Popular Sports to Play in Romania

Published on May 26, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Romania is a country where the diversity of landscapes harmoniously blends with a rich sporting tradition, attracting both thrill-seekers and fans of more classic disciplines.

Whether on the snowy peaks of the Carpathians or along the banks of the Danube, every corner of the country offers a multitude of activities for all tastes.

From winter sports like skiing and skating, to water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, to football and rhythmic gymnastics, Romania is full of opportunities for memorable sporting experiences.

This article invites you to discover the most popular sports this fabulous country has to offer, guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s adventurous spirit.

The Most Popular Sports in Romania

Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Romania, bringing together several million players, including over 300,000 registered with the Romanian Football Federation. Matches in the national championship, the Liga I, as well as cup competitions like the Romanian Cup, generate massive enthusiasm. Historic clubs such as Steaua Bucharest (the first Eastern European club to win the Champions League) continue to fuel national passion, and major cities have modern stadiums regularly filled for big games.

Handball holds a privileged place with a remarkable international track record. The Romanian men’s team has won the World Cup four times, a record shared with Sweden, while the women’s team has also achieved global success. Romania has around 20,000 registered club players, but this number exceeds 100,000 when including school and amateur practice. Clubs like Steaua and Dinamo have shone on the European stage, and training young talent remains a national priority.

Romanian gymnastics enjoys worldwide fame thanks to iconic figures like Nadia Comăneci, the first gymnast to achieve a perfect score of 10 at the 1976 Olympic Games. Romania has accumulated dozens of Olympic medals in gymnastics, a discipline that remains a symbol of pride and excellence. The next generation is assured, as evidenced by Ana Barbosu’s bronze medal on floor at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Rugby has been firmly established since the early 20th century. The national team, nicknamed the Oaks, has participated in every World Cup since the competition’s inception, except for a few recent editions. It is estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 players currently practice rugby in Romania, supported by a professional league, the SuperLiga, and growing investment in youth development.

Basketball is gaining popularity, especially among young people. Clubs like U-Banca Transilvania stand out on the national and European stage. Romania has seen players like Gheorghe Mureșan emerge, who played in the NBA and helped raise the sport’s profile. Participation in European competitions strengthens basketball’s appeal, and numerous development programs are in place.

Recent Statistics on Participation and Enthusiasm

• Football: over 300,000 registered players, millions of amateur participants.
• Handball: around 20,000 registered club players, over 100,000 participants including school programs.
• Rugby: 8,000 to 10,000 active players.
• Basketball: participation on the rise, especially among under-18s.
• Gymnastics: a discipline with high media and social impact, with centers of excellence in Bucharest, Deva, and Cluj.

Sport	Registered/Participants	Track Record/Impact
Football	300,000+ registered	Steaua Bucharest, millions of fans, European success
Handball	20,000 registered	4x men’s world champions, title-winning clubs
Rugby	8,000-10,000 players	Historic World Cup presence
Basketball	Strongly growing	Gheorghe Mureșan (NBA), clubs in Europe
Gymnastics	National centers	9 Olympic medals for Comăneci

Major sporting events, whether national or international, have a significant impact on Romanian society. They foster social cohesion, create role models for youth, and contribute to the country’s international reputation.

Sports infrastructure is constantly improving, with new stadiums, multi-purpose halls, and training complexes in major cities. The government and federations are multiplying initiatives to promote sports participation through school programs, local competitions, and investments in amateur sports. These efforts aim to strengthen public health, social integration, and the international reach of Romanian sports.

Sport in Romania is a pillar of national culture, supported by modern infrastructure and an active policy of developing sports for all.

Where to Practice Popular Sports in Romania

Football

Major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Craiova, and Timișoara have modern stadiums hosting national and international championship matches.

Examples of Infrastructure:

• National Arena (Bucharest): the country’s main stadium, capacity of 55,000, hosts the national team and clubs like FCSB.
• Cluj Arena (Cluj-Napoca): multi-purpose stadium, used by CFR Cluj and for music events.
• Ion Oblemenco Stadium (Craiova): modern stadium for local clubs.

Clubs open to visitors and new members: FCSB, Dinamo Bucharest, CFR Cluj.

Major competitions: Romanian Cup, Liga I, UEFA qualification matches.

Skiing and Winter Sports

The Carpathians are home to the main ski resorts:

• Poiana Brașov (near Brașov): the most famous resort, suitable for all levels, with modern slopes, ski schools, and equipment rentals.
• Sinaia, Predeal, Azuga: other renowned resorts, easily accessible from Bucharest.
• Păltiniș (near Sibiu): small family resort, ideal for beginners.

Infrastructure: groomed slopes, ski lifts, snowparks.

Ski clubs and schools welcoming visitors at each resort.

Events: national alpine skiing competitions, winter sports festivals in Poiana Brașov and Sinaia.

Hiking and Trekking

National parks and nature reserves offer a vast network of marked trails:

• Retezat National Park: renowned for its glacial lakes and peaks over 2,000 m.
• Bicaz Gorges: spectacular trails, via ferrata, and climbing.
• Bucegi Mountains, Piatra Craiului National Park: varied routes for all levels.

