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Prahova Valley

From Câmpina to Predeal

Among enchanting castles, serene monasteries, exciting ski slopes and breathtaking landscapes, this charming valley, caught between the belts of mountains, is often assailed by endless crowds of travelers. Beyond the royal character of the resorts and the liberating atmosphere that the surrounding wild ridges emanate, these places still hide secrets and touching stories!

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Prahova Valley and Predeal
Prahova Valley and Predeal Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

Probably the most popular tourist destination in Romania, even during the summer, when it competes with the Black Sea coast, the Prahova Valley is almost always sought after by travelers and almost paralyzed by heavy traffic. This impressive area between Muntenia and Transylvania brings together some of the most famous mountain resorts in the country, offering numerous attractions and tourist activities for all seasons. The Prahova Valley runs along the upper course of the Prahova River, a tributary of the Ialomița, between the hills belonging to the Getic and Curvature Subcarpathians in the south, and between the Baiului, Piatra Mare and Bucegi mountains, in the northern sector.

It is one of the most densely populated areas in the country, with a number of important settlements, starting with the municipality of Câmpina in the south and continuing with Breaza, Comarnic, Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga and Predeal. The vast majority of visitors arrive here on DN 1 (E60), either from Bucharest and Ploiești, or from Transylvania via Brașov. There is also the option of using rail transport on the same route, and two secondary road options are DN 71, which connects the city of Târgoviște to Sinaia, and DN 73 between Predeal and Râșnov. Any road we take towards the fabulous Prahova Valley, the massive silhouette of the Bucegi Mountains reveals itself on the horizon and, gradually, the river is bordered by increasingly higher hills.

From the south, the first place that greets us just before entering the mountains is the city of Câmpina, located on a natural terrace surrounded by hills, above the Prahova, Doftana and Câmpina valleys. The city experienced accelerated development with the exploitation of the oil reserves in the area, today being a pleasant destination that offers several interesting attractions. In addition to the old churches, Câmpina is best known for the Iulia Hașdeu Castle, a fascinating monument located on the border between a medieval mansion and an esoteric temple. It was built by the scholar Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu in memory of his daughter Iulia Hașdeu. The other important place to visit in Câmpina is the Nicolae Grigorescu Memorial Museum, where we can discover fascinating details about the life and work of Romania’s most famous painter, who lived and worked here in the last years of his life.

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Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Aerial Panorama
Sinaia Aerial Panorama Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Bușteni Aerial Panorama
Bușteni Aerial Panorama Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Prahova Valley from Cantacuzino Castle
Prahova Valley from Cantacuzino Castle Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

From Câmpina, we can make a memorable getaway along the Doftana Valley to the north, one of the most beautiful rural and natural areas in the country. On the way, we stop in a charming village where the Brebu Princely Court is preserved, a monumental ensemble consisting of the Princely House, the Brebu Monastery church, the enclosure wall and the bell tower. These were founded by Matei Basarab in the mid-17th century and completed a few decades later, during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu. A little further north, the Doftana Gorges are only 300 meters long, but the steep rocky walls form a particularly spectacular landscape. Nearby there is also a protected natural area that includes four hills (măguri or gâlme) with an interesting appearance and rich biodiversity, surrounding Lake Paltinu.

We return to the Prahova Valley and a short distance from Câmpina, on the other bank of the river, the lush landscape of the hills dotted with the houses of the Breaza village, recognized for the special purity of its air, the climate being a strong stimulant and beneficial for a lot of ailments, attracts our attention. In Breaza we can admire two old churches and the Basarab-Brâncoveanu mansion, built in the second half of the 19th century and residence of some important historical figures. A little further, we pass through the town of Comarnic and admire the richly ornamented, but shabby, wooden facades of the old houses that line the road. We begin to climb above the valley and in Posada we can stop at the Cinegetic Museum, the only one in the country dedicated to hunting and forestry or we can follow a short path through the forest that leads us to the small enchanting Posada waterfall.

