A mountain resort in the Carpathians, known for Peleș Castle, former summer residence of Romanian royalty. Popular for skiing and hiking in Bucegi Natural Park.
Sinaia, a town in Romania's Prahova County, sits in the Carpathian Mountains. You'll find the Neo-Renaissance Peleș Castle here, once a royal residence. The town's location makes it ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Sinaia also has a historic monastery and offers a variety of Romanian cuisine.
Exploring Peleș Castle
Peleș Castle dominates Sinaia's landscape. Built in the late 19th century, this Neo-Renaissance castle served as the summer home of Romania's first king, Carol I. Inside, you'll see 160 rooms filled with European art, including Murano crystal chandeliers and German stained-glass windows. Take a tour to see the Honor Hall with its movable glass ceiling, and the Florentine Room with its nude sculptures. After your tour, walk around the castle grounds to see statues and fountains.
Visiting Sinaia Monastery
Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695, gave the town its name. The monastery complex has two churches: the Old Church and the Great Church. In the Old Church, you can see original frescoes from the late 17th century. Visit the monastery museum to view valuable religious artifacts, including the first Bible printed in Romanian. The courtyards provide a calm space away from the more ornate Peleș Castle.
Hiking and Skiing in Sinaia
Sinaia's location in the Bucegi Mountains makes it a good base for hiking and skiing. In summer, you can hike trails in the surrounding mountains. The Bucegi Natural Park has routes for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging climbs. In winter, Sinaia becomes a ski resort with 16 slopes of varying difficulty. Take the Sinaia Gondola up to 2,000 meters for a view of the Prahova Valley.
Getting to Sinaia
You can easily reach Sinaia from major Romanian cities. Trains run often from Bucharest, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Brașov, the train ride is about an hour. If you're driving, Sinaia is about 120 km north of Bucharest on the DN1 road. In town, you can walk to most attractions, but taxis are available for longer trips.
Where to Stay in Sinaia
Sinaia has various places to stay. For a historical experience, try the Hotel Palace, built in 1911, which has a spa center. For modern amenities, the New Montana Hotel provides comfortable rooms with mountain views. If you prefer a smaller setting, many guesthouses in town offer rooms and local hospitality.
Tasting Local Cuisine
While in Sinaia, try some traditional Romanian dishes. Local restaurants serve ciorbă de fasole în pâine (bean soup in a bread bowl) and mămăligă cu brânză și smântână (polenta with cheese and sour cream). For dessert, try cozonac, a sweet bread filled with nuts and cocoa. Many restaurants also offer Romanian wines to go with your meal.
