After leaving the bustling streets of Budapest behind, my journey continued by night train across the Hungarian plains and into the heart of Romania. If you have missed reading about the exciting sleeper train ride from Budapest to Sinaia check it out here. Famous for its fairytale-like Peles Castle, Sinaia is a charming mountain town often called “The Pearl of the Carpathians.”
I chose Sinaia as a stop on my overland route to Southeast Asia not only for its natural beauty but also for its royal history. Nestled among pine forests and surrounded by peaks, it promised a quieter pace after days spent exploring big cities.
3 Quick Facts About Visiting Sinaia, Romania
- Easy mountain escape from Bucharest: Sinaia lies about 120 km north of Bucharest, just 1½–2 hours by train – perfect for a weekend getaway
- Dress in layers: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly due to the altitude (around 800–900 m above sea level). Bring a light jacket or fleece
- Be bear aware when hiking: The Carpathian Mountains are home to one of Europe’s largest brown bear populations and bear encounters do happen. Safety first! Get familiar with how to behave when encountering a bear before going on a hike or hire a guide.
Staying at Rapsodia Sinaia
For my stay, I booked a small hotel called Rapsodia Sinaia. It’s located in what was likely once a large family home—high ceilings, old wooden doors, and that slightly creaky charm that only older houses have. It was a 10 to 15 minutes walk away from the town center in a quiet street. At 150 LEI (about 30 EUR) per night, it was a great value for such a cozy, authentic stay.
- Room/night: 150 LEI | 30 EUR
Exploring Sinaia
Sinaia itself feels like a blend of mountain resort and royal heritage town. In the 19th century, King Carol I built his summer residence here, transforming what was then a quiet monastery settlement into one of Romania’s most elegant retreats. Today, it still attracts visitors year-round — skiers in winter, and travelers like me who come for the castle and mountain air.
The town center is compact and walkable, with traditional villas, cafes, and the occasional souvenir shop. I spent my first morning strolling along the main street, breathing in the cool, pine-scented air and admiring the view of the mountains rising in the distance.
Peleș Castle – A Fairytale Palace
The highlight of any visit to Sinaia is, of course, Peleș Castle. Looking as if it were taken straight from a fairy tale and surrounded by forest it’s considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe—and I can see why.
I booked my entry ticket online, hoping it might help me skip the line in case it got busy. And indeed, there was quite a long queue — but it turned out there’s no real difference between ticket holders and non-ticket holders. Technically, there are two queues: one for tour groups and one for individual visitors. But since most people come with tour groups, the two lines somehow merged into one giant crowd anyway. A guide next to me was telling her group that she once waited for 2 hours – I prayed and hoped that today is not of of those days….In the end, I waited around 20–30 minutes, which was a relief and honestly not bad at all.
Built between 1873 and 1914 for King Carol I, the castle combines Neo-Renaissance and Gothic styles. The complex wooden carvings are incredible. Each room is decorated differently—there’s a Turkish salon, an Italian hall, and even a theatre with a small royal stage. It’s astonishing how modern it was for its time: Peleș was one of the first castles in Europe to have electricity and central heating.
I spent a few hours wandering through the interiors and gardens, trying to imagine the royal family spending their summers here, surrounded by the Carpathian peaks.
Pro tip: Walking through the castle look out for the sign “Optional Tour“. It leads you to a section of the castle where tour groups do not go. It is beautiful to see as well and much less crowded.
- Entry: 100 LEI | 20 EUR
Sinaia Monastery
Not far from the castle stands Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695 by a Romanian nobleman who named it after Mount Sinai. The monastery gave the town its name and remains an active place of worship. Its white walls and peaceful courtyards contrast beautifully with the surrounding forest.
Stepping inside felt like traveling back in time—simple frescoes, candlelight, and the faint scent of incense. After visiting, I understood why King Carol chose this place for his retreat; it radiates calm and serenity.
- Entry: free
Reflections on Sinaia
Sinaia turned out to be a perfect stop on my overland journey—a blend of history, nature, and quiet charm. After the energy of Budapest and the grand boulevards of Vienna, this small mountain town offered a completely different rhythm. As I packed my backpack for the next leg of the trip, I couldn’t help but think that if every stop on this route feels this unique, this journey is going to be even more rewarding than I imagined.
Berlin to Singapore Overland
📍 Sinaia
🚅 Transportation: Night Train (read the train ride article here)
💻 Booked via: MAV Hungarian Railway
🛣️ Distance travelled since Berlin: 1,303 km