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We don’t linger too long, however, and soon enter the royal city of Sinaia, which embraces the mountain with passion and determination. In the last century, the forested and steep slopes of Bucegi have been decorated with exceptional monuments, now surrounded by impressive houses and villas. Before Sinaia became a royal residence and the chic city it is today, for several centuries it was just a small rural settlement developed around the Sinaia Monastery, from which it also borrowed its name. Bringing together numerous hotels, villas and tourist guesthouses, the resort offers us other interesting attractions in addition to the famous Peleș Castle, located in the valley of the same name. We stop in the city center, starting an emotional walk among the memories of past times, when its alleys and paths carried the footsteps of kings and queens.

The winding streets reveal an impressive number of historical architectural monuments, such as the Sinaia Casino, the Sinaia train station complex, Hotel Caraiman, Hotel Palace, Nicolae Iorga’s house, George Enescu’s house, Take Ionescu’s villa and others, all dating from the beginning of the 20th century. Near the center we can also find the charming building of Știrbey Castle (1874-1875), built in a German romantic style and now housing a small city museum. The oldest monument in the city is the Sinaia Monastery, built at the end of the 17th century by the great archbishop Mihai Cantacuzino, who chose the name of the settlement after Mount Sinai, an important place in the Bible.

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Casino
Sinaia Casino Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Monastery
Sinaia Monastery Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

The old church of the Sinaia monastery impresses us with its superb Brâncovenesc architecture and interior painting depicting religious scenes and members of the Cantacuzino family. The old courtyard is surrounded by a body of cells and also includes the chapel from the same period, with impressive original paintings. A second courtyard was created in the 19th century around the new, larger church, where we admire the exceptional neo-Byzantine paintings, made by a Danish painter. Other interesting elements include a unique epitaph made by Ana Roth and the royal family chairs, while in the outer courtyard we can also visit a small religious museum, arranged in the former royal chambers.

The city of Sinaia also boasts the largest ski domain in Romania, with a total of approximately 25 approved ski slopes and their variants, totaling over 16 kilometers. The slopes are between 500 meters and 3 kilometers long, the most famous being Drumul de Vară, Valea Dorului, Valea Soarelui, Furnica, Lăptici, Floare de Colț and Călugărul. All these slopes are served by cable transport facilities, many starting near the Furnica peak and descending on both sides of the mountain, towards the Prahova Valley or the Bucegi Plateau, where several mountain chalets are located. To reach the ski area located at 2,000 meters altitude, we have the option of the cable car starting from the city center and the gondola starting at 1000 meters. Both modern facilities have as intermediate points the stations at 1,400 meters.

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Monastery
Sinaia Monastery Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Town Architecture
Sinaia Town Center Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Monastery
Sinaia Monastery Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

A few kilometers north of Sinaia, we enter the town of Bușteni, another important mountain resort, located at the foot of the Caraiman massif, at an altitude of almost 900 meters. In addition to the spectacular views of the Prahovean Abrupt Slope and the exciting trails that climb to the peaks, Bușteni is also known for the Kalinderu ski area, which includes several modern slopes equipped with  all the necessary facilities for winter sports. The longest cable car route in Europe is located in Bușteni, connecting the city to the Bucegi plateau, over a length of 4,350 meters and an altitude difference of over 1,200 meters. The journey over the dizzying precipices of the Jepilor Valley takes about 12 minutes, being the shortest way to reach the heights of the Bucegi mountains.

In addition to Cantacuzino Castle, in Bușteni we can also visit the house of the writer Cezar Petrescu, which today houses a memorial museum, the Royal Church built in 1889 by the royal family (it contains splendid paintings), but also the Caraiman Monastery, built in a spectacular natural setting, with the imposing Caraiman massif towering above it. The Cantacuzino Castle was built by Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino (nicknamed The Nabab), on the site of an old family hunting lodge, being completed in 1911 and having modern facilities for those times. Built in neo-Romanian style, the castle has a pavilion structure, the domain with an impressive surface area including an administrative villa and a wooden chapel.

