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Transylvania

Transylvania’s forested valleys and Gothic castles are forever embedded in the popular imagination. Even before arriving, most visitors can picture this land of dark fairy-tales, where fog drapes like cobwebs over the Carpathian Mountains.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Corvin Castle

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Peleş Castle

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Alba Carolina Citadel

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Hotel Castel Dracula

One of the high points of any vampire-themed trip to Transylvania is kitsch Hotel Castel Dracula. Its blood-curdling decorations, and location on a…

Făgăraş Citadel

Encircled by a moat fringed with willow trees, Făgăraş Citadel is an impressively intact fortification from medieval Transylvania. The oldest part of this…

Culture Palace

Târgu Mureş

This ornate secessionist-style building, ostentatiously tiled on the outside and colourfully furnished within, is unlike anything else in Transylvania…

St Mary's Evangelical Church

Sibiu's Gothic centrepiece rises more than 73m over the old town. Inside, marvel at ghoulish stone skeletons, 17th-century tombs and the largest organ in…

Zosim Oancea Glass Icons Museum

This museum of painted icons, named after the priest who collected them, is a true hidden gem. Unlike the sombre wooden icons you’ll see elsewhere in…

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19 Things to Know Before You Go to Transylvania

Nov 15 2019.

A local’s guide to Romania’s largest region, from local beer and palinka to night-life, and the the correct way to enjoy meaty stews.

Transylvania may be Romania’s best-known region—and perhaps for the wrong reasons, thanks to some dubious vampire-related lore . But Transylvania—Romania’s largest region—is rich with mountains and undisturbed forests, medieval villages, hearty food, and a welcoming, generous social life, all with only a handful of larger cities, such as the cosmopolitan university town, Cluj-Napoca, 2015’s European Youth Capital. 

After Nicolae Ceausescu came to power, succeeding Romania’s first Communist leader, he ruled the country under a highly repressive dictatorship, from 1965 until he was overthrown and executed in 1989. I grew up in the center of Transylvania, in a small town called Miercurea Ciuc . I ’ve heard many stories from my grandparents and my parents about those grim years. The export of most of Romania’s agriculture resulted in widespread food shortages. The press was censored or blacked out completely. Those decades took their toll on Transylvania and the country, and as nearby European countries prospered, Romania stagnated. Romania joined the European Union in 2007, and there has been some mixed progress on the political and economic fronts. 

Today’s Transylvania is a different, more modern, more open place from when my grandparents—or even I—grew up. But still, Transylvanian villages, as in the past, are mostly about agriculture, with many long-held local traditions such as harvest festivals and balls remaining strong. Meanwhile, tourism to Transylvania is on the rise. It is far cheaper to travel to and around the region than other European destinations, and there is much to discover. Here is some local wisdom to get you started, from picking a strategic base to the best way to experience that superlative stew, gulyas .

Fly into Cluj-Napoca. Avram Iancu International Airport, Transylvania’s largest and busiest—the second-busiest after the capital, Bucharest—is located in Cluj-Napoca. There 15 different airlines, and Wizz Air and Blue Air run cheap flights to other European cities. Start your trip in Cluj-Napoca, right in Transylvania’s cultural hub. From there, travel to the rest of Transylvania by bus, train, or car.

Get the geography right… Transylvania ( Latin for “land beyond the forest” or “across/through the forest”) is a region in central and northwestern Romania (the country’s largest, and about the size of Maine), bordered on the east and south by the Carpathian mountains and by some of Europe’s largest undisturbed (read: as yet mostly unaffected by humans and their follies) forests. Also, there are bears . More on that later.

…and the history. Even Transylvania’s more recent history is complex, but here goes: Transylvania’s population of just under 7 million has a mix of ethnic Hungarians and Romanians: Around 70% Romanian, 18% Hungarian, with much smaller populations of Roma, Ukrainian, and German. Transylvania was a distinct territory (under various states of rule, including being a vassal state of the Ottoman Empire) until the Austro-Hungarian compromise of 1867, when it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Hungary in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But after World War I and the dissolution of the empire, the empire lost Transylvania to Romania in the 1920 Treaty of Trianon —which was signed by the Allied Powers and representatives of Hungary to formally end the war and carve up the empire’s former territories. The Kingdom of Hungary kept just 28 percent of its lands, with the rest were divided among its newly independent neighboring countries: Romania, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Ukraine, Austria, and Croatia. After the Treaty of Trianon, Hungarians in Transylvania became Romanian citizens. 

Old enmities and more recent tensions arise between Romanian and Hungarian communities in Transylvania, so be sensitive to the region’s historical baggage. These issues play out in arguments over language rights, or over whether Hungarian flags should fly over government buildings in Transylvanian towns with majority-Hungarian populations, or in the long-running dispute over who can claim the funnel-shaped Kürtőskalács (also known as the chimney cake, for its shape, or spit cake, not for any ingredients but for the way it’s cooked on a spit). While it is thought to have been invented in Transylvania, it’s unclear whether the woman who first included a recipe for it in a cookbook (in 1784) was of Romanian or Hungarian origin. But of two things we are fairly certain—that it is Transylvanian, and that it is delicious. 

Double-check your visa needs. Romania, along with Bulgaria, joined the European Union in 2007, but it is not yet part of the Schengen Area —the group of 26 EU states that allow free movement between their borders and visa-less travel for EU citizens, and with a Shengen Area visa for others—although it is expected to join soon . This means a Shengen visa won’t cover it. EU citizens can enter and exit Romania with their passport or national identity card without a visa. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand don’t need a tourist visa for up to a three-month visit, after which they must register for residency. Schengen citizens do not need a tourist visa. Travelers from other countries need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Check your status here .

Look beyond Dracula. Let’s get this out of the way: Transylvania is associated with vampire folklore and known as Dracula’s homeland thanks in large part to Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” and decades of pop-culture mythology. Stoker’s Count Dracula character is said (but this has not been proven) to have been inspired by a 15th-century prince named Vlad III Drăculea , a military governor of noble descent with a penchant for impaling his enemies on stakes, earning him the nickname Vlad the Impaler. Vlad’s supposed home, the Gothic fortress Bran Castle, is a national monument, one of Transylvania’s best-known landmarks, and one of its most-visited destinations.

But there’s no evidence that Vlad the Impaler ever lived in this castle. Most likely, he didn’t even live in Transylvania. But myths aside, Bran Castle is beautiful and appropriately spooky, carved dramatically on a hilltop, with Dracula-themed touches (including a glass elevator tracing Dracula’s supposed escape route in the novel). If you want to go all-in on the vampire theme, go nuts and spend Halloween here—the only time of the year when the castle is open at night. You can get a night tour of the castle and hit the party. There are also plenty of other vampire-themed hotels and landmarks trading on Transylvania’s vampire mythology. 

Alternatively, visit Poenari Castle , a ruined fortress in the Transfagarasean mountains that some historians believe was Vlad’s actual residence. There is also Banffy Castle , near Cluj-Napoca. A beautiful 15th-century castle donated to the Hungarian noble Losonc family by Sigismund of Luxemburg, it’s now also the site of the annual Electric Castle music festival in July. 

You’ll get by with English. Romania’s younger generation is well-traveled and educated. Most speak English, and many older people do too. If someone doesn’t, they’ll help you find someone who can. Transylvania’s official language is Romanian, but there are many towns where Hungarian is widely spoken, for example in Miercurea Ciuc, Gheorgheni, Brasov, Odorheiu Secuiesc, Cluj-Napoca. (The two languages are not similar: Romanian is an Eastern Romance language, and Hungarian a Finno-Ugric one, closer to Estonian and Finnish—although a small percentage of the Romanian lexicon is of Hungarian origin.)

Here are some essentials in both:

Hi/Good day! 

• Jó napot [ˈjoːnɒpot] in Hungarian 
• Bună ziua! [ˌbu.nə ˈzi.wa] in Romanian

Thank you. 

•   Köszönöm [ˈkøsønøm] in Hungarian
•   Mulțumesc [mult͡suˈmesk] in Romanian 
• Igen in Hungarian
• Da in Romanian
• No in Hungarian
• Nu in Romanian

Warning: Locals love to teach visitors curse words (in both languages)—none of which I care to repeat here.

Move around, make plans. Transylvania is big . If you want to explore, it’s not really feasible to drop anchor in one place and try to cover the map from there. Plan ahead, and pick several places around Transylvania to stay in. Hotels and B&Bs are generally inexpensive. If you only have a few days or a week, these are some good spots: Soparkut Panzio for horse-riding and nature, Brasov and Sighisoara for medieval towns and castles, and Cluj-Napoca for city and nightlife. 

Make Brasov or Sighișoara your base. Brasov, a city of around 300,000 surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, is a good base for taking trips to other attractions. From there it’s easy to get to ski resorts (such as Poiana Brasov and Predeal), do mountain hikes, stay in mountainside cabins, visit Bran Castle, or do some horseback riding at nearby equestrian estates. The city center is still handsomely medieval, and there are many castles around the area. For some non-Dracula castle action, check out Fagaras Citadel, a beautiful fortress first built in the 13th century, 40 miles outside the city, and the entrance fee is €3 ($3.30). Feldioara Fortress , another recently rebuilt medieval castle, is 1just outside Brasov, and the entrance fee is also €3. The medieval city of Sighisoara, in the center of Transylvania, is on the smaller side, but its center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The Citadel, the Square, the Clock Tower are just a few of its 16th-century landmarks, the town center is all cobbled alleys and towers, narrow streets and stairways, and medieval buildings.  

Pick your season. Transylvania has the real-deal four seasons. Springs are mild and sunny. Autumns bring beautiful red-orange-yellow colors and windy, rainy weather. Winters are cold, and the temperature can dip as low as minus 20-25 degrees Celsius, (-13 F) but it’s the perfect season for skiing and snowboarding. Summers are hot, with temperatures between 25-36 degrees Celsius (in the F 80s or 90s, so that’s the season for hiking, and swimming in Transylvania’s many lakes.

Stock up on cash. The local currency is the lei , and 1 lei is about 24 U.S. cents, or 21 euro cents. There are currency exchange offices in most larger towns and cities but they are less common in smaller villages, so be prepared to venture to the next larger town if you’re running low. Credit cards are widely accepted in big cities and shopping centers, and although grocery stores are slowly catching up, it’s better to have cash on you. Your VISA or AmEx cards are most likely going to be totally useless in small villages. 

Don’t refuse palinka . Palinka is a local, traditional spirit, essentially a Schnapps —a brandy made from plums, cherries, apples, or other fruits. It’s strong and firewater-like. When not used to lift the, well, spirits, or as a quick route to drunkenness, locals drink it (on an empty stomach, no less) as an appetizer. You’ll find it in restaurants and stores, but those are not the places you should be looking. Palinka is traditionally made locally in villages, with several people in every village or town producing palinka to sell to the rest of the town. So rest assured every household will have some. Ask around to see where to buy it. If you are offered a shot of palinka, you are considered a friend, one of their own, so don’t decline. (Maybe you can refuse the second or the third one, as it’s a really strong spirit, but definitely not the first.) And don’t show any signs of disgust or discomfort when drinking it—be strong.

Go with four wheels. Romania’s railways are old and rickety, and trains running through the region are slow, and tend to stop at every small village on the route. It’s more practical to rent a car, not least because many mountains, castles, and villages are as yet untouched by public transport. You can rent a decent car starting from €6 3 for 3 days, €100 deposit. Car rental agencies can be found in every town, small or large, but not so much in villages, so plan ahead.

Eat gulyas outdoors. Gulyas (goulash) — one of Hungary’s most famous dishes—is thought to date back to medieval Hungary , but is popular throughout this region. It’s a stew made of meat (sometimes beef, here, mostly pork) and vegetables (potato, onion, garlic, tomato, carrots, parsley roots), seasoned with liberal amounts of paprika, which gives gulyas its distinctive, deep brown/orange-stained hue. Hungarians (girls and boys!) are expected to know how to cook it. You can find it in many a restaurant around Europe and where people from this part of the old world settled in the new, but since you came all this way, you should consume it the way it was intended—simmered outdoors. Cooking gulyas outside is pastime and social event for people in Transylvania. Groups of friends, dogs in tow, head to the woods for the weekend, make fire, drink beer, listen to music, and cook gulyas in a large cauldron (called a bogràcs ). Enough to feed everyone—dogs included. If you have local friends or hosts, suggest doing this while you’re there. Many hotels and B&Bs have fireplaces or pits specifically for this purpose, with all the equipment you need.

Don’t rely on travel websites to find mountain cabins. There are many awesome mountain cabins hidden in Transylvania’s forests and mountains. (Bonus: Mountainside B&Bs are equipped with everything you need to cook gulyas outdoors.) These places are deep in the wilderness, generally with no neighbors around. Bring friends, make a fire at night, sit around it, drink beer, sing, talk, look at the stars, and enjoy the summer nights. You can sometimes book mountain cabins online in the usual places (Booking.com or AirBnb), or on their own websites, if they have one. But note that some of the more remote mountain-cabin owners don’t appear on these websites and prefer a phone call. You’ll need to do some old-fashioned searching (for example, “mountain cabins in X location” to find what’s around and for their phone numbers—then pick up the phone! Plus, this way they won’t charge you for booking or canceling, and you can pay for your room when you arrive. 

I particularly recommend a B&B called Sopàrkùt Panziò , in the Harghita mountains, in a meadow surrounded by forest. I also recommend anywhere in two of the most beautiful Southern Carpathian mountain groups: Fagaras and Retezat-Goldeanu. Since Transylvania is full of mountains and forest all over, it’s easy to do this on any mountain you happen to be visiting. (I strongly recommend sleeping in mountain cabins instead of tents, though, because bears. Be cautious, but don’t worry too much: campfires with loud talking and laughing people tend to keep them away.)

Drink the forbidden beer. Transylvania has an infamous beer, called Csíki Sör , or its full name, Az igazi Csíki Sör, which translates to “the real beer from Miercurea Ciuc.’’ But Heineken was already producing a beer named Ciuc, after the town’s Romanian name. Csíki Sör (made by Lixid Project Kft.) is the town’s Hungarian name (towns in Transylvania has both a Romanian and a Hungarian name).  Heineken took Csíki Sör to court , claiming the name was too similar to their product. Capitalizing on the controversy, the underdogs, Csíki Sör’s producers, started marketing their beer as “Forbidden Csíki.’” The whole matter struck a language-rights chord in neighboring Hungary, where a lot of Csíki Sör is sold, and the Hungarian government even encouraged people to “protect” the Hungarian-named Csíki Sör and boycott Heineken Romania’s product. All this—plus the David-and-Goliath aspect to the story—managed to hype Csíki Sör into popularity. (The two companies have agreed to peacefully co-exist .) You’ll find Csíki Sör in many different guises: blond, brown, cranberry, and honey. But don’t forget to drink lots of Timisoreana — Romania’s oldest beer.

Hit Cluj-Napoca for nightlife…. Cluj-Napoca was the 2015 European Youth Capital for good reason. Over 100,000 students live there, so naturally, nightlife is big. For EDM and DJs, hit Euphoria Music Hall, Midi, and Noa. For dressing up a little fancier and cocktails, try After Eight. For more diverse music and a more artsy crowd, try Flying Circus, which plays rock n’roll, reggae, soul, ska, jazz, and “retro”—essentially, pop music of previous eras, heavily represented by 1990s-era top-40 acts.

…but start late. In some parts of Europe, clubs close around 2 a.m., but not here. Don’t even think of arriving at a party before midnight—no one will be there. Cluj-Napoca’s many students usually gather and drink at each other’s places to start the night off (“warming up’’) and people start going to clubs around midnight. Parties rarely stop before 5-6 a.m., when the hungry revelers hit the 24/7 fast food places on their way home. Many fast food places are open 24 hours and have the usual type of fast food: burgers, fries, shawarma, kebab, sandwiches, pizza, wraps. Shawarma and wraps tend to be the most popular. There’s also a McDonald’s in the city center that is open 24 hours, so you certainly won’t starve, even in the middle of the night.

Live, eat, and drink “Non-Stop.” In Romania, there is no central government regulation on store opening hours. Local authorities can restrict opening hours within their areas . So, many stores that are open 24 hours, in every city or small town (less so in smaller villages). Usually, you can’t go into the store at night, but they will open a small window and hand you what you want. There is no restriction on purchasing alcohol: you can buy it at any hour of any day. If you get hungry in the middle of the night, or you just crave a can of coke, skip the delivery or food order— it’s cheaper to walk to these shops. You’ll spot the words “Non-Stop’’ on the windows of these shops. They’re usually they’re located in the center, but you can always ask local. Everyone knows where these shops are. 

Bring hiking boots, and watch out for bears. Half of the Carpathian Mountain range is in the heart of Transylvania. The highest peak is Mount Moldoveanu (2,554 meters), in the Fagaras Mountains in the southern part of the Carpathians. you can rent mountain cabins— cabanas— but the best mountain-hike experience is to sleep in tents. It’s safe around Fagaras and Retezat mountains, but avoid sleeping in tents when you’re hiking on Harghita Mountains, on other mountains near Brasov, and anywhere in Harghita County—the population of brown bears has significantly increased in the past few years . If you’re brave and want to hike there during the day, go in groups, make a lot of noise, and take a gas-spray with you just in case. Bears won’t deliberately go near loud groups of people; they only attack if you get close to them and their cubs, which you can easily avoid with a bit of awareness and care. 

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12 Things To Know Before Your First Trip To Transylvania

• Destinations

Twenty-some years ago, when I told people I grew up in Transylvania, I inevitably got a wide-eyed, incredulous look, accompanied by the question: “Is that a real place?” Occasionally, it was followed by “have you ever met a vampire?” 

A land once known in the U.S. only as a setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula , Transylvania today is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. In fact, it is on National Geographic’s top 25 places to visit in 2021 . And for good reason. 

Cradled in the center of the gorgeous, heavily-wooded mountain chain of the Carpathians, Transylvania is indeed a land of enchantments. Rolling hills and lazy rivers, deep woods and rushing creeks, pristine mountain lakes and wildflower meadows are only a few of the natural wonders of the region. Transylvania’s plethora of medieval castles, walled cities, and quaint villages explains why we sometimes refer to my homeland as Tündérország — “Fairyland.”  

However, Transylvania is a real place, with real people, even as it has a pastoral, old-Europe feel, where you’ll still see horse-drawn carts in the streets. And, it is open to visitors who seem to have discovered its beauty. Once behind the Iron Curtain — which explains why people in the U.S. used to believe it was a fictional land — Transylvania welcomes visitors from all over the world. 

Now, when I tell people “I grew up in Transylvania,” I’m met with excited looks and specific questions about the land and its people, places to visit, and the best ways to get there. To answer these questions, here are a few things to know before your first visit to Transylvania. 

1. You Need A Passport To Get To Transylvania, But You Don’t Need A Visa

Transylvania is a part of Romania, and you need a passport to enter the country. Check your dates to make sure your passport doesn’t expire for at least three months after your departure date for Romania. Besides that, you don’t need a visa to visit, unless you plan on staying over 90 days.

2. You Can Fly Into Several Cities To Use As Gateways To All Your Destinations

Several cities in Transylvania have international airports you can fly into. There is no need to fly to Bucharest and worry about taking public transportation or renting a car. 

At this time you can fly into Cluj or Sibiu, and soon to Brasov (the city’s international airport is set to be finished by December 2021). All three of these cities are perfect destinations on their own, but also gateways to other attractions in Transylvania.

3. For Most Of Your Transactions, You’ll Use Lei (RON), The Romanian Currency

In Transylvania, you’ll use lei for your transactions, so it helps if you exchange some before you go or when you arrive at the airport. But you don’t need to.

You’ll find plenty of ATMs all over the place, on the street corners, or in local banks, where you can use your debit card to withdraw local currency from your bank. The ATM will display the rate and any fees they charge before your transaction, which you can conduct in English. This is by far the easiest, and therefore my favorite choice of transactions. You always get the official transaction rate, and the fees are minimal and convenient. 

You can also use your major credit cards in the larger cities and tourist destinations, though make sure to ask if they take them before sitting down for dinner at a restaurant. 

4. Tipping Is Customary And Appreciated

Like in the rest of Romania, tipping is appreciated in Transylvania. Salaries are low, so your tip always helps.

As for how much to tip, there is no standard answer. Generally, locals tip around 10 percent, so it is a good rule of thumb to follow, though it depends on your bill; the higher the bill, the lower percentage you are expected to tip.  

5. To Charge Your Electronics, You Will Need A Converter

Romania uses 220V as opposed to 110V used in the U.S. So you will need a converter for all your electronic devices. Bring a few so you can plug in and charge your devices. But if you forget them, you can easily buy some in any electronic store in the country. 

Laptops, tablets, Kindles, and similar devices all work here just as well as in the U.S. Wi-Fi is available in the large cities and in most places, except in some out-of-the-way villages in the countryside. 

6. Your Cell Phone Works There — Just Make Sure You Have Service

Before leaving, make sure you call your cell phone provider and let them know you are traveling to Romania. You will most likely have an option to add a temporary international service from your provider. With most plans, you can choose to upgrade it for a month or as long as you need it. 

You will have good cell phone coverage in most areas of Transylvania, especially in the cities.

7. You’ll Hear A Few Languages Spoken, But You Don’t Need To Understand Them

Though part of Romania, Transylvania is home to multiple nationalities. Besides Romanian, a large majority speaks Hungarian. Like many regions in Europe, the area has a colorful history, with often-changing borders that resulted in this mix of population over the centuries. 

Because of this mix of nationalities, people of Transylvania are cosmopolitan and open-minded. Many are bilingual, and fluent in English, so you’ll have no problem communicating there. The younger generation is especially happy to practice their language skills with you.

It still helps to understand a few words of Romanian, though, since the public signs are in the official language of the state. And if you visit the Hungarian-speaking regions, a few words in Hungarian will be appreciated.

8. You’ll Most Likely Make A Few Friends While You’re There

The people of Transylvania are friendly and they are known for their hospitality. Not only will they go out of their way to communicate with you in your language, they will invite you to their homes and won’t let you leave without a meal — and a drink. 

And if you ask about any of the places you want to visit in their vicinity, they will happily play the guide. They will tell you everything from where to find your destination and how to get there to personal stories, myths and legends about it. They may even offer to take you themselves. 

9. You’ll Have Opportunities To Explore Medieval Castles, Fortresses, And Fortified Churches

Transylvania is peppered with medieval castles, citadels, and fortresses , so you’ll find a few nearby no matter where you land. No wonder Bram Stoker chose this countryside for his fictional vampire story. Bran Castle, however, is far from being the largest or most spectacular castle in Transylvania.  

That distinction goes to the fairytale Gothic-style Hunyadi Castle in the east-central part of Transylvania, one of the largest and most spectacular castles in all of Europe. However, you’ll find a larger concentration of castles in southern Transylvania, built to protect the borders, Bran Castle being one of them. 

Also in southern Transylvania, you’ll find the Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania , collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And everywhere you go, you’ll see remains of small castles, citadels, or medieval fortresses, in different stages of ruins. 

In the larger cities, like Cluj and Brasov, you’ll find parts of the old walls and bastions once protecting them. But none match the center of Sighișoara, with its still-intact walls and buildings. It’s the only inhabited medieval fortress in southeastern Europe, and therefore another UNESCO World Heritage Site . 

