Romania is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with its amazing landscapes, iconic landmarks and valuable heritage. However, Romania isn’t just home to some of the most beautiful places; it’s also home to some of the most unusual places in the world. From underground amusement parks to joyful cemeteries, Romania has it all. Whether you have been in Romania a long time or just moved here, these 5 cool and unusual places are definitely worth visiting.

 

Salina​ ​Turda

Salina Turda is one of the oldest salt mines in the world, dating back to the 17th century. From a cheese storage center to a bomb shelter in WWII, it has an interesting history. Even more interesting, it has recently been turned into an amazing underground theme park. Once there, you will head down about 400 ft before reaching the underground wonderland. Inside, there is a bowling alley, a theater and a lake with paddle boats and row boats. There is also a mini golf course, ping pong courts and a ferris wheel. Salina Turda is 424 km away from Bucharest and will take about 5 to 6 hours to get there by car.

Located in Durgău-Valea Sărată area of Turda, Romania.

Address – Aleea Durgăului 7, Turda 401106

Website – http://salinaturda.eu/?lang=en

 

Bears’​ ​Cave

Bears’ Cave is known as one of the most spectacular sights in the Romanian Apuseni Mountains, located near Chiscau, at an altitude of 482 meters.When the cave was discovered, numerous bear fossils were found there, which is how it got its name “Bears Cave.” It is also thought to have been a shelter for animals about 1500 years ago. In this 1500m long cave, there are three galleries and four halls, including The Bears Gallery, The Lights Gallery, Emil Racovita, more than 140 skulls, a bear skeleton and way more. The distance between Bears’ Cave and Bucharest is 526 km and should take 7 hours to get there by car.

Located in the Western Apuseni Mountains, on the outskirts of Chişcău village, Bihor County, Northwestern Romania.

Address – Chișcău 417366 

Website – http://www.pesteraursilor.ro/en/

 

Hoia​ ​Baciu​ ​Forest

The Hoia-Baciu Forest (also known as the world’s most haunted forest) is 250 hectares and is usually called the Bermuda Triangle of Romania. The forest is known for its intense paranormal activity and unexplained events. Visitors have reported ghost sightings, unexplained apparitions, faces appearing in photographs that were not visible before, and UFO sightings. In addition, the vegetation is very bizarre, from the strangely shaped trees to the unexplained charring on tree stumps and branches. There are people who believe that within Hoia-Baciu Forest there is a portal to other worlds. There are also many legends and stories about the paranormal activities in this forest. The forest is 475 km away from Bucharest and will take 6 hours to get there by car.

Located in Romania, Transylvania, North West from Cluj-Napoca

Address – Strada Tăietura Turcului, Cluj-Napoca 400285

Website – https://hoiabaciuforest.com/

 

The​ ​Merry​ ​Cemetery

Cemeteries are thought to be cold, creepy places, but not in the town of Săpânţa, home to what could be the happiest cemetery in the world. Thanks to its positive and light hearted approach to a depressing subject, this cemetery earned its nickname of the “Merry Cemetery.” The gravestones bare life stories, dirty details and final moments of the bodies they mark. Displayed on colorful gravestones decorated with good-humored images and poems are the stories of almost everyone who lived in Săpânţa. There is no cemetery in the world quite like the Merry Cemetery. It will take 9 hours to get from Bucharest to the Merry Cemetery by car and it is 588 km away.

Located in the Village of Săpânța, Maramureş County, Romania

Address – Săpânța 437305

Website – http://romaniatourism.com/press-the-merry-cemetery.html

 

Decebal’s​ ​Head

Overlooking the Danube River is a 40m statue, known as Decebal’s Head. The face on the statue is King Decebalus who was the leader of the Dacians. Decebalus’ defeat ended the Second Dacian War. However, Decebalus spirit did not die, and has been brought back in Romania, which used to be apart of the Dacian Kingdom. It is is the tallest rock sculpture in Europe and took 10 years (1994-2004) for the team of twelve sculptors to complete. This project was started by a wealthy Romanian businessman, Iosif Constantin Drăgan, and in latin at the bottom of the statue it reads “King Decebal – Made by Dragan.” Bucharest is 498 km away from Decebal’s Head and will take 7 hours to get there by car.

Located in Bor, Romania, next to the Danube River, in the area of Iron Gorge

Address – DN57, Dubova 227170