We visit the interior on tours that allow us to discover the treasures still preserved, among which the Murano stained glass windows, the Carrara marble staircase, the oak furniture or the decorative frescoes, among others, stand out. We are also impressed by the collection of murals made on Cordoba leather and the collection of old heraldry, both unique in the country. Unfortunately, a large number of the priceless treasures that embellished the castle in the past were lost during the communist period. The exterior gardens in the courtyard of the estate are also delightful, decorated with sculptures and offering us astonishing views of the Bucegi massif. Starting in 2022, the castle gained international notoriety after being used as a location for a very popular television series.

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Cantacuzino Castle Bușteni
Cantacuzino Castle Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Cantacuzino Castle Bușteni
Cantacuzino Castle Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Cantacuzino Castle Bușteni
Cantacuzino Castle Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Cantacuzino Castle Bușteni
Cantacuzino Castle Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Caraiman Monastery
Caraiman Monastery Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

Continuing along the river towards the north, after another few kilometers we enter the town of Azuga, which runs along the valley of the same name, at the foot of the Baiului Mountains. If in the past it was a small industrial town, today Azuga is known mainly as a destination for winter sports, with several excellent slopes, the most famous being Sorica and Cazacu, as well as numerous accommodation facilities. Some interesting monuments in Azuga include the “Holy Trinity” Church, founded by the royal family, and the cemetery of the heroes of the First World War. Overlooked in favor of the much more massive and spectacular Bucegi, the Baiului Mountains (also known as Gârbova) still have their own charm and a surface area comparable to Bucegi. With gentler slopes and a single main ridge about 30 kilometers long, they offer some of the most impressive views of the Prahova Escarpment.

Further on, we pass into Brașov County and the last settlement on the Prahova Valley is the town of Predeal, located between the Bucegi, Postăvaru and Piatra Mare massifs. The city is recognized as an important climatic resort, but especially for the Predeal ski area, which includes a total of five ski slopes, of which Clăbucet, Cocoșul and Sub Teleferic stand out. Before leaving this idyllic valley, we must make a stop to enjoy the view of Peleș Castle, a true architectural masterpiece, as well as the treasures hidden inside it…

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Ski Area 1
Sinaia Ski Area Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Ghid Turistic Destinatia Valea Prahovei - Telescaun Predeal
Telescaun Predeal Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Ghid Turistic Destinatia Valea Prahovei - Telegondola Sinaia
Telegondola Sinaia Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

Sights and Experiences

Places to See and Things to Do in Prahova Valley
Peleș Castle and Domain

Opening hours: Wed-Sun – 9-17 | Tickets: from 100 lei/adult (ground floor+1st floor) + 30 lei (6€)/adult (Pelișor)

For many years, Peleș Castle, which is actually a palace, not a military structure, was the favorite summer residence of the Romanian royal family, with numerous historical events and important personalities passing through here. Its history begins with the visit of the new King Carol I to the area that later became the city of Sinaia, being enchanted by the sublime beauty of the wild nature here. Later, he bought the land in the area known as Piatra Arsă, and the construction of the palace began in 1873, taking many years to complete. Although officially opened in 1883, it only reached its current appearance in 1914, after numerous expansions. On the outside, the castle is a true architectural gem, decorated with wooden elements, while the inner courtyard is embellished with superb hand-painted frescoes. Among the most impressive features are the slender towers, the tallest rising to 66 meters. A few hundred meters from the main castle, the king built a smaller castle called Pelișor, which also served as a royal summer residence. Over time, a number of adjacent structures also appeared, such as the Hunting Lodge, now known as Foișor Castle, Vila Șipot, guard rooms, stables, and a small power plant, making Peleș Castle the first in Europe to be fully electrified. After 1947, the castle was nationalized, and the royal family was forced into exile for the next 50 years, reopening to visitors after 1990 and officially returning in 2007. However, the Romanian royal family agreed that it would continue to house the Peleș National Museum and be open to the public, along with Pelișor Castle.

