Winter Survival Guide in Romania: What to do and See

Padurea Neagra, Romania: Source: Unsplash
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and with it comes not only your holiday but also the time to discover more of Romania! So, in case you are not traveling to your home, I invite you to dive into this article and learn how to make the most of your winter in Romania!
Go to the Christmas markets
In the winter, Romania comes alive with festivities and great food as markets pop up in every corner of the country. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Romania and their schedules:
- București: 30.11– 26.12, în Piaţa Constituţiei and Drumul Taberei: 10.11 – 27.12 2023.
- Craiova: 17.11 – 2.01
- Sibiu: 17.11 – 2.01
- Brașov: 30.11 – 7.01
- Timișoara: 26.11 – 7.01
- Cluj: 24.11 – 1.01
If you want to find friends to go with to these markets, check out the communities from different cities in the Living Abroad forum!
Do some winter sports
I feel that going outside during the winter is a must. I know it’s cold, but Romania is home of the Carpathian Mountains, which you need to see covered in snow! Go skiing in Poiana Brasov, do the ice hotel adventure at Balea Lac, or do a road trip on the Transfagarasan Highway! Do you want more recommendations? Head to this discussion forum. Also, check out this topic about winter sports in Romania!
Cook something traditional
You could go out to eat, of course, but why not follow a traditional recipe and cook a typical Romanian dish? From sarmale (cabbage rolls) to mămăligă (polenta), these dishes are delicious staples in Romanian cuisine. Check out more about them in this blog post.
Just imagine the pride, the delicious smells, and the satisfaction of nailing a recipe that's been passed down through generations. It's not just about cooking; it's about sharing stories, creating memories, and embracing the warmth of Romanian traditions. Shall I write a blog post just about Christmas food? Let me know!
Get out of your comfort zone
Winter is about coming together, so why not make a new Erasmus friend by inviting a stranger to join you in a new adventure? Ask someone in the community what’s their plan for the winter and explore your Erasmus home together! Whether it’s café-hoping, hitting the slopes in the mountains, visiting a Christmas market, or simply walking around, why not do it with another OLS member? Let’s get to know each other!
See you on the forums!
Roxana, OLS Community Manager - Romanian