The idea of an unforgettable journey, through fairy-tale landscapes and traditional communities on the Via Transilvanica, attracted the BBC journalists like a magnet, who, like Charles, when he was not crowned, set out through our country.
Via Transilvanica. PHOTO Archive
The Brits covered part of the impressive 1,400 kilometer route, having an authentic experience in the heart of Europe.
“I was starting to run out of water, but I refilled, courtesy of the nuns from the Painted Monastery in the Romanian village of Sucevița. Then, after about three hours, the forest ended and we emerged into a high pasture with a magnificent view of the Bucovina mountains. According to the guide, this was the Poiana Ovăzului summer pasture, and where there are animals there must be water. … I turned left following the path and after a while it dipped into a green crevice in the ridge housing some more substantial buildings along with a makeshift shelter that had clearly been put there for hikers”says Andrew Eames, specialist in travel, in a text published by the BBC.
How they met the “palinca-o-clock” moment
“As I gratefully filled my water bottle, Cosma appeared, a big-bellied shepherd with a gap-toothed grin. I thanked him for the water, but he was already producing a bottle of homemade apple brandy. It was barely 11:00, although it was clear to him that the o-clock had already struck. I protested, but Cosma indicated that a glass or two would help the digestion. I was about to say that my digestion was disturbed when a plate of pork fat, sheep’s cheese and raw onions appeared, courtesy of Cosma’s elderly mother.” he also said.
The route was launched two years ago (it is already the winner of a “Europa Nostra” award that recognizes outstanding heritage conservation initiatives) and passes through some of Europe’s most traditional landscapes, rich in bears and wolves.
Via Transilvanica is a project of the Tășuleasa Social association, an NGO based in the Tihuța pass, Bistrița-Năsăud county. Until now, the association has acquired over 23 years of experience in organizing environmental, educational, social, cultural or even sports projects.
The international magazine “Time” included Via Transilvanica in the top 100 most beautiful places to visit around the world.
The Via Transilvanica project, which created the longest hiking route in Romania, received the public award at the European Heritage Awards 2023, in a ceremony held in Venice (Italy).
The Via Transilvanica stretches over 1,400 kilometers and connects 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