10. You’ll Find Plenty Of Forests In Transylvania

Transylvania is also home to some of the oldest, and densest forests in Europe. Even the name reflects this, as Transylvania means “over the woods” in Latin: trans = over, silva = woods. No wonder these deep woods made a perfect home to J.K. Rowling’s dragons in her Harry Potter series. 

Though you won’t see dragons here, you will see wildlife, most likely bears among them. My latest encounter happened near Santa Ana Lake about two years ago, when I spotted a young bear in a clearing. 

You can find a local guide (try Medveles ) to take you to an area where you can peek at them from a secluded cabin that is safely distanced from the bears. Or, to learn more about them, visit the Bear Sanctuary of Zarnesti, where they care for injured bears who can not survive in the wild. 

Pro Tip: Never approach a bear in the wild, and keep all your food and drinks locked if you visit areas where bears might be present. 

11. You’ll Find Rare Natural Wonders And A World-Famous Underground Amusement Park

In the region known as Székely-Land, home to the Hungarian-speaking Székely minority, you’ll find Bear Lake , the largest (both surface and depth) heliothermal lake in the world, and the only one in Europe. The heliothermal phenomenon refers to a layer of fresh water that forms on the surface of the salt lake, insulating it, and thus keeping its temperature constant. Used to treat many medical problems, the lake is part of a spa-resort you can visit. 

Near Cluj, you’ll find Turda Gorge, a narrow canyon with steep walls filled with caves and caverns. A natural monument and reserve, the gorge is home to rare or endangered plants and animals unique to this region. Nearby, the spectacular, world-famous underground amusement park and museum, the Turda Salt Mine , attracts thousands of international and local visitors. 

12. You’ll Realize That The Real Transylvania Is Even Better Than Its Fictional Version 

You won’t find vampires or dragons in Transylvania, but you’ll find friendly people and gorgeous, natural, and architectural wonders. By the time you leave, you’ll realize that the real place is better than any fictional version you might have heard of. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, you’ll always find something unique and stunning about Transylvania.

Related Articles:

• Fortresses And Citadels Around Brasov: Explore The Medieval History Of Transylvania
• Meet Hoia Baciu Forest, The Bermuda Triangle Of Romania

Emese Fromm is a Phoenix-based freelance travel writer, translator, and language instructor. Besides TravelAwaits , you can find her travel articles in Lonely Planet, Roadtrippers Magazine , Matador Network, and GoNOMAD, among other publications. A native Hungarian from Transylvania (Romania), Emese grew up surrounded by multiple cultures and speaks several languages. Three decades after leaving Romania, this background still helps her appreciate and connect with people of different backgrounds, which shows up in her articles, which highlight the culture, history, and legends of the places she visits. Besides writing for online travel magazines, she publishes a travel blog, teaches Hungarian as a foreign language, and works as a freelance translator.

10 Day Transylvania Road Trip Itinerary – with Map

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Hey there, fellow wanderers! I’m Jade, an American who’s been calling Transylvania home since the chaos of March 2020. I landed in the land of Dracula and somehow never left, now having lived in three prominent Transylvanian destinations – Cluj-Napoca, Sighișoara, and Sibiu. If you’re looking to explore this region’s eclectic mix of medieval charm, fascinating history, and gorgeous landscapes, I’ve got the ultimate scoop for you, built on countless road trips and conversations over hearty Romanian dishes. Buckle up as I guide you through a 10-day Transylvania road trip itinerary.

I’m spilling all the beans on the must-see spots, the hidden gems off the tourist radar, the mesmerizing routes to drive, and even the insider whispers about places only us lucky locals know about. 

Let’s embark on this Transylvanian journey together, navigating through the well-trodden paths and the roads less traveled, with a bunch of laughs along the way. It’s time to unravel the myths, sidestep the tourist traps, and dive headfirst into the genuine Transylvanian experience. Ready? Let’s hit the road!

How Much Time Do I Need in Transylvania?

Check the rental terms & inspect the vehicle, international driving permit, driving in romania, additional tips, botanical garden, st. michael’s church & unirii square, central park, dinner at piața muzeului, accommodation, breakfast at rod, turda salt mine, corvin castle, sarmizegetusa regia, dinner at cafe wien, astra museum sibiu, piata mare & piata mica, council tower sunset, dinner at ribs & beer, transfagarasan highway, dinner at la republique, bran castle, rasnov fortress, black church , dinner at la ceaun, libearty bear sanctuary, tampa mountain, rope street, museum of living in communism, dinner at cafe martini, breakfast at la perla, vlad tepes house, covered staircase & church on the hill, arrive in breb, explore breb on foot, merry cemetery of sapanta, return to cluj-napoca, how many days do you need to see transylvania, what are the best months to visit transylvania, how do you explore transylvania, what is the best base in transylvania, what is the most beautiful town in transylvania, do they speak english in transylvania, what is the most beautiful road in transylvania, is transylvania safe for solo female travelers, ready for your transylvania road trip.

With a tight 5-day Transylvania itinerary, you can surely tick off the major tourist hotspots. You’ll catch the majestic castles, stroll through the ancient, cobbled streets of medieval towns, and snap those Instagram-worthy shots in front of iconic landmarks like Bran Castle. It’s a whirlwind, but you’ll get a delightful taste of Transylvania’s charm.

Allocate a solid 10 days for your Transylvania road trip itinerary, and you’re in for a treat. This window allows you to veer off the well-trodden path. Alongside the famed sites, you’ll unearth lesser-known places, those hidden gems that many tourists miss. You can relish the serenity of quaint villages, like Viscri, and embark on scenic drives along lesser-known routes, soaking in Transylvania’s captivating beauty beyond the usual tourist buzz.

If you’re someone with a penchant for truly immersive experiences, consider extending your Transylvania trip itinerary beyond 10 days. With extra time on your hands, delve deeper into the region’s heart, experiencing it as locals do. Explore the undiscovered hiking trails, engage with the warm communities, and perhaps even stumble upon a secret or two of this enchanting land.

The time you should spend in Transylvania squarely depends on what kind of traveler you are. No matter the duration, rest assured, Transylvania will captivate your heart, leaving you yearning for more. This is the allure that keeps me here, continuously exploring, and forever enchanted by this Romanian gem.

Car Rental Tips in Romania

Renting a car for your Transylvania road trip is a practical and convenient option, allowing you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Trains are notoriously slow in Romania, with what should be a 1-hour trip sometimes taking up to 5+ hours. Here are some tips and information on car rental in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, where we start our Transylvania itinerary.

Choose a Reputable Rental Company

Location: Strada Traian Vuia, Cluj-Napoca.

Advantage: Wide variety of cars, comprehensive insurance options.

Location: Cluj-Napoca International Airport.

Advantage: Convenient for air travelers, reliable service.

Location: Various locations in Cluj-Napoca, including the airport.

Advantage: Local expertise, personalized service.

• Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the rental terms and conditions.
• Verify the inclusions and exclusions in the rental price.
• Confirm the insurance coverage and consider purchasing additional coverage for peace of mind during your road trip.
• Before driving off, inspect the rental vehicle for any damage and ensure it is noted in the rental agreement.
• Familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s features and functions.

If you’re an American citizen, it’s advisable to have an International Driving Permit alongside your U.S. driver’s license.

• Be cautious and adhere to the speed limits.
• Roads in rural areas may be in varying conditions, so adjust your driving accordingly.
• Have a GPS or a reliable navigation app to help you navigate through the Romanian roads.
• Driving in Romania is not for the faint of heart. Be sure to check out our post before you hit the road! 
• Book your rental car in advance, especially if traveling during peak tourist season.
• Opt for a vehicle suitable for both city driving and the rural roads of Transylvania.
• Verify the fuel policy and ensure the tank is full when returning the vehicle.

With these car rental tips in hand, embark on your Transylvania itinerary with confidence and ease, enjoying the scenic drives and the diverse experiences that the region has to offer.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 1 – Cluj-Napoca

Alrighty folks, let’s kick off this exciting Transylvania itinerary by diving into the rhythm of Cluj-Napoca. Even in the midst of all its buzz, Cluj maintains a laid-back vibe that’s just contagious.

The Botanical Garden in Cluj-Napoca is a lush, green oasis, spreading over 14 hectares, offering both a tranquil retreat from the city hustle and a delightful educational experience. Established in 1920, it’s home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world, exhibited in themed sections.

• Cost: 15 lei for adults; 7 lei for children 3+
• Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Official Website

St. Michael’s Church, located in the Unirii Square in Cluj-Napoca, is an exemplary piece of Gothic architecture, dating back to the 14th century. With its towering spires and intricate details, it holds a commanding presence in the heart of the city. Unirii Square itself is a lively hub filled with historical buildings, charming cafes, and is often the venue for various events, concerts, and festivals, making it a vibrant spot to explore and soak in the local atmosphere.

• Hours: Closed Saturdays; Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Central Park, with its expansive green spaces, peaceful lake, and the Casino building, is an ideal spot for relaxation and leisurely walks in Cluj-Napoca. The park’s history traces back to the 19th century, and today it stands as a favorite locale for both locals and visitors to unwind, enjoy boat rides on the lake, or engage in outdoor activities.

I spent countless hours wandering Central Park when our youngest son, Eli, was in the neighboring Pediatrics Hospital. Needless to say, I’m glad I haven’t been there in a while! Still, it’s one of the best things to do in Cluj-Napoca and it’s a beautiful park.

As night falls, make your way to Piata Muzeului. A feast for both your eyes and tummy awaits here. The plaza springs to life with a symphony of lights, making it the perfect backdrop for a hearty dinner. 

For a traditional bite, step into Casa Veche where the local dishes will take your taste buds on a Transylvania trip of their own. 

If you’re leaning towards something more contemporary, Nativ ’s got you covered with innovative dishes, all rooted in Romania’s rich bounty. They only serve Romanian products here. And yes, they serve some killer local spirits and juices.

Cap off the day with a restful sleep at Hotel Grand Italia , your haven of luxury and comfort, prepping you for the adventures in the days ahead. If you’re staying during the summer months, be sure to take advantage of their pool!

Transylvania Road Trip Day 2 – Turda Salt Mine & Alba

Today, we’ll dive into the depths of ancient salt mines, explore a picturesque Hungarian village, and traverse a star-shaped fortress. Rev up your engines, we’re hitting the road!

Start your day with a burst of flavors and energy at ROD , one of the best restaurants in Cluj-Napoca . Relish a hearty breakfast and plot your course for the day while sipping on slow-drip coffee or freshly squeezed juice. ROD has its own parking lot and is conveniently located en route to our first stop – Turda Salt Mine.

Just a short drive from Cluj-Napoca, this subterranean marvel will leave you awestruck. This salt mine turned museum (and amusement park!) is renowned for its eerie beauty and its underground ferris wheel. Immerse yourself in the cool, salty air as you explore the depths of the mine. Trust me, the Turda Salt Mine is a highlight that you shouldn’t miss on your Transylvania trip itinerary.

• Driving Time Cluj-Napoca to Turda Salt Mine: 45 minutes
• Cost: 50 lei ($11 USD) for adults on weekends
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily; last admission at 6:00 PM

Next, journey to the idyllic village of Rimetea . Nestled between hills, it’s a picture-perfect detour, showcasing traditional Transylvanian architecture and breathtaking landscapes. Wander through the quaint streets, and admire the white houses with green windows, a trademark of the village. It’s a serene contrast after the depths of the Turda Salt Mine, making your Transylvania road trip itinerary diverse and invigorating.

Grab a bite to eat here for lunch with the stunning Piatra Secuiului in the background. If you want a more formal sit-down meal, a short drive away you’ll find Conacul Secuiesc , a picturesque hotel with an on-site restaurant.

• Driving Time Turda Salt Mine to Rimetea: 45 minutes
• Driving Distance: 31.7km

After the picture-perfect village of Rimetea, we’ll head to Alba County’s capital city – Alba Iulia. Known for its star-shaped Alba Carolina Fortress , this town offers a sublime blend of history, architecture, and open-air vibes. Wander around the extensive fortifications, visiting the various bastions, gates, and museums housed within. You’ll not just be walking on cobblestones but on layers of history, where the Great Union of Romania occurred.

• Driving Time Rimetea to Alba Iulia: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Driving Distance: 54.6km

End your day at the cozy La Maison Caroline . This comfortable guesthouse is located within the fortress walls, allowing you to soak in the historical ambiance even as you unwind from your day of exploration.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 3 – Hunedoara & Sibiu

On the third day of your Transylvania travel itinerary, prepare yourself for a journey into the past as you visit one of the largest castles in Europe and ancient Dacian fortresses, and then unwind in the cultural heart of Transylvania.

Start your day with a visit to the imposing Corvin Castle , one of the largest castles in Europe. Explore the grand rooms, the imposing towers, and the well-preserved interiors that take you back to the medieval ages. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a history buff’s dream come true.

• Driving Time from Alba Iiulia to Corvin Castle: 1 hour
• Driving Distance: 81 km
• Cost: 30 lei ($6.20 USD)
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday; Mondays 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Next, drive to Sarmizegetusa Regia . Traverse the remains of the Dacian fortress, amid the tranquil ambiance of the Orăștie Mountains. The ancient ruins offer a peek into the lives of the Dacians , making it a must-visit spot on your Transylvania road trip itinerary.

• Driving Time Corvin Castle to Sarmizegetusa Regia: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Driving Distance: 56km
• Cost: Rates vary. Check the website for updates.
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Winter); 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Spring and Fall); 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Summer)

After you’ve arrived in town, make your way to Cafe Wien , one of the best restaurants in Sibiu . Positioned in the heart of the city, this charming cafe offers a mix of Austrian and Transylvanian cuisine, providing the perfect setting to relax and recap the day’s journey.

• Driving Time Sarmizegetusa to Sibiu: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Driving Distance: 135 km

Tonight, I recommend staying at the historic Imparatul Romanilor Hotel , the oldest hotel in Romania. Located on the main pedestrian street in Sibiu’s Old Town, it’s the perfect base to explore the city. The hotel’s architecture and interior design transport you to a time of emperors and elegance, ensuring a memorable stay.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 4 – Sibiu

Embark on a full-day exploration in Sibiu on Day 4 of your Transylvania road trip itinerary. Filled with museums, iconic squares, and delicious dining, you’re set for a delightful and enlightening day in this cultural city. There are so many things to do in Sibiu , not to mention it’s my favorite city in Romania, so feel free to take your time here and extend your stay! 

Post breakfast, head to the Astra Museum , one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. This museum offers an expansive view of Romanian rural life, showcasing traditional houses, workshops, and much more from different regions of the country.

• Cost: 35 lei for adults (about $7.50)
• Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM May to October; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM October to April

Next on your Transylvania trip itinerary is a visit to the central squares of Sibiu – Piata Mare and Piata Mica. Wander around these vibrant spaces, soaking in the architectural beauty and the bustling atmosphere. My favorite thing to do here is explore the hidden tunnels and stair passageways the city is famous for. Pictured above is the Goldsmith’s passage, connecting Piata Mica with a smaller square in the lower town.

If art is your thing, don’t miss the Brukenthal Museum, located in the grand Brukenthal Palace, which houses an extensive collection of Romanian art, along with European paintings and decorative arts.

As the day unwinds, make your way to the Council Tower. Climb to the top to catch the mesmerizing sunset over Sibiu, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a tranquil and beautiful way to transition from day to evening.

• Cost: 2 lei (a whopping $0.40 USD)
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday; 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Weekends

Conclude your day with a hearty dinner at Ribs & Beer . Indulge in mouth-watering ribs paired with a chilled beer in a warm and rustic setting. It’s the ideal way to wrap up your day of exploration, with satisfying flavors and a relaxed atmosphere. Big shocker, my favorite dish here is the American Ribs (though the Spicy Dracula Ribs are a close second).

Transylvania Road Trip Day 5 – Transfagarasan & Balea Lake

On Day 5 of your Transylvania travel itinerary, embrace the thrill of the open road on one of the most beautiful drives in the world – the Transfagarasan Highway. End the day with the serene beauty of Bâlea Lake and look forward to a delightful dinner and a cozy night in Brasov.

Please note: Transfagarasan Highway is only an option when the road is open, generally between the months of June and early October.

Start your day with the drive along the Transfagarasan Highway . Known as one of the most picturesque road trips in the world, the highway traverses the Carpathian Mountains, offering breathtaking views, sharp hairpin turns, and steep ascents. It’s an exhilarating drive, ensuring your Transylvania road trip is filled with adventure and natural beauty.

• Driving Time Sibiu to Transfagarasan Road: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Driving Distance: 118km

Continue your journey to Bâlea Lake , a glacier lake situated at over 2,000 meters above sea level. Spend some time exploring the area, taking in the spectacular mountain scenery, and enjoying the crisp, fresh air. It’s a peaceful and refreshing contrast to the thrilling drive, offering ample opportunities for reflection and relaxation.

• Driving Time Transfagarasan to Balea Lake: 50 minutes
• Driving Distance: 32.4km

Once in Brașov, head to La Republique for dinner. This popular restaurant offers savory crepes in the stylish, contemporary setting, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the natural beauty of Transylvania. 

• Driving Time Balea Lake to Brasov: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Driving Distance: 133km

Conclude your day by checking into Casa Wagner , located in the heart of Brașov’s old town. This charming boutique hotel, housed in a 17th-century building, provides comfort and convenience, ensuring a restful night as you anticipate the continuation of your Transylvania itinerary.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 6 – Bran, Rasnov, Brasov

Embark on another exciting day of your Transylvania road trip itinerary as you explore the famous Bran Castle, the historic Râșnov Fortress, and the renowned Black Church in Brașov. Each destination promises rich history, stunning views, and a deeper understanding of Transylvania’s past and present.

Kick-start your Day 6 by visiting the iconic Bran Castle , often referred to as Dracula’s Castle. Despite the mythical connections, it’s a stunning fortress with a rich history and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Spend your morning exploring the various rooms, secret passageways, and the lovely castle grounds on this easy day trip from Brasov .

• Driving Time Brasov to Bran: 35 minutes
• Driving Distance: 30.5 km
• Cost: 45 lei ($9 USD) for adults
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday; 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday

Next, proceed to the Râșnov Fortress . Perched on a hilltop, the fortress boasts impressive views over the Carpathian Mountains and the town below. Learn about the fortress’s history and its role in protecting the region’s inhabitants during invasions.

The Rasnov Fortress is currently undergoing restoration efforts. You will be able to visit the grounds of the magnificent structure, but you can’t currently go inside.

• Driving Time Bran to Rasnov: 21 minutes
• Driving Distance: 14.2 km

Return to Brașov to explore the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania. Admire its grand architecture, antique furniture, and the collection of Oriental carpets, as you wander through the serene and spiritual space.

• Driving Time Rasnov to Brasov: 35 minutes
• Driving Distance: 19.5 km
• Cost: 10 lei ($2.50 USD)
• Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily

Cap off your day with a delightful dinner at La Ceaun , located in the Council Square in Brașov. Treat yourself to their array of delicious Romanian dishes , prepared using fresh, local ingredients. It’s a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the regional cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.

Transylvania Itinerary Day 7 – Brasov & Libearty Bear Sanctuary

Day 7 of your Transylvania itinerary unfolds with a mix of nature, history, and culture. Visit the admirable Libearty Bear Sanctuary, explore the highlights of Brașov , and delve into Romania’s recent history for a well-rounded day of experiences.

Begin your day with a visit to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești . This heartwarming sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates bears that have been abused or neglected, offering them a safe and natural environment to live in. It’s a beautiful experience to see these magnificent creatures enjoy their much-deserved freedom.

• Driving Time Brasov to Zarnesti: 41 minutes
• Driving Distance: 29 km
• Cost: 65 to 80 lei depending on the season ($13 to $16 USD)
• Hours: See the Official Website as hours vary often

Return to Brașov and head to Tâmpa Mountain. Take a hike or the cable car to the top for stunning panoramic views of Brașov and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains. It’s a scenic adventure that provides fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to embrace the natural beauty of the region.

Next, visit Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe, and explore the historic Schei District. Wander through the charming streets, discovering the unique architecture, quaint shops, and local life that add to the allure of Brașov.

Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Museum of Living in Communism. Gain insight into life during the Communist era in Romania, understanding the challenges and changes the country underwent. It’s a sobering and enlightening experience, adding depth and perspective to your Transylvania travel itinerary.

• Cost: 35 lei ($7.50 USD)
• Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday; Closed Mondays

Transylvania Itinerary Day 8 – Viscri, Saschiz, & Sighișoara

On the eighth day of your Transylvania itinerary, journey through the picturesque villages of Viscri and Saschiz, and end your day in the medieval citadel of Sighișoara. Enjoy the rustic charm, historical landmarks, and delightful dining as you continue your exploration through Transylvania.

Start your day with a trip to Viscri , a village that seems frozen in time. Here, explore one of the region’s many fortified churches , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through the village lanes, enjoying the tranquility and the well-preserved Saxon architecture. Viscri is well-known for being a favorite of King Charles of England.

• Driving Time Brasov to Viscri: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Driving Distance: 79 km

Next on your Transylvania road trip itinerary is Saschiz, known for its beautiful fortified church (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and peasant fortress ruins on the hill above the village. Like Viscri, Saschiz is steeped in history and offers peaceful village vibes, making it a delightful stop on your journey.

• Driving Time Viscri to Saschiz: 25 minutes
• Driving Distance: 22 km

Proceed to Sighișoara, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved inhabited citadels in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its colorful houses, cobbled streets, and rich history, it’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.

Once in Sighișoara, dine at Cafe Martini . Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The cafe is a perfect place to unwind after a day of travel, offering delightful meals and refreshing beverages. It was one of my favorite places to eat in Sighisoara when we lived there. Try the Dracula Tochitura or Ribs with Special Sauce.

It’s also where I first met our beloved adopted street dog, Bruno. Despite the fact that we didn’t last long in Sighisoara (just 7 months), I firmly believe we were meant to go just so that we could find Bruno.

• Driving Time Saschiz to Sighisoara: 20 minutes
• Driving Distance: 20 km

End your day by checking into Casa Georgius Krauss . This boutique hotel in the heart of the medieval citadel provides luxurious and comfortable accommodation, ensuring a restful night in a historical setting.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 9 – Sighișoara & Breb

Day 9 of your Transylvania road trip is a beautiful blend of exploration and transition from the enchanting streets of Sighișoara to the serene village life in Breb.

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at La Perla . Savor a variety of breakfast options in a comfortable setting, fueling up for a day filled with exploration and travel.

After breakfast, head to the Vlad Țepeș House, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. Learn about his life and legacy in a meticulously preserved medieval setting.

Don’t forget to pick up a kitschy souvenir at the gift shop downstairs!

• Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday; Closed Mondays

Next, visit the iconic Clock Tower, a symbol of the town and one of the best things to do in Sighisoara . Climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the surrounding Transylvanian landscape. Imagine what life would have been like in medieval days.

• Cost: 16 lei ($3.40 USD)
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM Tuesday through Friday; 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday and Sunday

Move on to the Covered Staircase, leading you to the Church on the Hill and the German Cemetery. Take time to explore these historical sites, soaking in the serenity and the scenic views from the hill. The stairs are deceptively steep, you should be in good physical shape to make this effort! 

