Transylvania:The Ultimate Guide to the Heart of Wild Romania

We’ve always been fascinated by a part of Europe that’s still quite unknown to us: the East. After a long time, we finally decided to visit one of the countries that has always intrigued us the most: Romania. For the first part of our journey, we chose Transylvania, a land of wild mountains, ancient castles, and medieval villages nestled in nature. It’s a place where history, legends, and breathtaking landscapes blend into a timeless charm.

Perhaps the fact that it’s not often talked about is exactly what made us curious. Few people choose it as a travel destination, giving priority to more popular spots.

As in most of our trips, we decided to explore it on a road trip, giving ourselves the freedom to move and discover at our own pace.

Transylvania, a region shaped by centuries of shifting empires, cultures, and legends. Once a crossroads between East and West, it has been home to Romanians, Hungarians, and Saxons, each leaving behind fortresses, churches, and traditions that still define its identity today.

Medieval towns like Sighișoara, Brașov, and Sibiu tell stories of fortified walls, bustling guilds, and markets that once linked Europe’s great trade routes. Beyond them rise the Carpathian Mountains, where shepherd villages and wooden churches preserve ways of life that have changed little over time.

Transylvania’s fame may rest on myth, the land of Dracula and dark forests, but its true legacy lies in its living history. It’s a place where you can walk through the past, touch the stones of ancient citadels, and feel the deep soul of a land that has quietly endured for centuries.

Our first stop. Nestled in the rolling hills of Transylvania, Biertan is a village that feels frozen in time. Famous for its fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biertan was once a major center of Saxon settlement in the region. The church, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, stands atop a hill and is surrounded by defensive walls and towers, a testament to the village’s strategic importance during medieval times.

Inside the church, you’ll find beautifully preserved wooden interiors, intricately carved pews, and an unusual locking system on the altar, designed to protect valuables from invaders. Walking through the narrow streets of Biertan, with its colorful houses and traditional farmsteads, you get a sense of how life has remained rooted in centuries-old traditions.

Perched on a hill in central Transylvania, Sighișoara is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its winding cobblestone streets, colorful merchant houses, and fortified walls transport visitors back to the 16th century, when it was a thriving Saxon settlement.

The town is famous as the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, the historical figure behind the Dracula legend, adding an air of mystery to its charming squares and narrow alleyways. Sighișoara’s skyline is dominated by the Clock Tower, a striking medieval tower that now houses a history museum and offers panoramic views over the red-tiled rooftops and surrounding hills.

Wandering through Sighișoara feels like stepping into a living history book. The town is dotted with artisan shops, cozy cafes, and vibrant squares where locals and travelers mingle. Its fortified churches, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old architecture make it a perfect destination for anyone fascinated by history, legend, and the timeless beauty of Transylvania.

Nestled quietly among the rolling hills of Transylvania, Viscri is a village that seems untouched by time. Its fortified church, standing proudly at the village’s center, is a testament to the ingenuity of Saxon settlers who built it to defend their community centuries ago. Unlike more touristy spots, Viscri retains a sense of calm and authenticity that makes every walk along its cobbled streets feel like a step back in history.

The village’s charm lies in its simplicity: rows of pastel-colored houses with steep roofs, grazing sheep in the meadows, and locals continuing traditional crafts that have survived generations. Efforts to preserve its heritage, supported by initiatives like those of Prince Charles, have kept Viscri both vibrant and historically intact. Visiting here is less about sightseeing and more about experiencing the rhythm of rural Transylvania, a place where culture, history, and everyday life exist in harmony.

Piatra Craiului National Park  boasts Romania’s longest and highest limestone ridge, stretching over 15 miles and rising 6,560 feet. Framed by glacial lakes, the ridge offers some of the most striking views in the Carpathians. The classic north–south ridge trail is a challenging two-day trek, with narrow ridges and a descent into dramatic karst landscapesof gorges and caves.

On the eastern slopes, traditional villages like Măgura, Peștera, Ciocanu, and Șirnea serve as perfect starting points for hikes and offer a glimpse into authentic Romanian mountain life.

Rupea Fortress is one of Transylvania’s oldest and most significant fortresses, with records dating back to the 14th century. Built atop a high stone outcrop overlooking the Ribița River, it once served as a strategic lookout and later became a refuge for the local population.

The fortress is divided into three main zones: the Upper Fortress, home to the famous Tower of the Larders and a 50-meter deep well; the Middle Citadel, featuring the Barred Tower, Chapel, and Pentagonal Tower; and the Lower Fortress, the newest section from the 18th century, which housed the keeper and military storehouse.

Today, Rupea Fortress is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a remarkable testament to Transylvania’s medieval history and Saxon heritage.

