Volunteering in the dog project in Romania

In the building for volunteers there are two apartments that are separated by gender. The female apartment sleeps 17 people and the male apartment sleeps six. Each apartment is equipped with working kitchens, a dining area, fridges, washing machines, bathrooms, wifi and a living room. Bed linen is provided, you bring your own towels.

When you enter the apartment, the kitchen and dining area welcome you. All cooking utensils are provided, as well as a microwave, toaster, french press and kettle. The washing machine is also in the kitchen.

On weekdays you get a warm meal and otherwise there is always enough food available so that you can prepare your own food. Twice a week you create a shopping list together and the caretaker then goes shopping.

Your new home is on a colorful street steeped in history. There are numerous shops and cafes along this street, including a grocery store within easy reach. Many establishments have free wifi if you are staying outside the accommodation. There is an ATM just around the corner next to the grocery store. Although you are right in the center of the city, it is a quiet and peaceful place.

One of the first things you'll notice is a small game hut that's used for volunteer activities, meetings, and dinners. It is a great addition to the available spaces where everyone can gather and get to know each other.

Our project location in Romania is in the eastern part of the Transylvania region, also known as Transylvania. Beautiful landscapes await you here between the volcanic Harghita Mountains and the Ciuc Mountains.

Transylvania is known to many for the legend of Count Dracula. Indeed, the region has a mystical vibe and in many places you will feel like you have stepped back in time. The region has an eventful history, which means that a large part of the population here speaks Hungarian as well as Romanian.

Located in the center of the country, Transylvania captivates with mountainous areas, medieval towns and castles. About 55% of Romania is covered by the Carpathian Mountains. The preservation of the flora and fauna in the nature reserves and national parks has top priority, which means that you can immerse yourself in untouched nature, discover remote villages and farms and enjoy the peace and quiet. The area around the project site is also very quiet and peaceful, despite being in the city center. 

If you want to explore a less touristy area, with exciting history, unspoilt nature and fascinating castles and villages, then Transylvania is definitely something for you!

After work and days off, you have enough time to relax and explore the area. Even in the immediate vicinity of the deployment site, there are many ways for you to organize your free time in a variety of ways. Take a hike through the surrounding villages, visit a beer factory or motivate other volunteers to go on a ranger tour in the forest. Other possible activities include paragliding, stand-up paddling, fishing, tennis, laser tag and paintball, among others.

Of course, this is only a fraction of what Romania has to offer and in fact the country has many unique attractions that you should not miss.

The Salina Turda is certainly an absolute highlight and a must for every traveler to Romania. As the largest salt mine museum in the world, which also includes an amusement park, the place is truly a vast underground wonderland. After you have descended a number of steps, an elevator takes you all the way down. Science fiction feeling guaranteed!

Of course, Transylvania is also extremely well-known for the legend of Count Dracula, who is said to have lived at Bran Castle. Even though Dracula wasn't a vampire but a prince and didn't live in the castle, the scary factor is high and the castle is definitely worth a visit. Consider a chilling tour of the vampire castle walls if you dare.

The so-called Transfagarascher Hochstraße is less well known but certainly no less recommendable. The spectacular high mountain road is often referred to as the most beautiful mountain pass in the world. Steep and winding, with a number of switchbacks, the pass winds its way across the Transylvanian Alps and rewards you with endless fun on the curves and fantastic views.