Infrastructure: mountain huts, cabins, information centers.

Hiking clubs: Asociația Montană Carpați, Clubul Alpin Român.

Events: mountain marathons, group hikes open to tourists.

Swimming and Water Sports

Municipal pools and aquatic complexes are present in all major cities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași.

Renowned thermal baths and spas: Băile Felix, Sovata, Călimănești-Căciulata.

Swimming clubs accessible to visitors, organization of local competitions.

Tennis, Basketball, Handball

Multi-purpose sports facilities in all university cities: tennis courts, gyms, indoor sports halls.

Examples:

• Timișoara Sports Complex: courts for tennis, basketball, handball, football.
• Open clubs: Clubul Sportiv Dinamo (Bucharest), Politehnica Timișoara.

Local tournaments and championships are regularly organized.

Other Popular Activities

• Cycling: mountain roads in the Carpathians, urban circuits in Cluj-Napoca and Brașov.
• Horseback Riding: equestrian centers in the Sibiu region and around Bucharest.
• Climbing: natural sites in the Bicaz Gorges and the Piatra Craiului massif.

Discipline	Key Cities/Regions	Notable Infrastructure	Welcoming Clubs/Associations	Major Events
Football	Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Craiova	National Arena, Cluj Arena, Oblemenco	FCSB, CFR Cluj, Dinamo	Liga I, Romanian Cup
Skiing	Brașov, Sinaia, Predeal, Sibiu	Poiana Brașov, Păltiniș	Local ski schools	National competitions
Hiking	Retezat, Bicaz, Bucegi, Piatra Craiului	Huts, marked trails	Asociația Montană Carpați, CAR	Marathons, group hikes
Swimming	Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, Iași	Municipal pools, thermal baths	Municipal clubs, Băile Felix	Local competitions
Tennis/Basketball	Bucharest, Timișoara, Cluj	Sports complexes, gyms	Clubul Sportiv Dinamo, Politehnica	Local tournaments
Climbing	Bicaz, Piatra Craiului	Natural sites, via ferrata	Local clubs	Climbing festivals

Note:
Major university cities generally have multi-functional sports complexes open to the public, and most major clubs offer introductory sessions or open days to welcome newcomers or visitors. Popular sporting events, such as the Romanian Cup or mountain marathons, attract both locals and tourists and offer an excellent opportunity to experience the Romanian sports atmosphere.

Budget for Practicing Your Favorite Sport in Romania

Budget for Practicing Football, Handball, or Gymnastics in Romania

Sport	Club Registration Fee (per year)	Basic Equipment Price	Training/Private Lesson Cost	Regional Notes
Football	200 to 400 RON	150 to 400 RON	40 to 70 RON/session	Bucharest and Cluj: higher prices Smaller towns: more affordable rates
Handball	250 to 450 RON	200 to 350 RON	40 to 70 RON/session	Urban clubs more expensive, school clubs often subsidized
Gymnastics	300 to 600 RON	250 to 500 RON	50 to 100 RON/session	Large cities: wider variety, higher prices

Breakdown of Average Costs by Sport

Football

• Club registration fee: 200 to 400 RON/year depending on the region and club reputation.
• Basic equipment: cleats, shin guards, shorts, and jersey (150 to 400 RON depending on quality).
• Training/private lessons: 40 to 70 RON/session.
• Regional variations: in large cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca), rates are higher than in rural areas.

Handball

• Registration fee: 250 to 450 RON/year.
• Equipment: indoor shoes, jersey, ball (200 to 350 RON).
• Training/private lessons: 40 to 70 RON/session.
• School clubs may offer reduced rates or loaned equipment.

Gymnastics

• Registration fee: 300 to 600 RON/year (often more expensive due to equipment and increased supervision).
• Equipment: leotard, specific shoes (250 to 500 RON).
• Training/private lessons: 50 to 100 RON/session.
• Clubs in urban areas offer more slots and options, but at a higher cost.

Regional Variations

In large cities (Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara), higher demand and better infrastructure quality lead to higher prices.

In smaller towns or rural areas, the offering is sometimes limited but fees are generally lower.

School or community clubs sometimes offer reduced rates, or even free access for some children.

Financial Support and Subsidies

Some clubs benefit from local subsidies, allowing them to reduce fees for low-income families.

Municipal or regional programs exist to encourage youth sports participation, with free equipment distribution or preferential rates.

Sports federations sometimes offer scholarships or occasional aid, mainly for identified talents or modest families.

Comparative Summary

Element	Football	Handball	Gymnastics
Club Registration	200-400 RON/year	250-450 RON/year	300-600 RON/year
Equipment	150-400 RON	200-350 RON	250-500 RON
Private Lesson	40-70 RON/session	40-70 RON/session	50-100 RON/session
Subsidies	Yes, local/federal	Yes, school/municipal	Yes, clubs/federations

To Remember:

Practicing your favorite sport in Romania remains generally affordable compared to Western Europe, with a diverse offering and support systems to facilitate access to sports, especially for young people.