Featuring a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and cultural charm, Transylvania is definitely one of the most captivating holiday destinations in Romania.
What an unforgettable experience it will be! Discovering the magic Transylvania, you’ve probably been reading about, with its castles and fortified churches, historic cities and towns, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage or the fabulous gastronomy of this place… At the end of the day, you will feel enchanted, inspired and invigorated by the blend of cultural heritage, vibrant local traditions, and breath-taking scenery.
Let’s embark into a journey to the heart of Transylvania! We’ll talk about the Transylvanian unique attractions, its picturesque towns and inspiring landscapes.
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Planning a future holiday to Transylvania? For an even more enriching experience, consider booking one of our guided tours. Our guides will help you uncover the hidden gems of Transylvania, providing insights and stories that you won’t find in any guidebook.
Here are two of our best options for your holiday in Romania:
The Magic Transylvania tour, our four-day trip that will take to some of the most beautiful Transylvanian cities, such as Brasov, Sibiu or Alba Iulia.
You will also have the chance to discover the Peles Royal Castle, a summer residence of the royal couple of Romania, also known as the pearl of the Carpathian and Corvin Castle, the Gothic masterpiece of Transylvania. In addition, you will enjoy a visit to Turda Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in the world, placed by Business Insider on top of the „coolest underground places in the world”.
Transylvanian Medieval Castles & Fortified Churches Tour, Romania is out four-day Transylvanian Medieval Castles & Fortified Churches Tour starting from Bucharest. You will get to visit the Peles and Bran Castles, explore and spend a night in the beautiful city of Brasov in Transylvania, discover the charming Sibiu and Sighisoara cities, visit the impressive fortified churches of Prejmer & Biertan. A visit to Viscri – little village in Transylvania, Romania, that charmed King Charles III (formerly Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales).
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Where is Transylvania?
Most people have heard of this magic place from different stories. Maybe you know it only for Bram Stoker’s story, Dracula… So many legends have been built around this place that you may wonder if it is real.
Yes, my dear friend, it is. Transylvania is a historic region in central Romania, bordered by the Carpathian Mountains and Apuseni Mountains and known for its beautiful landscapes, medieval castles, fortified churches, and rich cultural heritage.
The region is a significant part of Romania and is situated roughly in the central-north-western part of the country.
Find out more: Where is Transylvania? A Captivating Fare to the Realm of Tales
Top attractions of Transylvania, Romania
The mountains, the fortified churches, the medieval castles, the charming cities in the heart of the region— which ones will you pick? It’s a tough decision to make! Let’s talk about all these gems of Transylvania – all well worth a visit!
The mountains of Transylvania
Two mountain ranges dominate Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains and the Apuseni Mountains, and they are both spectacular and fascinating in their own way.
Take the time to discover the endless opportunities for adventure and exploration offered by the Carpathian Mountains. The Carpathians, spanning across Transylvania, uncover majestic landscapes, dense forests, being a haven for wildlife, including brown bears and wolves. The region is perfect for hiking, skiing, and exploring scenic trails.
The Apuseni Mountains are renowned for their spectacular karst topography, featuring dramatic caves, underground rivers, and lush valleys. The region is ideal for spelunking, with famous caves like Scarisoara, housing Europe’s second-largest underground glacier.
Find out more: The Hikers Dream Destinations: Trek the Carpathian Mountains
Transylvania, Romania – medieval cities in Europe
Brasov, Transylvanian medieval town
You must visit Brasov if you go to Transylvania! Located in the heart of the region, Brasov will captivate you with its stunning medieval architecture and mountain scenery. One of the city’s highlights is the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania.
Also take the time to explore the charming Council Square, surrounded by colourful baroque buildings and stroll along Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe. A vibrant cultural scene, that includes festivals and concerts, adds to Brasov’s appeal.
Sibiu, well-preserved medieval old town in Transylvania
Sibiu is another Transylvanian city renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town and vibrant arts scene. What to do in Sibiu? Just wander through the picturesque Great Square and Little Square, connected by narrow streets filled with historic houses and cozy cafes. For a spectacular panoramic view of the city, you can climb the Council Tower.
While in Sibiu, don’t miss a visit to the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, that offers a fascinating open-air experience of Romanian village life.
Alba Iulia – imposing Alba Carolina Fortress
Best known for the imposing Alba Carolina Fortress, Alba Iulia is a star-shaped citadel that played a crucial role in Romanian history. You can through its well-preserved bastions, gates, and impressive defensive walls of the fortress.
In the Union Hall of the National Museum you can find out more about the city’s significance in the unification of Romania, a crucial event in the history of the nation.
Visit the beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Orthodox Coronation Cathedral. You will love discovering Alba Iulia’s tranquil atmosphere and rich historical heritage, which make it a fascinating stop in Transylvania.
Sighisoara – the medieval citadel of Transylvania
Did you know that Sighisoara the only inhabited medieval citadel in Europe? Sighisoara ia a UNESCO Monument and many efforts are made to maintain its allure as it was back in the day in olden Transylvania.
