where to Eat From Budget to Luxury

Romania’s cuisine is a blend of different culinary traditions, offering a variety of dishes that cater to different budgets.

Budget:

1. Caru’ cu Bere, Bucharest – Known for its affordable Romanian cuisine, this historic restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
2. La Placinte, multiple locations – This chain restaurant offers delicious traditional pies and other dishes at reasonable prices.
3. Simbio, Bucharest – This café and restaurant offers a menu of affordable dishes made from local, organic ingredients.

Luxury:

1. The Artist, Bucharest – This restaurant offers a “spoon tasting” menu, for a unique gourmet dining experience.
2. Crama Domneasca, Bucharest – This restaurant offers traditional Romanian cuisine in a refined setting.
3. Beluga, Cluj-Napoca – Known for its seafood dishes, this restaurant combines modern techniques with local ingredients.

Whether you’re a food lover on a budget or a gourmet enthusiast, Romania offers a range of gastronomic delights.

Explore Romania’s Filming Locations: A Detailed Itinerary

Experience the cinematic charm of Romania with this five-day itinerary, discovering famous filming locations and immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture and history.

Day 1: Bucharest – Iconic Landmarks

Start your tour in Bucharest, visiting landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament, featured in several films and TV shows. Stroll through the historic Lipscani district, where you might recognize scenes from “The Brothers Bloom.”

Day 2: Bucharest – Cultural Heritage

Visit the Village Museum and Herastrau Park, both featured in “Comrade Detective.” In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Romanian Athenaeum, a popular location for film and TV shoots.

Day 3: Transylvania – Scenic Beauty

Head to the Carpathian Mountains, the filming location for “Cold Mountain.” Visit Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” a popular site for horror films.

Day 4: Hunedoara and Cluj County – Historic and Natural Landmarks

Visit Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, featured in “The Nun.” Later, explore the Turda Salt Mine in Cluj County, a filming location for “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.”

Day 5: Sibiu – Medieval Charm

End your tour in Sibiu, a city featured in “A Farewell to Fools.” Explore the old town, known for its Germanic architecture and filmed extensively for various productions.

This itinerary provides a journey through Romania’s cinematic heritage, allowing you to explore the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Mysterious Romania: Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Beyond its cinematic allure, Romania is also a land of mystery and legend. The country is famous for the legend of Count Dracula, a vampire living in Transylvania. This tale has inspired countless films, books, and TV shows.

Another famous legend is the so-called “Romanian Sphinx,” a natural rock formation in the Bucegi Mountains, which some believe to have supernatural powers. This legend has inspired several documentaries and local films.

These legends add an element of mystery to Romania’s cinematic locations, providing a rich source of inspiration for storytellers.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Filming Locations in Romania

While Romania’s popular landmarks are frequently featured in films and TV shows, the country also has numerous lesser-known locales that are cinematic gold. Here are a few hidden gems:

1. Peles Castle, Sinaia – This beautiful castle has been a filming location for several Romanian and international productions.
2. Merry Cemetery, Sapanta – Known for its colorful tombstones, this unique cemetery was featured in the film “I’m an Old Communist Hag.”
3. Danube Delta – This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its unique biodiversity, has been a location for several nature documentaries.

These hidden gems offer unique views and experiences, providing a different perspective on Romania’s cinematic landscape.

What to Pack for a Film-Themed Trip to Romania

Packing for a film-themed trip to Romania requires consideration of the country’s climate and the activities you plan to do. Here are some essentials:

1. Comfortable footwear – You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
2. Versatile clothing – Pack layers to adjust to the changing weather. Include a mix of casual and smart outfits.
3. Rain gear – A compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is essential as rain showers can occur unexpectedly.
4. Camera – To capture your own cinematic memories.
5. Travel guide and map – For finding those filming locations and hidden gems.

With these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your cinematic journey through Romania.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Romania

Getting around Romania can be relatively easy, thanks to the country’s extensive transportation network. Here are some tips:

1. Rail – Romania has an extensive rail network, with InterCity trains connecting major cities. For scenic routes, consider slower regional trains.
2. Car – Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the countryside or smaller towns.
3. Public Transportation – Larger cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara have comprehensive public transportation systems, including metros, trams, and buses.
4. Bike – Several Romanian cities are bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.

With these transportation options, you can explore Romania’s cinematic locations with ease.

Travel Documents Needed for Visiting Romania

When planning your trip to Romania, it’s crucial to have the right travel documents:

1. Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
2. Visa – Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Romania. Check the Romanian Embassy or Consulate website in your country for requirements.
3. Travel Insurance – It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
4. International Driving Permit – If you plan to rent a car, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required along with your valid driver’s license.

Having these documents in order will help ensure a smooth journey to the heart of cinematic Romania.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Romania’s Cinematic Landscape

From the timeless allure of Transylvania to the vibrant energy of Bucharest, Romania offers a cinematic journey like no other. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, a book lover, or simply a traveler in search of unique experiences, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Romania’s cinematic landscape. So embark on a journey through Romania’s famous films, TV shows, books, and discover the hidden gems that make this country a filmmaker’s dream. Safe travels!