Arefu

Travel Guide

A winding mountain road surrounded by lush green hills and towering mountains under a clear blue sky.
A mountain road with two bicycles parked on the side.
A mountain landscape with a turquoise lake surrounded by green slopes and distant mountain ranges.
A winding mountain road with multiple curves, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.
A mountainous landscape with winding roads and a small building near a body of water.
Hotel Piscul Negru

Hotel Piscul Negru

3 out of 5
Transfagarasan km. 102 Arefu AG
$70 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$78 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Arefu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Balea Glacier Lake is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"It's a solid 3.5 hotel. Good for a night or two."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Hotel Piscul Negru
Pensiunea Dealul Verde

Pensiunea Dealul Verde

3 out of 5
Porumbacu De Sus, Romania Porumbacu de Jos Sibiu
$183 nightly
The price is $204 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$204 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Porumbacu de Jos.
Pensiunea Dealul Verde
Ramada by Wyndham Ramnicu Valcea

Ramada by Wyndham Ramnicu Valcea

3.5 out of 5
Scuar Mircea Cel Batran 2 Ramnicu Valcea Valcea County
$58 nightly
The price is $65 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$65 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ramnicu Valcea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Domeniul Coroanei ...
Ramada by Wyndham Ramnicu Valcea
See all 113 properties in Arefu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Serbota Retreat Parklike Garden & Mountain Creek

Serbota Retreat Parklike Garden & Mountain Creek

Porumbacu de Sus SB
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Porumbacu de Jos. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities.
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Maison et jardin exceptionnels! Grand, spacieux, tres belles decoration, confortable, tres agreable."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

Serbota Retreat Parklike Garden & Mountain Creek
ART House Transylvania Sibiu

ART House Transylvania Sibiu

3 out of 5
Mlaci 1610 Avrig Sibiu
Stay at this chalet in Avrig. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden.
ART House Transylvania Sibiu
Avrigelli, Kids&family Friendly

Avrigelli, Kids&family Friendly

3.5 out of 5
Avrig Romania
Stay at this vacation home in Avrig. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden.
Avrigelli, Kids&family Friendly
See all properties in Arefu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Arefu attractions

Lake Vidraru

9.0/10 (2 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Vidraru during your travels in Arefu.
See properties

Things to do

Day Hike PRIVATE - Fagaras Mountain

Day Hike PRIVATE - Fagaras Mountain

$292
per adult
Day Hike PRIVATE - Fagaras Mountain
Vlad the Impaler Tour - Poenari Fortress and Târgoviște Palace

Poenari Fortress, Târgoviște Princely Court & Snagov Monastery

$454
per adult
Poenari Fortress, Târgoviște Princely Court & Snagov Monastery
Dracula - Fortress, Legend, Castle & Grave - Private Tour

Dracula - Fortress, Legend, Castle & Grave - Private Tour

$700
per adult
Dracula - Fortress, Legend, Castle & Grave - Private Tour
See all activities in Arefu

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Arefu?
The best time to visit Arefu is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant. For travelers looking for fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering a different experience.
What is Arefu known for?
Arefu is known for Lake Vidraru, a significant body of water in this Romanian city. Travelers can also visit the historic Poienari Citadel, offering a glimpse into the region's past. These landmarks provide key attractions for visitors exploring the area.
What is a good itinerary length for Arefu?
A good itinerary length for Arefu is one to two days to explore key highlights like Poienari Citadel and Lake Vidraru, perhaps with a day trip focusing on Poienari Castle and the Transfagarasan Road. An extended stay of three to four days allows for a deeper exploration of the region, including scenic tours to Transylvania, Sibiu, and Castles. See Arefu Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Arefu?
Arefu offers historical landmarks, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures in the surrounding region:

  • Hike to Poenari Fortress, Vidraru Dam, and Argeș Monastery
  • Drive the Transfăgărășan Road for a full experience
  • Visit Lake Vidraru, a prominent natural area
  • Explore Transylvania on a scenic tour of castles and mountains
  • Discover the legend of Dracula on a private tour.

How do I plan a trip to Arefu?
To plan your trip to Arefu, book flights and hotels early, especially during busy seasons. A rental car is useful for visiting Lake Vidraru and Poienari Citadel, or for taking a Transylvania Scenic Tour. When enjoying outdoor activities, always have indoor options in mind for weather flexibility.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Arefu?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Arefu by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Arefu with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Arefu trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Arefu?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Arefu can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Arefu trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Arefu trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Arefu trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Arefu trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Arefu?
If it's your first trip to Arefu, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Arefu hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Arefu hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Arefu

A mountainous landscape with a lake, winding roads, and scattered buildings.

Cartisoara

A winding road with a mountainous landscape in the background.

Arpaşu de Sus

A village with traditional stone houses and a prominent tower.

Porumbacu de Jos