Post exploration, embark on a drive to Breb , a quaint and charming village. The journey is a visual treat, with the picturesque Transylvanian countryside unfolding around you.

Upon arrival, feel the pace of life slow down. Breb’s pastoral landscapes and traditional wooden houses offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist routes.

• Driving Time Sighisoara to Breb: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Driving Distance: 268 km

Obviously, the drive to Breb is the longest in our Transylvania road trip itinerary. It’s totally optional, however, even a quick jaunt up to Maramures is highly worth it in my opinion! You can stop in Targu Mures along the way if you want to break up the journey a little.

Settle down at the Village Hotel for the night. This welcoming accommodation is owned by Penny Ridgely, a friend and a wonderful host. Penny and I met when we went, with mutual friends, over the border to Ukraine to bring supplies to help with the war in 2022. Greet her with a warm hello and feel right at home in the cozy and comfortable setting of the Village Hotel.

Transylvania Road Trip Day 10 – Breb & Merry Cemetery

Embrace the final day of your Transylvania road trip by exploring the bucolic beauty of Breb and visiting the unique Merry Cemetery of Săpânța, before making your way back to Cluj-Napoca.

Begin your day with a leisurely exploration of Breb on foot. The village, with its wooden houses, rolling hills, and warm locals, offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Transylvanian life. Take this time to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty that envelops the village.

There’s not much to do in Breb except take in the beautiful surroundings and surrender to the peace and tranquility of village life.

Proceed to the Merry Cemetery of Săpânța , a world-renowned cemetery known for its colorful tombstones with naive paintings describing the people who are buried there as well as scenes from their lives. The cemetery emanates a surprising and unique atmosphere, a far cry from the somber aura typically associated with cemeteries. It’s a visual treat that will leave you laughing, your heart full.

• Driving Time Breb to Sapanta: 55 minutes
• Driving Distance: 45 km
• Cost: 4 lei ($1 USD)
• Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily

After your visit to the Merry Cemetery, embark on your journey back to Cluj-Napoca. The drive back is a time to reflect on the incredible adventure, the sites explored, and the memories made during your 10-day Transylvania road trip itinerary.

• Driving Time Sapanta to Cluj-Napoca: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Driving Distance: 196 km

Transylvania Itinerary FAQs

While you can cover the main attractions in Transylvania in a minimum of 5 days, allocating 10 days for your trip allows you to explore both popular sites and hidden gems at a relaxed pace. Even with 10 days, there’s always more to see, as Transylvania’s rich history and diverse landscapes offer endless exploration opportunities.

The best months to visit Transylvania are May to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the major tourist spots are less crowded. The spring blooms and autumn foliage offer breathtaking scenic beauty, enhancing your Transylvanian adventure.

If you want to sync up your itinerary with an epic Cluj music festival, such as Electric Castle or Untold , go in the summer months.

Or, if Romanian Christmas Markets and skiing in Transylvania sound more suited to you, definitely head there during the winter .

Exploring Transylvania by car is the most convenient and flexible way to see the region, especially for visiting remote attractions. Car rentals are available in major cities like Cluj-Napoca. Alternatively, public transportation and organized tours are available, offering various options to suit different travel preferences.

This is highly subjective. It all depends on what you want to see! If you’re embarking on a Transylvanian road trip, the base won’t matter, as you won’t really have one. 

Many people base in Brasov for easy proximity to Bran Castle and Peles Castle . If you’re flying into Bucharest, it’s also the closest Transylvanian city to the Romanian capital. 

Cluj-Napoca is another good base in Transylvania. As a vibrant city with a rich history, it offers numerous accommodations, dining, and entertainment options, while its central location makes it convenient for day trips to various destinations in the region.

Sighișoara is often hailed as the most beautiful town in Transylvania. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets, offering a captivating journey back in time. 

As a former resident, I don’t disagree! Sibiu is a close second in terms of aesthetics. 

English is commonly spoken in tourist areas in Transylvania, and many locals, especially the younger generation and those working in the tourism industry, can communicate in English. Learning a few basic phrases in Romanian can enhance your travel experience.

The Transfăgărășan Highway is renowned as the most beautiful road in Transylvania. It traverses stunning mountain landscapes, offering spectacular views and a thrilling driving experience as it winds through the Carpathian Mountains.

Yes, Transylvania is generally safe for solo female travelers, boasting a low crime rate and a friendly populace. However, like traveling anywhere, it’s advisable to take standard precautions, stay in well-traveled areas, and keep belongings secure.

Embarking on a 10-day journey through the mysterious and charming land of Transylvania is undoubtedly a trip filled with wonders. From the vibrant streets of Cluj-Napoca to the stunning views along the Transfăgărășan Highway, every day promises a new adventure, a fresh perspective, and a closer look into the rich Transylvanian history and diverse cultures that interlace through the region’s cities and countryside.

Transylvania unfurls an array of experiences, each more captivating than the last. This carefully curated itinerary ensures you don’t miss out on the key attractions while still uncovering lesser-known gems that add a unique touch to your Transylvanian experience. Plus, I’ve included all of my personal favorites!

Traveling through Transylvania by car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, absorbing the beauty, the lore, and the warmth of the local hospitality. Despite the extensive exploration over the 10 days, keep in mind that Transylvania always has more to offer, and a return trip is a delightful inevitability.

So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for a Transylvanian road trip filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, historic landmarks, and unforgettable memories. This diverse and vibrant region is ready to welcome you with open arms and reveal its many treasures, ensuring your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Safe travels!

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Transylvania Is Known for Its Mythic Tales — Now 2 Chic New Hotels are Offering Another Reason to Visit

This storied region in Romania is a land of vast wilderness, regal countesses, and plenty of folklore.

Kate Eshelby

In the early afternoon, my family and I strode out of a beech forest and onto a sweep of high grassland, where an expanse of oak trees stood like solitary guards. A picnic was waiting for us, with goulash cooking over a fire and a table laid with a bright, cherry-colored cloth. 

This was the Breite, one of Europe’s best-preserved wood pastures, a type of forest that is managed through grazing. It was here, deep in Transylvania, that the Saxons — Germanic people who arrived in Romania in the 12th century — used to come to fatten their pigs on the plentiful acorns. Some of the Breite’s oldest trees, with deep grooves in their bark, have towered since the Middle Ages. “These furrows are home to the great capricorn beetle,” Peter Suciu, our guide, told us. The insects are rare in other parts of Europe that have lost their old trees, the beetles’ preferred habitat.

Transylvania, Romania’s largest and most famous region, is a place where blacksmiths still mold metal, shepherds live alone with their flocks, and hay is cut with scythes. It’s a land of villages with terra-cotta-tiled homes and vast wildernesses where bears, wolves, and lynx patrol primeval forests.

In the clearing, Suciu showed us how to cook slănină, cured slabs of pork fat, on sticks over the flames. “This is one of our most popular foods,” he said as we dripped its delicious, hot, golden juice onto hunks of freshly baked bread. We had met Suciu earlier that day, when he collected us from Bethlen Estates Transylvania , in the medieval village of Criș, where I was staying with my husband and two young sons. Only in the past several years have accommodations opened in these places, offering travelers the chance to experience a way of life that feels bygone. 

For centuries, Romania was a place of turbulence. Having been claimed by a number of history’s great empires — the Romans, the Ottomans, and the Austro-Hungarians — it was consistently under attack. More recently (from 1948 to 1989), the country operated as a satellite state of the Soviet Union. 

For nearly two decades, Count Miklós Bethlen, who had grown up in the family’s castle in Criș, lived in exile. He returned in 1967 and, until his death in 2001, was devoted to restoring the village and its properties, which had fallen into disrepair during the Communist era. This restoration has been continued by his widow, Countess Gladys Bethlen, and her son, Miklós, who now run a collection of accommodations occupying historic buildings on their sweeping family lands. Bethlen Estates first opened to guests in 2018 with the Caretaker’s House, which has four bedrooms, a full kitchen, a sauna, a pool, and a library. A two-bedroom Saxon-style cottage, Depner House, opened in 2021, as did the four-bedroom Corner Barn (originally used for storing hay). The Bethlens are also renovating the village’s old Saxon schoolhouse.

We’d arrived at the Caretaker’s House after crossing a wooden bridge over a stream and then following a winding path. Dormer windows protruded from the pitched roof like sleepy crocodile eyes. Inside, the bedrooms had sumptuous linens and traditional tiled stoves. 

Days at Bethlen are simple but sublime. One afternoon we whizzed across meadows on e-bikes; it was April, and we could see the snow-streaked peaks of Romania’s highest mountains, the Făgăraș Range, on the horizon. Another day we walked to the village of Malancrav, before realizing we might be late for dinner. After lively negotiations with a local family, we rode back through the forest on their horse-drawn cart (rattling down hills so fast that I was a little terrified, but my children were delighted). The red wool tassels on the horse’s harness — believed to protect against the evil eye — caught the air as we went. 

Thanks to our shortcut, we made it in time to sit down in the communal dining barn. First, tomato soup with sour cream and caviar, then Hungarian Mangalica pork with spring vegetables, followed by chocolate torte with peach marmalade. The Countess told us of her late husband’s love of the area. “His roots remained so deeply entrenched in this land that our children had to beg him to stop telling stories of his childhood,” she said with a gutsy laugh. Later, as my family and I strolled back up the hill to bed, I could imagine the estate’s former grandeur as I looked at the ruins of the granary and, in the distance, the Renaissance-era Bethlen Castle, where the family had lived at the height of its aristocratic power. 

After several days at Bethlen, we drove an hour east to Viscri, one of Transylvania’s best-preserved Saxon villages, with pastel-colored houses leading up to its unesco-listed fortified church. One of them belongs to Britain’s King Charles III, although it’s easy to pass by without knowing — his heraldic badge is discreetly stuccoed into the home’s blue walls. 

Our home for the next few days was another old residence and farm, Viscri 125 , which has been restored into a stylish, simple guesthouse with 11 rooms. The owners, Mihai and Raluca Grigore, live next door with their three children. “We moved here from Bucharest in 2007 because we loved the architecture of the village, being in nature, and the community,” Raluca told me. 

One evening we ate at the home of Gerda Gherghiceanu, the Grigores’ neighbor, who hosts meals for hotel guests. After dinner she showed us her cellar, where she stores jars of homemade jams, stewed fruits, and pickled vegetables, all made with produce from her own orchards and gardens. 

Leaving Gherghiceanu’s house just before twilight, we watched as hundreds of farm animals streamed up the road with an orchestra of hooves and bells. In spring, when the grass flushes green, the herds return home from grazing in the hills each nightfall by themselves. First the goats, then the cows, then the water buffalo with their long black snouts. It was a sight that felt timeless, as the sun turned everything gold. 

How to Get to Translyvania

Most visitors will begin their trip in Bucharest, the Romanian capital. From there it is a four-hour drive northwest to the border of Transylvania. The best way to visit the region is with the help of a tour operator: I went with Romania Private Tours , which can create customized itineraries incorporating stays at Bethlen Estates Transylvania , in the village of Criș, and Viscri 125 , in the village of Viscri, plus excursions like horseback riding, hiking, foraging, cooking classes, and dinner with a local family.

A version of this story first appeared in the June 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "The Land Before Time."

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Visit Transylvania – Travel guide for first time visitors

• April 2, 2024

When you visit Transylvania, a travel guide can help you solve the details you need for a perfect trip. Every time the moment to plan a new trip comes, things can get both exciting and annoying at the same time. Of course, getting to explore a new place out there is perhaps one of the best experiences someone can have, but there are also a few expected events that might occur.

These can be caused by many reasons such as the lack of free time, not having enough information, and too many or too few options to pick from.

However, this Transylvania travel guide is going to present in a very detailed form why you should explore Transylvania, as well as what should not be missing from your ‘must-see’ list while you are roaming this part of Romania. So grab a pen and let’s get started!

Along with the extensive list of when is the best time to visit Transylvania, accommodation, travel methods, and recommendations in terms of sightseeing attractions, you will also get to know why visiting Transylvania is worth your time.

I bet you already heard about the famous legends of vampires that are surrounding this region, but keep in mind that it has a lot more to offer than that!

Reasons to visit Transylvania

Some other reasons you should take into account when you ask yourself “Why should I consider a Transylvania trip?”, are that you will get to see some of the richest places in history that are standing still even after millions of years that passed, but also medieval cities and lots of outdoor wonders.

When you say “Transylvania” you can suddenly associate it with the central region of Romania that until 1918 was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Transylvania occupies a third of the whole country’s surface which is larger than Austria, so there is no doubt you will have plenty of places to see before returning home.

Depending on whether you enjoy hiking the mountains more than visiting cities and urban tourist attractions, you will be able to spend your time exploring what you love the most even if you will focus just on one of the two categories mentioned above.

Though, is such a big region with plenty of options, starting to plan your next trip here is not that simple. So hopefully, this guide will help you figure everything out. You can also opt for a guided tour that will make everything easier for you.

Things to know before planning a trip to Transylvania

This region of Romania is generally safe to visit. However, as with any destination, it is always a good idea to take basic safety precautions when traveling. This includes avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables safe and secure.

If you travel on your own, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs and to be respectful of the local culture. In case of something you can contact the local authorities (the emergency number is 112) and if the situation requires it, also your embassy.

A guide can also make you feel safe and help you interact with locals if they don’t understand English.

Being located in Romania, the main language spoken in Transylvania is Romanian. This belongs to the Latin language family and is closely related to Italian, French, and Spanish.

However, Transylvania has a diverse linguistic landscape, and there are also several other languages spoken in the region. Because the region was under Hungarian occupation for many years, Hungarian is used by a significant minority in Transylvania, particularly in the eastern part of it. German is also spoken by a small minority, particularly in the city of Sibiu. In addition, there are smaller communities of speakers of Romani, Slovak, and Ukrainian in Transylvania.

Overall, the linguistic situation in Transylvania reflects its diverse history and cultural influences.

Being a part of Romania, the official currency in Transylvania is the Romanian leu (plural: lei). The leu is divided into 100 bani. Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 lei, while coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani.

The exchange rates may vary, so check the official rate before exchanging money. You can pay by card in large cities, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand. In some places, card payments are not accepted.

You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. It’s also possible to withdraw cash from ATMs, which are widely available throughout the country. And don’t forget to inform your bank or credit card company about your travel plans. Sometimes they get extra protective and block your payments.

The best time to visit

While most of the places out there have a recommended season when to visit them for the best experience you can have, Transylvania is waiting for new tourists any time of the year. Each season has its own interests and recommendations.

Spring is the season when not only nature awakens and blooms again. The traditional villages, different from the rest of the country, come to life. Long story short, Romania is split into 4 regions that have their own culture, fold costumes, tourist attractions, and local celebrations.

However, most of the locals managed to preserve their traditions and legends which will transpose every tourist into a time bubble far from modern life and daily routines.

If you want to visit Romania just for Transylvania tourism, then summer is the right season for that. The weather is going to be just right for most of the landmarks in Transylvania, especially since some of the outdoor ones are usually closed.

Autumn is also another season that shouldn’t be neglected because when you want to check out Transylvania tourist attractions, there is no chance to stay away from mountains and forests which are pretty dominant in this part of the globe. And what better way to enjoy the stunning landscapes than being completed by the colorful trees?

And last but not least, perhaps you are aware that winter is one of the favorite seasons for kids. It’s also fun if you love snow, winter sports, or even traditions. You can spend a white Christmas in Transylvania or come on a ski holiday in one of the many mountain resorts in the region.

However, if you are looking for the best month to visit Transylvania, we would suggest April or October . Read some extra details about when to travel to Transylvania .

Where to stay?

When it comes to where you can stay while exploring Transylvania, there are quite a lot of options you can consider depending on whether you are looking for an urban or rural experience. Even though Transylvania is home to the whole area inside of the Carpathians, the most popular cities create a triangle between Sibiu, Sighisoara, and Brasov.

Stay in Sibiu

Sibiu is known as the heart of Transylvania due to all the festivals, traditions, and culture that are shared as being at home, but it’s also one of the cities from where you can plan day trips to any of the other cities mentioned before or to other places to see in Transylvania.

Accommodation in Brasov

Brasov is the closest one to the famous Bran Castle and the legends of vampires but it also represents the most visited city in Romania. This one is very known for the Saxon culture which was very dominant in this region, but also for the villages and fortified churches.

Medieval stay in Sighisoara

However, when it comes to a genuine medieval experience, without any doubt, Sighisoara is the right city for that. Plus, it’s a quite tiny city that is very rich in history and traditions, and you will get to see rare and unique parts of history shared all over the place, no matter if we talk about museums, towers, castles, monuments, churches or even houses of the long-gone guilds.

B&Bs in Transylvania countryside

If you enjoy spending more time with yourself far from the crowded cities and traffic noise, then do keep in mind that most of the villages in Transylvania have a few options in terms of guest houses where you can create lots of memories.

Romanians, but especially the locals from villages, are well known for having a good heart and always doing their best to help the tourists either with indications, sharing legends, or presenting some of the traditional cuisines, so it’s all up to your preferences.

How to get to Transylvania

Read more details about where is Transylvania located and start planning your trip here. Amongst some of the most important parts when planning a new trip, is transport.  This plays a major role and it comes in many forms. That is why when you want to get to Transylvania you can do that:

Traveling to Transylvania by plane

This is the safest, quickest, and easiest method, but not always affordable by everyone. Happily, both Sibiu and Cluj Napoca (which are some of the most important cities in Transylvania), do have airports with quite a lot of routes. There are even urban flights that should be considered.

It is, unfortunately, one of the slowest options you can consider due to the many hours spent on the road. Perhaps you are already aware that Romania is not very well prepared on this line so if you would still like to buy a train ticket, our recommendation is to use it on small routes such as Sibiu – Brasov, Sibiu – Sighisoara or Bucharest – Brasov.

This is amongst the most used methods by most tourists due to being able to set up your own comfort and use it further when exploring the surroundings

Unless you only travel to Transylvania for the urban sightseeing attractions which can be reached with all the other methods or even by bus, using a car is the quickest way to reach new realms and discover their stories. Especially if you think about villages or outdoor wonders.

If you want to make sure you will have a perfect holiday, try one of our tours in Transylvania:

Transylvania tours from Bucharest 2024 (6)

Transylvania attractions.

Now that you already made an idea of the technical aspects before booking a trip to Transylvania, it’s time to get to the fun part of the guide which will present some of the must-see places, but also less known ones for the more adventurous spirits.

As you have already learned by reading so far, there are many things to do in Transylvania that worth your attention. We can talk about both the urban & rural sides including fortified churches, castles, fortresses, towers, monuments, and medieval cities, but also about the outdoor life which will present waterfalls, caves, salt mines, forests, canyons, lakes, natural formations and many more! here is a list of the best-known attractions in Transylvania:

Bran Castle

Bran Castle is perhaps the first place everyone associates Transylvania with, especially when it comes to vampires. But the truth is that it’s a great opportunity to explore a different kind of museum as well as get through Vlad’s history.

The first mention of Dracula was found in Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic horror novel that created the fictional character. But not long after this event, people found out that there actually is a castle for Dracula open to the tourists.

However, the stories, legends, secret passages, and all the history this castle is soaked in make it one of the most visited attractions in Romania. Tourists coming from abroad especially prefer it.

Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is the Gothic masterpiece of Transylvania for over five centuries. It creates some of the most scenic landscapes you can see in Europe, saving its spot in the Top 10 with the most fairy places in Europe. That is why the Corvin Castle is considered to be the most beautiful castle in Transylvania.

Even though for over 400 years the castle has gone through a lot of tumultuous challenges, the usual love story that most likely every castle has didn’t manage to stay away from this one either.

That’s how, after the torch of love was kindled between Iancu de Hunedoara and Elisabeta, a gold ring has been offered. But not a long time after this event the ring was stolen by a raven who got attracted by its sparkle. Iancu proved both his courage and love for his chosen one by shooting with a bow the bird which became the main symbol to represent the castle. Also its name comes from this, because “Corvus” means “Raven” in Latin.

Turda Salt Mine

Turda Salt mine is one of the treasures from the depths of the ground which is revealed in all its beauty with a quick ride down to 120 meters. Once you make your way into the salt mine, you will get to breathe some of the purest air in the world.

There are also lots of activities to enjoy such as minigolf, bowling, boat paddling, pool, cinema, panoramic wheel and a lot more. Even though there are not many objects left behind to make you understand what it has gone through, the salt mine was everything from a cheese cave to a World War II bomb shelter and amusement park.

You can still see some of the tools used back in the 17th century in the small museum from the underground treasure. But some of the most important reasons why people are visiting the salt mine are the treatments offered to heal themselves from any breathing disease.

Try a 4-day itinerary in Transylvania to visit the Turda salt mine.

Scarisoara Ice Cave

Scarisoara ice cave represents one of the natural wonders of Romania. You can explore it while going to the Apuseni Mountains because the cave is well known for sheltering the biggest underground glacier from the Southeastern side of Europe.

The exact date when the cave was first discovered is still unknown. But there are at least 3,500 years since the glacier delights the eyes of many curious tourists who are seeing this kind of natural formation for the first time in their life.

The cave is located at an altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level. Its 720 meters length is split into several rooms, the most interesting one being entitled “The Church”. This one is formed from over 100 ice stalagmites of different shapes and sizes.

Along with the unique experience a tourist can have while exploring the ice cave, the whole journey feels like a deep breath of fresh air during a hot day of the summer. The temperature is maintained constant during the whole year to avoid melting down the ice blocks left.

The most haunted forest in the world: Hoia Baciu Forest

Hoia Baciu forest is the perfect pick if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience outdoors. Over time the forest became home to many paranormal phenomena.

That is why the Hoia Baciu forest is considered to be the most haunted forest in the world.

There are shared many ghost stories and urban legends that bring their contribute to its popularity.

Also, they make many tourists curious to see how much is reality and how much fiction. The sceptics are convinced that all the stories are shared just for the sake of entertainment and lack evidence. But the Hoia Baciu Forest has been featured on quite a few paranormal documentary TV shows already, such as “Ghost Adventures” and “Destination Truth.”

While it’s your mission to find the truth, the forest is also used as a recreation destination that comes with some biking trails and other spots dedicated to paintball, airsoft, and archery activities.

Alba Carolina Citadel

Alba Carolina is the biggest fortification in Romania still standing for over 300 years. It also represents the heart of the city with a similar name, Alba Iulia. The roman citadel was built between 1715 and 1738 in the middle of the country. It’s the main source of a unique historical and medieval ambience.

While Bucharest is known as the capital of Romania, Alba Iulia is still entitled as ‘the other capital’ of the country due to its connection with the Great Union from 1918. In 1918 Transylvania along with the rest of the country was linked together.

For this reason, Alba Carolina Citadel saved its spot on the must-see places in Romania, but also for being recognized as a great location for a long list of many important historical events that left their touch on the country.

Fagaras Citadel

Fagaras Citadel was born in the 16th century over the ruins of a castle that was destroyed by fire. The castle completed its mission with success while defending the Southeastern side of Transylvania against possible incursions.

Even though the fortress was very well prepared with thick walls and many shooting towers, this one didn’t manage to stay away from the Ottomans who attacked the building more times in a row.

After the events calmed down for a bit, Michael the Brave occupied Fagaras Citadel and sheltered there his family and his royal treasures.