Main attractions in Sighisoara include all the elements you would expect in a gothic novel from the previous centuries and they range from walls, towers, narrow pavements and the iconic clock tower!
And if you happen to be around at the end of July, you can enjoy one of the most charming medieval festivals, a vibrant and colourful cultural celebration that you will definitely remember!
Find out more: Romania holiday destinations. The most beautiful places to visit on a vacation in Romania
The Castles of Transylvania, in Romania
Bran Castle – the legendary Dracula’s Castle
No piece of writing about Transylvania is complete without mentioning the legendary Dracula’s Castle. The castle atop a hill, the gloomy forest behind it overnight on a full moon, elements which are definitely a great testament to the mythical status of the count’s seat of power.
Bram Stoker’s novel did much to cement the castle’s reputation as a fabled Halloween attraction. However, the castle’s walls definitely have their own story to tell, as throughout the ages it has seen numerous defining moments in the country’s history.
Find out more: Bran Castle Transylvania Tour | Prices, Facts and More
Peles Castle – one of Romania’s main tourist attractions
Out of the numerous words used to describe Peles Castle, “the Pearl of the Carpathians” seems to be the most appropriate.
Peles remains one of Romania’s main tourist attractions and a big reason why Sinaia, the town in central Romania, receives a lot of attention throughout the year!
The castle was built at the initiative of the first king of Romania, Carol I. And it’s a masterful work of Germanic architecture and boasts the title of the first castle in Europe to have central heating and electricity.
Find out more: Peles Castle: Find Out More about The Romanian Royal Family
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You can get the chance to see both Bran and Peles in our Two Castles in One-Day tour. It is a Small Group Tour for a more personal and intimate experience, that will allow you to discover the secrets of Transylvania guided by our friendly and experienced guides.
Corvin Castle – one of the best medieval castles in Europe
Corvin Castle is also known as Hunedoara Castle or Hunyadi Castle and reprezents a gothic masterpiece and definitely a legendary place.
The castle, built in the 15th century by John Hunyadi, a prominent military leader and Voivode of Transylvania, was included on the list of Best European Castles.
With its tall towers, intricate stone carvings, and imposing drawbridge, the castle stands as a testament to medieval architecture. The legend goes that Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, was imprisoned behind the castle’s thick walls.
The castle’s dramatic appearance, the high and thick walls and the spacious courtyard will definitely impress you.
The fortified churches and fortresses in Romania
Rasnov fortress – splendid panorama of the entire valley of Transylvania
Rasnov Fortress can be such an inspiration for the tourist who gets to sit on its walls, enjoying a view of the splendid panorama of the entire valley of Transylvania! There you can imagine the entire valley as the site of numerous battles. All around the valley, armies would often face off against each other right at the base of the fortress.
Nowadays the fortress only serves as a tourist attraction, but the warlike atmosphere and breath-taking views still remain. Inside, you will get to see stalls and shops where smiths were practicing their craft. A museum of feudal art that curates many weapons, tools, armours, and memorabilia from the fortress’ past.
Biertan, Prejmer, Viscri, Saschiz – the fortified churches of Transylvania
Built between the 13th and 16th centuries by the Transylvanian Saxons and standing out as remarkable architectural and cultural landmarks, the fortified churches are yet another reason to visit Transylvania. They are surrounded by high defensive walls, towers, and bastions, creating a fortified complex.
Here are some notable examples of churches:
- Biertan is of the largest and most well-preserved fortified churches in the region, and it was a bishop’s seat for nearly 300 years The fortifications and beautiful Gothic architecture are really impressive,
- Prejmer’s fortified church is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its robust defensive structures and well-preserved inner courtyard,
- Viscri is another UNESCO site, is a smaller, but equally charming church, famous for its whitewashed walls and rustic appearance. The picturesque Transylvanian village of Viscri is a tourist attraction in itself, renowned for its traditional Saxon houses, and rural charm. It gained additional fame due to King Charles’ involvement in preserving its heritage.
- Harman and Saschiz are other charming Transylvanian villages featuring strong fortifications that showcase the region’s fortified church architecture.
Find out more: Viscri Village, A Glimpse Into Prince Charles’ Transylvanian Nest
We hope you enjoyed our suggestions and that our article becomes the starting point for your unforgettable trip to Transylvania. You will love the region’s charm and diverse attractions! From the majestic Carpathian Mountains and historic fortified churches to the enchanting medieval castles and charming cities, this heart of Romania offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage.
If you’re short on time, we offer tour options that take around 1 or 2 days and are convenient for short visits. You can get the chance to see both Bran and Peles, plus the beautiful city of Brasov, in our Two Castles in One-Day tour.
Or go for the entire Transylvania Break experience and get to see all the attractions mentioned in this article in just 2 days.
If you are interested in finding out more, do not hesitate to contact us!