This incredible route, the Transfăgărășan Highway, winds its way over the Făgăraș Mountains in Transylvania, Romania, reaching 2,000 meters above sea level. Its endless curves, steep drops, and breathtaking views make it one of the most exhilarating drives in the world. Inspired by its dramatic beauty.

Built in the 1970s under the direction of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the road winds through dramatic mountain scenery, including steep cliffs, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Key highlights along the route include Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks, and Poienari Fortress, the historic stronghold of Vlad the Impaler. The Transfăgărășan is not just a road, it’s an adventure. With hairpin turns, long tunnels, and panoramic viewpoints, every bend offers a new perspective of Romania’s wild and untamed landscapes. It’s a must-visit for drivers, cyclists, and travelers seeking a blend of adrenaline and natural beauty.

Sibiu is a picturesque medieval city in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. The city’s historic center, the main attraction, stretches along the east bank of the Cibin River and is divided into the charming Lower Town, with its pastel-colored houses, and the more refined Upper Town, historically home to the city’s elite.

Known as Hermannstadt in German, Sibiu was founded by Saxons in the 12th century and had become a prosperous trading hub by the 14th century. Its craftsmen organized into 19 guilds, fueling both commerce and culture, a legacy that lives on today in the city’s philharmonic orchestra, multiple theaters, and the renowned Sibiu International Theatre Festival.

The historic center remains remarkably intact, making Sibiu a strong candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Walking through its cobbled streets, you immediately notice how modern interventions have been kept minimal, preserving the city’s authentic character. Sibiu stands as a model for balancing cultural heritage with modern life, a medieval gem that feels as alive today as it did centuries ago.

“Țara Oltului în Produse și Tradiții” is an annual festival celebrating the local products, crafts, and traditions of the Țara Oltului region, located at the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains in Sibiu County, Romania. The event usually takes place in the town of Bradu and brings together local producers, artisans, and performers to showcase the authentic culture of the area.

1- STAY WITH LOCALS

Cruising through Transylvania, we noticed that it’s not as cheap as people often think. Of course, compared to northern European countries, it’s more affordable, but in cities and popular tourist spots, prices can be quite high. Instead of booking Airbnbs or hotels, try staying in local spare rooms , you’ll often see signs saying “Rooms” outside houses. It’s usually cheaper and a great way to experience local hospitality.

2 – AVOID BRAN CASTLE

We know that for many people, the only thing they associate with Transylvania is Bran Castle, the so-called home of Dracula (which, if you dig into the story, actually has very little to do with the real castle, by the way). To be honest, I’ve traveled quite a bit around the world, and this was one of the biggest tourist traps I’ve ever seen.

Don’t get me wrong , the castle itself looks impressive from below and is undeniably beautiful. The problem is everything built around and inside it feels commercial and inauthentic. Prices are high, and you’ll likely find yourself queuing with hundreds of tourists to see something that simply isn’t worth the hype or the ticket cost. Instead, explore some of the lesser-known castles scattered along Transylvania’s roads, many are free or charge only a small fee and offer a much more genuine and peaceful experience.

3 – RENT A CAR

Transylvania is best discovered at your own pace. Having a car or camper gives you full freedom to stop in small villages, hidden monasteries, or scenic viewpoints along the way. The roads are generally good, but expect winding routes through the Carpathians, especially on the Transfăgărășan or Transalpina.

4 – TAKE CASH WITH YOU

Many smaller places (especially in villages or markets) still prefer cash over cards. Also, schedules can be loose, so embrace the slower rhythm and enjoy the spontaneity of it all.

5 – AVOID SUMMER

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are perfect. The weather is mild, the landscapes are green or golden, and the crowds are smaller than in summer.

6 – DO NOT FEED THE BEARS

Romania has one of the largest populations of Eurasian brown bears in Europe, and encounters, especially along the Transfăgărășan, are quite common.
In the wild, bears usually avoid humans and can smell us from up to 15 miles away, but some have started approaching cars because tourists feed them in exchange for photos on social media. Over time, they’ve become used to human presence.

Even if they look cute and seem uninterested, we must remember that they are wild animals and among the top predators in Europe. If you get too close, especially to a mother with her cubs, she will almost certainly attack to protect them. Sadly, accidents do happen. Last summer, a motorcyclist was killed in such an encounter, and although it wasn’t the bear’s fault, the mother was later shot dead for simply defending her cubs.

Traveling through Transylvania feels like walking through the pages of history. From fortified churches and medieval citadels to the wild Carpathian peaks, it’s a region that bridges past and present effortlessly. It reminds you how deeply culture, nature, and human resilience can intertwine , and how much there is still to discover beyond the clichés.

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