It was only the beginning of a long timeline with many changes brought to the fortress depending on its owner. Over the years it was both a princely residence but also a prison used for those who opposed the communist regime. No less than 5,000 people were detained and became victims of the torture methods used back then.

Sarmizegetusa Regia

Sarmizegetusa Regia fortress is hidden deep in the forests of the Carpathians. Here, not only that you will be welcomed by the marvelous nature but also by a better understanding of Romania’s origins following a 2 millennia-long journey before Romans conquered Dacia.

Back then, Sarmisegetuza Regia was the capital of the Dacian Kingdom. The water supply systems, ceramics, and several iron tools indicated the life of an ancient community that was there before.

All these aspects, along with many other important historical details, represent a genuine piece of history hidden in nature which still comes with many unanswered questions. But it stirs lots of curiosity from the tourists that are coming from all over the world to meet the few stones left.

There are quite a few fragments from the fortification walls but the most important ruins are the seven temples and the monumental altar used for sacrifices during the Dacian times.

Viscri Fortified Church

The Viscri fortified church is the most visited place in the village with the same name. It is tiny as it is, simple yet grand and majestic.

With a history of over 9 centuries, the church also played a defensive role on the west side of Transylvania. Sooner or later this region was attacked by the same Ottoman armies who’ve set themselves a goal of destroying as many churches from Transylvania as possible. Due to their placements the churches could protect the country too and not only serve with a religious purpose.

Happily, an ambitious community managed to save an important historical building that had been lost on the way with the passage of time and revived the traditions that were almost gone.

Therefore, if you get to see Viscri these days, not only you will discover a scenic and interesting church and fortress, but also local artisans and blacksmiths that will show you how they make horseshoes and other important objects from the past era. Viscri is included in almost every itinerary in Transylvania .

Prejmer Fortified Church

Prejmer fortified church dates as the largest fortified church from the Southeastern side of Europe. It was built by Teutonic knights at the beginning of the 13th century.

Being such an imposing and interesting formation, catching the interest of the less well-meaning armies didn’t last to appear. Fortunately, the church showed incredible strength in front of many challenges and events that were knocking at the door.

Not for a few times, the church was on the front line in terms of invasions and enemy attacks which made the building endure more sieges than other similar buildings from the same region would normally go through. That’s how the religious place was conquered only once but went through more than 50 sieges over hundreds of years of existence.

Biertan Fortified Church

Similar to the previous one, but definitely not less interesting, the church from Biertan is placed on top of a hill. It also has faced many challenges that decided the future of Transylvania.

Along with the towers used for defensive purposes, there was also a special room that served as a punishment for the couples who wanted to break up after a failed marriage. Even if it might sound funny, the couple was locked in the room for a few days. Here, the most extreme challenge was to live with the one you weren’t even talking to anymore, in a very tiny room with a single bed, one plate, one mug and one cutlery that would push each other to start a conversation.

Happily, the whole situation proved a real success because all the couples locked inside (except one), managed to come to terms and learn how to live together again even with just very few things in their life.

Slimnic Citadel

Slimnic Citadel is amongst the less known fortresses of Transylvania. It doesn’t enjoy the same popularity as the others, but it comes with beautiful architecture left behind even if there are many ruins.

The citadel is a mighty medieval building that is still standing tall after almost 800 years since it was the first documentary mentioned. However, while you go to such places to find a little bit more of the past of Romania and especially Transylvania, this one will show that passion is over history sometimes. People are living inside the citadel taking care of the ruins. For many years they learned to live a simple, yet beautiful and full life.

Transfagarasan

Transfagarasan is one of the places that you can visit only during the hot seasons of the year. It is located at an altitude of 2,042 meters and lots of avalanches occur during the winter and spring.

This one is actually a road that crosses some of the highest mountain lands in Romania. Transfagarasan is 151 kilometers long and crosses the north-south side of the Fagaras Mountains.

The whole trail offers a unique driving experience while making your way through countless sceneries that will leave you speechless with their almost unreal beauty.

Not for a few times, Transfagarasan was entitled as the best road in the world, being mentioned also by Jeremy Clarkson in a Top Gear episode who along with his team, tested powerful cars on this side of Romania.

Balea Lake is one of the many sightseeing attractions you can observe while driving on the Transfagarasan road. It is also a great spot for hiking, ice climbing, skiing or even cycling on heights that exceed 2,000 meters altitude.

Plus, during the winter there is created a unique world of ice-crafted exclusives with the blocks of ice extracted from the lake. This world of ice follows a different theme every year and it can only be enjoyed during the winter when the access on the road is restricted. It can still be reached by cable car that will offer you a unique view over the mountains and nature.

Medieval cities

Transylvania has some amazing cities that kept their medieval charm and make you believe you are in Germany, due to their saxon influences. Sibiu, Brasov and Sighisoara are just some of them. Their old town with narrow streets and colorful buildings will steal your heart forever! Don’t hesitate to explore them and use them as a base to visit other landmarks around.

This is just a short list of some of the many tourist attractions you can enjoy when you travel to Transylvania. So keep in mind that tourism in Transylvania is a real discovery. Exploring what it has to offer comes with no limits and meets not borders, but only the time which will be your own enemy.

You probably have noticed that there is no town included in the list. We have a special post about the main cities to visit in Transylvania and what do to there.

When you plan a trip to Transylvania, our recommendation is to not miss a chance to do it for a longer period in order to have enough time to explore all the areas that are part of this region. You will never be disappointed but only sorry that you couldn’t stay for more!

We hope that this Transylvania travel guide has offered you all the details you need about this beautiful region.

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Best time to visit Transylvania

• November 1, 2023

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Transylvania

• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 7 Get around
• 8.1 Cities and towns
• 8.2 Castles and fortresses
• 8.3 Salt mines
• 11.1 Romanian dishes
• 11.2 Hungarian dishes
• 11.3 Saxon dishes
• 14 Stay safe

Transylvania is the largest region of Romania and probably the best known one. When you visit Transylvania you dive into a mix of cultures, nature and history. Transylvania is a diverse region: it is worth trying to observe the differences that exist within the region, both culturally and naturally. This region is a place with abundant history and multicultural convergence. All over Transylvania the cohabitation of Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons and Roma is the leading theme. Transylvania is rich in myth and misty medieval sites: there about 100 castles and fortresses and about 70 fortified churches. Romania's greatest and best preserved castles and fortresses are to be found here. But for the more curious traveler, there are many small villages with old houses and fortified churches. As Transylvania is circled by the Carpathian mountains there are a lot of mountain forests and hiking or climbing possibilities. All over the Carpathians there are great national parks. In the center of Transylvania there are green hills and rivers. Most big cities are very western Europe like, and the infrastructure is generally good, making it easy for travelers.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 46.310278 23.716667 1 Aiud — an ancient city with a small, 14th-century citadel
• 46.076389 23.572778 2 Alba Iulia — home to a massive baroque fortification built in the 18th century, with a medieval Catholic cathedral
• 45.65 25.6 3 Brașov — a modern industrial city with a well-preserved Old Town
• 46.78 23.559444 4 Cluj-Napoca — the biggest city in Transylvania, also called "The heart of Transylvania"
• 45.8 24.15 5 Sibiu — a compact city with German flair, medieval charm, excellent views of the surrounding landscapes, great food, and stunning parkland
• 46.216944 24.791111 6 Sighișoara — a small medieval fortified city, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site
• 45.865278 25.787778 7 Sfântu Gheorghe — one of the oldest cities in Transylvania, it is a centre for the Hungarian-speaking people of the region
• 46.549722 24.559722 8 Târgu-Mureș — famous for its Art Nouveau buildings, Târgu Mureș is the cultural and economical centre of the Székely Land of the Hungarian minority

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 45.593056 25.460278 1 Râșnov — home to a restored Saxon fortress from the 14th century, and to many old Saxon houses
• 46.5 23 2 Apuseni Mountains — Huedin and surrounding villages, an agrotourism and ecotourism hotspot, as they offer wonderful scenery, secluded areas, great Romanian social and rural experiences
• 45.654167 23.933333 3 Păltiniș — the highest mountain resort in Romania
• 45.333333 22.833333 4 Retezat National Park — one of the most beautiful parks in Romania
• 46.484927 25.716625 5 Szeklerland — Târgu Secuiesc, Miercurea Ciuc, are home to the Szekler people, also known as Szekely, who are a Hungarian-speaking people of Transylvania
• 46.566667 23.783333 6 Turda — visit the former Salt mine, now a tourist attraction and amusement park
• 47.322215 25.025643 7 Lunca Ilvei — a remote mountain community, where you can experience farming, forestry and shepherding

Understand [ edit ]

Although some people may only associate the name with tales of bloodthirsty vampires (it is the home of the title character in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula ), Transylvania is one of the most beautiful natural regions in Europe , dotted with picturesque, medieval fortress towns and monasteries. Lively cities with stunning baroque architecture offer modern tourism services at a price far below that of, say, Germany or France . Here you can find some of the most developed cities in Romania, but also old villages where people live as they did a hundred years ago. Transylvania is surrounded by the misty Carpathian mountains and is home to rare fauna (bears, wolves) and flora (orchids and other plants).

Transylvania has all the history and multi-ethnic culture you could want. The history of Transylvania is much disputed: once it was an integral part of the Kingdom of Hungary (950-1526), then an independent Principality (1526-1690) before being reabsorbed by the Habsburg Empire. It was united with Wallachia and Moldovia to form Romania after the Austro-Hungarian Empire was dissolved in the Treaty of Trianon, which saw the conclusion of World War I. This complex history explains the many cultural differences between Transylvania and the rest of Romania. For much of this history the Romanian majority had few rights and were ruled by minorities such as the Hungarians and Saxons. Other minorities included Roma, Jews and Armenians. After World War I, Transylvania became part of Greater Romania, and many local Hungarians fled across the new border to Hungary. Following the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II, many of the local Germans fled to Germany. The Communist era was a harsh time for ethnic minorities, especially for those of whom many had been small business owners (Hungarians and those Jews who had survived the war) before the new totalitarian regime came to power. After the revolution in 1989, most of the remaining Saxons moved to Germany (having settled in Transylvania, at that time part of the Kingdom of Hungary, in large numbers during the 13th century), and many of the remaining ethnic Hungarians also left. The relations between the ethnic minorities and majority have known tense times, but there has never been a serious conflict. Although attitudes of individuals can still be closed towards other groups, Transylvania is an example of different ethnic groups living together in relative peace. However, as with Europe in general, the Roma ethnicity is still seriously discriminated against and their culture is little understood.

Today Transylvania is the most developed region in Romania, partly because of tourism and partly because of a stronger capitalist tradition prior to World War II. The presence of the German and Hungarian minorities has been a catalyst for Western influences in Transylvania since 1989. It is interesting to observe the differences within this small region: the South and South East are dominated by Saxon culture, the East and North East are more influenced by Hungarian culture, the North is more Slavic, and the South West different again. Try to visit a few older villages, where the people are generally very friendly.

Talk [ edit ]

Nowadays, almost everyone in Transylvania speaks Romanian , though for many of the ethnic Hungarians -- about 20% of the population, but far more in certain areas -- Hungarian is their first language. Few native German -speakers remain, but in any sizable town you should easily be able to find people who speak at least moderately good English, French, or German.

Get in [ edit ]

Transylvania is relatively easy to access, due to its relative economic prosperity, tourism industry and proximity to Central Europe .

By plane [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

There are several daily international trains:

• Dacia Express -links Vienna with Bucharest (via Budapest ); it passes through various cities in the southern part of Transylvania ( Deva , Alba Iulia , Mediaş , Sighisoara , Brasov );
• Ister Express -a faster night train that links Budapest with Bucharest and has the same route as above;
• Pannonia Express -links Prague with Bucharest (passing through Bratislava and Budapest) and reaches the same cities in southern Transylvania as the above trains;
• Corona Express -a night train that links Budapest with Brasov going through Cluj and the eastern parts of Transylvania;
• Hargita Express -links Budapest with Brasov going through Cluj-Napoca and the eastern parts of Transylvania (from Cluj-Napoca two coaches are going to Târgu-Mureş );
• Ady Endre Express -links Budapest with Cluj-Napoca (leaves from Cluj-Napoca early in the morning, gets to Budapest around noon and then gets back to Cluj-Napoca, arriving in the evening);
• Maros/Mureş Express -links Budapest with Târgu-Mureş;
• Máramaros/Maramureş Express -links Budapest with Sighetu Marmaţiei going through Cluj-Napoca (leaves from Budapest in the morning, gets to Sighetu Marmaţiei at evening, the schedule back to Budapest is the same.);

Very frequent trains link cities in Transylvania with Bucharest and major cities in all other regions of Romania . Check timetables on infofer.ro [1] [dead link] .

There are three kind of trains.

• Regio - This is the slowest but cheapest way to go somewhere. The Regio trains stop at every station.
• InterRegio - The InterRegio trains is much faster than the Regio. Due to the fact that it is very comfortable many international trains are InterRegio. The ticket is more expensive than the Regio ticket but affordable.
• InterCity - The fastest and the most comfortable way to travel but the ticket is very expensive.

The cheapest way to travel is the train even for four of you. On a few routes you can find private companies, they offer cheaper tickets.

Get around [ edit ]

• Transylvania Triangle Train Tour

Transylvania is a must see destination for people travelling in this part of Europe.

Trains are usually the best way to travel between major Transylvanian cities and tourist destinations. However, many of the region's landmarks lie hidden from major transportation routes, so it is recommended you either rent a car or take buses to those places. You can find information about trains from infofer.ro [dead link] and Căile Ferate Române [dead link] .

You can find great and detailed road maps in any fuel station throughout the country, in train stations and in most newsstands. These detailed road maps can lead you anywhere, without much guidance needed. Be careful though for secondary and tertiary roads are not clearly marked, so sometimes you have to ask for directions. People are usually very friendly and will help you get to the destination of your choice.

Buses are becoming a popular means of transportation in Transylvania. Usually, they leave from train stations in major cities, and stop in the central area of smaller ones.

As in all eastern Europe, hitchhiking is common and even a preferred way of transport for some locals. It is polite to leave the one who drives you some money, about 10-15 lei/100 km. However, people won't get mad if you don't leave anything and they might turn your money down anyway. Choosing the right spot for hitching increases your chances drastically- try to ask people on the street where to stand.

Bicycles are a very convenient and eco-friendly way of getting around in Transylvania and this way you can observe the natural beauty and even visit the smallest and remotest of villages. Beware though that most circuits include large elevations, so you should be used to climbing hills. In remote villages you can always find locals who will sell you very cheaply some fresh produce: fruits, vegetable, dairy products, or even invite you for lunch. Racing bikes with narrow tires are not recommended though, even major roads have many defects and in the more remote areas you will travel on dirt roads, so a robust mountain bike is preferred.

See [ edit ]

Due to the salt and gold found under the ground, Transylvania was a rich country in the medieval age. Therefore can be found a lot of castles, fortresses (ruins) and beautiful towns. For those who love nature, Transylvania is a good choice. There are beautiful mountains, forests and even animals.

Transylvania has several UNESCO World Heritage sites ; the Historic Centre of Sighişoara , the "Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains" consisting of eight fortresses in the southwest of Transsylvania, and the "Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania" consisting of over 150 sites.

Cities and towns [ edit ]

In Transylvania you should see some cities or towns. Probably that most of the tourists are going to see Sighişoara the beautiful Saxon town (the people say that Dracula was born here). For those who like mountains the best choice is Braşov . There you can find a citadel, a beautiful church with history, large squares and mountains. Citadels can be found in other cities like Cluj-Napoca . At Cluj-Napoca you can find old churches, historical buildings, a citadel (with beautiful panorama), bastions, monuments (like the statue of Matthias Corvinus) and even Roman ruins.

Castles and fortresses [ edit ]

• Bran castle . It is in Bran, not far from Râşnov . It dates back to the 14th century and is often associated with Vlad Țepeș and Dracula. Even though the castle's architecture can evoke associations with blood-sucking monsters, there is hardly any proof that Vlad Țepeș ever visited it. Today the castle is a museum. Due to its reputation as "Dracula's castle", its exhibits deal with various aspects of folk beliefs, including vampires, and Vlad Țepeș. The texts that accompany the exhibits are written in Romanian and English. The entrance fee is overpriced at 25 lei for adults. Those with student ID card: can get in for 10 lei.  
• Râşnov castle was built in the 13th century. The impressive complex with living houses (unusual for such fortresses) and small streets is located on a mountain in the outskirts of Râşnov. Transfer from the car park at the foot of the mountain to the castle and back is about 8 lei. But one can easily walk the way in 15 minutes. The entrance fee for adults is 10 lei.

Salt mines [ edit ]

Due to the salt and gold found under the ground Transylvania was a rich country in the medieval age. Unfortunately some of the mines collapsed. But a few mines, like the mine of Praid or Turda , survived. For those who have asthma is very healthy to spend some hours in these mines for several days.

Nature [ edit ]

60% of all bears and 50% of wolves in Europe (except Russia) are found in Romania and the majority of them in Transylvania. Despite this it is still unlikely that you will see any.

Transylvania is located in a mountainous region and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains.

Do [ edit ]

• Bear watching, to spot the bears living in the region. There are several bear watching hides in Transylvania.

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ], romanian dishes [ edit ].

• Sarmale - meat in grape or cabbage leaves
• Mici - a symbol of Romania. To some locals it is like the sword to a samurai (but tastier).
• Ciorba de Burta - tripe (cow stomach) soup. Tastes better than it sounds!
• Bulz - cheese with polenta (only in Transylvania).
• Papanasi - desert: try it, love it.

Hungarian dishes [ edit ]

• Bean soup in bread - you will be amazed from serving to licking your plate
• Cabbage soup
• Lentil soup
• Kurtos Kalacs - dessert, can be found around tourist attraction or in Hungarian zones on the road

Saxon dishes [ edit ]

There aren't many Saxon restaurants, but if you find one you can explore it and post some info here.

Drink [ edit ]

• Ursus Black beer – a medium-bodied, dark lager arguably ranking among Eastern Europe's premier drinks
• Bergenbier – a rich, German-style lager extremely popular throughout Romania
• Stejar beer – a 7% strong beer with a distinct taste
• Lacrima Lui Ovidiu – a nice, sweet Romanian wine, available in supermarkets for around 20 lei.
• Dracula Beer – a kitsch beer sold to foreign tourists, around Bran Castle and in supermarkets, noted for its remarkably unsavory flavor.
• Ciuc beer – one of the best beers part of the Group Heineken
• Wine from a local wine cellar – You will find these in any town, just ask for "crama" (krahmah)
• Horinca de Bihor, or other Țuică – This is a local brandy. Many locals brew their own natural and tasteful brandy. You can find it at locals' houses (they will be happy to have you taste theirs) and in wine cellars.

Sleep [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Transylvania is not a land of dangers lurking around each darkened corner. It houses a relatively large number of police headquarters, so that if anything goes wrong on your journey, help will be close by.

On the other hand, especially in heavily touristed towns like Sinaia , there will be some con men out to prey on tourists. Beware of the " maradona ". You should also watch out for pickpockets around busy tourist attractions.

Police corruption has been reduced significantly and you would be better off being nice and friendly to police officers, rather than offering them money. If you feel like you are being mistreated by a police officer, ask for his superior.

Go next [ edit ]

• Maramureș in the north, Banat in the south west and Crișana in the west are historically tied to Transylvania and can be a good extension of your trip to Transylvania.
• Moldavia is popular for its monasteries and small villages.
• Dobrogea is where you can go to the Black sea coast.
• Bucharest is the capital of Romania and about 3 hours away from Brașov .
• In the south of Romania you can see the green Oltenia and the fieldy region of Muntenia .

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How to Plan a Trip to Transylvania Romania

I decided to plan a trip to Transylvania on a hunch.

A photo online with a cobblestone lane and colorful houses grabbed my attention and looked nothing like the images in my mind of a place where the legend of Dracula began.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Romania yet it hasn’t captured the full attention of travelers planning European trips. For this reason, there’s no better time to plan a trip to Transylvania and see for yourself some of the best places in Romania.

The itinerary ideas in this guide can be done in as quick as a week if you move at a good pace and you stick with the main Transylvania points of interest.

If you’d like to plan day trips to see Bran Castle or to hike into the mountains, 10 days or more will really allow you to enjoy some of the prettiest towns in Romania and take in the charm that is Transylvania.

If you’re still deciding where to travel in Europe, find out why you should visit Romania . Otherwise, pack your bags and let’s discover all the things to do in Transylvania!

Sinaia and Peles Castle

Sinaia is the gateway into Transylvania.

It’s a quick and easy train ride from Bucharest and one of the most famous places in Romania because of the fairy tale Peles Castle. King Carol I fell in love with the natural beauty surrounding the tiny village of Sinaia and its historic monastery.

He had Peles Castle built as a summer residence for him and his family. The result is an elegant castle with the coziness of a family home.

It’s possible to stop in Sinaia to see the monastery and Peles Castle en route from Bucharest to Brasov in the same day. Visitors staying longer can ride the cable car and hike into the Bucegi Mountains.

No matter how much time you plan to spend in Transylvania, a visit to Peles Castle should be at the top of your things to see in Romania’s list!

For more detailed information about Sinaia and Peles Castle, check out:

How to Visit Sinaia Romania and the Wonderful Peles Castle

Where to Stay in Sinaia:

The Ioana Hotel is a beloved upscale hotel in Sinaia and Vila Retezat is equally as loved, but more budget-friendly. Both hotels have won Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2017 and are conveniently located near Peles Castle and the Sinia Monastery.

Book Now | Check Latest Prices in Sinaia  | Explore Local Lodging

Pro Tip – Visitors to Peles Castle are taken through the castle on a guided tour. If you have the budget, opt to also see the upstairs. Only a handful of people buy tickets for this, but it’s a chance to really talk with the guide and get an insiders’ look at the Castle.

Brasov is one of the best cities to visit in Romania for good reason.

Its ideal location within Transylvania makes it a great base to discover some of the top places to visit in Romania. Start in Brasov because of its neatly preserved medieval center and all the things to do in Brasov.

Brasov sits at a cultural crossroads because of its geographic location. The Saxons to the west and the Ottoman Empire to the east left historical marks on Brasov’s churches and architecture.

Begin your visit in Brasov with a free walking tour. The tour will orient you and give a great overview of the life for the Saxons within the over 600-year-old fortification walls and the Romanians who lived just beyond the city gates.

Read more about the top things to do in Brasov with this guide:

12 Terrific Things to Do in Brasov

Where to Stay in Brasov:

I stayed at the Kronhaus Guest House .

There is a large common area where guests can enjoy snacks and drinks while getting to know each other. Kronhaus is located just 5 minutes walking from the Piata Sfatului, Brasov’s main square.

You’ll want to stay in and around this area for easy access to the Brasov’s sights, restaurants, and nightlife.

Book Now | Check Latest Prices in Brasov | Explore Local Lodging

Pro Tip – With so many what to see in Transylvania spots nearby, day-tripping from Brasov is quite common. Rasnov Fortress and Bran Castle are in convenient reach from Brasov whether you’re traveling with a guide or independently.  It also makes logistical sense to begin a multi-day Carpathian Mountain hiking excursion from Brasov.

