Things To Do
in Câmpulung

Câmpulung is a historic town set at the foothills of the Carpathians in Argeș County, Romania. Its old town features colorful 19th-century façades, cobbled lanes, and centuries-old religious sites. The town sits along gentle rivers and serves as a gateway to nearby mountain landscapes and forests.

Visitors enjoy a calm pace, friendly locals, and a blend of cultural heritage with outdoor possibilities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Historic Center Exploration
morning
:

Start your journey with a leisurely breakfast at a cozy local café in the heart of Câmpulung. Feel the medieval atmosphere as you stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the centuries-old architecture. Don’t miss the Baroque facades that line the main square.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch at a family-run bistro serving sarmale and mămăligă. Visit the Curtea Domnească ruins to learn about Wallachian princes who once ruled the region. Wander through the old town’s hidden courtyards and art galleries.

evening
:

Unwind at a local pub with a craft beer or tuică while listening to live folk music. Watch the sun set behind the Carpathian foothills from a terrace overlooking the square. Savor a dessert of papanasi before heading back to rest.

day 2
Golești Village Museum Experience
morning
:

Drive to the Golești Museum to immerse yourself in 19th-century noble life. Explore the elegant manor house, vintage carriages, and sprawling gardens. Engage with interactive exhibits showcasing traditional crafts.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at the museum’s café offering home-made plum jam and cheese. Attend a folk demonstration where artisans demonstrate weaving and wood carving. Wander the open-air exhibits and admire archival photographs.

evening
:

Return to Câmpulung for dinner at a gastropub serving local specialties. Sample lamb stew and crisp vegetables from mountain farms. End the evening with a moonlit walk along the Dâmbovița River.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
Coffee/tea$2-4
🚌Public transport ride$0.50-1.50
🏨Mid-range hotel room (1 night)$40-70
🍷Glass of wine$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and friendly locals
  • Reasonably priced compared with Western Europe
  • Gateway access to the Carpathians
  • Smaller-town amenities in some areas
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • "Bună ziua" - Hello
  • "Vă rog" - Please
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
  • "La revedere" - Goodbye
  • "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Nu vorbesc românește foarte bine" - I don't speak Romanian very well.

Places to Visit in Câmpulung

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Streets

Colorful 19th-century façades and narrow lanes ideal for atmospheric street photography.

Riverside Promenade

Shadows and reflections along the town’s waterside create tranquil compositions.

Hilltop Viewpoint

A vantage point above the town offers sweeping panoramas at sunrise or sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Câmpulung

Câmpulung offers hearty Romanian dishes in rustic settings, with fresh produce and local dairy featuring prominently in many menus.

Câmpulung Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână

Cornmeal porridge served with salty cheese and sour cream; a comforting Romanian staple.

Must-Try!

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice, a classic festive dish.

Ciorbă de burtă

Traditional tripe soup with sour cream and vinegar, a Zilele vechi staple in many towns.

Salată de vinete

Roasted eggplant salad with garlic and olive oil; a common accompaniment or starter.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Market (Piata Municipală)

Bustling market where you can taste fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and homemade pastries.

Street Food Corner

Casual bites offered by local vendors, including grilled meats and vegetarian options.

Climate Guide

Weather

Câmpulung experiences four distinct seasons: hot summers, cold winters with snow, and mild springs and autumns. Rain is possible year-round, with peaks in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and a friendly nod are common; using courteous language and, when possible, a few Romanian phrases is appreciated.

Respect in sacred spaces

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; maintain respectful silence and avoid loud behavior inside.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime is relatively low, but standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, drive cautiously on mountain roads in winter, and follow local weather advisories during severe conditions.

Tipping in Câmpulung

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if service is good.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards and contactless payments are common in towns and cafes.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming orchards; carry a light jacket and water.

Summer

Warm days with cooler evenings; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Golden foliage and crisp air; rainfall is possible; layering is recommended.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; be prepared for icy sidewalks and mountain passes.

Nightlife Guide

Câmpulung at Night

The nightlife in Câmpulung is modest and relaxed, centered around the town square and small bars. You’ll find several cozy venues offering local wines, live folk music on certain evenings, and casual cafes that stay open late, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Câmpulung

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hilltop Trail near the town

Easy to moderate loop with forest paths and town views.

Carpathian Foothills Ridge

Longer day hike with scenic overlooks and varied terrain.

River Valley Path

Flat, family-friendly trail along the river with wildlife opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Câmpulung by plane.

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)

The closest major airport; typically 2-3 hours by car or rail to Câmpulung with frequent connections.

Sibiu International Airport (SBZ)

A regional airport with broader seasonal connections; requires longer transfer to Câmpulung.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights reachable on foot. Parking can be challenging near busy squares, but the streets are pleasant for wandering pedestrians.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Romanian

Predominant ethnic group; Orthodox Christian majority.

Romani

Minority community with distinct cultural traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely followed with local clubs and matches in season.

Hiking and mountain biking

Popular activities in the surrounding Carpathians and foothills.

Transportation

Traffic

In-town traffic is typically light; regional roads can be winding and slower. Public buses connect to nearby towns, and car rental is common for exploring the region. Winter weather can affect mountain passes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Câmpulung.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer seasonal vegetables, dairy-based plates, and mămăligă-based options; ask to tailor dishes if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in Câmpulung with a municipal hospital and several clinics. For specialized care, residents may travel to Brașov or Bucharest, but emergency services are accessible locally.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide