Ski Slopes with
a side of Vampire

What do you get when you mix vampire legends, grumpy beginner skiers, a wild toboggan ride, and a dinosaur park in the woods? Apparently, a family holiday to Romania. We weren’t entirely sure what to expect—maybe some spooky castles—but what we got was a whirlwind of spa time the snow, steep mountain hikes, and the kind of chaos that only happens when kids meet medieval Europe. Buckle up—this trip was anything but ordinary.

Romania Adventures: A Family Journey Through Castles, Snow, and Mountain Magic

Our family’s Romanian adventure took us deep into the heart of Transylvania, where ancient castles, snow-dusted mountains, and surprising discoveries made for an unforgettable experience. Romania wasn't originally at the top of our travel list, but it quickly won us over with its charm, wild nature, and warm hospitality.

To be honest, when you think Romania, you probably don’t picture snow-covered ski slopes and charming alpine resorts. We certainly didn’t. But there we were—ski boots on, snow flying, and kids laughing (and occasionally crying) down the hill. It turns out Romania isn’t just castles and legends; it’s also snow-capped mountains and wild winter fun.

Now, a quick word on the locals—Romanians aren’t always the warmest bunch at first. There were a few frosty interactions to match the weather. But give it time, show a little patience, and you’ll find that beneath the gruff exterior are people proud of their country, happy to help, and sometimes even crack a smile... eventually.

Buckle up—this trip was anything but ordinary.

7-8 days break

We recommend this destination as a 7-8 day getaway. With direct flights from Abu Dhabi to the capital Bucharest it means you can make it here in a little over 5 hours. Making it a totally accessible family adventure.

  • From Sand to Snow: Flying from Abu Dhabi to Bucharest (and Surviving the Transfer to Brașov with Kids)

    When you live in a place where winter means "only needing one layer of air conditioning," the idea of trading sand dunes for snow boots is equal parts exciting and slightly insane. So, naturally, we booked a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Bucharest—because what better way to confuse your body than swapping desert heat for icy mountain air in just five hours?

    The flight itself? Surprisingly smooth with the occasional sibling squabble. Parents, as usual, were entertained by coffee, deep sighs, and a growing playlist of “don’t touch your brother.” If you’re flying with little ones, just remember: the seatbelt sign is your best friend—it keeps everyone in place and buys you a few precious minutes of peace.

    Landing in Bucharest, we were greeted by a blast of crisp, freezing air that immediately made us question every fashion decision we’d made in the past 24 hours. Hats? Nope. Gloves? Still packed. But spirits were high—because snow was coming.

    Next up: the transfer to Brașov. Now, there are many beautiful things about Romania, but driving with kids for 2.5 to 3 hours after a flight is not one of them. We had snacks (gone in the first 20 minutes), devices (dead within the hour), and endless rounds of “are we there yet?” from the back seat. The road itself winds through scenic hills and villages, but honestly, we saw most of it through foggy windows and snack wrappers.

    Pro tip: Book a transfer with a spacious car, a driver who doesn't mind volume (kid volume, not speed), and ideally one who knows where to stop for an emergency toilet break or hot chocolate. Bonus points if they have a sense of humour or a playlist that isn’t 100% local techno.

    Eventually, the car climbed higher, snow appeared on the trees, and excitement bubbled again. We rolled into Brașov, bleary-eyed but buzzing, ready for a Romanian winter full of castles, chaos, and questionable ski skills.

  • Where We Stayed: From Cobblestones to Hot Tubs in the Snow

    We kicked off our Romanian adventure with two nights in Brașov’s Old Town, right in the heart of the action. Our accommodation was perched perfectly on a charming square—just steps away from strong coffee and even stronger Țuică, the local spirit best described as “Romanian rocket fuel served in a shot glass.” Ideal for warming up—or instantly regretting your life choices.

    For the main part of our stay, we took things up a notch—literally—and headed for the mountains, settling in at the Teleferic Grand Hotel in Poiana Brașov. This place ticked all the boxes: comfortable, stylish, and dangerously close to the slopes (read: no excuses for skipping ski school even though our children did).

    The kids club? Technically unmanned, but you’d never know it based on how obsessed our kids were. A ball pit, mini slides, and an endless supply of colouring sheets somehow beat the pants off fancier, fully-staffed kids clubs we’ve tried before. Go figure—give them markers and a pit of plastic balls, and they’re in heaven.

    But the real showstopper? The outdoor spas. Picture this: the kids soaking in warm, bubbly water, then leaping out to roll in fresh snow like joyful, slightly deranged penguins before diving back into the hot tub giggling and steaming like little dumplings. It was wild, it was freezing, it was weirdly magical.

  • Go for a bear hunt to the top of Brasov.
    Hit the slopes or Learn to Ski.
    or Toboggan instead.
    Find Vampires at Draculas castle.
    Dino Parc Râșnov.
    Eat like a local at Stana turistica.

Discovering Brasov.

Cobblestones
and Charm

We began our journey in the picturesque city of Brașov, tucked between forested peaks and brimming with medieval character. The heart of the city is the lively Council Square (Piața Sfatului), where colorful buildings frame the plaza and the Black Church stands tall with its gothic presence. We wandered through narrow alleyways, sipped hot coffee from cozy cafés, and watched the kids chase pigeons across the square.