Sighisoara was built by the Saxons during the 12th-century. It’s one of 7 citadel cities in Romania and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Climb the Clock Tower and make your way up to the Church on the Hill. But, be sure to spend time just wandering the cobblestone streets and gushing over the brightly colored houses and medieval charm.

Of all the towns in Transylvania, Sighisoara is absolutely one of the prettiest!

Transylvania’s Dracula legend is loosely based on a man named Vlad the Impaler, who was born in a small house just next to the historic clock tower.

Luckily, despite a few shops in the village center selling Dracula teeth and garlic-shaped magnets, Sighisoara shines for the well-preserved historical gem it is.

Plan your visit to Sighisoara with this detailed guide:

How 1 Fairytale Day will Make You Love Sighisoara Romania Forever

Where to Stay in Sighisoara:

Look to stay within the Citadel to have easy pedestrian access throughout the medieval village.

I stayed at the gorgeous Fronius Boutique Residence. (It was my only lodging splurge in Romania!) The historic hotel sits along the main street in the heart of Sighisoara’s Citadel. The rooms have vaulted ceilings, antique furniture, and a quaint outdoor garden where guests can enjoy breakfast.

  Book Now | Check Latest Prices in Sighisoara | Explore Local Lodging

Pro Tip – Most visitors come for just the day. Stay the night if you can spare the time in your itinerary. From late afternoon through the following morning, you’ll feel as if you have the village all to yourself.

One of the best places to visit in Romania is Sibiu. It’s known for its wide-open squares, worry-free ambiance, historical roots, colorful Lower Town, and of course, its houses with eyes.

If you can’t decide what to see in Romania (because there’s so much!), just spend your time strolling with an ice cream in Sibiu! 😉

The city has grown since being founded in the 12-century but its Cathedrals and stone wall defenses remain intact. In 2008, Sibiu was named the 8th most idyllic place to live in Europe by Forbes and it’s easy to see why.

It absolutely has to be one of the most beautiful places in Romania!

From the birds-eye views to the colorful buildings in beautiful decay, Sibiu will absolutely steal your heart.

The unspoiled countryside is one of the best places to see in Romania. Luckily, it surrounds Sibiu. Set aside time to cycle into the hills or explore nearby villages and, in the process, experience Romania’s authentic agricultural lifestyle.

Read more about this Transylvanian gem you won’t want to leave:

15 Splendid Things to Do in Sibiu

Where to Stay in Sibiu:

Plan to stay in Sibiu’s historical center in and around Piata Mare and Piata Mica.

You’ll find many of Sibiu’s sights, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance. I had a great stay at Pensiunea Chic just 2 minutes from the Lutheran Cathedral.

The rooms were basic but super comfortable and included air conditioning. Breakfast is in the outdoor courtyard while taking in the Cathedral views overhead.

Book Now | Check Latest Prices in Sibiu | Explore Local Lodging

Pro Tip – Sibiu is host to many festivals and cultural and sporting events. For what to do in Transylvania and Sibiu, check the  calendar of events to see what’s happening when you plan to visit.

How to Get to Transylvania

Transylvania is easily accessed by car or by train.

From Bucharest, direct and local trains run to all of the towns listed above. When possible, book tickets for direct trains. Not only will you arrive quicker, the trains are a bit newer and are likely to be more comfortable with better seating and air conditioning.

Local trains, while perhaps a bit warmer and more cramped, offer an up-close look at daily life in the countryside.

Check the Romanian train website for schedules and tickets. If you know your schedule and the tickets are available for purchase, buy and print your tickets online. In the smaller towns and villages, it may be slightly more challenging to find a train station agent who speaks English.

Pro Tip – If you finish your trip to Transylvania in Sibiu, take the overnight train to Budapest to extend your travels and/or for better international airport access.

So, which places in Romania would you like to see? Which Transylvania points of interest top your list?

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38 thoughts on “how to plan a trip to transylvania romania”.

Amazing post! I’ve always wanted to visit Romania, it looks beautiful and full of history and culture. I think I fell in love with Sibiu and Brasov only by seeing the pictures!

Thanks, Miguel.

Thanks so much, Miguel! Sibiu was my fav…so easy to fall in love with Transylvania!

Super helpful tips Jackie, thankyou! I love finding itinerary ideas from travel blogges who have been, little gems that you can’t often find elsewhere 🙂 In all my time in Europe I never visited Romania, definitely in the plans for the future!

Thanks so much, Kim. You’ll love Romania when you make there. 🙂

Love the pro tips in the post, your pics are excellent. I can see why you feel for Sibiu – gorgeous. I have to get to Romania…

Thanks, Dorene. Hope you make it to Romania soon!

I’ve heard such great things about visiting Romania- would love to enjoy the view from the Clock Tower in Sighisoara!

Thanks for reading, Tamara. You’ll absolutely love the view from up there! 🙂

This looks so awesome! I’m hoping to get to Romania next summer. I’ve never heard of Sighisoara, but it looks absolutely incredible. It’s now on my Romania wanderlist.

Thanks for reading, Paige! You’ll fall head over heels with Sighisoara, for sure! 😉

I instantly think Dracula when I hear or read Transylvania. How beautiful it looks. It really is somewhere I want to visit. The cobblestone picture would have swayed me to visit too.

Glad you understand, Sara! 😉 Too much temptation not to visit.

Seems like such a quaint, cozy area! I love that you touched on it being a borderland between East and West. That geography never fails to create rich histories! Great post and great pictures!!

Agreed, Becke! The history from crossroads like this is so interesting.

Love those funky homes with “eyes.” Have never been to Romania, but have being seeing many articles recently about the area. Sibiu looks like a gorgeous place and the first place I’d visit on my trip. Great read and nice to take a virtual trip through your words and pictures.

You have a good eye (no pun intended!), Rosemary! Sibiu deserves to be at the top of your Romanian bucket list.

I will be in Slovenia this September and I’m strongly considering making my way over Transylvania. The photo of cobblestone lane and colorful houses has just grabbed my attention too!!! lol I’ve always liked the story of Dracula. I like that it’s a quick train ride from Bucharest.

If you have the time to spare, Christopher, I definitely recommend heading further east to Romania! 🙂

I was not much aware of Transylvania. But reading your post is indeed a revelation of sorts. The place has a kind of vintage and old world charm which is so endearing. Romania has so many hidden treasures and we do not see many posts about it. It is heartening to read your post about this lovely country.

I’m so glad you enjoyed the read, Sandy. Hope you can visit Transylvania someday.

I can’t wait to visit this part of Europe, and I would love to plan day trips to see Bran Castle or to hike into the mountains, so 10 days or more it is! Thanks for the helpful tips – I’ve fallen in love with Transylvania through your photos of the scenery and architecture – such stunning castles, and colors and spires – incredible access to heritage and history!

That sounds like a great plan, Megan! I was so glad to have extra time built into my Transylvanian itinerary. It allowed time to take day trips and also soak up the charm, particularly in Sibiu. Hope you can visit soon! 🙂

I loved your article about visiting Romania. Just made me want to go travel around my own country again. There are many hidden jewels like the ones you have seen here. Next time make sure you go to Cluj-Napoca and Alba-Iulia as well or the Danube delta.

Hi Olga, thanks for reading! 🙂 You name 3 places at the top of my list for my next visit to Romania. I loved my trip to your country and I can’t wait to return.

Romania is a tiny yet pretty country. I completely fell in love with Brasov and Sighisoara. As I am from India, the architecture of these medieval places was something new to me. We have different architectures here. 🙂

I’m so glad you loved Romania, Deepak. Brasov and Sighisoara are so pretty. I’d love to make it to India to admire the architecture there, too. 🙂

Did you travel between cities by train or bus?

Thanks for reading, Kymberly. I traveled by train for my whole trip. It was easy to do and I bought most of my tickets just before traveling.

Hi Jackie, thanks for your great insights, we are visiting Romania in September this year and have 4 nights to share beween Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu. We are hiring a car from Tulcea after a week travelling the Danube Delta. So our first stop will be Brasov. Which of these beautiful places would you spend 2 nights in? Many thanks Jeanie

Thanks for reading, Jeanie. Romania is fantastic. Brasov tends to be the typical base in Transylvania. You can easily get to spots outside of Brasov like Peles Castle, Bran Castle, or the Rasnov Fortress, and the town has interesting sights like the Black Church. But, in terms of charm and still plenty of to do in and just out of the city, I’d choose Sibiu for 2 nights. I loved the vibe there and the old town has so many nooks to wander in and out of. There’s also a great open-air museum just outside of town that’s a great way to see Romanian daily life and culture. Enjoy Romania! 🙂

Thanks Jackie will book 2 nights in Sibiu and maybe a night in both Brasov and Sighisoura. Thanks for your help. Jeanie

Enjoy! Sibiu is fantastic. 🙂

Ok Jackie. Romania just jumped up to the top of our list and will likely be included as part of our trip to Austria next summer. Thanks for this guide. I will be pouring over it in the coming months. I do have a question for you – we will probably only be able to dedicate 4 days. We were thinking we would focus on Transylvania. Thoughts?

Thanks for reading, Christine! 🙂 Yes, definitely focus on Transylvania. It’s a great intro to Romania. You can see Peles Castle in Sinaia and still get to Brasov on the same day by train or by car. Brasov is typically where people like to base themselves. But, I wouldn’t miss out on Sibiu …The town is such a gem and the countryside all around is gorgeous. Let me know if you have more questions.

The best times to visit Transylvania is on Halloween. There is a very funny party in Sighisoara citadel with magician’s shows, Vampire Killing show and a Ritual Killing of a Living Dead. Nothing scary just people enjoying a well-organized masquerade party with contests. Another one is Bran Castle Halloween Party, which is a club like atmosphere and the biggest in Romania

Thanks for reading, Alexandra. It sounds spooky! 😉 But also perfect for the mystique around Transylvania.

My Father was born in or outside of Sibiu, He came to America around 1917. I Don’t think I’ll get there , however thanks for the photos and descriptions ,l enjoyed them.

Thanks for reading, Ted. I’m glad the photos and article helped you connect with your family roots. Sibiu and the surrounding area are very pretty and my favorite part in all of Romania. 🙂

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Transylvania Road Trip: ultimate 4 days Romania itinerary

• February 23, 2020
• Categories: Europe , Romania

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I visited Romania for the first time in July of 2017. It was a spontaneous trip, but definitely worth remembering. I think traveling to Romania is still a bit underrated, but I definitely recommend it for your next holiday destination .

One of the best things to do in Romania is taking the Transylvania road trip. And this is an adventure that I will tell you about in this post.

I give you here some travel tips about this epic road trip through Romania. You’re going to see some of the best attractions of the region, including Poenari and Bran Castles, Transfagarasan road, and some other cool stuff. So let’s dive into this Transylvania travel guide!

Table of content:

• My personal experience:
• – Not so solo in fact
• – Why travel in Romania by car?

4 Days Transylvania Road Trip Itinerary

• – Day 1: Sinaia Monastery, Bran Castle and Brașov
• – Day 2: Prejmer, Sighișoara, and Sibiu
• – Day 3: Transfăgărășan, Poenari Castle, and Argeș Monastery
• – Day 4: Bucharest

How to plan your Transylvania Road Trip?

Bonus story: sunday in wonderland.

Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. That means that if you click on them or make any purchase via them, I receive a small commission. But don’t worry, this will not cost you anything and in a few cases, you can even receive a special discount! And I will still be able to chase my dreams. So thank you!

My personal experience

As I said before, going to Romania in 2017 was a spontaneous decision for me. I simply found cheap flight tickets for a plane in two weeks from that day and decided to go. Unfortunately, none of my friends had time to travel with me on those days. So I went alone.

And this way, visiting Romania was my very first solo travel abroad .

I still remember the worried faces of my parents (“But do you know that you can come back without a kidney?”) and amazement of my coworkers (“Really? Like solo solo ?”).

But you know what? Traveling solo is not so scary as you might think. Actually, I believe everyone should travel solo for at least one time. It really helps increase self-confidence and take a distance to everything.

Not so solo in fact

But in the end, I was not traveling totally on my own. Since my biggest goal was to ride through Transfăgărășan road , I needed to rent a car (more about this below). But the costs were a little bit too high for my humble budget. So I tried to find travel partners.

To do so, I used the Couchsurfing app . This service is excellent not only to search for a host and a couch to sleep on during travel but also for looking for the people that might join your journey at some step. All you need to do is to switch your search engine from searching for hosts into travelers. As a result, you will gain the list of people traveling in a specific region on exact dates.

Thanks to this feature, and some messages sent to different travelers, I found two guys who were interested in sharing the Transylvania road trip with me. They both were extremely spontaneous, cause, in fact, I persuaded them to change their original travel plans. But I really believe they didn’t regret it!

And this way Jean and Harsh became my travel buddies for a few days in Romania. We rented a car and had an epic Transylvania Road Trip together, spending together 4 days in Transylvania. That is something I recommend to everyone who is traveling to Romania.

Why travel in Romania by car?

Romania is quite easy to travel by train or bus. But some of the best spots on the Romanian bucket list are hard to reach with the public transport. Like the Transfăgărășan road for instance.

The best way to enjoy this journey in 100% is to drive it through with a car, so you can stop, park in a safe place, and admire the stunning views. You can also purchase an organized bus trip, but personally, I prefer a more private way of sightseeing.

In the end, renting a car – or joining other travelers with a car – is the best method to make a complete Transylvania road trip. Traveling from Bucharest to Transylvania by car is one of the best ideas for this epic journey.

Click here to check the car rental prices in Romania

So let’s start our epic Transylvania road trip! On the map below you can see our full Transylvania itinerary and the stops that we took during this journey. Feel free to save this map for later. It might be helpful when you will be planning your perfect trip !

Day 1: Sinaia Monastery, Bran Castle and Brașov

The first day of our adventure began near the Otopeni Airport in Bucharest, where we rented the car. The main goal of that day was to visit Bran Castle. On the way, we also saw the Sinaia Monastery and finished the day in picturesque Brașov. Great beginning of a great trip.

Sinaia Monastery

Our first stop was around 1,5 hours by car from the Otopeni Airport where we visited Sinaia Monastery. It forms the complex of courtyards with two churches: Biserica Veche (The Old Church) and Biserica Mare (The Great Church).

This place is a great spot for people interested in the history of Romanian religion. The Monastery took its name after the Mount Sinai in Egypt. Moreover, the Monastery hosts also the museum which was the first one to expose religious objects in the country. It owns a great collection of icons and crosses, but also the first Bible that was written in the Romanian language.

Bran Castle

Inarguably, Bran Castle is one of the most popular attractions in Romania. Why? Well, I am pretty sure that all of you remember distinguished yet scary Count Dracula .

Probably, the author of Dracula – Bram Stoker – before creating his novel, was inspired by the life of the historical Romanian monarch, Vlad The Impaler . The stories of horrible tortures that he was serving to his enemies were the base for the writer to create the creepy person of Count Dracula, the most recognizable vampire.

In fact, Bram Stoker has never been in Transylvania. But there is a theory, that he saw the drawings of the Bran Castle and thought that this fortress would be perfect for the Count’s residence.

Nowadays, tourists often suppose that Bran was also the home of the real Dracula – Vlad. But in fact, there is no historical evidence that this ruler has ever been in this place. In fact, his real residence was established in the mountains near current Transfăgărășan road. The ruins of Castle Poenari are also on our Transylvania Road Trip’s bucket list .

But if it comes to Bran Castle, the truth is that vampire lovers might be disappointed. The environment of the castle seems more like a cheap Disneyland, with lots of sale stands filled with cheap plastic souvenirs and toys, which strip the castle a bit from its mysterious magic.

But Bran Castle itself is worth the visit anyway. And it’s not because of vampires or bloodthirsty rulers. In fact, the fortress will surprise you with romantic stories of the nation’s love for a woman .

In the early years of the XX century, the Bran Castle became a royal residence of Romanian monarchs. Queen Marie , a member of the Royal Family, was affectionate by her people and consider as very popular.

Today, the Bran Castle, one of Queen’s favorite residences, became the museum of her life . While wandering in the fortress’s rooms, we’ll feel Marie’s adoration in every object and informative board. So instead of fearsome dungeon trips, we will enjoy an adorable visit in the memories of past life.

If you’re traveling in the high season and want to visit Bran Castle without waiting in the queue, purchasing a fast-track ticket might be a good idea.

And below you’ll find some more great activities to enjoy in Bran Castle:

• Bran: Guided Castle Tour
• Bran Castle: Flight over the Bran Area
• Bran Castle: After Hours Dracula’s Castle Tour

Read more: How to get to Bran Castle and the story behind its walls.

We ended up the day in the city of Brașov , which is one of the most popular among the tourists coming to Romania. In Old Town, we will be able to enjoy various architectural styles from different centuries. The most well-known places to visit in Brașov are the Black Church and Strada Sforii.

The Black Church is a huge Gothic monument and the largest Lutheran church in the region. It took its name from events that had a place in 1689: the building burned down, which made its facades black. Local inhabitants started to call it the Black Church, and this name remained until our times.

In Brașov, you could also take a walk on the narrowest street in Romania, and one of the narrowest in entire Europe. It’s Strada Sforii , which the main purpose was to create a passage for firefighters in old times. Its width oscillates between 111 and 135 centimeters, and it is 80 meters long.

From Brașov, you can enjoy many interesting day trips and activities. They may make your road trip through Romania even more exciting:

• Brasov: Half-Day Sights & Bites Tour with a Local Guide
• Wildlife trekking in Putna Vrancea Natural Park
• Day Trip to Ohaba Water Mill and Cave Temple
• Small-Group 7 Ladders Canyon Day Trip
• From Brasov: Day Trip to Bison Reserve & Traditional Lunch
• 40-Minute Helicopter Flight over Bran and Peles Castles

Wanna more? Discover other unique experiences in Brașov on the Budget Bucketlist’s blog !

Day 2: Prejmer, Sighișoara, and Sibiu

The day number two was a continuation of diving into the Romanian history. Moreover, visiting the mentioned cities gave us a nice overlook of Romanian life in both big cities and in the countryside.

Fortified Church in Prejmer

Prejmer, in fact, is a small village in the idyllic Romanian countryside. But it hides a great historical place, definitely worth visiting. Transylvania is well-known not only because of Dracula but also because of its fortified churches. And the church in Prejmer is one of them.

The construction of the Prejmer church began in 1218, and since then it was the safest place for local people to take refuge from invaders. The whole complex consists of a small church in the middle, and huge walls around it. The walls were so thick that they formed a place to many rooms and compartments which were used by civils in case of danger.

Nowadays, everyone is able to visit the Fortified Church in Prejmer, and this is something that I highly recommend. It is not so besieged by tourists, so you will have the opportunity to experience the history of this place in your own individual way. If you will be lucky, you will even hear the Orthodox songs while wandering alone in the mysterious corridors inside the fortress’s walls.

Sighișoara was a city that enchanted me the most during the whole Transylvania road trip. This charming town is a true pearl of medieval architecture. Walking among its streets will give us a great feeling of the past times.

The main highlight of Sighișoara is the Clock Tower . Currently being a museum , it used to be the place of city council gatherings. The view from its top galleries covers the whole panorama of the city. On the decorated Tower we can admire the wooden figures representing personifications of the Law, the Justice, the Peace, and the weekdays.

Another interesting construction in Sighișoara is the Scholars’ Stairs . This stair-passage covered with a wooden corridor was built in 1642 in order to protect the children marching to the school located on the hill.

On the same hill, we will find the Church on the Hill , the most representative Gothic monument in the whole city. Inside we can admire the collection of altars, and many polychromes which are step by step unraveled from below the walls paint.

But probably the most exciting city curiosity hides in one of the Old Town’s houses. On one of the adorable streets – Piața Muzeului – we will find Casa Dracula . Yes, you are considering it right. In this house, the archetype of the Stoker’s character was born. But Vlad The Impaler was living here only for four first years of his life. But nevertheless, the memory of this event still entices the tourists.

Sighișoara is an inspiring city, and a great idea here will be to take a 2-hour guided city tour . Alternatively, you can also play the Medieval Citadel City Exploration Game and Tour what is a fascinating way of spending time in this city.

Sibiu is another beautiful city on the Romanian map. It is a place where a few cultural influences have been meeting during the centuries: Romanian, Hungarian, German. Its picturesque streets often remain Polish Krakow.

Almost every weekend there is a festival in Sibiu (and we also enjoyed one). The city offers dozens of cultural attractions. Besides many events, you can also spend your time in one of the city museums which tell the stories of art, culture, history, and science.

Sibiu is also a great place to get this unique Romanian experience to be observed by the city’s eyes… The exceptional shape of roof windows on the buildings in the Old Town makes a particular impression, that the city is a huge magical creature that let you discover itself, but still keeps eyes on you .

Day 3: Transfăgărășan, Poenari Castle, and Argeș Monastery

The third day of the Transylvania road trip was the most exciting for me . It was a day when we planned to drive through the Transfăgărășan road. Stunning views guaranteed!

Transfăgărășan road

Like I said before, reaching the Transfăgărășan without a car was very challenging. And the biggest advantage of actually having a car was that you could stop anywhere in a safe place on the road and delight your eyes with beautiful views.

Transfăgărășan is often called one of the most beautiful roads in Europe. We entered the road from the Northside which almost immediately rewarded us with the crazy exceptional view of the road serpentines climbing on the mountainside. Although the sky was cloudy and we could not see the highest mountain peaks, the landscape made a great impression.

Even when we passed by this most popular spot of the Transfăgărășan road, the ride was still exciting and we couldn’t get our eyes out of the beauty outside the windows.

This road is so stunning that it depends its own post! Click here to read more about the Transfăgărășan road and how to get there!

Even though we didn’t finish that day in the area of Transfăgărășan road, this is the place where many people would like to spend the night. So I made small research and I choose three places which might be interesting for you if you would like to stay among the mountains :

• Complex Pastravaria Albota – Rating: 9.4/10: This lovely place offers rooms made in a rustic style with free Wifi and delicious breakfast. It also provides many additional activities such as horse riding, archery, swimming pool, and many others! Click here and check the prices in this place on Booking.com!
• Hotel Posada Vidraru – Rating: 8.9/10: This object is located just 200 meters from the Vidraru Tam. It offers more exclusive rooms and a relaxing SPA & wellness area, a gym, a swimming pool, and a sauna. Click here and check the prices in this place on Booking.com!
• Complex Vila Balea – Rating: 9.1/10: This place offers cute rooms and lovely bungalows hidden among the deep forest. It also hosts the guest in a local restaurant serving delicious meals. Click here and check the prices in this place on Booking.com!

Poenari Castle

Even more breathtaking views! Oh, wait. Your breath will be actually taken by the 1462 steps.

That’s right. To reach the REAL ruins of Dracula’s castle, you need to climb on 1462 stairs. But this adventure is definitely worth the effort.

Poenari Castle was a place of living of Vlad The Impaler ( Vlad Drăculea ). In this hard to reach the fortress, he was able to rule the whole region and to repel the attack of enemy armies. The castle was also a place of birth all of the terrible stories about Vlad’s cruelty.

And in fact, the authorities managing the castle will take care that you will feel this bloodcurdling story on your own skin. Once you will climb to the ruins’ foundation, you will be welcomed by the view of two gentlemen loaded on piles. Climatic, indeed.

