I recently took a trip that changed how I think about travel with my four-legged best friend. Many people believe that Europe is difficult for pets. Dog Friendly Holidays in Sibiu, Romania prove that this is not true at all. This romania Sibiu city is a hidden gem in Transylvania. It is a place of history and rich nature. I want to share my journey to help you plan your own adventure.
Preparing for the Big Adventure
First of all, I had to handle the paperwork. You cannot just jump on a plane with a dog without a plan. Romania follows standard European Union rules. Your dog must have a working microchip. This transponder must be ISO-compliant and usually has 15 digits. I made sure my vet scanned the chip before the rabies vaccine was given. This is a high priority. If the vaccine comes before the chip, the EU does not count it.
The rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old before you travel. Additionally, you need an EU pet passport or an EU pet health certificate. For those coming from the United States, a USDA-accredited veterinarian must issue the health certificate. I found that the “non-commercial” certificate is valid for 30 days after the vet signs it. However, the USDA must endorse it within 10 days of your arrival in the EU. It sounds like a lot of work. It is worth it for the peace of mind.
Finding the Perfect Sibiu Pet Friendly Hotel
Finding a place to stay was my next task. Sibiu has about 23 pet friendly hotels. The average price for a pet-friendly room is around $59 per night. I looked at many options before I chose one.
The Mycontinental Sibiu Hotel is a solid 3-star choice. It costs about $67 per night and has a 8.5 “Very Good” rating from over 4,160 reviews. It sits only 1 km from the Small Square. This hotel allows pets of any size for a fee of €14 per pet, per night.
I also considered Vila Bohemia. This is a 4-star guest house with an amazing 9.7 “Excellent” rating. It offers a garden and a patio, which is great for morning stretches with a dog. It is close to the 13th-century Council Tower.
Another top pick is the Craft Inn – Boutique Hotel. It has a 9.7 rating and costs around $94 per night. They even provide food and water bowls for four-legged guests. Plus, the location is quiet but close to the old town.
If you want a pool, Casa Rania is a good deal. It costs roughly $38 per night and has an indoor swimming pool.
Arriving in the City of Eyes
We finally arrived in romania Sibiu. The first thing I noticed were the houses. They have windows that look like eyes. People call them “the eyes of Sibiu”. It felt like the buildings were watching us walk by.
We used a rental car to get around. However, I learned that all sizes of dogs are allowed on trains in Romania. Small pets in a cage travel for free. Larger dogs need a leash and a muzzle. You must buy a half-fare ticket for a big dog. Local buses and trams also allow dogs on leashes with muzzles. Uber is another great option. It is very cheap in Romania. I never had an Uber driver object to my dog. A ride within the city usually costs between $2 and $5.
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Sibiu
We started our first morning with breakfast at Simoni Petru. This is a dog-friendly cafe in the city center. The fresh pastries cost about 20 RON. It was a great way to start the day.
Later, we visited the ASTRA National Museum Complex. This is the largest outdoor museum in Europe. It covers 250 acres and has over 300 buildings. I paid 25 RON for my ticket. The museum is pet-friendly. I saw many people enjoying the trails with their dogs. We walked past windmills and watermills. We even saw a Danube Delta village with colorful houses. The wooden church from 1754 was a highlight. You should plan to spend at least 4 to 5 hours here.
For lunch, we headed to Hanul lui Manuc in the Old Town. The meal was about 40 RON. After that, we took a leisurely walk in Sub Arini Park. This park is one of the oldest green zones in the city. It is free to enter.
Dinner was at Hermania Restaurant. This place serves traditional Saxon food. They use ingredients from their own ecological farms. I recommend the Angus beef or the mustard-crusted trout. The meal cost around 50 RON.
Day 2: Nature and History Combined
On our second day, we ate at Joseph Urban in the Big Square. Breakfast was 25 RON. Then, we drove 20 minutes to the Sibiu Zoo. Entry was only 15 RON. It was interesting to see the animals with my dog by my side.
We had a sustainable lunch at Butoiul de Aur for 35 RON. Later, we went for a hike in Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park. This park has scenic trails and lush greenery.
We also visited the Bridge of Lies. It was built in 1859 and is made of cast iron. Legend says the bridge creaks if you tell a lie while standing on it. It is a perfect spot for photos.
Finally, we ended the day at Culita Verde. They focus on sustainability and local ingredients. Dinner was 45 RON.
Day 3: A Trip to Cisnadioara
We decided to leave the city for a bit. We drove 20 minutes to Cisnadioara. We had breakfast at Pensiunea Cisnadioara for 30 RON. This guesthouse is very cozy.
We explored the Cisnadioara Fortress. The entry fee was 10 RON. The views of the countryside were beautiful. On top of that, we visited the Cisnadioara Cave. It was a short drive from the village center and cost 20 RON.
Lunch was at Casa Romaneasca. They have a traditional approach to cooking. We spent 40 RON each. We returned to the guesthouse for a 50 RON dinner.
Day 4: Discovering Rasinari Village
Next, we traveled 30 minutes to Rasinari. This village is known for its traditional architecture. We had breakfast at Casa Manuel for 25 RON.
We spent two hours strolling through the village. It is a very picturesque place. We also visited the Rasinari Museum for 10 RON. It is a small museum about local heritage.
