Sinaia: Peleș, Pelișor, Monastery and Ski Resort

Culture

Peleș Castle was built between 1873 and 1914 and served as a royal residence from 1883 to 1947. Since 1990, it has once again been operated as a museum. Pelișor Castle was built between 1899 and 1902 as a gift for the crown princes; its interior reflects the Art Nouveau style chosen by Queen Marie. It was opened to visitors in February 1993.

George Enescu’s house in Sinaia was built between 1923 and 1926 and named Vila Luminiș. In 1995, it became a memorial house, and since 2007 it has been a department of the National George Enescu Museum. The house also preserves the composer’s Ibach grand piano, made in Lausanne.

Muzeul Sinaia is housed in the Florescu-Știrbei Palace, considered the oldest villa in the city and built in 1875. The museum presents local history as well as exhibitions on notable personalities, sports, scouting and nature; it also hosts temporary exhibitions.

The city of Sinaia grew up around the Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695. The monastery dates from the late 17th century, and its old church was built in the Brâncovenesc style typical of Wallachia at the time. The monastery museum displays, among other things, the 1688 Bucharest Bible. The religious museum at Sinaia Monastery has operated continuously since its establishment and is considered the first museum of its kind in Romania.

Sinaia Casino was built in 1912–1913 in the northern part of Dimitrie Ghica Park.

Find more destinations here: Pisculeşti, Slănic, Cheia, Negrasu, Măgurele, Poiana Câmpina, Adunaţi and Buşteni.

Winter sports

The Sinaia ski resort reaches an altitude of 2,103 metres at Vârful Furnica and is considered the highest ski resort in Romania. It extends from Cota 2000 to Cota 1000 and also includes Valea Soarelui and Valea Dorului. Two lift systems serve seven ski slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers in the alpine area.

Drumul de Vară is an intermediate ski slope running from Cota 2000 to Cota 1400. It is over 3 km long and covers a vertical difference of 600 metres. The Sinaia Gondola runs from Cota 1000 to Cota 1400 through a wooded area. The Carp Gondola runs from Cota 1400 to Cota 2000 through the alpine area, crossing Valea cu Brazi.

The lower gondola station is located at Aleea Telegondolei No. 5. It can be reached by public transport and car and has its own car park at the lower station. Sinaia bus route T4 connects Gara and Telegondola and stops at the Market DN1 bus stop.

Cycling trails

Bike Resort Sinaia has four developed downhill, all-mountain and XC trails, with a total of around 10 km of singletrack and forest paths. The routes are signposted along the trails; difficult sections can be avoided via bypass routes.

Landscape

Dimitrie Ghica Park in Sinaia was laid out in 1881. Every autumn, the Festivalul orașului Sinaia takes place in the park. Poiana Stânii is an alpine meadow at an altitude of 1,270 metres. Stânca Sfânta Ana served as a retreat for local hermits, and the clearing at its foot offers a view of Sinaia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Prahova.