If you’re someone who loves trains or is just curious about Romania’s lesser-known but fascinating railway scene, this 9-day tour might catch your eye. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines scenic train rides, visits to historic rail museums, and explorations of some of Romania’s most beautiful regions. From riding the last forest and mining trains in Europe to wandering medieval towns, this tour offers a unique blend of transportation history and visual splendor.
We’re genuinely impressed by the focus on romantic, vintage rail experiences — especially the chance to ride the last forest and mining trains still in use in Europe. Plus, getting to sleep on a night train adds a touch of adventure many travelers crave. That said, the price tag of around $2,400 per person isn’t cheap, but considering the inclusions—train tickets, museum visits, hotel transfers—it offers good value for train enthusiasts or those eager to see Romania from a different perspective.
One thing to consider is the itinerary’s pace. It’s packed, and if you prefer a slower, more relaxed trip or have mobility issues, some of the narrow gauge trains or walking tours might require extra thought. The tour isn’t suited for wheelchair users or people with motion sickness, so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable with varying train speeds and small group activities. This tour is a solid pick for those interested in railway history, scenic routes, or just an offbeat way to explore Romania.
Key Points
- Unique Railway Experiences: Ride the last forest and mining trains in Europe, plus narrow-gauge lines.
- Diverse Train Gauges: See standard, broad, and narrow gauge lines, understanding their historical and technical significance.
- Culturally Rich Stops: Visit medieval towns, train museums, and attractions like Pele Castle.
- Comfort & Convenience: Includes all transportation, hotel transfers, and entrance fees, with the flexibility to adapt the itinerary.
- Small Group Tours: Limited to 8 participants, offering a more personalized experience.
- Historical Insight: Visit depots and collections that showcase the evolution of Romanian railways.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
This tour is a deep dive into Romania’s railways, taking you across the country’s varied landscapes—from the rugged mountains of Maramure to the historic streets of Sibiu and Brașov. It’s designed to balance scenic train rides with cultural stops and a dose of history.
Day 1: Cluj-Napoca to Anina, via Oravia-Anina Train
The adventure begins in Cluj-Napoca, a lively city in Transylvania. From there, you’ll hop aboard the Oravia-Anina train, often called the Romania’s Semmering — a nickname that hints at its dramatic, mountain-filled route. This line offers sweeping views and a chance to see the last forest and mining trains still in use. Visiting the Reia train museum after gives a nice historical context, helping you understand Romania’s railway evolution.
Day 2: Bumbeti-Livezeni Line & Sibiu Locomotives
Next, you’ll ride the Bumbeti-Livezeni line, renowned for its scenic beauty, and visit the Sibiu locomotives collection. The latter is especially appealing if you’re into vintage engines, providing a glimpse into Romania’s rail past. This day combines natural beauty with a tangible sense of history, perfect for train buffs.
Day 3: Sibiu Medieval Town & Narrow-Gauge Construction
Sibiu’s medieval streets are a highlight on their own, but the real treat is seeing Cornel Mocnia, a narrow-gauge line undergoing restoration. This project offers a window into heritage preservation and the importance of narrow-gauge lines in local industries. It’s a quieter, more focused experience that appeals to those interested in railway restoration efforts.
More Great Tours NearbyDay 4: Limestone Carrier & Pele Castle
On day four, you’ll witness the Fieni-Pietroia narrow-gauge diesel limestone carrier, a relic of industrial Romania. Visiting Pele Castle afterward adds a splash of fairy-tale charm, making for a diverse day that blends industrial history with regal architecture.
Day 5 & 6: Brașov & Maramureș
After exploring Brașov’s charming town, you’ll take a night train to Maramureș, known for its wooden churches and scenic beauty. The following day, riding the Salva-Vieu route offers more sweeping views and a chance to see traditional Romanian countryside. Maramureș is famous for its authentic villages and unique cultural traditions, making this segment a highlight for anyone wanting a well-rounded Romanian experience.
Day 7: Vaser Valley’s Forest Line & Locomotive Depot
The Vaser Valley narrow-gauge line is a standout. Whether riding a vintage forest train or a rail minivan, you’ll see how vital these lines once were for logging and industry. Visiting the locomotive depot provides insight into the maintenance and operational side of railway life.
Day 8: Moldovia & Ukrainian Border
Back in Moldova, you’ll explore Mocnia’s narrow-gauge steam trains and view the painted monasteries—adding a cultural and artistic dimension to your railway journey. Crossing into Ukraine to observe broad-gauge freight trains at Dorneti border station underscores Romania’s position as a crossroads of different railway systems.
Day 9: Dej & Return to Cluj-Napoca
Your final stop is the Dej train museum and depot, wrapping up Romania’s rail history before returning to Cluj-Napoca. It’s a fitting way to conclude an enriching, train-focused adventure.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
The main draw here is definitely the focus on specialized trains—the last forest and mining trains, narrow gauge lines, and the Ukrainian broad gauge. For railway enthusiasts, this is gold. The chance to ride historic trains and visit dedicated museums provides a layered understanding of how railways shaped and continue to influence Romania.
Plus, the scenic routes aren’t just a bonus—they’re a core part of the experience. You’ll be passing through some of the most picturesque parts of Romania’s mountains, forests, and rural villages. The tour’s emphasis on railway diversity—standard, broad, and narrow gauge—demonstrates Romania’s varied railway infrastructure. It’s both educational and visually engaging.
The Value of the Price
At $2,402, the price covers all transportation, train tickets, museum entries, hotel pickups, and drop-offs. For a specialized, guided experience spanning nearly a week, that price is reasonable, especially considering the unique access to rare trains. Some reviews even mention the tour’s flexibility, meaning the itinerary can adapt to weather or other conditions, which adds peace of mind.
What Reviewers Say
People seem impressed with the diversity of train experiences. One review mentions, “We loved the way the tour combined scenic routes with museum visits, making it both educational and relaxing.” Others appreciate the small group size, which allows for more personalized attention from guides.
Downsides or Considerations
The tour is quite full-paced, and involves a fair amount of walking, especially around depots and towns. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or a dislike of moving between multiple sites quickly. Also, the tour’s focus on train attractions might mean some travelers expecting more general sightseeing could find it a bit narrow. Finally, the cost might be a barrier for some, but considering what’s included, it’s a well-priced package for train lovers.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for train enthusiasts, history buffs, or travelers who appreciate off-the-beaten-path adventures. If you enjoy scenic train rides, industrial heritage, and cultural stops, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also a good fit for those comfortable with a small-group setting and who aren’t looking for a super relaxed, laid-back trip—they’ll want to keep up with the diverse schedule and explore actively.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a journey that combines train history, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration, this 9-day tour is a rare opportunity. It’s a chance to see Romania’s unique railway lines, including some of the last remaining forest and mining trains in Europe, all while enjoying the picturesque landscapes and historic towns. The focus on specialized railway experiences makes it especially appealing to train lovers, but the scenic routes and cultural stops will also appeal to travelers looking for something different from the usual European city tours.
While the cost isn’t insignificant, the inclusions and focus on rare trains and scenic routes offer good value. If you’re up for a small-group, adventure-packed exploration into Romania’s rail past and present, this tour could be a memorable addition to your travels.
The trains of Romania in 9 days
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour involves riding several trains and walking around depots and museums. It’s best suited for adults or older children comfortable with moving at a quicker pace. It’s not explicitly family-focused, but older kids interested in trains might enjoy it.
Are the trains modern or vintage?
Many of the trains are vintage or historic, especially the narrow-gauge forest and mining trains. The experience emphasizes Romania’s railway heritage rather than modern high-speed lines.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking and exploring train depots and towns. Bring weather-appropriate clothing since some train routes are outdoors and subject to weather conditions.
Is the tour flexible if I want to skip a stop?
Yes, the tour mentions flexibility regarding itinerary changes, but it’s best to confirm details with the provider beforehand.
Are the train rides scenic?
Absolutely. The routes are chosen for their beauty, offering views of mountains, forests, and traditional villages that are best appreciated from a train window.
What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, providing a more intimate experience and better interaction with the guide.
If you love trains, history, and scenic landscapes, this Romania rail tour offers an engaging, memorable way to see the country from a different angle. Just be prepared for a busy, adventure-filled week that will leave you with stories and photos to cherish.
You can check availability for your dates here:
