Sinaia Overview

Sinaia (sih-NYE-uh; pop. 15,000) first made its mark in the late 1880s as an alpine getaway for Romania’s royal family, and it draws visitors back today with absolutely fantastic hiking. Carol I, king of the newly independent country, oversaw construction of the fantastically opulent Peleş Castle (Castelul Peleş), completed in 1914. The more modest, nearby Pelişor Castle, built in 1902, was furnished in the Art Nouveau style. Pelişor is a bit of a walk up a hill, but the surrounding river and scenery make up for the climb. After visiting the castles, go and barter at one of the countless artisan stands at below the entrance. (☎02 44 31 09 18; www.peles.ro. Both castles open Tu 11am-5pm, W-Su 9am-5pm; low-season closed Tu. Tours in Romanian required at Peleş (L15, students L5. Pelişor L10/3.) The nearby Bucegi Mountains are good for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. A telecabina (cable car) to the mountains leaves from B-dul. Carol I 26; to reach it, turn up the hill across from the tourist office on Str. Cuza Voda. There are two stops, one at 1400m and the other at 2000m. (☎0244 31 19 39. Cable cars run Tu-Su 9am-5pm; Dec.-Feb. and June-Aug. L12 to 1400m, L21 to 2000m; round-trip L20/40. Cash only).

The Cabana Miorita , on Sinaia’s main street, Bd. Carol I, near Hotel New Montana. (Entrees L9-35. Open daily 9:15am-11:30pm. MC/V.) Two levels, bear skins, and a large terrace draw locals and tourists alike. Grab a beer and pizza with locals at Old Nick’s Pub , B-dul. Carol I 8, by Hotel Sinaia. (☎02 44 31 24 91; www.oldnickpub.ro. Beer L5-12. Entrees L10-18. Open daily 9am-2am. Cash only.)

Trains (☎02 44 31 00 40) run to Braşov (2hr., 33 per day, L18), Bucharest (2-3hr., 20 per day, L40), and Cluj-Napoca (6hr., 6 per day, L60). To get to the center of town from the train station, climb the steps across from the station, and at the top go left on Bd. Carol I. The staff at the tourist office, B-dul. Carol I 47, speaks English. (☎02 44 31 56 56; www.infosinaia.ro. Open M-F 8:30am-4:30pm.) ATM, telephone office and post office are in the same building. (Post office open M-F 7am-8pm, Sa 8am-1pm.) Postal Code: 106100.