Bewitching Brasov

-Exploring the wonderfully restored old buildings of central Brasov - this place was made for picture postcards.

-Braving the crowds and visiting Bran Castle - Dracula didn't live here but the castle itself is a wonderful building. Make you have plenty of money to stock up on really tacky souvenirs.

-Taking the "telecabina" up the hill for the most breathtaking views in Romania - and that way you'll avoid the bears!

Quick Tips:

Be careful in forested areas - even in the centre of Brasov - two youths were attacked by a bear just days before we arrived, walking the track under the telecabina cable.

Best Way To Get Around:

The centre is small enough to manage on foot. However if going out to Poina Brasov or Bran Castle you will need to take a service bus and the bus stations are out of town. However, the staff in the ticket kiosks in town do not explain that they are only selling you a ticket to the bus station and you will need to buy another ticket to wherever you are going. Ask someone where your bus departs from since some small towns have complicated bus stops and do not come the same way on the return journey. Your return departure point may not be simply opposite where you alighted on the outward leg.

High up on a hill overlooking the town, Pensiune Ionescu is a delightful place. Hidden away behind the attractive white house is a garden of surprises for it holds a series of divine little wooden chalets - think mountain hideaway which are absolutely gorgeous! One is big enough for three, two others are big enough for one person only. One more chalet is used as a dining area and kitchen for guests. This is well stocked with everything you could need to self-cater. It is cosy and pretty with lovely stencilling on the wooden interior and some lovely pottery displayed on the dresser. There are also some wooden tables and chairs dotted around the garden. It's nice to take out a bottle of wine and chat with other guests here in the evenings. The smaller chalets use the bathroom at the rear of the larger chalet. But that's not all -an extension to the house holds a huge bar/television lounge off which are three more bedrooms. All clean and comfortable.

This building also has its own bathroom and outside there is a patio with sun loungers. We arrived without a booking and stayed two nights in the extension and the third night in the owners house, in a huge bedroom downstairs which was decorated with some wonderful artwork. The owners seem to be quite arty and have displayed some lovely pieces of art and ceramics around the house. Everywhere you look you spot something else. The gardens are attractive and well kept. every morning the owner would be out watering the plants or tidying up the borders. The Pensiune is about ten minutes steep climb from town up a cobbled track. However you could take a taxi from town for about 5 euros - please note - some drivers know the Pensiune by the name Pensiune Anna - best to note the address and take it with you to be sure.

The nearest food shops are in the town so you might want to take a taxi back if carrying heavy shopping. The owners are helpful and friendly, speaking German, but no English and can help find accommodation in other towns. Beware of the dogs next door - they have a fearsome bark, although they are well fenced in. When all three start barking it can be terrifying. Pensiune Ionescu is the perfect retreat; calm, peaceful and in lovely surroundings. The price for this? Very reasonable - we paid around 18 euros for a double room per night. A small price to pay for such a lovely spot. We had hoped to stay in a chalet when we read about them but seeing how small they were we were glad none were available!