Cantacuzino Castle

Hours: Mon-Thu – 10-19 / Fri-Sun – 10-20 | Tickets: from 65 lei (13€)/adult (castle + park)

It was built by Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino (nicknamed “the Nabab“), on the site of an old family hunting lodge, being completed in 1911 and having modern facilities for those times. Built in the neo-Romanian style, the castle has a pavilion structure and an impressive surface, including an administrative villa and a wooden chapel. The interior can be visited during guided tours that allow the discovery of numerous treasures, among which the Murano stained glass windows, the Carrara marble staircase, the oak furniture or the decorative frescoes, among others, stand out. A unique element is also represented by the collection of murals made on Cordoba leather and a collection of old heraldry, both unique in the country. The exterior gardens in the courtyard of the estate are also delightful, with memorable views of the Bucegi massif and interesting sculptures. Starting in 2022, the castle gained notoriety after being used as a location for an extremely popular television series.

Sinaia Monastery

Opening hours: Daily 8-20

Also nicknamed the “Cathedral of the Carpathians”, the monastery was the nucleus of the city of Sinaia, being built in a wild place at the time, at the entrance to the spectacular Prahova Valley. It is a foundation of the Mihai Cantacuzino, who also gave it its name, inspired by a visit to Mount Sinai. The monastery dates back to the 17th century, initially only the old church and a few cells that housed 12 monks were built. In the mid-19th century, the new church and the large courtyard of the monastery were built, and over time there were also destructions due to foreign incursions. The old church is an exceptional monument, built in the Brâncovenesc style specific to those times, with the porch supported by beautifully carved columns and original paintings of great value, still well preserved. In the old courtyard there is also the monastery chapel where other masterpieces of ancient religious art are preserved, especially the scenes in the narthex. Originally built between 1842 and 1846, the large church was later rebuilt and renovated, resulting in a combination of architectural styles specific to Moldova and the Romanian Country at that time. However, the treasures of this structure are kept inside, among which the neo-Byzantine painting made by a Danish painter, the unique epitaph created with gold and silk thread by Ana Roth or the chairs reserved for the royal family, who lived for a period at the monastery, is noteworthy. In the former royal chambers, the first religious museum in the country was set up, operating to this day and containing religious objects, old books and superb icons.

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Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Știrbey Castle - Sinaia Town Museum
Știrbey Castle / Sinaia Town Museum Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
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Sinaia Ski Domain

The city of Sinaia also boasts the largest ski area in Romania, with a total of approximately 25 approved ski slopes and their variants, totaling over 16 kilometers. The slopes are between 500 and 3,000 meters long, most of them being of medium level, and the most famous are Drumul de Vară, Valea Dorului, Valea Soarelui, Furnica, Lăptici, Floare de Colț and Călugărul. All these slopes are served by cable transport facilities, most of which start near the Furnica peak and descend on both sides of the mountain, both towards the Prahova Valley and the Bucegi Plateau, where several mountain chalets are located. To reach the ski area located at 2,000 meters altitude, tourists have the option of the cable car starting from the city center and the gondola starting at 1,000 meters. Both modern facilities have stations at 1,400 meters as intermediate points.

Town of Bușteni

One of the most popular mountain resorts in Romania, offering numerous leisure options for all seasons, the town of Bușteni is located just a few kilometers north of Sinaia, being located at an altitude of 850 meters, on both banks of the Prahova River. The history of the town begins at the end of the 18th century, before there was only a famous inn in these places. At the end of the next century, the village already had a school and a few hotels, and soon the first tourists who practiced skiing appeared. In addition to the Cantacuzino Castle, in Bușteni you can also visit the house of the writer Cezar Petrescu, which today houses a memorial museum, the Royal Church built in 1889 by the royal family containing splendid paintings, but also the Caraiman Monastery, built in a spectacular natural setting, with the imposing Caraiman massif towering above it. From Bușteni, several hiking trails start that climb the slopes of the Prahovean Abrupt to the peaks, including the one to the Urlătoarea Waterfall or the Valea Jepilor Trail, one of the most demanding, but also interesting, in the Romanian Carpathians. In the winter season, the main attraction in Bușteni is the Kalinderu ski area, located just a few minutes from the city center, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. The two Kalinderu slopes total approximately 3,000 meters, having a medium difficulty and being served by a modern chairlift installation. There are other tourist facilities nearby, including a toboggan – bobsleigh trail on rails, which also operates during the summer.