The Hike That Nearly Broke Us

Feeling ambitious, we decided to hike up Tâmpa Mountain, the imposing green ridge that rises directly behind Brasov. From the bottom, it looked manageable—how hard could it be, really? Turns out, very. The steep incline tested our legs (and our sanity), but the reward at the top—panoramic views over the entire city and the iconic “BRASOV” sign—was totally worth it. Even the kids, after a bit of complaining and some snack bribes, were wowed by the view. Meanwhile we earnt our Țuică.

Snowy Fun in Poiana Brasov

Next, we headed to Poiana Brașov, Romania’s most popular ski resort, just a short drive up the mountain. We stayed at the Teleferic Grand Hotel. A great spot set at the base of the mountain, with all you could need and more.

The kids were excited for their first skiing lesson... for about five minutes. After a few slips, some tears, and one ski boot meltdown, they declared skiing was “not for them.”

Plan B? Tobogganing.

And wow, what a hit. With snow spraying in every direction and wild laughter echoing down the slopes, this quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. With locals tearing past us sans a feel for breaks it made for such pure, chaotic winter joy.

A Visit to Dracula’s Castle

Of course, no trip to Transylvania would be complete without a visit to Bran Castle, the famed (and somewhat dubiously connected) home of Dracula. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, it’s the kind of place that looks straight out of a storybook—or a gothic horror novel, depending on your perspective.

The kids were immediately hooked. Between the spooky legends, the creaky wooden floors, and the winding staircases that seem to go nowhere and everywhere at once, it was like stepping into a haunted maze. Every corner felt like it might hold a hidden vampire lair—or at least a slightly creepy old suit of armour.

While the castle itself is far more charming than chilling (think fairy tale fortress with excellent lighting), it definitely served up enough mystery and medieval flair to get imaginations running wild. The tiny secret passageways and shadowy nooks were an instant hit with our little explorers, who insisted on whispering in hushed tones and peeking around every corner “just in case.”

By the time we emerged back into daylight, the kids were fully convinced they’d encountered at least one vampire (or ghost, depending on who you asked). For days—okay, weeks—afterward, we were treated to elaborate retellings of the “vampire castle,” complete with dramatic reenactments and suspicious looks anytime someone wore black.

Was it historically accurate? Not really.
Was it educational? Slightly.
Was it one of the most entertaining parts of our trip? Absolutely.

Dinosaurs and Delight

After days of medieval staircases, spooky legends, and the occasional “don’t touch that ancient artifact,” we were well overdue for something a little less historically intense and a lot more fun. Enter Dino Parc Râșnov—a magical place where the only thing older than the Black Church is the T-Rex staring at you through the trees.

Set in a forest so perfectly Jurassic you half expect a Velociraptor to leap out at any moment, this place is packed with life-size dinosaur models that manage to be just the right mix of realistic and cartoonishly awesome. The kids were in full explorer mode within seconds, sprinting from dino to dino, shouting out species names like tiny, caffeinated paleontologists.

We followed them through the winding paths, trying to keep up as they declared, “This one’s a herbivore! This one definitely eats parents!” Educational? Sure. Exhausting? Also yes. But the joy on their faces as they “discovered” each new prehistoric beast made it 100% worth it.

Beyond the dinos, there are interactive exhibits, fossil digs, and even a 9D cinema (because apparently 3D is for amateurs). It’s the kind of place where kids can run wild and technically be learning—making you feel like a parenting rockstar while quietly planning your next coffee stop.

Dino Parc was the perfect antidote to our castle fatigue. It gave the kids a chance to stretch their legs and imaginations, and it gave us a break from hearing “was Dracula real?” for the 147th time. Plus, it’s not every day you get photobombed by a triceratops.

The Best Meal (and Taxidermy Surprise): Stâna Turistică

Hands down, the best meal of the trip—and possibly the best experience—was at the charming, slightly eccentric, and completely wonderful Stâna Turistică. Nestled in the hills like something out of a snow globe, this traditional Romanian restaurant had everything: roaring fires, hearty food, and... a surprisingly large collection of stuffed animals. And no, not the cuddly bedtime kind—the taxidermy kind, with beady eyes and mildly judgmental expressions.

As odd as that sounds, it weirdly worked. The kids were both fascinated and mildly terrified, giving each bear and wild boar a name while we sipped Țuică and tried to pretend this was completely normal. “Don’t worry kids, the deer watching you eat isn’t real... probably.”

The food, though, was absolutely the real deal. We devoured sarmale (Romanian cabbage rolls done just right), grilled meats that tasted like they’d been slow-cooked by someone’s mountain-dwelling grandmother, creamy mămăligă (aka polenta), and warm apple cake that could rival any dessert we've had. Meanwhile, the kids ran wild around the outdoor farm area, soaking up the crisp mountain air and danced to the live music. Really embracing the local way .

It was rustic, it was quirky, it was delicious—and it was peak Romania. A perfect, slightly surreal end to an unforgettable trip. Where else can you eat like royalty while being silently judged by a wall-mounted fox?

Final Thoughts

Romania surprised us at every turn. From challenging hikes and snowy thrills to spooky legends and dinosaur trails, it gave us a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and play. If you’re a travel-loving family looking for something a little different, Romania might just be your next favorite destination.