The historic Banat region is the place where Romanian, Hungarian and Balkan influences meet, a region with a great and exciting history, making it a unique area. The region is a captivating land that you will fall in love with thanks to its folkloric traditions, impressive architecture, natural parks, rich gastronomy and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. 

No matter what time of year you want to visit the region, you will certainly not have time to get bored, as the area is of unparalleled cultural and natural beauty and is perfect for everyone. The picturesque landscapes of the mountain area will surely win you over, the unspoilt scenery will please your eyes, adventure enthusiasts will have their expectations exceeded, the history of the area will impress you, and last but not least, the gastronomy of the place will delight your taste buds, a gastronomy with hundreds of years old dishes. 

There are hundreds of reasons to visit the Banat region, as it is an area worth visiting and discovering, with some of the most beautiful and unique areas of Romania. This has been confirmed by all tourists from home and abroad who have visited this region. We recommend that you plan a few days of adventure in this land waiting to be discovered, and to make your stay easier, we have prepared below a list of the main tourist attractions of the Banat region. 

Places to visit in Banat

Timisoara

Timisoara is a fairytale city, and if you haven't had the chance to visit it yet, I recommend you do, you won't regret it. Timișoara is the largest city in the Banat region and the first city in the country to be liberated from communism, which certainly knows the price of freedom. The city is also one of the most important cities in Romania, being an important cultural, artistic and educational centre of the country. 

Discover here the main sights in Timisoara.

Danube Bend

The Danube Gorge encompasses the most beautiful and longest gorge in Europe, the beautiful Danube Gorge. It is one of the most beautiful areas of Romania, being an oasis of calm for all who come here. Once here, you should not miss the following sights in the area

Danube Boilers - Small Boilers and Large Boilers

The Danube Boilers are located on the territory of Dubova in Mehedinți County and they represent the point where the Danube narrows most near the mountains. They are 9 km long and about 80 m deep and the name of the boilers comes from the swirls on the surface of the water caused by the high flow of the Danube in these narrow parts of the river. It is a unique nature reserve on the surface of the country, and one of the most important tourist attractions in Romania. 

The face of Decebal

The Dacian king Decebal is depicted on a rock carving in the Danube Gorge. It was built over 10 years, between 1994 and 2004, and is 55 metres high. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Danube Defile, and is sure to captivate you. 

Ponicova Cave

The Ponicova Cave is the largest cave in the Danube Gorge and consists of several interconnecting galleries. It is 1660 metres long and you can visit it both by land and by boat on the Danube. 

Iron Gates National Park

Covering an area of approximately 115,665 ha, Iron Gates National Park is one of the most beautiful and largest natural parks in Romania. It is 140 km long and consists of 18 reserves. 

Ostrov Island

Ostrov Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Danube Gorge due to the diversity of bird species that the island hosts and the wild horses that are naturally bred here. Access to Ostrov Island is by boat or barge from Moldova Veche.

Nerei Gorge

The Nerei Gorge is a fairy-tale-like area, which amazes with its wild beauty and landscapes that seem to be drawn. It is a protected area of national interest that is enjoyed year after year by an increasing number of tourists who come to discover the beautiful area. The Nerei Gorges are the most beautiful and longest gorges in Romania, and among the first in Europe. It is a place you should not miss in the Banat region, the uniqueness of the place will surely captivate you. The gorges are formed by the Nera river, between Șopotul Nou and Sasca Română. Among the natural wonders that can be seen in the gorges are the Dracului Lake, the Ochiul Beiului Lake or the Beușnița Waterfalls.

Railway Oravita - Anina

The Oravița - Anina railway is the oldest mountain railway in Romania and crosses a fairytale landscape. It is 34 kilometres long and can be covered in about two hours. The railway is nicknamed the "Bănățean Semering" because it is similar to the "Semering" railway in Austria. Only one train now runs on the Oravița - Anina line and it is a diesel-electric locomotive and two uncoupled wagons that were built in 1930. On the wonderful route you will discover 21 km long mountain cuts, 10 viaducts and 14 tunnels. To enjoy a journey back in time on the oldest mountain railway in Romania, booking is compulsory and the price of a ticket is 24 ron. 

Schedule and routes: 

Regio 9695 on the Oravita - Anina route, departing from Oravita at 11.15 and arriving in Anina at 13.15 Regio R 9694 on the Anina - Oravita route, departing from Anina at 14.40 and arriving in Oravita at 16.40

Old Theatre "Mihai Eminescu"

The Old Theatre "Mihai Eminescu" in Oravita was the first theatre in Romania and was inaugurated in 1817. It is a unique and historic building from the Austrian Baroque period. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beauty and architectural richness.

The Old Theatre "Mihai Eminescu" is located on Mihai Eminescu Street 18, Oravita, and the visiting hours are daily from 11.00 to 19.00.

Museum of steam locomotives in Resita

The Steam Locomotive Museum in Reșița is the largest open-air technical museum in Europe, a place not to be missed once in the region. It was opened in 1972 and is located in the Triaj area. Here you can discover and admire the 16 steam locomotives that were used in the past. One of the attractions of the museum is the Resicza locomotive and the forest locomotive "Prițesa Elena". The museum can be visited at any time and there is no entrance fee. 

Tourist area Herculane

Herculane tourist area is really famous in Banat thanks to the resort of Băile Herculane, but also thanks to the National Park "Domogled - Cerna Valley". This area is unique because although it is situated at a very low altitude, only 168 meters, here you can breathe ionized air like at 1.500-2.000 meters, it's a bit like living in the Swiss Alps or Niagara Falls.

The tune of love

The Tunnel of Love is located in the commune of Obreja in Caras-Severin county and has been included in the list of the 28 hidden treasures of Europe. This place deserves its title as a fairytale place, and every year the number of visitors increases, thanks to the image and uniqueness of the place, which, whatever the season, you will fall in love with. It is also the place visited by those who are looking for instagrammable and unique photos.

Buhui Lake and Buhui Cave

Buhui Lake and Buhui Cave are two fairytale places in Banat and you should definitely visit them when you get to the west of the country. Lake Buhui is an oasis of greenery and tranquility, while Buhui Cave is located in the Anina Mountains and is one of the largest caves in Banat. The cave is 3217 meters long where you will discover real beauties. 

Accommodation in Banat - where to stay in Banat

• Neferprod Apartments is an apartment complex located in Timișoara on Ioan Slavici street. The accommodation offers rooms with garden views, a balcony, a garden where you can relax and a swimming pool. The price of a night's accommodation for two people here is 200 ron.

• Holiday home Delia is located in Băile Herculane, in the county of Caraș-Severin, and has a patio. There is a private swimming pool, a garden and free private parking at this holiday home. The holiday home has air conditioning, 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with dining area and 2 bathrooms with shower. Towels and bed linen are available. It offers a terrace. The property offers an outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities, and guests can fish nearby. One night's accommodation in the house for up to 10 people is 700 ron. The price may fluctuate depending on the time of year and the facilities chosen. 

• Holiday House Maga Dubova is located in Dubova and offers accommodation with a private pool and mountain views. It is the perfect place for a peaceful holiday at the foot of the mountains. The holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, and can accommodate a maximum of 6 adults. The price of a night's accommodation here for 6 people is 500 ron, depending on the chosen period.