Muntenia

Muntenia is the region that combines the dynamism of the capital Bucharest with the natural beauty of the Southern Carpathians and the tranquility of the Romanian Plain. With a population of over 7 million inhabitants (including Bucharest), Muntenia is the most populated region in Romania and the main gateway for international tourists. From the cosmopolitan energy of the Old Town to the elegant Peles Castle in Sinaia, from hiking on the Bucegi peaks to wine tastings at Dealu Mare, a holiday in Muntenia offers diversity and accessibility.

What to Visit in Muntenia

Bucharest — The Capital of Contrasts

Bucharest (1.8 million inhabitants, 2.5 million in the metropolitan area) surprises with its fascinating contrasts. The Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world (area: 365,000 m², 1,100 rooms), impresses with its colossal dimensions — guided tours are available daily (ticket: 40 lei). The Old Town (Lipscani) offers bohemian cafes, top restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The National Museum of Art (in the Royal Palace), the Romanian Athenaeum (concert hall with exceptional acoustics, inaugurated in 1888), Herastrau Park with the Village Museum (the oldest open-air museum in the world, 1936, with 340 constructions) and the Triumphal Arch (27 m high) are must-see landmarks.

Peles Castle — The Jewel of Sinaia

Peles Castle in Sinaia, built between 1873–1914 in German Neo-Renaissance style, is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and was the first royal residence in the world fully illuminated with electricity (1884). The 160 rooms are decorated in different styles — from the Turkish Hall to the Armory Hall with 4,000 pieces. The castle receives over 500,000 visitors annually. Pelisor Castle, in Art Nouveau style, completes the visit. Ticket: 50 lei/adult.

Prahova Valley — Mountain Resorts

Prahova Valley hosts the most famous mountain resorts: Sinaia (Pearl of the Carpathians, 800 m altitude), Busteni (gateway to Bucegi, with cable car to the Bucegi Plateau), Predeal (the highest town in Romania, 1,050 m) and Azuga (famous for Rhein sparkling wine cellars). In winter, the ski slopes in Sinaia, Predeal, and Azuga attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. In summer, the trails to the Sphinx, Babele, and the Cross on Caraiman (35 m high, 1926) in the Bucegi Mountains offer unforgettable panoramas.

Curtea de Arges — History and Legend

Curtea de Arges Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval architecture built by Neagoe Basarab (1512–1517), is the royal necropolis of Romania and one of the most refined monuments in southeastern Europe. The legend of Master Manole adds a mystical dimension. The Royal Church in Curtea de Arges (14th century), with the ruins of the princely court, is one of the oldest constructions in Wallachia.

Nature and Landscapes in Muntenia

The Bucegi Mountains offer unique rock formations — the Sphinx (8 m high, resembling a human face) and Babele (wind-shaped formations on the Bucegi Plateau at 2,292 m). The Piatra Craiului Natural Park, Iezer-Papusa Mountains, and Dambovita Gorges complete the mountain offer. Transylvania also hosts a significant population of brown bears — follow the mountain rescue guidelines.

Gastronomy in Muntenia

Muntenia offers a diverse cuisine. In Bucharest, you can find everything: from mici with mustard (iconic Romanian street food) and tripe soup to fine dining with modern Romanian cuisine (Kaiamo, The Artist, Lacrimi si Sfinti). In the mountain area: bulz (polenta stuffed with cheese and sour cream, grilled), mountain trout, and mushroom soup. The wines from Dealu Mare (Urlati, Tohani, Ceptura) — the most important red wine vineyard in Romania — produce exceptional Feteasca Neagra, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.

The Best Time to Visit

• All year round — Bucharest is a destination 365 days a year.
• Winter (December–March) — skiing in Prahova Valley, Christmas market in Bucharest and Sibiu.
• Summer (June–September) — mountain hiking and urban festivals (Enescu, SummerWell).
• Autumn (September–October) — spectacular colors in Bucegi, wine at Dealu Mare.

How to Get to Muntenia

• Henri Coanda Bucharest Airport (OTP) — the largest in Romania, flights from all over the world.
• Prahova Valley from Bucharest — 1.5–2 hours by car on DN1. By train: 1.5–2 hours (Sinaia, Busteni, Predeal).
• Curtea de Arges — 2.5 hours by car from Bucharest (via Pitesti on A1).

Frequently Asked Questions about Muntenia