Before We Start - Our Travel Preparation
Vacation time. Now we’re off on the trip that my best friend and I had been planning for so long and had been eagerly anticipating for almost half a year: a round trip through Romania. A lot of preparation was necessary, considering that we started by car from Cologne and only had seven days to see everything we wanted to see. But good planning is half the journey ... or something like that.
First and foremost, and well in advance, we got a vignette online. In Romania, you need a vignette for all highways/national roads. Since 2007, this can be easily purchased as an e-vignette, so there’s no need for a cumbersome sticker on the windshield anymore. A physical vignette for sticking is no longer available. The presence of the vignette is checked by cameras along the toll roads.
Next came the detailed route planning. From Cologne to Timișoara, the first stop of our trip, it’s nearly 1,500 kilometers. For us, that meant training our endurance and tackling 15 hours of driving. But with good music, occasional bathroom breaks, and plenty of podcasts, the time passed quickly. When we crossed the border into Romania at Cenad from Hungary, we really felt like we were on vacation. Shortly thereafter, we reached Timișoara, checked into our hotel room, and were excited to start day 1 in Romania with a discovery tour.
Day 1: Timișoara - The City of Revolution
Timișoara, the charming city in western Romania, is a gem that is often overlooked. Our first stop took us to Piața Victoriei, Victory Square, which is the heart of Timișoara. Here stands the impressive town hall, whose elegantly designed tower majestically rises above the square. The square is not only a place of beauty but also a symbol of the city's history, as many important events, including the Romanian Revolution of 1989, took place here.
From there, our path led us to the Orthodox Cathedral of Timișoara, an impressive example of Romanian Orthodox architecture. The cathedral, built in the 20th century, is distinguished by its magnificent domes and richly decorated interior. A walk through its quiet halls conveys a sense of peace and contemplation.
Before getting back into the car and heading on the approximately three-hour drive to our next stop, our last visit of the day took us to the Fortress of Timișoara. This well-preserved fortress from the 18th century is an imposing structure that once served to protect the city from enemy attacks. Today, the fortress is a popular destination for visitors wanting to learn more about the region's history. From the high walls, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Timișoara is not only a city of history but also one of culture and progress. The baroque architecture and vibrant cultural scene of the city deeply impressed us. Its thriving art scene, its university, and its hospitable residents make it a place that should definitely not be missed on any travel itinerary.
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