Lunch at Casa Muresenilor was 35 RON. Later, we relaxed by the Sadu River. It was very peaceful. My dog loved the cool water. Dinner was back at the guesthouse for 45 RON.
Day 5: The Beauty of Marginimea Sibiului
Our last day was spent in Marginimea Sibiului. We drove 40 minutes from Rasinari. Breakfast at Pensiunea La Moara was 30 RON.
We visited the Marginimea Sibiului Museum for 10 RON. It highlights the history of the region. Lunch at La Tavi was 40 RON. They use an eco-friendly approach to cooking.
In the afternoon, we hiked in the Marginimea Sibiului Hills. The trails offer panoramic views. It was the perfect end to our trip. Our final dinner at the guesthouse was 50 RON.
Dining Out with Your Dog
Eating out in Sibiu romania travel is easier than I expected. Many restaurants have outdoor terraces. During the summer, we always sat outside.
Charlie’s Coffee & Brunch is a special place. It is named after the owners’ dog, Charlie. You can often see him walking among the tables. Lumos Coffee & Brunch is another pet-friendly spot. I loved their Nordic design. The staff is very friendly.
If you want to treat your dog, go to Sweetium. You can order a special cake for your dog made from natural ingredients. Other good spots include Eggcellent, Hug The Plate, and The Rabbit Hole.
However, some places do have “no dogs” signs. I always asked before I went inside. Most employees were helpful.
Sibiu Romania Winter Fun
I have heard that Sibiu romania winter is magical. The city hosts a famous Christmas market called Targul de Craciun. It is set in the Big Square. Hotel Roberts is only a 15-minute walk from the market.
Though it gets very cold, the city looks like a fairy tale. You should avoid the Danube Delta in winter because it gets meters of snow. But the city center is lively. You can climb the Council Tower for a small fee of about $2. The view of the snow-covered rooftops is breathtaking.
Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains
If you love the outdoors, you must explore the mountains. There are three chains in Sibiu County: Făgăraș, Cindrel, and Lotru.
The Cindrel Mountains are softer with large forests. Păltiniș Mountain Resort is a great hub for hikers. It sits at 1450 meters. You can take bus no. 22 from the city to get there.
I enjoyed the Păltiniș – Fraga – Rășinari trail. It is 20.9 km long and takes about 6 hours. It is a moderate trail. Another easy option is the Păltiniș circuit through Poiana Găujoara. This is only 8.4 km and takes about 2.5 hours.
The Făgăraș Mountains are the highest. They have peaks like Moldoveanu (2544 m). These trails are difficult and for experienced hikers. During winter, the trails above the cabins are closed.
Important Tips for Pet Owners
Sibiu is becoming more pet-friendly every day. There are many green spaces and parks. The city has special dog parks on strada Lungă and Maramureșului. These areas are 250–300 square meters. They have agility equipment and water fountains.
If you need supplies, there are several pet shops. Fressnapf and Animax are well-known. You can find them in shopping centers.
In case of an emergency, there are vets available. One traveler recommended an English-speaking vet on Strada Taomnei, Number 15. Their office is open most days, including Saturdays.
What to Watch Out For
I did see many stray dogs in Romania. This is a known fact. However, they were usually shy and timid. I just raised my voice, and they went away. They mostly wanted to play with my dog.
When hiking, you should be careful of wildlife. There are bears and wolves in the mountains. I kept my dog on a leash for safety. Also, watch out for aggressive shepherd dogs. I picked my dog up when we walked past them.
Another thing to note is that some hotels might try to charge extra for a dog. One traveler found a hotel that wanted to charge double. I always checked the pet policy before I booked. Friedrich Homm and BonTon Apartments allow dogs for no additional fee. This is a great way to save money.
FAQ
Can I take my dog inside the mall in Sibiu?
I found that most shops in the mall do not allow dogs inside. Small dogs are sometimes allowed if you hold them in your arms while you walk. However, the food court area is strictly off-limits to all pets. On top of that, some specific stores like Altex might still ask you to leave.
What are the rules for puppies traveling to Romania?
Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old before they can get their first rabies vaccine. They cannot travel to the EU until they are about 7 months old because of the waiting periods for the vaccine and blood tests. Additionally, the microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the first vaccine.
What happens if someone on the train complains about my dog?
The conductor has the authority to move you and your dog to a different place on the train. They can also stop your dog from traveling if other passengers protest. Plus, this depends on the behavior of your pet and the space available in the coach.
Are there rules for dangerous dog breeds in Romania?
Yes. Breeds such as Rottweilers or American Staffordshire Terriers have extra requirements for public safety. You must keep these dogs on a leash and they must wear a muzzle at all times. Therefore, I recommend always having a muzzle ready for your dog when you use public transport.
Can I take my dog to a church or a castle?
Dogs are usually not allowed inside the famous castles or churches of Romania. You can often view these beautiful historic buildings from the outside with your pet. However, some staff at places like church towers or Corvin Castle might offer to watch your dog while you go inside.
Concluding words
Sibiu is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a pet-centered vacation. The city offers a wonderful mix of medieval history and nature trails. You can stay in a high-quality Sibiu pet friendly hotel and eat at cozy cafes with your best friend. Romania is much more welcoming to pets than I first expected.
Dog Friendly Holidays in Sibiu, Romania will create memories that last forever for you and your dog. Therefore, you should get your pet passport ready and start your romania Sibiu journey today. A huge relief for any traveler. Truly amazing.