From the ruins, the incredible views of the surroundings are spreading around. This place was almost impossible to capture and was giving to its owner a great advantage in the form of the best observing point in the area. And today we can use it to enjoy the beauty of the Făgăraș Mountains.

Argeș Monastery

Driving through the mountains was the main point of that day on our Transylvania road trip itinerary. But we still had some time before the end of the day, so we took advantage of it and visited the Argeș Monastery .

The Argeș Monastery is one of the most important monuments of the Romanian architecture of the XVI century. The building looks like a piece of art among the green surroundings. The white walls reflect the sunlight, and the sophisticated, highly decorative towers remind more sculptures or jewelry than construction elements.

There is also an interesting legend connected to this place. According to some, Meșterul Manole was the main architect of the temple. But the construction of the building did not go his way, so he was unable to finish the project. He decided to try the ancient custom of placing the living woman into the foundations. This way, he sacrificed his own wife and locked her forever in the Monastery’s walls. After this, the construction went better, and he finally finished the building.

But he also paid a bill for his act. According to some ancient texts, Radu Negru, who was the founder of the Argeș Monastery, was that much delighted with the effect, that he didn’t want Manole to ever build another building which could be even more beautiful. So he locked the architect on the top of the Monastery’s tower. Manole wanted to escape from the trap, so he built wooden wings, and tried to fly away. As you can suppose, he didn’t manage to do it. The well of clear water represents the place where, according to the legend, Manole fell.

Day 4: Bucharest

The last day of the Transylvania road trip was devoted to Bucharest . The Romanian capital which felt very domestic to me. In fact, my personal impression was that Bucharest was somewhere between Warsaw and Paris. The glorious and rich architecture looked like a smaller version of French magnificence. But here and there you can still meet the memories of years spent below the communist system. Even if so, Bucharest has plenty of photo-worthy places that you shouldn’t miss.

In fact, Bucharest was the city that I really liked. Actually, on the first day of my arrival in Romania, I had a walk around the center with my Couchsurfing host. This way, I get into a few hidden awesome spots that only locals knew about. Which was a great advantage of using Couchsurfing .

But to dive more into the Bucharest’s history and interesting curiosities about the city, I recommend joining a free walking tour . I joined one, and it was great. The guide told us some of the most curious facts about Bucharest, and below you will find a few of my favorites.

The Palace of the Parliament building

The building of Romanian Parliament was another caprice (next to Transfăgărășan road) of the famous dictator – Nicolae Ceaușescu. Since he had a weakness for the giant stuff, he decided to build the biggest possible building to expose his power.

In 1980, the construction site caused the demolition of 7 square kilometers of the Old Town and the relocation of 40 000 inhabitants. In the gained place the army of architects and construction workers created The Palace of The Parliament. Their work is the biggest civil-administration building in the world. Its height is 86 meters and 92 meters below the ground level . It was also the most expensive building in the world: the total cost exceeded 3 milliards €.

Psst. By clicking here you can purchase the skip-the-line ticket to the Parliament building!

The moving churches

Since Ceaușescu was absorbed with his new vision of Bucharest’s architecture, he was open to demolish any building that stood in his way. He planned to destroy many ancient temples in order to build his Palace of the Parliament. Fortunately, some of the people that still had some influence on the dictator’s decisions, prevailed him to move the troubling buildings instead of demolishing them.

This way some of the most beautiful churches, as well as some ugly yet useful blockhouses, get rescued from the devastation. The Romanian engineers used the systems of tracks to move the buildings… by hundreds of meters . Thanks to this, today, we can visit those temples in the less obvious city corners.

The ugliest statue

Statue of Trajan and she-wolf is a thorn in the eye for many Bucharest’s residents. The capital offers lots of beautiful monuments to admire, but this one definitely stands out from the crowd. The naked Emperor Trajan with kind of levitating she-wolf combined with a snake stands on the steps in front of the National Museum of Romanian History.

The intent of the statue creator was to combine various symbols of Romanian nation : Trajan represents the Rome’s times, she-wolf reminds the legend of Romulus and Remus, and the snake – Dacian Draco – is a symbol of the Dacian nation who was living in the region in the old times.

Nevertheless, the statue expression is very controversial among the inhabitants. That much that on the Internet we can find plenty of photo parodies and memes about the statue (including the photos of other people lifting their own dogs next to Trajan).

If you’ll be doing a road trip from Bucharest to Brașov or the other way, there is plenty of interesting stops you should do on the road!

• Book your flight: I found my cheap tickets from Warsaw to Bucharest by using the Skyscanner search engine .
• Rent a car: trust me, it will make your road trip much easier. Instead, you can try to find other travelers with a car and join them. And while renting a car remember to pay attention if Roviniete is included – this will be your pass to drive on the Romanian roads. Remember that driving after drinking is strictly forbidden in Romania, and all the passengers must use safety belts.
• Prepare your itinerary: in total, I was in Romania for 6 days at that time. At first, I also wanted to visit the seashore, but when I started to plan my trip I realized I would simply have no time for it. So try not to overload your plan with attractions, because there are so many of them, that you might be disappointed with the lack of time. Feel free to save my Transylvania road trip map from the beginning of this post in your Google maps and treat it as a base for your own itinerary. Not a bad idea will be purchasing a guidebook of Romania . It’ll help you take out the most of your visit to this charming country.
• Book your accommodation: in Bucharest, I used the Couchsurfing. But for the rest of the places we used Booking.com, and to be honest, we always were making it for the last minute. You can also use Airbnb, and by clicking here you will get the 23€ discount for your first stay !
• Remember about formalities: Romania is a part of the European Union, but it’s not yet a member of the Schengen Area. So you need to take your passport with you to cross its borders. If it comes to the currency, the actual is Romanian leu . In most places you can pay with a card, nevertheless, I recommend to have some cash with you to pay in smaller shops or attractions.
• Exchange some local currency: in Romania, the Romanian leu is currently in use. You can easily exchange it in the Revolut app from other currencies and pay with your Revolut multicurrency card. I love using Revolut because it’s a great international tool to pay in the whole world in almost 150 different currencies. Click here and read my Revolut review.
• Don’t forget useful gear: a flexible backpack ( click here and read a review of my current weekender backpacks ) to fit all of your stuff, and some other road trip essentials is a must.

During this Romanian trip, for the first time, I thought that maybe one day I should start a blog. So it took me one year to realize this idea.

But it was also Romania, where the main part of my blog’s name was born.

My name is Dominika . Which in Latin means literally belonging to God . Maybe it is not exactly true in my case but never mind. Also, this name usually refers to the saint Lord’s day – Sunday.

And in fact, Sunday in Romanian means Duminică . One of my travel buddies during this trip – Harsh – was delighted with this fact and started to call me Sunday .

After a few months, I thought that maybe it could be a nice name for a travel blog. Sunday In Wonderland links to a few aspects:

• my name, obviously
• the weekend traveling, which I was doing quite often before I quit my full-time job
• and the Wonderland refers to my childish fondness for fairy tales and search for unbelievable stories in the world around us

So here you go. Now you know the whole story.

Romania is a beautiful country, full of stunning landscapes and interesting history. Driving in Transylvania is only one of the many awesome activities that you should try there. Nevertheless, this country has lots of other stories to tell which I hope to discover one day.

Have you been to Transylvania already? Which place was your absolute favorite? Share in a comment!

Like it? Pin it!

Dominika is a founder of Sunday In Wonderland and she recently switched her life to be local independent. She aims to travel the world and admire all of its wonders. She is much focused on sustainable life, self-development and making this world a better place.

Hi there! I’m Dominika, the occasional traveler and the creator of this blog. I am here to help you plan your short and long trips around the globe and fully enjoy the time that you have to spend. Click here to get to know me better.

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One Response

Hi Dominika, Wow, that is a very detailed post about the things to do in Romania. Yes, a car is great if you’re looking to discover Romania in a short time but the real gems can be revealed if you take it slowly. The Saxon villages in Transylvania, the bike trails around Viscri, the beautiful Carpathian mountains and the stunning landscape of the villages near Piatra Craiului mountains are accessible only by foot or by attending bike tours in Transylvania or hiking tours https://outdoorholidays.eu/hiking-tours-romania/ Moreover, if you are interested in bear viewing in Romania, the area around Brasov is perfect for this activity, as there are numerous hides in the wild, where tourists can go and see the brown bears from a close distance.

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Transylvania Tours & Trips

Embark on an unforgettable journey, touring through Bucharest, Sinaia, Magura, and other amazing destinations in Romania . Trace the roots of Dracula, explore the many castles and treat yourself with the authentic local cuisine throughout your adventure.

127 Transylvania tour packages with 243 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Transylvania Castles tour in 4 days from Bucharest

The castles and towns we visited were amazing. Hotels were all very good and right in the town center. The guide, Anna, was one of the best. I would highly recommend this tour and guide.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Medieval Transylvania Small Group Tour - 7 days

Pack your walking shoes for this amazing insight into Romanian culture, castles and cuisiine. Lush, verdant forests surround medieval villages, fortified churchtowns with a luxurious 19th century palace of unbelievable wealth as a bteathtaking highlight.Be expertly guided Charlie with grace,humor and

• Sightseeing

Discover Transylvania from Airport Bucharest

This tour was so sensational. So informative and the scenery is beautiful and spectacular. Adrien the guide is the coolest guy , with the ultimate knowledge on the history of Romania and the geography. We got in easily to all attractions , with first class service. He went always out of his way to give you the best enjoyment and experience. He even knew exactly where to take you to see the wild bears of Romania in the woods.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Hiking in South Transylvania

The Carpathian Mountains of Romania are stunning and we enjoyed each day of hiking this beautiful area. Kosten our hiking guide was knowledgeable and adjusted our daily hikes per our requests. His expertise and humour greatly enriched our experience. Accommodations and meals were good and mixing in some cultural sites of the area was a bonus. A great week!

5 Days Transylvania Tour from Bucharest to Budapest

Vlad was a fantastic tour guide and he made every moment of our 5 day Transylvania tour an exciting and enjoyable adventure. We three ladies were lucky to have Vlad all to ourselves on the journey and his flexibility with us was fabulous. Vlads knowledge of history was excellent. All of the hotels we stayed in were also excellent. We highly recommend a journey with tourradar through the beautiful Transylvania countryside Thank you Vlad and Tourradar. Susan. Dianna. Pauline

• Christmas & New Year

Dracula beyond the legend - 8 day private tour to Transylvania

Perfect Emil was fantastic

Discover Transylvania - small group tour, guaranteed departure

Dracula Tour in Romania from Bucharest including 'The Ritual of Killing of a Living Dead

This was my dream vacation come true. I will treasure these memories forever. However, the Tour Radar brochure shows this tour is for people 7 - 90 years old. This is very deceiving. There is no way a 90 year old could do all the walking involved. This is a very intense walking tour and there is much walking every day. This needs to be specified. There would be very little wheelchair access along this tour. Additionally, Poienari Fortress has been closed for several years with no plan to reopen anytime soon. This attraction was one of the reasons I booked this specific tour. You need to remove it from the brochure. Again, it is very misleading. Also remove the Borgo Pass, as they do not go there. This was another attraction I wanted to see but did not get to. You may want to add to the brochure that there are several hotels that do not have air conditioning. All that being said I had the most wonderful time.

Treasures of the Balkans (Small Groups, 16 Days)

Best of Romania, 2 special dinners and a show

Cities and UNESCO sites are more beautiful than I expected, tour guide Cristian of operator Transylvania life is excellent and helpful all the time.

Premium Belgrade to Bucharest

3 Days Tour in Transylvania: Peles& Dracula's Castle, Sighisoara & Salt Mine

Fantastic and adventurous three day trip thru Romania. We‘ve passed a lot of awesome places, castles and landscapes. Everything was organised very well. Beginning from the pick up at the Airport until the drop off at the Airport on the last day. Florin is a very kind and chatty Tour Guide. I learned a lot of new things. It was an amazing trip. Thank you !

Bear Watching in Transylvania - 3 days Tour from Bucharest!

7 Days Romania's Highlights from Budapest to Bucharest

It was a very thorough, comprehensive discovery of a beautiful country. Not knowing much about the country, we were surprised with the beauty of the mountains, gorges and countryside. It is a country rich in history and unique culture. Not visited by many, we found it fascinating. Dan has an extensive knowledge of the country and had contacts, insider techniques and access to the tourist spots. Given that our tour was just the two of us and Dan, we enjoyed his company throughout the week. He was knowledgeable, flexible and a nice person with whom to share our week.

Medieval Transylvania - Tour with half board

What people love about transylvania tours.

Our four day Transylvania castles tour was fabulous. Our guide Traian was excellent. Knowledgeable, friendly, and very respectful of our time and wishes regarding variations to the plan. Hotel accommodations were very good. Fantastic way to experience Transylvania

The tourist guide was excellent.

Die Tour war genauso, wie ich sie mir vorgestellt hatte. Alle Programmpunkte waren gut organisiert und vorbereitet. Vielen Dank an meinen Reiseleiter Adrian, der stets auf meine Wünsche einging, meine Fragen beantwortete und mir auch genügend freie Zeit gab, um selbstständig auf Entdeckungstour zu gehen. Seine Betreuung war wirklich hervorragend. Die Hotels waren ebenfalls sehr gut, wobei das Hotel in Sibiu besonders zu nennen ist. Vielen Dank für eine wunderschöne, erlebnisreiche Reise!!

Transylvania Tours starting in:

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Your portal into magic Transylvania !

… nature and traditions

Discover Transylvania !

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Charming Transylvania !

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Why visit Transylvania ?

Transylvanian Cities

Festivals and events

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Transylvania attractions

Airports in and around transylvania.

Avram Iancu airport- Cluj

The aerial gateway to Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca Airport is the busiest airport in our area and it offers dozens of daily flights to Europe and onward to the rest of the world.

Sibiu International

Our important airport in southern Transilvania. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, it offers seven destinations in Germany, plus London, Vienna, Tel Aviv and Madrid.

Transilvania airport - Targu Mures

It is a small, local airport with good links to Hungary, Germany and UK.

Traian Vuia - Timisoara

Technically outside of Transylvania, in the capital of Banat region, it offers good links to Germany, Italy, Spain, France and United Kingdom

Ferenc Liszt - Budapest

Hungary's biggest and most beautiful airport is situated in close proximity to the border and serves western Transylvania as well.

Debrecen International

Debrecen International Airport is the international airport of Debrecen in the Hajdú-Bihar County of Hungary.

Otopeni - Bucharest

The main Romanian airport is situated 180 km south from Transylvania and mainly serves the south of the country..

Brasov International

Brasov International is under construction and everybody hopes it will become a reality in 2021

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day visit of Sighisoara, Targu mures ,Turda and the Gorge . Cristian listens to what you broadly would like to do and see and then moulds your trip accordingly.outside of the days plan you will find impromptu stops along the way when he feels something will be of interest . Company was very enjoyable and each day he would drop us at our destination to allow us to do some exploring on our own…. read more on  TripAdvisor

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I can see why Sebastian has only had 5 star reviews. He was an amazing guy. Lived in the area most of his life and had a lot of local knowledge, which he gladly shared with us. Spoke perfect English, was very punctual ( came about 7/8 minutes early) which I love. I thought … read more on  TripAdvisor

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We used this service while visiting Romania and our driver Sebi was great; we had a toddler so were worried by the dangerous roads. Sebi was nice and safe which made the whole process much more relaxing. On top of that he doesn’t smoke (not always a given based off previous trips) and has excellent English… read more on TripAdvisor

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Travelling as a couple over summer, we opted to engage Cristian as our driver come guide for our four days in Transylvania, as opposed to hiring a car and driving ourselves. Choosing Christian was easily the best decision as Cristian is genuine in sharing his deep love and knowledge of Transylvania. In person, his command of English is comprehensive and easy to understand. In our early emails he was responsive and helpful in offering … rea more on Reviewcentre

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Transylvania, Romania: The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide

The ultimate budget travel guide for Transylvania, Romania – A gorgeous area of Eastern Europe!

Transylvania sounds like a fictional place. Like Madagascar or Tasmania, it sounds like the name of a fairy-tale land from a book or a movie.

Believe it or not, Transylvania is a real place that you can travel to! (As are Madagascar and Tasmania!)

Transylvania is a region in central Romania full of medieval towns, castles, and fortresses.

It does actually look like a place from a fairy tale, with brightly colored houses, magnificent palaces, and layers of mountains, hills, and forests in the distance.

The region of Transylvania is bordered by the Carpathian Mountains and the Apuseni Mountains, and it is sometimes called the Heart of Romania .

What To Expect in this Budget Travel Guide to Transylvania Romania

I’m here to answer any potential questions you may have before traveling to Transylvania Romania. 

How do you get to Transylvania? H ow do you explore Transylvania on a budget?

In this ultimate Transylvania budget travel guide, I’ll list some tips for how to travel around Transylvania, and include all the best places to visit.

Hopefully, this article inspires more people to travel to Romania !

It is an extremely charming, beautiful, and affordable country to visit in Europe, and I’d love to go back.

Check out my list of Travel Hacks For Europe for packing, planning, and money-saving tips!

The Ultimate Transylvania Romania Budget Travel Guide

Here is everything I learned about visiting Transylvania on a budget. I spent about two weeks here traveling with my boyfriend and we honestly had the best time.

Plus, it’s really not hard to explore on a budget . Eastern Europe in general is very affordable because it’s not that touristy .

So what is Transylvania known for?

It’s most known for inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel and all the vampire films that followed.

Though there are no vampires in Transylvania (that we know of), the area is currently known for its charming villages, lush forests, and historic castles and landmarks.

Check out my complete list of 50 budget travel tips for more ways to save money!

How to get to Transylvania, Romania

Getting to Transylvania is very easy. All you have to do is book a cheap flight to Romania. Most flights go to either Bucharest , the capital, or Timisoara , a lovely city in the west of the country.

I recommend flying RyanAir . Sure, you’ll have to pay a lot for extra bags, food, drinks, and printing your boarding pass at the airport. But if you’re a budget traveler with just a backpack, you’ll find insanely cheap flights .

I’m about to blow your mind: My RyanAir flight from London to Timisoara cost me 6 USD. This is the cheapest flight I have ever bought in my life! I flew over 1,000 miles for less money than a glass of wine in a bar.

Granted, I visited Romania in February, which is the dead of winter so flight prices were very cheap.

But if you’re really looking to travel Transylvania on a budget, winter is the best time to go.

Which brings me to my next point.

The Best Time to Visit Transylvania Romania

There are basically two main seasons for travel in Transylvania.

Peak season: April to October

This is when you’ll have the nicest weather . Picture bright green grass, sunny days, and an overall pleasant atmosphere in Transylvania. Attractions may be a bit more crowded.

Flight prices may go up a little during peak season, but they’ll never be too expensive. Budget airlines in Europe make it so affordable to travel to Romania.

Check Skyscanner for the cheapest flight prices around Europe! (That’s where I found my $6 flight to Timisoara)

Off Season: November to March

Winter in Romania is cold and snowy, so exploring outside isn’t as pleasant as the summertime.

Because fewer people want to travel to Romania in the winter, flight prices drop and the streets are basically empty.

For visiting Transylvania on a budget, winter will be the cheapest time to visit . There will be barely any crowds, and honestly, I think the snow makes the villages and castles look even more magical.

How to Get Around Transylvania On A Budget

Getting around Transylvania on a budget is so straightforward and easy. Europe has an amazing public transport system that, as an American, I’m constantly jealous of.

Here is a summary of how we traveled around Romania for two weeks.

Public Transport in Romania

The local train network in Romania connects every major town and city in the country. Trains in Romania are reliable, consistent, and cheap. 

Check Rome2Rio for each journey you take in Romania. You can put in the two cities you want to travel between, and they’ll list all the methods of public transport and the prices. But 99% of the time, the train will be the easiest and cheapest.

To buy your train tickets in Romania , just head to the local train station and buy them from the ticket window.

During peak season, you may want to buy your tickets 1 day in advance in case the journey sells out. But during the winter, you can just buy your ticket before you board the train.

Communicating with locals

If you don’t speak Romanian, which many people in the world probably don’t, you can still get by in Transylvania. Some of the towns are quite small, so lots of the locals might not speak English.

Romanians are incredibly nice and friendly. I could never speak to them but I did my best and the locals were always helpful.

At the train stations, you can try writing down the names of the towns and the times you want to travel, or pointing to them on a map.

At restaurants and bakeries, just point to what you want on the menu or in the shop window.  The locals will do their best to help you out.

Getting To Transylvania

Because the villages of Transylvania are small, you probably won’t get a cheap flight directly to the Transylvania region. As I mentioned, most flights go into either Bucharest or Timisoara.

• From Bucharest , you can take the train to Brașov  and the journey is just under 4 hours.
• From Timisoara , you can take the train to Alba Iulia and the journey is just under 5 hours.

Your tickets will most likely cost under 10 Euros. Because all the train journeys are so cheap, it is so easy to travel through Transylvania on a budget.

Read next: How To Save Money For Travel

Where To Stay in Transylvania on a Budget

If you’re a solo budget traveler in Transylvania, stay in hostels. Most dorm beds cost between 10 and 20 USD per night, so they’re a little pricy for easter Europe.

If you’re traveling as a couple , I  recommend Airbnb . You can get adorable homes and apartments to rent for around 20-30 USD per night, and that’s for two people.

Because this is a budget travel guide, I’ll mainly be listing hostels for each location. You can browse on Hostelworld on your own for more hostel options, or have a look on Airbnb if you’d prefer a more cozy, private stay.

Click here to browse for affordable hostels on Hostelworld.

The Best Places To Go In Transylvania Romania

Now that we’ve covered when to visit Transylvania and how to get around, it’s time for the best part of this Transylvania budget travel guide.

This region of central Romania is full of historic villages and majestic castles.

So for any future travelers to Romania, here are all the best places to visit in Transylvania, as well as the best things to do in each place.

Find more nearby destinations with my list of the best places to visit in Romania !

1. Alba Iulia

This town in western Transylvania will most likely be the first stop for travelers coming from Timisoara.

This isn’t a very popular town to visit in Transylvania, so you won’t find many other tourists. You only need 1 day here to explore the Old Town, the Citadel, and the stunning Orthodox Cathedral.

Best Thing To Do In Alba Iulia:   Visit the Alba Carolina Citadel

This massive fortress was built in the 18th Century during the Hapsburg rule in Romania.

Its star-shaped walls are incredible and it is the largest citadel in Romania. It’s also free to enter, though you have to pay 2 Euros for the museum inside.

Best budget accommodation: There are no hostels, but Crema Residence offers private apartments and rooms for around 35 USD per night and gets amazing reviews.

Only about 2-3 hours away from Alba Iulia by train is Sibiu, one of the most gorgeous towns in Transylvania.

I actually loved Sibiu so much that I wrote an entire article about it .

Best Thing To Do In Sibiu: Explore the Old Town

Sibiu’s Old Town is incredibly picturesque, with brightly colored buildings, ornate churches, heartwarming shops, and cute cafes.

This is also where you’ll find the houses with narrow slits for windows on the roofs, so they look like eyes. That might sound creepy, but it’s actually very cool.

There are lots of old medieval walls surrounding the town center, and the main square is where you’ll find the best architecture.

Also, it is completely free to explore the Old Town, so save some money and get some exercise by just walking around as much as possible.