Doftana Valley

One of the most beautiful rural and natural areas in the country, the Doftanei Valley runs from Campina northwards. Overshadowed by the proximity of the more famous Prahova Valley, the Doftana Valley is a much quieter and more authentic alternative, offering a collection of splendid attractions. Just 7 kilometres from Câmpina, in a splendid village perched on a terrace above Doftana river, lies an exceptional complex of historical monuments, known as the Brebu Princely Court. The monumental ensemble consists of the Princely House, the Brebu Monastery church, the enclosure wall and the bell tower, being a foundation of Matei Basarab in the mid-17th century and completed a few decades later, during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu. The house was a princely residence for many years, impressing with its superb architecture and being among the oldest original medieval houses preserved in Wallachia. Today it hosts a particularly interesting museum that includes some of the oldest books printed in the medieval period, as well as documents, icons, jewelry and other old objects. The Doftana Gorge is only 300 meters long, but the steep rocky walls form a particularly spectacular landscape. Nearby is a protected natural area that includes four hills (hills or gullies) with an interesting appearance and rich biodiversity, surrounding Lake Paltinu. It was created by the construction of the Paltinu dam on the Doftana River and two smaller streams, being surrounded by forests and impressive with its emerald-green shades. A little further upstream from the lake is the Glodeasa nature reserve, a virgin secular forest of beech and fir, also including several rare floral species.

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Azuga Ski Area
Azuga Ski Area Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Ski Area
Sinaia Ski Area Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Bușteni Ski Area
Bușteni Ski Area Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Predeal Ski Domain

The last town in the Prahova Valley, Predeal is located between the Bucegi, Postăvaru and Piatra Mare massifs. Between 1852 and 1918, the border between Wallachia and the Habsburg Empire was located here, and the commune had a fairly small population. The town is recognized as an important climatic resort, but especially for the Predeal ski area, which includes a total of five ski slopes. Among these, Clăbucet, Cocoșul and Sub Teleferic stand out, with lengths between 1,200 and 2,200 meters, being served by a chairlift and several ski lift installations.

Azuga Ski Domain

Famous mainly as a winter sports resort, the town of Azuga does not have a very long history, at the beginning of the 18th century there was an inn here on the road to Brașov. Later, the town developed following the construction of various factories, the most important being the brewery. Today, the Azuga ski area has become increasingly popular, with the two most important slopes, Sorica and Cazacu, each approximately 2,000 meters long and of medium difficulty. They are served by cable transport facilities, including a modern gondola that goes up to the upper part of the ski area.

Bușteni - Babele cable car

Schedule: Monday-Sunday – 8.30-15 (closed Tuesday) | Tickets: 200 lei (40€)/adult (round trip)

The longest cable car route in Europe is located in Bușteni, connecting the city to the Bucegi plateau, over a length of 4,350 meters and an altitude difference of over 1,200 meters. The journey over the dizzying precipices of the Jepilor Valley takes about 12 minutes, being the shortest way to reach the heights of the Bucegi mountains, from the Babele chalet several hiking trails depart, as well as another cable car section that descends to the Ialomița valley.

Sinaia - Cota 2000 Cable Car

Schedule: Daily / 9 (9.30) – 17 (16.30) / Tuesday short program | Tickets: 120 lei (24€)/adult/round-trip Cota1000-Cota2000

For tourists who want to conquer the crest of the Bucegi Mountains to admire the overwhelming panoramas that open from 2,000 meters altitude, the Sinaia gondola is a very fast option, climbing first from the city (elevation 1,000) to elevation 1,400 (where you can also reach by car), then continuing with another section to elevation 2,000. During the ski season and especially on weekends, the gondola is very crowded, but the rest of the time it can be a memorable activity in the Prahova Valley.

