Happy TravellerWelcome to Zărnești, a picturesque town located in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. With a population of 21,681, Zărnești is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Situated near the Piatra Craiului Mountains, Zărnești is the perfect starting point for tourists and hikers wishing to explore The Piatra Craiului National Park.
History:
Zărnești has a rich history that dates back to the Roman period. Soldiers of the Legio XIII Gemina were buried in the territory that is modern-day Zărnești. The town is first mentioned in the year 1373 under the name Zârna and also referred to as possessio regalis Zerne in 1395. Other names that appeared after 1437 are Zerna, Villa Czerne, and Zernyest. Modern-day Zărnești developed in the same location as the historic one. The commune of Tohan, which is now part of the town, was first mentioned in the year 1294, and remains among the oldest settlements in Romanian which have kept their name and location unchanged. In 1690 Battle of Zernest, Ottoman ally Imre Thököly (in cooperation with Wallachian Voivode Constantin Brâncoveanu) defeated Habsburg forces, which enabled him to become Prince of Transylvania for a short time. Due to the topographical diversity of Zărnești and surrounding area, agriculture became the primary occupation for its residents until not too long ago. Industrialization began sometime in the 1800s, with the construction of the paper manufacturing plant in 1852, then called Celuloza, now called Celohart – EcoPaper), and the weapons plant 6 Martie in 1936. These projects turned Zărnești from a predominantly rural to an urban town. In December 1939 disaster hit the town as 24 t of chlorine gas were spilled, killing 60, even at considerable distance from the plant where a storage vessel failed.The town of Zărnești developed largely in the communist era, bringing its population to 25,000 people, which contributed to the addition of a few neighborhoods of communist era blocs. In 1951, Zărnești was declared a town, of which Tohanul Vechi (Old Tohan) became a part of. In 1968, the commune of Tohanul Nou (New Tohan) was included in Zărnești proper. After the Romanian Revolution of 1989, the industrial plants closed, only to be sold piece by piece to private buyers. Currently, Zărnești has enjoyed a spike in tourism, relieving some of the pressure of unemployment which followed the revolution.
Name:
The Romanian name Zărnești is a derivation from zârnă (Black Nightshade), a word of Slavic origin (from Old Church Slavonic зрьно, grain) and suffix -ești.
Climate:
Zărnești has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb in the Köppen climate classification).
Notable people:
– Ioan Bran de Lemény, lawyer, revolutionary, and Transylvania’s first Romanian civil servant
– Gheorghe Crăciun, writer and translator
– Eduard-Michael Grosu, Romanian professional racing cyclist, born in Zărnești
– Alexandru Ilie, professional footballer
– Rareș Manea and Silviu Manea, endurance sports athletes
– Ioan Mețianu, cleric of the Romanian Orthodox Church
– Traian Moșoiu, Romanian World War I-general, born in Tohanul Nou
– Ion Monea, Romanian boxing champion, born in Tohanul Vechi
Attractions:
1. Piatra Craiului National Park: Zărnești is the gateway to the Piatra Craiului National Park, which is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including brown bears, wolves, and lynx. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Libearty Bear Sanctuary: The Libearty Bear Sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers. The sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued bears, who have been saved from captivity and abuse. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and learn about the bears’ stories and rehabilitation.
3. Zărnești Gorges: The Zărnești Gorges are a natural wonder that should not be missed. The gorges are a series of narrow canyons that have been carved out by the Zărnești River. Visitors can hike through the gorges and admire the stunning rock formations and waterfalls.
4. Bran Castle: Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, is located just a short drive from Zărnești. The castle is a popular tourist attraction and is said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its history and legends.
Food and Drink:
Zărnești is known for its hearty and delicious cuisine, which is influenced by both Romanian and Hungarian traditions. Some of the must-try dishes include sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and goulash (a hearty stew made with beef and vegetables). Visitors can also sample the local wines and spirits, including palinca (a strong fruit brandy) and tuica (a plum brandy).
Accommodation:
Zărnești offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, many of which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Some of the top-rated accommodation options include Pensiunea Casa din Bran, Casa Tabacaru, and Pensiunea Casa Cristina.
In conclusion, Zărnești is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Zărnești has something to offer everyone. So why not plan your next vacation to Zărnești and discover all that this charming town has to offer?
