With its cloud-white houses, green shutters and floral motifs, Rimetea has a touch of the fairytale village about it. This slice of rural Romania shines a new light on Transylvania – the gateway to hikes across the dramatic Trascău Mountains. And the perfect antidote to seen-it-all-before trips.
NATURE
Hiking the Western Carpathians could bring you to Piatra Secuiului, or ‘Rock of the Szeklers’. This awe-inspiring peak is part of the Trascau range – and climbs reward you with truly stunning photos across the landscape. Or embark on a south-westerly journey from Rimetea to the gently cascading Șipote Waterfall.
LANDMARKS
Architecture aficionados will love the beautifully preserved white houses that are the hallmark of Rimetea. These 19th-century residencies were awarded the prestigious Europa Nostra medal, and open a window to another time. Find a moment to visit the ruined hilltop fortress of Colțești while here, too, for a further foray into the (hi)story books.
FOOD
A place of timeless traditions, Rimetea has a proud culinary heritage. Try fried langosi, a flatbread perfect for mopping up every last mouthful of goulash – and often served with a snowfall of cheese on top. For dessert, it’ll be soft and sweet plum dumplings.
Bring binoculars when climbing the TrascAu Mountains and Piatra Secuiului. Alpine swifts dot the skies on their way to (or from) the Himalayas and warm Mediterranean climes.