 

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Predeal Ski Area
Predeal Ski Area Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Bușteni - Babele Cable Car
Bușteni - Babele Cable Car Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Royal Trail
Sinaia Royal Trail Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Cezar Petrescu Museum in Bușteni
Cezar Petrescu Museum Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Royal Trail
Sinaia Royal Trail Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

Other Interesting Discoveries

Lesser known places and activities on Prahova Valley
Sinaia Casino

It is one of the symbols of the city and was built between 1911 and 1912 at the initiative of King Carol I, hosting numerous cultural events and personalities of the time over time, including a concert by George Enescu in 1913. Created after the image of the Casino in Monte Carlo, the one in Sinaia had many famous shareholders from Europe and Romania of that time. In addition to the main elegant halls of the casino, guided tours can also include the superb art gallery housed on the second floor of the building.

Opening hours: Guided Visits / 10-17 | Tickets: 30 lei (6€)/adult

Town of Comarnic

First mentioned in the early 16th century, the town of Comarnic is mainly located on the left bank of the Prahova River. Among the interesting places that visitors can visit in Comarnic are the Posada Hunting Museum, the only one in the country dedicated to hunting and forestry, presenting trophies, weapons and other unique exhibits, as well as the nearby castle, the former residence of the Bibescu family. Also here you can admire the houses and buildings belonging to the urban ensemble dating from the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the “Sfântul Nicolae” church (1901) with the portraits of the royal family or the church of the former Lespezi Hermitage, dating from the 17th century and later restored.

Breaza Resort

The small town was declared a spa resort in 1928, having been first mentioned at the beginning of the 16th century. The origin of the town’s name is linked to some local legends, but it is certain that for some time Breaza was a border town between Wallachia and Transylvania, with a customs office operating here, later moved to Predeal. The town is known for the exceptional purity of its air, the climate being a strong stimulant and beneficial for a multitude of ailments. In Breaza, travelers can also admire two old churches and the Basarab-Brâncoveanu Mansion, built in the second half of the 19th century and the residence of important historical figures. After having had several owners and various functions during the communist period, the mansion is now designated a historical monument and was recently purchased by the town community.

Sinaia Toy Trains Museum

A unique and captivating little museum, this is a pleasant experience especially for families, featuring a lot of dioramas and miniatures related to the world of trains. Located right next to the Royal Railway Station in Sinaia, the museum transports visitors to the atmosphere of small, idyllic mountain towns or villages, crossed by small, colorful trains.

Opening hours: Daily / 9 – 19 | Tickets: 25 lei (5€)/adult

George Enescu Memorial House

Located in the Cumpătu neighborhood of Sinaia, the house of the great Romanian musician and composer was built by him between 1923 and 1926 and often used during the periods when he was in Romania. Appreciated and supported by the royal family, Enescu chose to donate the house to the Romanian state and after 1990, it was designated a memorial house, part of the George Enescu National Museum. Here you can discover the piano on which the maestro composed and authentic furniture, as well as other objects that remind you of his personality and work.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday / 10 – 17 | Tickets: 20 lei (4€)/adult

Baiului Mountains

Overlooked in favor of the much more massive and spectacular Bucegi Mountains, the Baiului Mountains (also known as Gârbova) still have their own charm and a surface area comparable to the Bucegi Mountains. With gentler slopes and a single main peak approximately 30 kilometers long, they still rise to almost 2,000 meters (Vf. Neamțului – 1923 m, Vf. Cazacu – 1753 m, Vf. Baiul Mic – 1827 m, Vf. Baiul Mare – 1895 m). Tourist trails are quite rare and poorly signposted, but there are a few that climb from Bușteni, Azuga and Predeal to the summit, offering some of the most impressive views of the Prahova Escarpment.

Sinaia City Museum

A former residence with superb architecture from the second half of the 19th century, it is the oldest historical villa in the city. It once included an extensive domain, of which the Știrbey family chapel, with paintings by Gheorghe Tattarescu, remains. Today, the building houses the new city museum, the several rooms presenting the history and natural setting around Sinaia, with documents, photographs and other extremely interesting objects.

