We decided to spend the evening in the resort village of Baile Herculane and located a pleasant home offering a room for approximately 20 USD. From the delightful conversation to fresh strawberries with sugar (a Romanian favorite) to covering the motorcycle with a tarp from the rains, Anghelina welcomed us as family.

Baile Herculane is nestled in the Cerna Valley with its natural springs and renowned sulfur, healing springs. Mt Domogled towers over the town which credits its origins to the legend that Hercules bathed here after a battle and healed his wounds! In the 19th century, Herkulesbad (as it was known then) was frequented by Western European aristocrats and royalty. Today, it is an aging resort with numerous hotels in desperate need of repair and extensive renovations. Yet, its antique charm and sulfur smell still captivate you.

With rains moving into the region, it wasn’t a difficult choice for us to enjoy a day walking, photographing and riding the mountain roads. The forests surrounding the resort have been protected since the early 1930s and provide excellent hiking trails. We also had an additional benefit with our stay in Baile Herculane – the air. Due to the area’s geological composition, the air is said to be healthier to breathe due to its increased negative ionization. - BGR & HSR