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Several settlements in South-East Transylvania are known for their their Saxon and Flemish heritage. Built in the 13-14th century, some of these settlements are now part of UNESCO patrimony due to their well preserved architectural beauty. Among them, Sighisoara Citadel is a ‘must see’ sight, along with villages like Biertan and Viscri. Thus, we invite you to join us in a wonderful Sibiu – Biertan – Sighisoara day tour!
The countryside region between the towns of Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov is know as the Transylvanian Highlands – the Europe’s last medieval landscape. Consequently, it is such a diversified region with amazing cultural and natural patrimony: secular oak tree forests, colorful pastures and meadows, rich fauna, but also fortified churches and villages that look like in a fairytale.
All the villages were built hundreds of years ago by the Saxon colonists. They still preserve their old architectural charm: big houses spread along the main road, large cobbled streets, tall wooden front gates, shady gardens with vineyards and fruit trees. Therefore, walking through these villages is pure therapy! The whole area is famous for its preserved landscape – no wonder HRH King Charles of England loves this area and comes to visit it every year!
Via Transilvanica, the “road that unites”, is a 1,400 kilometer long distance trail, a tourist route that crosses Romania from North to South (from Putna to Drobeta Turnu Severin). It’s designed for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Via Transilvanica is marked with painted markers, signposts and at every kilometer, there is an individually carved andesite stone which accompanies travelers along the way.
The trail crosses ten counties among them also Sibiu (named Terra Saxonum). In total, Via Transilvanica crosses 107 administrative-territorial units in Romania, and highlights the natural and cultural heritage of each region.
“Via Transilvanica is a long-distance trail inspired by the history of other such trails in Europe, North America and beyond. But above all, it is a social project, so the focus is on the community. The project aims to bring to light places in the country, seemingly forgotten by the world and largely depopulated due to economic limitations, and bring them to life. This revival is due to the backpackers who, after a long day on the trails, expect a minimum of hospitality and at least one welcoming face to share stories with. This is what the road that unites is all about” (Via Transilvanica webpage)
We can have a easy hike above Biertan (about 1-2hrs), enjoy the picturesque views and, thus, be part of the amazing Via Transilvanica community!
Nevertheless, this is one of my favorite tours as we spend a lot of time outdoors, we visit idyllic villages, meet local people and enjoy great views. I grew up among Saxon people, I am fond of multicultural life and sustainable tourism so this tour is a great opportunity to discover the region together.
Learn more about this wonderful area on the Transylvania Highlands page!
Check for another lovely tour we suggest in the region: Sibiu – Sighisoara (UNESCO) – Viscri (UENSCO)
It is a day trips that, normally starts and ends up in Sibiu. But, at request, it can be extended with pick-up/ drop off in Brasov or Cluj Napoca.
The departure time is set together with our guests.
This is a Sibiu – Biertan – Sighisoara day tour including former fortified Saxon villages of Transylvania with a customizable itinerary. The tour includes the visit in Biertan and Sighisoara. As it can be a tailor made tour, we can add to our itinerary villages like Alma Vii, Mosna, Malancrav, Cris, Nocrich or Richis. Surely, this will be a fun road trip in the beautiful countryside of Transylvania. Evidently, you will see local life and pass through many traditional villages.
The exact route and time spent in each location depends on your preference, weather and traffic conditions. We can also go on a short hike around the village of Biertan to get beautiful views of the Transylvania countryside.
As there are some restaurants only in Sighisoara, for a more authentic experience I suggest a local lunch home-cooked, in one of the villages at a local family! (extra 20 Euro/person ; min. 2 people required).
The village of Biertan is well known for its towering church that can be seen in the distance. It’s a real fortress with lots of interesting stories: the Bacon Tower, the Marriage Prison, the Catholic tower, the best fortified door in Transylvania and, some say, in Europe. Furthermore, we can also go for a short hike around the village to get beautiful views of the area – we’ll take the Via Transilvanica trail or walk around the village with a stop at the little market.
Sometimes, on weekends, we can get to the local farmers’ market organized in the main square.
The UNESCO Sighisoara Citadel is Europe’s best preserved and still inhabited medieval fortress. Built on top of a hill overlooking Transylvania’s hills, Saxon influences are still so visible. I will show you colorful houses, details and stories so you can see the charm of Sighisoara!
During our walk, we’ll follow the cobbled street, talk about Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) and his connection with Sighisoara, visit the famous old graveyard and the Evangelical Church on the top of the hill. We’ll explore the citadel and the former walls and fortification towers. You can take a lunch or coffee break in the main square.
Alma Vii: a small idyllic village in the Transylvanian Highlands – its fortification has been recently restored, with such a great view from the tower due to the efforts of Mihai Eminescu Trust (they have received important grants from Norway, Liechtstein and USA Embassy in Romania).
You can enjoy a delightful lunch at a local household. You can taste fresh farm-to-table dishes and discover more about the Transylvanian cuisine.
The extra fee is 20 EUR/ person (for a minimum of 2 ppl).
Our basic day trip includes the itinerary: Sibiu – Biertan – Alma Vii – Sighisoara – Sibiu.
Sighisoara is the main attraction but as we organize customized tours, we’re happy to tailor them together and select other optional visits. Our top suggestions are:
– Bethlen Castle in Cris
– Mosna fortified church
– Medias old town
– Richis fortified church
– Nocrich Scouts Centre and Pottery Workshop