Opening hours: Daily – 10-17.30   | Tickets: 30 lei (6€)/adult

Iulia Hașdeu Castle

Besides the old churches, Câmpina is best known for the Iulia Hașdeu Castle, a fascinating monument on the border between a medieval mansion and an esoteric temple. It was built by the scholar Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu in memory of his daughter Iulia Hașdeu, who died tragically at the age of 18, after being the first Romanian woman to graduate from the Sorbonne. Its unusual architecture was allegedly inspired by the spiritualist seances that the writer allegedly held with his daughter from the afterlife. Today, the building houses a memorial exhibition dedicated to the family’s cultural and spiritual concerns.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday / 9am – 5pm (8am – 4pm in winter) | Tickets: 15 lei (3€)/adult

N. Grigorescu Memorial Museum

Located in the center of Câmpina, this place offers visitors the chance to discover fascinating details about the life and work of Romania’s most famous painter, who lived and worked here in the last years of his life. The charming little museum contains paintings, sketches, drawings, photographs and many other objects that belonged to the painter, the interior of the house being restored to recreate the original atmosphere as closely as possible.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday / 9 – 17 (8-16 in winter) | Tickets: 15 lei/adult

Cezar Petrescu Memorial Museum

Located in the northern part of the city of Bușteni, the museum is housed in the magnificent house where the artist lived between 1937 and 1960. The interior of the villa preserves the atmosphere of almost a century ago, revealing intimate details about the writer’s life and work, but also including folk art objects, books and other objects.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday / 10 – 17 | Tickets: 20 lei (4€)/adult

Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Iulia Hașdeu Castle in Câmpina
Iulia Hașdeu Castle in Câmpina Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Nicolae Grigorescu Museum in Câmpina
N. Grigorescu Museum in Câmpina Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Town Architecture 4
Sinaia Town Architecture Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Architecture
Sinaia Town Architecture Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia
Prahova Valley Destination in Romania - Sinaia Town Architecture 3
Sinaia Town Architecture Ⓒ Silviu-Florin Salomia

Accommodation Recommendations

The best lodging options on Prahova Valley
Accommodation Options on Prahova Valley - Hotel International Sinaia

Rating 9.1 from 4.542 reviews!

Probably the most recognized hotel in Sinaia, highly appreciated by guests, it offers high-level accommodation and quality services, with 3 restaurants, 2 indoor pools and other impressive facilities!

Avram Iancu St., no.1, Sinaia

Accommodation Options on Prahova Valley - Hotel Regina Predeal

Rating 9.3 from 312 reviews!

One of the most appreciated and spectacular accommodation units in Predeal, this extraordinary guesthouse located just 400 meters from the slopes offers rooms with superb decor and excellent service!

Mihail Saulescu St., no. 113, Predeal

Accommodation Options on Prahova Valley - Complex La Tunuri Sinaia

Rating 9.5 from 1.066 reviews!

Being located within the Economat Villa, part of the Peleș domain, this sensational hotel complex offers the chance to stay just steps away from the castle, offering superior services and special facilities!

Aleea Peleșului, no.2, Sinaia

Accommodation Options on Prahova Valley - Hotel Kayus Busteni

Rating 9.1 from 682 reviews!

Located in the town of Bușteni, close to the ski slope and the national road, this superb hotel offers modern and welcoming rooms, as well as a restaurant with international cuisine!

Clăbucetului St., no.6, Bușteni

Accommodation Options on Prahova Valley - Hotel Regal Sinaia

Rating 9.1 from 659 reviews!

Located in a quiet area of ​​Sinaia, just a few minutes from Peleș Castle, this hotel with superb views offers accommodation in spacious and welcoming superior rooms, as well as an outdoor terrace!

Șoimului St., no. 4A, Sinaia

Accommodation Options on Prahova Valley - Conac Bavaria Busteni

Rating 9.1 from 211 reviews!

Located right next to the national road in the Bușteni resort, this accommodation unit offers rooms with all the necessary amenities, as well as an appreciated restaurant, private parking and more!

Libertății Bd. , no. 211, Bușteni

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