Brașov: A Medieval Fairytale Cradled by the Carpathians

Armed with my handheld fan, we boarded the train to Brașov – a three-hour ride through Romania’s heartland, just enough time to polish off a box of tart wild blueberries from Bucharest 🫐. Stepping off the train, the city greeted us with its iconic "BRAȘOV" etched boldly across the mountainside – a ski-resort-worthy welcome! Why Brașov steals hearts: 🌲 Mountain magic: Nestled in the Carpathians, the air here carries pine notes and medieval whispers. 🏰 Storybook charm: Red-tiled roofs, cobblestone alleys, church bells echoing through valleys – pure Brothers Grimm vibes. ⏳ Time-travel blend: German precision meets Balkan ease, where Gothic spires coexist with sunlit cafe terraces. Day 1 Highlights ☀️ Piața Sfatului (Council Square) Met friends at La Ceaun for lunch amid the bustling square. Must-try: Ciorbă de burtă în pâine – sour soup served in a hollowed rye bread bowl. Crusty outside, stew-softened inside – edible tableware genius! 🥖🍲 ⛪ Black Church (Biserica Neagră) Southeast Europe’s largest Gothic church, its soot-stained walls whispering tales of a 17th-century fire. The 4,000-pipe organ still breathes Baroque melodies during summer concerts 🎶. 🌿 Wanderlust moments: Pastel Saxon houses draped in ivy 🏡 Sunlit trails on Tâmpa Mountain (ride the cable car for panoramic views!) 🚡 Street corners where time pauses for coffee and covrigi (pretzel rings) ☕ Dinner at Sergiana Mureșenilor Romanian portions = American-sized shock! 🥘 Appetizer trio + potato bread = instant fullness Beef tongue arrived just as my stomach waved the white flag 🏳️ Coming Next: 🦇 Bran Castle – Dracula’s legendary lair awaits in the misty peaks... 📍 Key Spots La Ceaun: Piața Sfatului 11-12, Brașov Sergiana Mureșenilor: Strada Mureșenilor 28, Brașov #TravelEurope #MedievalMagic #CarpathianAdventures #HiddenRomania #FairytaleTowns #OffbeatTravel