Transylvania (Siebenbürgen)

Transylvania (Romanian Transilvania, German Siebenbürgen) is a high plateau enclosed by the Carpathians like a natural fortress. The name literally means "land beyond the forests" — and that's exactly how it feels: a world of its own, shielded from the plains of Wallachia and Moldavia.

The history of Transylvania is unique in Europe: For centuries, Romanians, Hungarians, Transylvanian Saxons, and Roma lived here in a multicultural fabric. The Transylvanian Saxons — German settlers who came in the 12th century — left behind a landscape of fortified churches, which today are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many Saxons left Romania after 1989, but their architecture remains — and is increasingly being restored.

Plan at least 5–7 days for Transylvania. The three major cities (Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara) and the fortified churches form the backbone of any route. Add hikes in the Carpathians, village visits, and the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway. Best with a rental car — the distances are short, the roads picturesque.

Brașov (German: Kronstadt, Hungarian: Brassó) is the unofficial capital of Transylvania and the perfect introduction to the region. Situated at the foot of Mount Tâmpa, the city combines medieval architecture with a vibrant modern scene.

Black Church (Biserica Neagră)

The largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Its name comes from a fire in 1689 that blackened the walls. Inside: one of the largest collections of Anatolian carpets in Europe — a gift from the Transylvanian Saxons who traded with the Ottoman Empire. The organ with 4,000 pipes is a marvel of sound. Admission: 15 RON.

Council Square (Piața Sfatului)

One of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe: framed by pastel-colored townhouses, cafés, and the old town hall with its tower. In winter, a charming Christmas market is held here. In summer: street music and café life.

Mount Tâmpa

The local mountain of Brașov (955 m) can be reached by cable car (15 RON return) or on foot (45 min). From the top: a panoramic view over the red roofs, the Carpathians, and the famous "BRAȘOV" sign in Hollywood style. Perfect for sunset.

Strada Sforii (Rope Street)

One of the narrowest streets in Europe: only 1.1–1.3 m wide. Originally a firemen's access, now a selfie spot. Short but curious.

Around Brașov

From Brașov, you can reach the main attractions of Transylvania in a short time: Bran Castle (30 km, 30 min), Râșnov Fortress (15 km, 20 min), Poiana Brașov (ski resort, 12 km), and the fortified churches of Prejmer and Hărman. Brașov is the perfect base for 3–4 days.

Sibiu (German: Hermannstadt, Hungarian: Nagyszeben) was the European Capital of Culture 2007 — and has since experienced one of the continent's most impressive old town renovations. The former Transylvanian Saxon metropolis is today the cultural center of Transylvania and — in the opinion of many — the most beautiful city in Romania.

Great Square (Piața Mare)

One of the most beautiful market squares in Europe: A vast square framed by pastel-colored Baroque and Renaissance facades, the Brukenthal Palace, and the Catholic Church. The roof windows of the houses look like eyes watching you — a hallmark of Sibiu, which has earned the city the nickname "City with Eyes."

Brukenthal Museum

Located in the Brukenthal Palace on the Great Square, it is the oldest museum institution in Romania (founded in 1817): an impressive collection of European paintings (Rubens, Van Dyck, Cranach), Romanian art, and decorative arts. Admission: 30 RON.

Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor)

The first cast-iron bridge in Romania (1859) connects the Great Square with the Little Square. According to legend, the bridge collapses if someone tells a lie on it. It still stands — which either speaks for the honesty of the people of Sibiu or the quality of German iron.

ASTRA Open-Air Museum

The largest open-air museum in Romania (and one of the largest in Europe) is located 4 km south of the city in the Dumbrava Forest. Over 300 original buildings from all Romanian regions: farms, mills, churches, workshops, forges. At least half a day, with a picnic in the park a whole day. Admission: 25 RON.

Gastronomy & Culture

Sibiu boasts an excellent restaurant scene focusing on Romanian cuisine. In September, the legendary ASTRA Film Festival (documentary film) takes place, and in summer, the Sibiu International Theatre Festival — one of the largest theater festivals in Europe. The city lives and breathes culture.

Sighișoara (Schäßburg)

Sighișoara (German: Schäßburg) is the only still inhabited medieval fortress town in Europe — and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Upper Town (Cetate) with its colorful houses, the Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas), the Church on the Hill, and the covered wooden staircase (Scara Acoperită) feels like a time machine to the 15th century.

Here, in 1431, Vlad III. Drăculea was born — the historical Dracula. His birthplace (Casa Vlad Dracul) is now a restaurant. Sighișoara is small enough to explore in half a day, but atmospheric enough for an overnight stay — especially when the day tourists are gone and the alleys glow in the evening light.

Admission to the Clock Tower: 15 RON. From the top: one of the most beautiful views of Transylvania over tiled roofs and the Târnava Mare plain.

