Winter Holidays In Braşov And Its Snow-Covered Mountains

The city of Braşov in Romania and its nearby mountains are a cool place to visit during the winter. Braşov, Romania, clearly experiences all the seasons throughout the year. Winter in Transylvania is cold, as you would expect, with freezing temperatures and often snow or frost.

There are plenty of things to keep you entertained, from the Christmas festivities to more active fun in the mountains and at ski resorts.

My Brasov Winter Trips

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I thoroughly enjoyed the wintry conditions during Christmas and the rest of the winter that I’ve spent in Brasov. Coming from England, regular snow isn’t really a thing, so I really relished the prospect of spending time in the colder months.

Brasov delivered for me on my visits. There were clear, crisp days and others that were icy cold. Snow fell frequently in the city, and in the mountains there was a constant covering of the white stuff.

What’s Winter in Brasov All About?

Christmas Markets

One of the highlights of the winter is the annual festive market held each December. These take place in the main town square with stalls, decorations and an enormous tree. You can attend various events here throughout December, including music.

Ice Rink

There is an ice rink in the city for people of all abilities to enjoy. This is in the old town area near Catherine’s Gate.

City Walls In The Snow

The City Walls Walk is scenic, especially after a light dusting of snow. There are historic features to see when walking around, including some cool gates and towers. It’s pretty close to the town centre, so it’s easy to pop into a cafe or bar to keep warm after.

Walks

For the more adventurous, the mountains are an excellent winter playground. There are opportunities for hiking in the snow-covered peaks, sledging, or even partaking in a variety of winter sports. The tamer hills near the zoo and Adventureland are also ideal for a walk after a light dusting.

Fun In The Mountains

Walking in the mountains in winter is tricky but can be fun. Being properly dressed is important, as is being prepared for the worst. Most walking trails in the area have many hikers. I would advise those inexperienced to stick to these.

Mount Tampa in the town centre is not always snow-covered, so it is an ideal place for an easier walk during the winter months. It offers the chance to see the nearby snow-covered mountains in the Postăvarul Massif.

New Year’s Celebrations

The city comes alive for the New Year celebrations and gets busy. Council Square was the focus of the fun, with a stage blaring live music and crowds gathering. It very much seemed a family affair, with entire families marking the occasion.

Winter Sports In Poiana Braşov

Just up the road and a 25-minute bus journey from the city is Poiana Braşov. This is a major ski resort in Romania. There is always snow in Poiana; hence, it is a top destination for those who enjoy winter sports. This is the place to be for skiers and snowboard enthusiasts, and also a good place to buy solid, suitable clothing.

On my first wintertime visit, I wandered through the snow in the lower reaches of the area. It had a deep covering of snow, with some drifts that left me waist-deep in the white stuff. The lower reaches were popular with families getting sledges out with children.

The next time, I wanted better views and to see the ski resort in full swing. My plan was to get the cable car to the top of the mountains. This was an exceptional experience visiting the peak of Postăvarul.

Dressing for Winter

It occasionally got freezing, particularly at night or on scheduled clear or blue-sky days. The average temperature in the city is -3-4°C in December and January; however, it gets much colder in the mountainous areas. The lowest I experienced was-19°C.

A good coat and some well-thought-out clothing layers are a must-have on the colder days here. Gloves, a hat, and scarves are pretty important, too, to keep the extremities warm. A change of socks and trousers is a good idea to carry in case they get wet to prevent any problems.

Good, sturdy, waterproof boots are a must-have item at this time of year. These keep feet dry and offer ankle support in slippery conditions, and boy, does it get slippery in places.

Where To Stay

Depending on what your plans are, the two best places to stay are either Brasov Old Town or near the Poiana ski resort. There are budget hostels, holiday homes and luxury hotels. The city and the ski resorts are well connected by bus from the city centre.