The first stop on our unusual tour of Romania is the Merry Cemetery (Cimitirul Vesel) in the village of Săpânța. It's a place that completely changes our perception of cemeteries and death, turning them into a colorful gallery of folk art and humor.

How to get there: Merry Cemetery is located in northwestern Romania, in the Maramureş region. The nearest large city is Sighetu Marmației, about 20 kilometers away. You can get here from Bucharest by plane to the town of Baia Mare, and then rent a car or use local transportation.

The exact address: Str. Ioan Pătraș, Săpânța 437305, Romania

Accessibility: the cemetery is open to the public daily, from sunrise to sunset. There is an entrance fee - about 10 lei per adult (as of 2023). Children under the age of 7 enter for free.

What makes this place special? The Merry Cemetery is a real open-air gallery, where each tombstone is a small work of art. The colorful crosses are adorned with amusing epitaphs and sculptures that humorously tell the story of the lives and deaths of those buried here. This is a great opportunity to show children that death does not have to be a taboo subject, and can become an excuse to talk about life, history and traditions.

Attractions for children:

• Searching for the funniest epitaphs (a family competition can be organized)
• Learning about local history and customs by analyzing scenes on tombstones
• Drawing workshops inspired by colorful crosses (you should bring a sketchbook and crayons)

Practical tips:

• Recommended age: 7+, due to the subject matter and the need to read the epitaphs
• Tour time: about 1-2 hours
• Worth taking: comfortable shoes, headgear, water, snacks
• There is a small restaurant nearby where you can try local specialties

Additional attractions in the area:

• Săpânța Orthodox Church - a beautiful example of wooden architecture of Maramureş
• Memorialul Victimelor Comunismului şi al Rezistenţei in Sighetu Marmației - a museum dedicated to the victims of communism, suitable for older children

The Merry Cemetery is not only a tourist attraction, but above all an extraordinary lesson in history, art and philosophy of life. It is a place that is sure to be memorable for the whole family and will become the topic of many conversations after returning from vacation.

Another fascinating place that is sure to delight not only children, but adults as well, is the mud volcanoes in Berka. This is a geological phenomenon that feels like moving to another planet!

How to get there: The mud volcanoes are located in the municipality of Scorțoasa, Buzău County, about 150 km northeast of Bucharest. The best way to get here is by car, which gives you the freedom to explore the area.

The exact address: Pâclele 127041, Romania

Accessibility: the area is open year-round, but it's best to visit in spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate. There is an entrance fee - about 4 lei per person (as of 2023).

What makes this place special? Mud volcanoes are natural formations where mud and gases come out of the ground to form miniature 'craters'. This is a great opportunity for children to see with their own eyes how the forces of nature work and understand the basics of geology in practice.

Attractions for children:

• Observation of 'eruptions' of mud volcanoes
• Experimenting with mud (it is worth taking sticks to test the depth)
• Searching for fossils in the area
• Taking 'moon' photos against the backdrop of the unusual landscape

Practical tips:

• Recommended age: 5+
• Tour time: 1-3 hours
• Worth taking: old shoes or wellingtons, towels, spare clothes, water, snacks
• There is a restaurant nearby where you can try local specialties, especially recommended is 'mamaliga' (traditional corn dish)

Safety:

• Be sure to stick to the designated paths
• Do not enter the craters or sample the mud
• After rain, the terrain can be very slippery, extreme caution is required

Additional attractions in the area:

• Chihlimbarului Museum (Amber Museum) in Colți - a fascinating collection of amber and the history of its mining
• Trovanții (growing stones) in Ulmet - another geological phenomenon that will interest young scientists

The mud volcanoes in Berce are not only an unusual natural phenomenon, but also a great opportunity to learn about geology and the processes taking place beneath the Earth's surface. It's a place that will awaken children's passion for natural sciences and show them how fascinating the world around us can be.

At the end of our extraordinary journey through Romania, we move into the world of fairy tales and legends, visiting one of the most beautiful castles in Europe - Peleș Castle.

How to get there: Peleș Castle is located in Sinaia, about 140 km north of Bucharest. You can get here by car or train (Sinaia station is about 2 km from the castle).

The exact address: Aleea Peleșului 2, Sinaia 106100, Romania

Accessibility: the castle is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:15 am to 4:15 pm (last entry at 3:15 pm). The castle is closed on Mondays. Ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen - from 30 to 70 lei per adult (as of 2023). Children under 5 years old enter for free.

What makes this place special? Peleș Castle is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture that transports visitors to a world of royal splendor and elegance of the 19th century. For children, it's a chance to feel like a prince or princess as they discover the secrets of the royal residence.

Attractions for children:

• Searching for secret passages and hidden doors in the castle
• Admiring the collection of weapons and armor in the Hall of Arms
• Exploring different architectural styles in the various chambers
• Playing at recognizing characters from paintings and tapestries

Practical tips:

• Recommended age: 6+
• Tour time: 1-2 hours (depending on the route chosen)
• It is advisable to bring: comfortable shoes, a camera (for an additional fee), light snacks and water
• Taking photos inside the castle is prohibited, but you can take photos outside and in the gardens

Additional attractions in the area:

• The castle gardens - an ideal place for a family picnic and relaxation after sightseeing
• Cable car to the Cota 2000 mountain - for lovers of beautiful views
• Peleș Castle Studios - an interactive museum where children can dress up in period costumes

Peleș Castle is not only a lesson in history and architecture, but above all an opportunity to travel back in time and feel the atmosphere of ancient royal residences. This is a place that will spark the imagination of children and provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

To sum up our journey through Romania's unusual attractions, it is worth noting how diverse and fascinating a family vacation in this country can be. From a colorful cemetery to geological natural wonders to a fairy-tale castle, each of these places offers unique experiences and opportunities to learn through play. Romania is a country that has the potential to surprise and delight children and adults alike, leaving memories to last a lifetime. When planning your next family adventure, consider these not-so-obvious-but-so-fascinating destinations!