The Fortified Churches of Transylvania

The fortified churches of the Transylvanian Saxons are unique in the world: village churches surrounded by mighty defensive walls, towers, and battlements — built from the 13th to the 16th century as protection against Ottoman and Tatar raids. Seven of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most important:

• Viscri (Deutsch-Weißkirch) — The village that Prince Charles (now King Charles III) called "the most beautiful in the world" and where he bought a house. The fortified church towers over a village of blue, green, and whitewashed houses, where horse-drawn carts are still a common mode of transport. Guesthouses with homemade food. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission: 15 RON.
• Biertan (Birthälm) — The mightiest of all fortified churches: three concentric rings of walls, 6 towers, and a grand Gothic hall church. The "adulterers' chamber" in the tower is legendary: quarreling couples were locked up here until they reconciled — with only one bed, one plate, and one cutlery. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission: 15 RON.
• Prejmer (Tartlau) — 18 km east of Brașov. The best-preserved fortified church in Transylvania with a complete battlement and 275 storage rooms in the walls, where the village population could endure sieges for weeks. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission: 10 RON.
• Saschiz (Keisd) — Less visited but beautiful: a Gothic church with a separate watchtower on the hill above the village. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bran Castle (Castelul Bran)

The "Dracula Castle" is Romania's most visited attraction — and at the same time its biggest misunderstanding. The medieval castle (14th century) dramatically perches on a rock above the Bran Pass and indeed looks like something out of a horror film. But: Vlad III. Drăculea probably never lived here — at most, he was held here in transit.

Nevertheless, the visit is worthwhile: The castle is architecturally appealing with narrow staircases, secret passages, and a courtyard. The exhibition tells the history of the castle (as a customs station and royal summer residence) and separates myth from reality. The market at the foot of the castle is pure tourist kitsch (Dracula magnets, vampire teeth, garlic chains), but somehow it belongs.

Admission: 45 RON. In summer: crowds. Come early in the morning (9 am opening) or late afternoon. Or visit in autumn (October) — guaranteed fitting atmosphere.

The Historical Dracula: Vlad III. Drăculea

Vlad III. (1431–1476), known as Drăculea ("Son of the Dragon" — his father was a member of the Order of the Dragon) or Țepeș (the Impaler), was a real Wallachian prince. In Romania, he is considered a national hero: He defended Wallachia against the Ottoman Empire and enforced brutal punishments against corrupt boyars — especially impalement.

Bram Stoker took the name "Dracula" in 1897 and associated it with Transylvanian landscapes — without ever having been to Romania. The literary vampire has almost nothing to do with the historical Vlad. But that doesn't stop the tourism industry from mixing the two.

Râșnov Fortress (Cetatea Râșnov)

Only 15 km from Bran lies the Râșnov peasant fortress — and in many ways, it is more interesting than Bran. The massive fortress (13th century) on a rocky hill was not a noble castle but a refuge for the village population: During Ottoman raids, the entire village retreated behind the walls. The view is spectacular. Admission: 20 RON. Combine Bran and Râșnov in one day.

The Romanian Carpathians offer alpine hiking at its finest — without the crowds of the Alps. The trails are well-marked (Romanian Alpine Club), the mountain huts (cabane) are rustic and affordable, and the wilderness is real: Here live 6,000 brown bears, 3,000 wolves, and 2,000 lynxes — the largest populations in Europe.

The Best Hiking Areas

• Piatra Craiului (King's Stone) — The narrowest and most dramatic mountain ridge in the Carpathians: a 25 km long limestone ridge where you hike between two chasms. Challenging but unforgettable. Starting point: Zărnești (30 km from Brașov).
• Bucegi Mountains — Accessible via Sinaia and Bușteni, with cable cars (Telecabina). The rock formations Babele (the old women) and the Sphinx (Sfinxul) at 2,200 m are natural sculptures of bizarre beauty. Easy to moderate hikes possible.
• Făgăraș Mountains — The highest mountains in Romania with Moldoveanu (2,544 m) and Negoiu (2,535 m). The ridge hike over the Făgăraș main ridge (5–7 days) is the royal tour of the Romanian mountains. Only for experienced hikers.
• Retezat National Park — In western Transylvania: glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and one of the wildest landscapes in Europe. Less visited than the Carpathians near Brașov, but spectacular. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Transfăgărășan Highway

The DN7C, known as Transfăgărășan, is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world — praised by Jeremy Clarkson (Top Gear) as "the most beautiful road in the world." 90 km of hairpin bends over the Southern Carpathians, highest point 2,042 m (Bâlea Lake). Ceaușescu had it built in the 1970s as a military road. Open only from end of June to end of October (weather-dependent). Best driven from the north side (Sibiu/Cârțișoara) — the hairpin bends to the south are more spectacular.

Bear Watching

In the vicinity of Brașov, there are organized bear watching tours (from observation huts, in the evening). Reputable providers work with conservationists and do not feed the bears. The best time: April–October, especially in autumn when the bears feed to prepare for hibernation. Cost: 30–60€ per person.