Best budget accommodation: Smart Hostel Sibiu

My favorite restaurant in Sibiu: Atrium Restaurant, puts a modern twist on traditional Romanian cuisine

3. Brașov & Bran Castle

Only about 3 hours from Sibiu by train is Brașov, one of the most popular towns in Transylvania.

The town center is full of captivating Gothic architecture, charming alleyways, and medieval Saxon walls from the 16th Century.

Wandering through the town is captivating, but the main reason why people visit Brașov is to take day trips to the surrounding castles and nature.

Best Things To Do in Brașov:

1. Visit Dracula’s Castle

Is there a real Dracula’s Castle? Yes! Dracula’s Castle, more formally known as Bran Castle, is only 24 km away from Brașov.

Bran Castle was used as inspiration in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, “ Dracula ”, but no vampires actually lived here. The Dracula story is all fictional, but Bran Castle, built in 1378, is still a fascinating landmark in Romania to visit.

You can take a cheap local bus from Brașov to Bran Castle (find more info on the Bran Castle website ). The entrance fee is 60 lei for adults.

Or you can book a skip-the-line guided tour if you want to learn all the facts and history from a local guide.

2. Book a Brown Bear Watching Tour

Though this has nothing to do with medieval castles, this is one of the most popular things to do from Brașov.

Get picked up in Brașov by a local guide and head out to the Carpathian Mountains. From there, your experienced guide will help you explore the wilderness and see some wildlife, including massive brown bears, lynxes, wolves, and foxes.

This is a great way to get out in the wilderness of Romania.

For this activity, you should definitely book a tour. A guide will help keep you safe and use their knowledge to give you the best chance of seeing some bears. You can book a bear sightseeing tour here for 60 USD .

Best budget accommodation in Brașov: Centrum House Hostel

Food recommendation for Brașov: Shop at the local bakeries! They have so many delicious treats that are ridiculously cheap. I bought an entire bag of poppy seed cookies for less than 1 USD.

4. Sinaia & Peles Castle

Sinaia is a small and cozy resort town in the mountains, only about 1 hour away from Brașov.

You could visit this town as a day trip from Brașov, or spend the night.

Either way, there is one main reason travelers visit this town in Transylvania, and it’s to see Peles Castle.

Best Thing To Do In Sinaia: Tour Peles Castle

This extravagant Neo-renaissance palace built in 1873 is surrounded by lush green forest, making it look like a real Disney castle.

On the inside of Peles Castle, you’ll find rich red carpets, spacious ballrooms, glittering chandeliers, and everything you’d expect to see in a luxurious palace.

We actually had to put plastic bags on our shoes before touring the castle so we wouldn’t ruin the rugs with our muddy, common-people shoes.

The entrance fee to Peles Castle is 50 lei. If you want to tour the castle with a local guide, you can book your ticket here .

Best budget accommodation in Sinaia: Vila Sinaia 1929

5. Sighisoara

Sighisoara is one of the best places to visit in Transylvania.

It is one of the region’s oldest villages, dating back to the 12th Century. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s not hard to see why.

Walking around Sighisoara is like walking through a folk tale. There are winding cobblestone streets, buildings of bright pink, green, orange and purple, towering churches and fortress walls, and an overall whimsical atmosphere.

It is easy to explore the whole town on foot, and it is a very pedestrian-friendly city. You’ll barely see any cars in the Old Town.

Best Thing To Do In Sighisoara: Climb the Clock Tower

The 13th Century Baroque-style clock tower is the main landmark in the Old Town.

There is a little museum in the tower as you climb, and you get the most amazing view of the colorful buildings and their red-tiled roofs from the top.

The entrance fee is about 3 Euros.

Best budget accommodation in Sighisoara: Burg Hostel

6. Cluj-Napoca

This is the fourth largest city in Romania, and some consider it the capital city of the Transylvania region.

Though Cluj-Napoca is a big city, it still feels small and welcoming. There are plenty of beautiful churches and cathedrals as well as some adorable shops and cafes.

Best Things To Do in Cluj-Napoca:

1. Visit Unirii Square

This is the main square of the city, and it is full of gorgeous architecture and impressive buildings. The Matthias Corvinus Statue and St. Michael’s Church are the main landmarks of the square.

2. Relax in Cetățuia Park

This lovely green space near the city center makes a great place to stroll around or have a picnic.

You can also climb the nearby Fortness Hill for a nice view over the city. I recommend coming here at sunset or sunrise for the best lighting.

Best budget accommodation in Cluj-Napoca: Transylvania Hostel

Food recommendations in Cluj-Napoca: Zama for traditional Romania food, and Samsara Teahouse for drinking loose leaf tea on comfy floor cushions surrounded by psychedelic paintings.

Additional Travel Tips for Transylvania Romania:

Most visitors to Romania don’t need a visa for a stay of fewer than 30 days.

But it’s worth visiting  iVisa.com to check if your nationality requires a visa.

Work Exchange

I always recommend trying a work exchange when you travel! You get to work for free accommodation, meaning you save money, have cool work experiences, and get to make friends.

Check out my guide to work exchange for more info.

If you decide to try it out, my promo code GABBY saves you $10 on a Worldpackers membership !

Travel Insurance

You should probably get travel insurance before traveling to Romania. Transylvania is an incredibly safe place to visit, but you never know what could happen.

I recommend Squaremouth Insurance . You can find affordable travel insurance plans that suit your needs, and they have a great live chat for asking questions online.

I like to travel with only emergency medical coverage, and they have cheap plans that do exactly that.

Budget Travel Guide for Transylvania Romania: Wrap Up

I feel incredibly lucky to have walked the charismatic streets of these gorgeous Transylvanian towns, and I think more people should consider Romania when touring Europe.

The colorful Old Towns and magnificent architecture rival that of western Europe yet the cheap prices make this country extremely affordable.

I enjoyed every moment of this journey. From taking scenic train rides to browsing through foreign grocery stores. From getting lost while searching for our Airbnbs, to embracing the occasional snow flurries.

I was wise for putting Transylvania Romania on my bucket list, and I am thrilled to have finally made it to this magical destination.

For other travel articles about Eastern Europe , check out these links:

10 Best Places To Visit In Croatia

How To See Kotor, Montenegro On A Budget

Why Warsaw Changed My Life

Magical Moments in Sofia

15 Things To Do In Sofia, Bulgaria

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about this in my About Me page!

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5 thoughts on “ Transylvania, Romania: The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide ”

I want to go after reading this.

That’s the goal:)

Hi, Gabby! I’m glad you liked your stay in Transylvania. I didn’t realize wine shopping could be a little difficult if someone’s not accustomed with the flavors of Romanian wines.

Hello Gaby, Peles is not in Transylvania, it’s in Prahova county and Prahova belongs to Muntenia region (ex Wallachia as known in medieval times). I saw this mistake in many otherwise documented history shows, so not a big deal, but that’s the truth 🙂 Thank you for your great/useful thoughts about travelling! Gabriel – Bucharest

I never knew that! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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Most popular tours in Romania

Visit Transilvania Travel is an incoming tour-operator, working since 2005. We are offering a large variety of tours in Romania which include the best sites Romania has to offer as the medieval towns and fortresses in Transylvania, painted monasteries in Bucovina, wooden churches and gates in Maramures, from nice museums and big cities to the jewelries of nature as Carpathians mountains, Danube Delta, lakes and caves. There are private guided tours or group tours you can join. Based on your request we can design a private customized tour.

UNESCO Tour

Private tour of the best Romanian tourist sights, many of them being included in the UNESCO World Heritages List. It is a great tour through Romanian history, traditions, cuisine and landscapes. Visit old medieval cities, castles and fortresses, wooden churches, the famous painted monasteries.

Highlights of Transylvania

Join us to understand the Essential of Transylvania, the best and most popular tourist attractions, its history, culture and gastronomy. Old towns, castles, fortresses, the most charming villages and scenic drives are part of this private tour in Transylvania. Highlights: Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Bran castle, Saxon fortified churches and many more.

Transylvania Food Tour & Sightseeing

Discover the Transylvanian cuisine, tasty and delicious based mostly on organic local products and with a diversity of recipes due the Transylvanian multi cultural communities and various influences coming from the old times. Joining this food tour of Transylvania and you can also visit the most important historic sights, explore the rural areas and find more about the local people, their customs and traditions.

Medieval Transylvania

Discover the charming Transylvania with its medieval towns, castles and fortresses, scenic old villages, traditions, crafts, great landscapes of the Carpathian mountains, green rolling hills and forest. We’ll visit the best tourist attractions of Transylvania, we’ll find more about the local history, traditions and way of life.

Halloween Tour in Transylvania 2024

29 Oct - 02 Nov 2024 - 5 days

Halloween private party at Bran Castle, the most famous castle from Romania also known as Dracula’s castle and Halloween Special Dinner at Sighisoara – the birthplace of Vlad Dracula. It is the perfect choice to spend your Halloween in Transylvania - Romania, the homeland of Vlad Dracula. Beside the parties and having fun you’ll visit and discover the medieval charm of Transylvania, its history, old towns, amazing castles and fortresses.

Discover Transylvania

Small Group Tour. Start / end in Bucharest. The tour of the main Transylvanian medieval fortresses and cities, which guide you back in the medieval ages with their beauty, traditions and legends. Come to see and find more about the history of Transylvania and it's people. Highlights of the tour: the medieval cities Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara; impressive gothic Bran castle; The Royal Peles Castle; Fortified churches as Prejmer and Viscri, Transylvanian villages.

Heritage & Food Tour in Romania

A private tour which includes visits to cultural & heritage sites and culinary experiences with local food and drinks from different regions. We will invite you to enjoy our history but also our delicious cuisine. Romanian gastronomy has many influences coming from our history, a mix of tastes which rarely can be found in a single country or region. Plum brandies, local wine and beer will complete the culinary journey.

Best of Romania

One of the best private trips in Romania of the most important sights from Romania. We’ll visit the charming Transylvania with its old medieval towns, castles and fortresses, the beautiful painted monasteries from Bucovina and the capital city of Romania, Bucharest. All combined with beautiful landscapes, charming villages and countryside, enjoy traditional customs, taste local cuisine and crafts

Romania Rural Tour - Crafts and Traditions

Discover the rural life, traditions, crafts and way of life from Romanian villages. Ones of the hidden treasuries of Romania is the authentic charming life and people from our villages. Our tour in Transylvania and Maramures will guide you to different areas to find more about local multicultural diversity, visiting and staying in charming villages.

Jeep Tour in Transylvania

Off-road jeep tour which offers the best off-road selection of Transylvanian countryside and of the Carpathians mountains. You can test your driving skills on off-road trails. You’ll meet local people on the route and you’ll be witnesses of their traditional way of life, local craftsmen, old historical areas and wilderness routes. Every day is different but equally interesting, alternating nature with cultural sights.

Dracula Tour

When referring to Romania the first thing that comes to mind is Transylvania. Transylvania is home to some of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, castles and fortresses, some relating to the legend of Dracula, On this trip our specialist tour guide will take you on a trip to the past to discover the enchanting region of Transylvania plus the reality and myth of Dracula.

Private 3 Days UNESCO Tour of Transylvania from Bucharest

Private tour starting / ending in Bucharest. Explore the best attractions in Transylvania, a unique region with a rich history and a multicultural culture and heritages. It is the host of the very unique Fortified Churches, structures which are combining the religious with defensive role. Many of them are included in the UNESCO Heritages List, together with the medieval town of Sighisoara.

Categories of trips in Romania

We are offering different categories of tours and every traveler can decide which ones match better with his wishes and demands. There are cultural & sightseeing tours, hiking trips, nature and adventure packages, Dracula or Halloween tours, etc.

Cultural & Sightseeing

Are designed for the people which want to discover the history and culture of our country, to visit the most important tourist sights and to enjoy the scenic drives along the country. We'll visit old towns, medieval castles and fortresses, fascinating monasteries and churches, interesting museums. We'll also drive through the mountains, hills, lakes and charming rural countryside. These are very popular choices for trips to Romania.

Halloween Tours

A special time is to spend Halloween in Transylvania. Join us for great Halloween tours in Romania and amazing Halloween party at Bran castle and at Corvin’s castle, for a lot of fun and unique experiences. Transylvania is probably the best place to spend this mysterious holiday, to visit medieval castles and towns to find more about the old legends but mostly for great parties.

Sustainable tourism

Our goal is to promote the beauty of the Romanian rural life, traditions and crafts. Through our tours included in the sustainable tourism category we want to give our help to preserve the traditions, way of life, old crafts and buildings. An important amount spent by travelers for accommodations, meals, crafts are going to the local inhabitants and local communities.

Food and Wine trips

Enjoy and taste the flavours of Romania traveling in a food and wine tour. Local gastronomy, specialities and drinks are part of your traveling experience. Located at the confluence between the Orient, Russia and Europe, Romania has an excellent cuisine rich in flavours and different influences. It is a less known cuisine, if we compare it with French or Italian but maybe that’s the best reason to come and try it.

Jeep Tours are a different way to discover the best of the Romanian nature, mountains, lakes, wild forest and beautiful countryside. Driving special equipped 4wd cars we’ll have access to off-road paths to places which are less known, a secret part of our country. We’ll see amazing scenery, we’ll see old ways of life, well preserved local customs and crafts. Unique experiences and adventure!

Small Group Tours with Guaranteed Departure

Small group tours with guaranteed departure are a category of our trips designed for the ones which like to join other people for a trip to Romania. These trips have departures on certain dates along the year and will have a maximum of 15 people on board. They are escorted tours guided by our professional tour guides in English language.

Dracula Tours

The legend and life of Vlad Dracula are very popular. Following this theme we invite our guests to discover the real facts from the life and history of Vlad Dracula and the most important sights connected with his life and his legend. Romania is much more than Dracula but to know the real story is a very good reason to visit us and to explore many other beautiful sights

Nature and wildlife

Discover the beauty of Romanian nature, landscapes and wildlife. We are blessed to live in a country which has almost everything: impressive mountains – the Carpathians, beautiful lakes, dense and wild forest, the amazing Danube Delta and a shore to the Black Sea. Our nature, wildlife or birdwatching tours promise to reveal to you these spectacular areas and the rich wildlife.

Tours from Brasov

Brasov city and surroundings are of the most popular tourist areas from Romania. Our guided day tours from Brasov are offering choices to visit the old town of Brasov, the medieval castles and fortresses as Bran castle, Corvin’s castle, Rasnov fortress, Rupea, etc, to discover the beauty of the Saxon fortified churches, unique in Transilvania, the charming villages and natural sights.

Corporate and customized group tours

We design, upon request, special tours and packages for corporate and customized groups or associations.

Pre & Post River Cruise Tours in Romania

For those who have decided to enjoy a wonderful cruise on the Danube River we are offering a selection of pre / post cruise tours in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. We are inviting you to discover this part of Europe to visit the best attractions, to find more about local history, traditions , customs and crafts, to taste local foods and drinks and to enjoy a drive to scenic roads over the mountains, hills and countryside.

The most visited regions

The most popular tourists areas from Romania are Transylvania, Bucovina, Maramures, Bucharest, Danube Delta or Wallachia. Discover our tours in Transylvania, tours and packages on the other Romanian regions and towns.

Transylvania

Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Bran castle, Hunyad castle, fortified churches: Prejmer, Harman, Biertan, Viscri; Turda Salt mine; Rupea fortress, Rasnov fortress, Fagaras Fortress, Viscri village

Transylvania is the largest region of Romania, a place which combine the medieval aspect of the castles, fortresses, old towns and villages with natural places of rare beauty with well preserved customs, traditions and crafts and delicious home made or natural food and drinks. Book a trip to Transylvania and discover this amazing region.

Visit Maramures – the land of wooden chuches, wooden gates and well preserved traditions and crafts. Have a tour in Maramures to understand the local rural life, way of living, to visit the cultural heritages, to taste home made food and drinks and to relax in a splendid countryside area. Maramures is a great choice as part of a longer vacation in Romania or you can just choose for a rural holiday in Maramures.

Bucovina- the land of famous painted monasteries, it is a region of great beauty and spiritual life. Here can be visited the most important old monasteries built and painted in 15th-16th century which have amazing frescoes on the exterior walls. Many of these monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Heritages list. Natural beauty, traditions and cusine will complete your experience in Bucovina.

Wallachia is the southern region of Romania, between the River Olt and Danube. Here lies Bucharest is the capital city of Romania and the largest city in the country. It is a great destination for a city break in Romania and the most important starting/ending point. The Old Town of Bucharest is a great place to explore the city or for your leisure/shopping.

Danube Delta

Visit the Danube Delta, the Heaven of wildlife and nature lovers. The place where the Danube river flows into the Black Sea, forms a great delta, considered to be the last wild territory of Europe. It is a maze of water canals, islands and lakes, with just a few cozy fishermen villages. Danube Delta is a sanctuary which hosts more than 300 species of birds and 150 species of fish.

Type of trips to Romania

There are several ways to travel and discover a destination or to enjoy a vacation. Our guests can choose between having a private tour, you can join a group tour with guaranteed departure or to have an individual vacation. See below all the options.

Day trips Group tours Private tours

Why to book a tour with Visit Transilvania Travel.

We are a tour operator offering incoming tours to Romania since 2005. We are licensed by the Romanian Tourism Ministry, we are using experienced and licensed tour guides, modern comfortable cars, minivans or buses, offering excellent comfort and security to our guests.

Our goal is to offer you a bit more than just a tour or a standard visit. We want to offer you an experience while you are visiting Romania. That’s why we try include in our trips special events ( group tours mostly ) or visits to local craftsmen, taste local natural products, find more about Romanian customs and traditions, experience the way of life in an old village, have a tour in a horse driven wagon or visit a local household, farm, sheepyard. During your visit we’ll be proud to show you the beauty of the nature as National Parks, Danube Delta, Carpathian mountains, hills of Transylvania, lakes and many more. Choose one of our standard tours or ask for a customized tour!

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Thanks to Bram Stoker and Hollywood, Transylvania (from the Latin for “beyond the forest”) is famed as the homeland of Dracula, a mountainous place where storms lash medieval hamlets, while wolves – or werewolves – howl from the surrounding woods. The fictitious image is accurate up to a point: the scenery is breathtakingly dramatic, especially in the Prahova valley , the Turda and Bicaz gorges and around the high passes; there are spooky Gothic citadels, around Braşov and at Sibiu , Sighişoara and Bran; and there was a Vlad, born in Sighişoara, who earned the grim nickname “The Impaler” and later became known as Dracula.

Alba Iulia and around

Corvin castle, haţeg and around, miercurea ciuc, northern transylvania, the prahova valley, peleş castle, the retezat mountains, târgu mureş, the mărginimea sibiului, the székely land, the upper mureş valley.

But the Dracula image is just one element of Transylvania, whose near 100,000 square kilometres take in alpine meadows and peaks, caves and dense forests sheltering bears and wild boar, and lowland valleys where buffalo cool off in the rivers. The population is an ethnic jigsaw of Romanians, Magyars, Germans and Gypsies, among others, formed over centuries of migration and colonization. Most Hungarians view Erdély (“the forest land”, their name for Transylvania) as a land first settled by them but “stolen” in 1920 (with the signing of the Trianon Treaty) by the Romanians, who continue to oppress some two million Magyars. Romanians, who call it Ardeal, assert that they appeared first in Transylvania and that for centuries it was the Magyars who oppressed them. Meanwhile, Transylvania’s Gypsies (Ţigani) go their own way, largely unconcerned by prejudice against them. The result is an intoxicating brew of characters, customs and places that is best taken in slowly.

The Saxon colonists, invited by the Hungarian monarchy in the thirteenth century to guard the mountain passes against the Tatars, settled in the fertile southeastern corner of Transylvania, along the routes from Braşov to Sibiu and Sighişoara. After the 1989 revolution, many of their descendants left the villages, with their regimented layouts and fortified churches , for Germany – today, under ten percent of the Saxon population remains. The Stuhls , the former seats of Saxon power, remain very striking with their medieval streets, defensive towers and fortified churches. Sighişoara is the most picturesque and an ideal introduction to Transylvania, followed by the citadels and churches of Braşov and Sibiu. However one of Transylvania’s greatest pleasures is the exploration of quiet backwaters and the smaller Saxon settlements like Cisnădioara , Hărman , Prejmer , Viscri and Biertan . The other highlight of this southeastern corner is the castle at Bran, which looks just how a vampire count’s castle should: a grim facade, perched high on a rock bluff, its turrets and ramparts rising in tiers against a dramatic mountain background.

The Carpathian mountains are never far away, one of Europe’s most beautiful, least exploited regions for walking. Hikes in the stunning Făgăraş, Apuseni and Retezat ranges can last several days, but it’s perfectly feasible to make briefer yet equally dramatic forays into the Piatra Craiului or Bucegi mountains , or to one of Transylvania’s many spectacular gorges. To the north and east, cities such as Cluj and Târgu Mureş have a strong Hungarian influence, while Miercurea Ciuc and Sfântu Gheorghe are the cultural centres of the Székely, a closely related ethnic group.

Southwestern Transylvania is a region of peaks and moorland peppered with the citadels of the Dacians, rulers of much of Romania before the Roman conquest. It’s also an area where the legacy of Hungarian rule is apparent, but the peasantry has always been Romanian. Over the millennia, the tribes that huddled around the caves and hot springs of the Carpathian foothills developed into a cohesive society, and eventually into the Dacian kingdom, with its strongholds in the hills south of Orăştie. The Roman conquerers marched up from the Danube and founded their capital nearby in the Haţeg depression, which became one of the earliest centres of Romanian culture in Transylvania, with some of the country’s oldest and most charming churches. Just north, Romania’s greatest medieval fortress is in Hunedoara , while Alba Iulia is dominated by its huge Vaubanesque citadel.

The area surrounding Cluj (Transylvania’s largest city, with a lively cultural and social scene) harbours some of Europe’s richest, most varied folk music , particularly in villages such as Sic , Rimetea and Izvoru Crişului, where almost every street has its own band, and there are rich musical pickings at spring and summer festivals. To the west of Cluj the wide green pastures of the Apuseni massif offer easy walking and caving opportunities, particularly on the Padiş plateau .

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Tailor-made travel itineraries for Romania, created by local experts

7 days  / from 1926 USD

Relaxing beach fun - the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria and Romania

The perfect trip for those that are looking for sun, sea and sand while also getting to know the culture and history of both Bulgaria and Romania. Start and end in Bucharest and discover Constanta, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Burgas and Madara Rider.

8 days  / from 1926 USD

The legend of Dracula

Transylvania is known to be the land of Dracula. Are you curious to visit the places mentioned in the book and the castles that hosted the major life events of Vlad the Impaler, the cruel ruler known as Dracula? Explore mysterious places and breathtaking landscapes all over Romania.

12 days  / from 3863 USD

Luxurious Highlights of Romania: From Bucharest to Transylvania

Romania offers plenty for the discerning traveller, including beautiful Boutique properties. On this trip, discover Bucharest, the Danube Delta, Bucovina and Transylvania with Dracula's castle. A private guide will accompany you throughout the trip, well-equipped with Romanian knowledge and facts.

