Transylvania – a land of legends
Transylvania is probably the most well known region of Romania (at least by name), mainly due to the romantic 19th century story named Dracula. But there is so much more to it! The name of the region means, in translation from Latin, the land after the forests.
The snow topped peaks of the Carpathian Mountains surround, as in an embrace, this area of sweet hills, and covered summer time with thousands of species of wild flowers (most of them extinct from other parts of Europe). Many of the villages, with tiny houses, hay stacks and small vineyards, have churches built from the 12th to the 16th century, and fortified against invasions. Prince Charles chose one of these movie-like locations, Viscri, for his summer home in Romania.
The cultural blend created by the Romanian, Hungarian (szekler) and German (Saxon) heritages can be seen and tasted at the local festivals (we make sure you get there in time) and in the splendid Medieval Transylvanian cities: Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Alba Iulia, Cluj or Targu Mures.
Christmas market, Sibiu (© Calin Stan)
Viscri traditional embroidery (© Calin Stan)
Fortified Church, Harman
Sighisoara clock tower (© Calin Stan)
Autumn in Balaban, Moeciu
Fortified Church, Cincsor (© Sorin Onisor)
Things to do in Transylvania
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Ask us to arrange a meal in a countryside household
The biggest problems with eating with the locals in the country side is that the food is too good and too much. Home made aubergine salad (zacusca), fantastic soups (ciorba), heart attack worthy polenta (bulz), pork cooked in the most amazing ways, cheese pies to die for. We can’t even…
Listen to an organ concerto in a Saxon fortified church
That feeling of listening to God’s music in sacred place in a country village where almost no followers are left anymore is really something special. Bach’s music never sounded more meaningful; sad and uplifting at the same time.
And of course, Dracula...
You cannot read anything about Romania without Dracula being mentioned. Of course you are curious. And of course, we have the exact cure for your curiosity. Bran Castle, Sighisoara are two of the most famous Dracula related places in Transylvania. If you are lucky (or not) you can even meet him. The word goes that he is not dead yet and Bram Stoker was patent liar.
Our Tours
Transylvania Step by Step Tour
Head into Saxon Transylvania is to get a glimpse into ancient rural Europe. You’ll explore this fascinating area, once inhabited by the famous Transylvanian Saxons (Siebenbürger Sachsen) – industrious, skilled craftspeople and farmers, who left an indelible mark on this region.
Essential Romania Weekend Tour
For the ones in a hurry, having just a long weekend available after a business trip or during bank holidays, for the ones wanting an extension for a Danube cruise, or for the ones that want to taste the essence of Romania to see if it worths investing extended time to travel, we invite you to come with us in this tour.
Get Inspired
Viscri, the village Prince Charles made famous
The village of Viscri, or Weisskhirch (in Romanian "white church"), as it was formerly known, is less than two-hour drive from Brasov. The village was included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1999 and features on the world map of traditional villages. The road up there is dotted with plenty of attractions, so if you leave Brasov in the morning, you might only reach Viscri in the afternoon.
Rural life and local crafts in Transylvania
Transylvania offers sights and attractions to suit all tastes, but the authenticity found in the old rural settlements is something everyone loves. Transylvanian villages are places with a special charm, and the landscape of the area recalls memories of ancient times.
Peasants, Merchants and Knights – a Real Life Catan Story
The Saxon history of Transylvania begins unofficially in middle 1100's and officially in 1224 when the King of Hungary allowed the German peasants and merchants from Luxembourg and Flanders area to settle the southern part of the land to protect the Kingdom from invaders ...
Prejmer – UNESCO World Heritage fortified church
Prejmer fortress, the largest fortified church in Romania When they hear the word Brasov, most people think of the famous Black Church. But this is not the only medieval landmark in the area! Just 17 km north-east of Brasov (Kronstadt)...
What others say: A Transylvania Road Trip by BlondeAtlas
An interesting blog post by BlondeAtlas. Some nice tips and some good words about their experience in Romania. I particularly liked her choice of restaurants, Bistro de l'Arte in Brasov and Kulinarium in Sibiu are also two of our...
4 days in Saxon Country – Biertan, Richis
On the last day, we focused on visiting two major UNESCO fortified churches - Biertan and Richis. We joined the fantastic guide Peter Suciu who did a great job walking us through the history of...