The historic tension between the Romanians of this area and their Hungarian overlords is symbolized in ALBA IULIA , 14km north of Sebeş, by the juxtaposition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals in its citadel. This hill top was fortified by the Romans and then the Romanians before the Hungarian ruler, István I, occupied it and created the bishopric of Gyulafehérvár – the city’s Magyar name – in 1009. Only after World War I did the Romanians take power here and build their own cathedral. The town is dominated by its huge citadel , shaped like a wonky star; in effect the upper town , this has been spectacularly restored in recent years. The lower town has been tidied up since it was partly cleared for “rationalization” in Ceauşescu’s last years, and is home to a scattering of low-key Art Deco buildings.

BISTRIŢA (Bistritz), 68km east of Gherla, and the forested Bârgău valley beyond, are the setting for much of Bram Stoker’s Dracula ; it was in Bistriţa, on his way to Dracula’s castle in the Borgo (Bârgău) valley, that Jonathan Harker received the first hints that something was amiss. The town was first recorded in 1264, when Saxon settlers arrived; they built fine churches in many villages (less fortress-like than those further south) but the bulk of the Saxon population left after World War II. Bistriţa was heavily fortified, but nineteenth-century fires have left only vestiges of the citadel along Strada Kogălniceanu and Strada Teodoroiu, including the fifteenth-century Coopers’ Tower (Turnul Dogarilor), now housing a collection of folklore masks and puppets.

Bistriţa festivals

Bistriţa hosts various enjoyable festivals but there are more interesting ones in the villages of the Bârgău valley to the east. In town, the International Folklore Festival is held in the second week of August, the Brass Band Festival in September and Bistriţa Folk in mid-November. Prundu Bârgăului, 22km from Bistriţa, is host to the Festival of Regele Brazilor (King of the Fir Trees), traditionally in late June but now in mid-August. This is an opportunity to hear traditional songs and the part-improvised lamentations ( bochet ) telling of a deceased person’s life and deeds. Also here are the Raftsmen’s Festival on the last weekend of March, when unmarried men crown their usual attire of sheepskin jackets with a small hat buried beneath a plume of peacock feathers, and the Toamnă Bârgăuană (Bârgău Autumn) in early November.

With an eye for trade and invasion routes, the Saxons sited their largest settlements close to the Carpathian passes. One of the best placed, BRAŞOV (Kronstadt to the Saxons and Brassó to the Hungarians) grew prosperous as a result, the economic power of its Saxon elite long outlasting its feudal privileges. During the 1960s, the communist regime drafted thousands of Moldavian villagers to Braşov’s new factories, making it Transylvania’s second-largest city. Economic collapse led to riots in November 1987 and December 1989; since then more factories have closed, and the city’s population has fallen by about sixty thousand, but tourism has become increasingly important.

Most visitors make a beeline for the largely Baroque Old Town , around Piaţa Sfatului , a strikingly handsome, quintessentially Germanic square dominated by the Black Church . Nearby, all coiled beneath Mount Tâmpa, are museums, medieval ramparts and the Schei quarter. The town’s proximity to a host of attractions – such as the Piatra Craiului mountain range, the alpine resort of Poiana Braşov , the fortified Saxon churches of Hărman and Prejmer , and “Dracula’s Castle” at Bran – makes it an excellent base.

Poiana Braşov

POIANA BRAŞOV sits at an altitude of 1000m on a shoulder of the spectacular Mount Postăvaru, 12km south of Braşov. Coming by car, it’s worth stopping at some great viewpoints over the city at km4.5. This is Romania’s premier ski resort , and while it’s a great place to learn, with lots of English-speaking instructors, experienced skiers may soon be bored (although some slopes are steep and often icy). It’s crowded at weekends, and it’s no longer cheap, but there has been considerable investment in lifts and new pistes (23km in total), as well as snow-making and grooming equipment so that the season can extend into late April. Ski gear can be rented at hotels and the cable car and gondola terminals.

HUNEDOARA (Vajdahunyad/Eisenmarkt), 16km south of Deva, would be dismissed as an ugly, run-down industrial town were it not also the site of Corvin Castle , Romania’s greatest fortress. Patrick Leigh Fermor found its appearance “so fantastic and theatrical that, at first glance, it looks totally unreal”. Founded in the fourteenth century, it was rebuilt in 1440–53 by Iancu de Hunedoara , with a Renaissance-style wing added by his son Mátyás Corvinus and Baroque additions by Gabriel Bethlen from 1618. A remarkably long footbridge on tall stone piers leads across a 30m-deep moat to a mighty barbican, built by Iancu in 1440–4 and altered in the seventeenth century to replace the castle’s original entrance; below are the dungeon (with a prisoner in a cage) and torture chamber, with the usual replicas of a rack, a chair of nails and execution axes. The castle is an extravaganza of galleries, spiral stairways and Gothic vaulting, most impressively the Knights’ Hall (immediately to the right), with its rose-marble pillars, a display of weaponry and a statue of Iancu. To the southwest a long gallery bridge leads to the isolated Neboisa Tower (from the Serbian nje boisia or “be not afraid”), built by Iancu in 1446–56; to the east the Council Hall is similar to the Knights Hall, divided by a row of columns. To the north, the Mátyás wing , which sports a fine Renaissance loggia, houses a display of costumes and sixteenth-century Florentine cassone chests. Viewpoints outside the fortifications give views of the fifteenth-century rhomboid pattern on the exterior of the Painted Tower, and of the steeple added in 1873, with a bronze knight on top.

The capital of Hunedoara county, DEVA , 30km west of Orăştie (and 150km east of Arad), lies below a thirteenth-century citadel that was transformed into one of Transylvania’s strongest fortifications by the warlord Hunyadi after 1444. It crowns a truncated volcanic cone – supposedly the result of a stupendous battle between the djinns (spirits) of the Retezat mountains and of the plain, hence the nickname Hill of the Djinn .

From Braşov to Sighişoara

Heading north from Braşov towards Sighişoara, the River Olt is lined with fish ponds (supplying roadside restaurants, and also attracting many birds in the migration seasons) and various Saxon villages with fortified churches ; Regio trains stop at most, including Feldioara (Marienburg), where the Teutonic Knights built a citadel, refashioned into a basilica after 1241 (and now being refirbished); Rotbav (Rothbach); and Maieruş (Nussbach).

VISCRI (Deutsch-Weisskirch) is 80km northwest of Braşov, turning left off the main E60 at Rupea and then right before entering Dacia, on a road which is deliberately left unpaved to keep tour buses away. The village, overwhelmingly populated by Rroma and with just fifteen Saxons left, nevertheless has a forceful Saxon local councillor, Caroline Fernolend, who has worked with the Mihai Eminescu Trust to restore the church and at least the facades of over fifty buildings. Viscri has in fact become a tourism hot spot, and the MET is trying to direct tourists to other villages. The village is also prospering thanks to a rather less likely source, namely sock-making . What started a few years back as a small-scale operation involving a handful of women has become a fairly substantial cottage industry.

Accommodation and eating

There are plenty of attractive guesthouses in restored Saxon houses; many people will tell you that Prince Charles has a guesthouse here, but this is now a training centre for The Prince of Wales’s Foundation Romania.

HAŢEG , 20km southeast of Hunedoara, is the gateway to Transylvania’s greatest Roman remains and to the north side of the Retezat mountains. You’ll also find some interesting Romanesque churches in the surrounding area, all reachable by bus with a little effort. The area is also known for its dwarf dinosaur fossils and other geological features: the Haţeg Country GeoPark is an innovative scheme to use these for sustainable tourist development. From the central Piaţa Unirii a slightly odd one-way system (signed to Prislop) leads to the GeoPark’s visitor centre, where there’s a Dragons and Dinosaurs exhibition (legend has it that the dragon Balauri was killed by the brave Cânde, lord of Sântămăria-Orlea and an ancestor of Prince Charles).

Hidden in the foothills of the Poiana Ruscă mountains 15km northwest of Haţeg, Prislop monastery was founded in 1400; it’s one of the country’s oldest convents but was very tranquil and little visited until a revered monk (and future saint) called Arsenie Boca was buried there in 1989, and is now overrun with Romanian tourists. It lies just off the direct road from Hunedoara to Haţeg, but most traffic goes via Călan , on both the train line and the DN66 (E79) south from Simeria, now just a crossroads where a huge steelworks used to rise; the town (a spa dating from Roman times) lies across the river to the east, with the lovely little church of Streisângeorgiu on a hillock on its southern fringe. This was built in 1313–4, with frescoes painted at the same time.

MIERCUREA CIUC (Csíksereda/Szeklerburg), 100km north of Braşov, is an important transport hub and capital of Harghita county, though it is less charming than its other towns. Its main claim to fame these days is as the home of Ciuc, one of Romania’s better beers ( Csiki sor in Hungarian, pronounced “cheeky sure” – and now owned by Heineken). The city centre, with the windswept Piaţa Libertăţii at its heart, was extensively rebuilt in communist concrete, made worse by a rash of ugly modern churches, and aside from some Secession and Art Nouveau touches on Strada Petőfi, the Mikó citadel and the adjacent 1890s Law Courts and City Hall, there is little of architectural merit here.

The pilgrimage to Csiksomlyó

The great Catholic pilgrimage on Whit Sunday gives a great insight into the Székely culture. It takes place at Şumuleu, a Franciscan monastery 2km northeast of Miercurea Ciuc. The complex was founded in 1442 by Iancu de Hunedoara in thanks for the Székely victory over the Turks at Marosszentimre (and rebuilt in 1733–79); a Baroque pilgrimage church was added in 1804–76. The festival, however, commemorates the 1567 victory of the Catholic Székely over János Sigismund Báthori, who was attempting to impose Calvinism on them. At least 200,000 black-clad pilgrims attend, singing hymns and queuing to touch the miraculous statue of the Virgin (carved in limewood in about 1515) behind the altar, before processing on to three chapels on a nearby hill top, which gives a good view of the plain, dotted with Székely villages.

The counties of Sălaj and Bistriţa-Năsăud (and the northernmost part of Cluj county), stretching from the Apuseni mountains to the Eastern Carpathians, are historically referred to as Northern Transylvania . Travelling from Cluj to Maramureş, or eastwards over the Carpathians into Moldavia, the roads are fast and direct (the railways less so), but it’s worth considering detours in this little-visited region. To the west, the chief attraction is the idyllic rural scenery of unspoiled Sălaj county, with its many old wooden churches.

Nicula and Sic

The monastery of NICULA , 7km southeast of Gherla, is the oldest and best-known centre of painting icons on glass, a Transylvanian speciality since the seventeenth century. There’s an eighteenth-century wooden church, moved here after the monastery burned down in 1973, and a miraculous icon of the Virgin and Child painted in 1681, which shed tears in 1699 and is the object of a huge pilgrimage on August 15 (the Assumption of the Virgin Mary).

One of the best villages to hear traditional music in this area is SIC (Szék), 20km southeast of Gherla, with a number of churches and municipal buildings testifying to its importance as a salt mining centre since Roman times. Every street in Sic seems to have its own band (normally just three musicians, on violin, viola and double bass), typically playing ancient Magyar and Romanian melodies woven in with Gypsy riffs. The village festival is on August 24, when the largely Magyar population wear their distinctive costumes – men in narrow-brimmed, tall straw hats and blue waistcoats, and women in leather waistcoats, red pleated skirts and black headscarves embroidered with flowers.

ORĂŞTIE , first recorded in 1224 as the Saxon Stuhl of Broos, is a quiet town 38km from Sebeş on the main road and railway west towards Deva, Timişoara and Arad. It’s the jumping-off spot for various Dacian citadels deep in the mountains to the south, six of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the most interesting, Sarmizegetusa , 39km south of Orăştie. The town museum (Tues–Sun 9am–5pm), at Piaţa Aurel Vlaicu 1, whose exhibits include ceramics, textiles, old clocks and Dacian relics, is to the right off the pedestrianized Strada Bălcescu, as is the old citadel (often closed) immediately east, with large Hungarian Reformed and German Evangelical churches (dating from the thirteenth century and 1823, respectively) crammed close together, along with the remains of tenth-century fortifications and a chapel.

From Sinaia to Predeal, the River Prahova froths white beneath the gigantic Bucegi mountains , which overhang Buşteni with a vertical kilometre of sheer escarpment, receding in grandiose slopes covered with fir, beech and rowan trees. These mountains are the real attraction of the area: the easiest walks are above Sinaia and Predeal, with more challenging hikes above Buşteni. Even if you don’t stop off to hike in the range (or ride up by cable car), the valley’s upper reaches are unforgettable: sit on the west side of the train for the best views.

SINAIA , 122km from Bucharest, was the preserve of hermits and shepherds until King Carol I built his summer home, Peleş Castle. It became an exclusive aristocratic resort, but nowadays hordes of holidaymakers come to walk or ski in the dramatic Bucegi mountains . Though actually in the province of Wallachia, it has much in common with the neighbouring Transylvanian towns and is included in this chapter for convenience.

Just behind Sinaia's monastery, a long cobbled path lined with souvenir stalls leads to one of Romania’s most popular and rewarding sights, Peleş Castle . Set in a large English-style park, the castle outwardly resembles a Bavarian Schloss. Built in 1875–83 for Carol I, and largely decorated by his eccentric wife Elisabeta (better known as the popular novelist Carmen Sylva), it contains 160 rooms, richly done out in ebony, mother of pearl, walnut and leather – all totally alien to traditional styles of Romanian art – and stuffed with antiques and copies of paintings housed in Bucharest’s National Art Museum. How a man of such reputedly austere tastes as Carol managed to live here is something of a mystery, and indeed it hasn’t been lived in since his death in 1914. Peleş was opened to the public in 1953, with one interruption when Ceauşescu appropriated it as a “state palace”. In 2008 the castle was finally handed back to the king, reuniting Mihai with his birthplace and childhood home; it remains open to visitors, as does Pelişor, which is still state property.

Routes southeast from Haţeg skim the northern reaches of the Retezat mountains , although access is slightly harder here than in the other Transylvanian mountain ranges. Whereas in the Făgăraş or Piatra Craiului you generally find yourself following a ridge walk, with little opportunity to step aside and view the summits from a distance, here you’ll find yourself surrounded by well-defined peaks, often reflected in clear alpine lakes. There is a large network of hiking routes , so you’ll meet fewer walkers and have a better chance of seeing wildlife such as chamois and eagles. The northwestern part of the massif is a scientific reserve (Ceauşescu treated it as a private hunting ground) and entry is restricted.

The Retezat National Park was set up in 1935, becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1980. To enter, you need a permit, available from an entry post or from a patrol; you’ll be given a rubbish bag and a ticket with a basic map – it’s worth buying a more detailed one in advance. Visitor centres are at Ostrovel (entering Râu de Mori) and at the park’s headquarters just north of Nucşoara; boards here and at Câmpu lui Neag give information in English and German on the trails and the park’s dozen camping sites. Guides can be booked through the National Park.

TÂRGU MUREŞ is still at heart the great Magyar city of Marosvásárhely , although recent Romanian and Gypsy immigration has diluted the Hungarian influence – around half the city’s 180,000-strong population is now Hungarian, although that figure probably includes the Gábor Roma, more visible and stylishly dressed here than elsewhere. The city was briefly notorious for ethnic riots in 1990, but is better known as a centre of learning – its university is small, but both the medical and drama schools are renowned nationally; in fact foreign students now flock here for cheap English-language medical courses. The Complexul Weekend , east of the city centre between the railway and river at Str. Plutelor 2 is where everyone hangs out in summer, with various pools (including an Olympic-sized one and a boating lake), sports facilities, restaurants and bars.

The Gypsies and Tzigania

The Rroma or Gypsies ( ţigane in Romanian, cigány in Hungarian) left northern India in the tenth and eleventh centuries and arrived in Europe around 1407, at the same period as the Tatar invasions. Almost at once many were enslaved and became vătraşi or “settled Gypsies”, working as servants or farm labourers, as well as being musicians, while others were left to roam as nomads. Wallachia and Moldavia finally freed their Gypsies in 1837–56, as cheap grain imports from North America flooded Europe and the economic system that made slavery viable broke down. Many in fact stayed with their former owners, but many also emigrated , reaching Western Europe in the 1860s and North America by 1881.

World War II brought the Porajmos or Devouring, the Nazi attempt to wipe out the Gypsies; at least twenty thousand Gypsies were deported to Transnistria by Antonescu’s regime, and a higher proportion died than in any other European country. The communist regime confiscated Gypsies’ carts and forced them to settle on the edges of villages; in 1956, 38 percent of Gypsies over the age of 8 were illiterate, but by 1966 almost all their children at least went to elementary school. There are now over two million Gypsies in Romania (of eight million in Europe), almost 10 percent of the population and Europe’s largest minority. Around forty percent of them no longer speak Romani and these consider themselves barely Rom; very few are still nomadic, and even these usually spend winters camped at a permanent settlement.

There is widespread antipathy towards Gypsies, given their great increase in numbers and visibility, and they have received very little international aid; discrimination, particularly in employment, has inevitably pushed many into crime. After the fall of communism there was an alarming rise in crime against the Rroma, with many instances of fights leading to mobs burning down Gypsy houses and driving them out of villages, with several cases of murder. In almost every case village authorities condoned the attacks, police kept away, and there have been no arrests.

Rroma people are highly visible in Târgu Mureş – particularly the very natty Gábors, but also the less fortunate residents of the Valea Rece shanty town on the south side of the city. As a rule it’s not easy for tourists to see much of their culture, but one excellent solution is a tour organized by Tzigania (June–Oct). Day-trips go to nearby villages such as Vălenii or Glodeni for meals, or to Ceauş for music, and it’s possible to stay overnight in Vălenii.

West of Sibiu is the Mărginimea Sibiului (Borders of Sibiu), an area that’s fairly densely populated, mostly by Romanians rather than Saxons, with a lively folklore recorded in small village museums. There are many sheep-raising communities here, and you may see flocks on the move, with donkeys carrying the shepherds’ belongings. The main DN1/7 (E68/E81) and the railway pass to the north of the villages, and Regio trains between Sibiu and Vinţu de Jos (the junction just beyond Sebeş) halt several kilometres from some villages – notably Sălişte and Tilişca – making public transport slightly problematic; however, there are good guesthouses in every village.

The Piatra Craiului and Zărneşti

Mountains dominate the skyline around Bran. To the southeast is the almost sheer wall of the Bucegi range – it takes about seven hours to hike from Bran to Mălăieşti or eight hours to Mount Omu, where there are cabanas. To the west, gentler slopes run up to the Piatra Craiului , a 20km-long narrow limestone ridge known as the Royal Rock. Now a national park, it’s home to bears, lynx, chamois and over a thousand species of flowers including edelweiss and the endemic Piatra Craiului pink.

The gateway to the park, and a good starting point for hikes, is ZĂRNEŞTI , some 25km west of Braşov and reachable by bus and train via Râşnov. The town was notorious in communist times for its 1 Mai bicycle factory, which in fact produced heavy artillery and ammunition, largely beneath a hill just east of the centre.

HĂRMAN (Honigberg), 12km northeast of Braşov, features a Saxon church , once ringed by three concentric walls (the outermost has now gone); a long narrow passageway pierces the inner wall, some 12m high, reinforced with seven towers and lined with storage rooms on two levels. The church itself is a Romanesque basilica, dating from 1293; it was rebuilt after a fire in 1595 but still displays clear Cistercian influence. Of particular importance are fifteenth-century frescoes of the Last Judgement and the Crucifixion , uncovered only in the 1920s – they are in the east tower of the ring wall, which was used as a funerary chapel. A small museum includes recordings of the local Saxon dialect.

PREJMER (Tartlau), 7km east of Hărman (on the railway, but off the main road), has the most comprehensively fortified and perhaps the most spectacular of all the region’s churches – now on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Access is through a 30m-long vaulted gallery with a sliding portcullis in the middle. Built by 1225, the cross-shaped church was taken over by the Cistercians in 1240 and enlarged in their Burgundian early Gothic style. The nave has late Gothic vaulting, and there’s a fine Passion altarpiece (1450–60).

For most visitors the chief attractions of the Székely Land (Székelyföld) are the Székely culture and the scenery. Religion remains important here, as shown by the fervour of the Whitsun pilgrimage to Miercurea Ciuc, the continuing existence of Székely mystics, and the prevalence of walled churches (less grimly fortified than the Saxon ones). Traditional architecture is well represented here, epitomized by tiny hilltop chapels and blue-painted houses with carved fences and gateways incorporating a dovecote above, the best examples being in Corund. The landscape gets increasingly dramatic as you move north through the Harghita mountains , particularly around the Tuşnad defile and St Anne’s Lake to the south, and Lacu Roşu and the Bicaz gorges on the borders of Moldavia.

Sfântu Gheorghe

SFÂNTU GHEORGHE (Sepsi-Szentgyörgy), 30km northeast of Braşov, is an industrial town which has become the heart of the Székely cultural revival. Originally the centre was around the walled church, but in the late eighteenth century it moved almost a kilometre south to the barracks area. It’s now focused on the large green space of Erzsébet Park, on the east of which is the Arcaded House (Casa cu Arcade/Lábasház; 1812), now the tourist office; to the west of the park are a technical college designed by Kós (with his bust in front), and a library where the decision was taken in 1848 to fight the Austrians, local hero Gábor Áron announcing he would cast the necessary cannons. The Zilele Sfântu Gheorghe festival covers the week straddling St George’s Day, April 23.

Kós Károly (1883–1977) was the leading architect of the Hungarian National Romantic school, which drew inspiration from the village architecture of Transylvania and Finland. The Transylvanian style is reflected in the wooden roofs, gables and balconies of his buildings, while the Finnish influence appears in the stone bases and trapezoidal door frames. Fine examples of Kós’s work can be seen in Sfântu Gheorghe and Cluj (notably the Cock Church), as well as in Budapest.

After the separation of Transylvania from Hungary, Kós, a native of Timişoara, was one of the few Hungarian intellectuals to accept the new situation, choosing to remain in Cluj (and his country home near Huedin) and to play a leading role in Hungarian society in Transylvania. He continued to work as an architect, and travelled around Transylvania, recording the most characteristic buildings (of all ethnic groups) in delightful linocuts ; these were published in 1929 by the Transylvanian Artists’ Guild (cofounded by Kós himself), with an English translation published in 1989.

The Székely

In the ethnic patchwork of Transylvania, the eastern Carpathians are the home of the Székely , who speak a distinctive Hungarian dialect and cherish a special historical identity. For a long time they were believed to be descended from Attila’s Huns, who entered the Carpathian basin in the fifth century. However, it’s now thought that the Székely either attached themselves to the Magyars during their long migration from the banks of the Don, or are simply the descendants of early Hungarians who pushed ever further east into Transylvania. Whatever their origins, the Székely feel closely akin to the Magyars who, in turn, regard them as somehow embodying the finest aspects of the ancient Magyar race , while also being rather primeval. Today, their traditional costume is close to that of the Romanian peasants, the chief difference being that Székely men tuck their white shirts in while Romanians wear them untucked and belted.

From Miercurea Ciuc both road and rail routes cross a low pass from the Olt to the Mureş valley and curve around to the city of Târgu Mureş . It’s a leisurely route taking in the tranquil Lacu Roşu , the untamed Căliman mountains and a plethora of attractive villages. There are far fewer trains than south of Miercurea Ciuc, and you may need to change at Deda for Târgu Mureş; with your own transport you can take a short cut via Sovata, but there are few buses on either route.

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

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