Brasov’s central location in Romania makes it an ideal home base for travelers. Not only is it a magical city in its own right, but it also offers easy access to countless day trips. Whether you’re searching for castles, charming Transylvanian villages, medieval towns, or mountain trails, all are within a couple of hours’ reach.
Best Day Trips From Brasov
Here would be my five best day trips from Brasov.
Transfagarasan
Some deem this mountain pass the most scenic stretch of road on the globe.
After my experience driving the Transfagarasan, I can confidently say this bold claim is justified.
The first part of the Transfagarasan (if coming from the north) is filled with sweeping switchbacks in a wide-open valley. This section is stunning.
Before you know it, you’ll arrive at Balea Lake. There are a few wonderful hikes stemming off from this glistening glacial lake. I recommend the Balea Lake to Capra Lake loop.
But you must continue onward the full experience. Pass through the Balea Lake tunnel and continue onto Lake Vidraru. Be prepared to see plenty of bears on this stretch of the road. You can slow down to take pictures, but make sure to keep the wheels turning and never get out of your vehicle. There’s an ongoing issue with tourists exiting their cars to take pictures or even feed the bears, which should never happen.
It’s about 1.5 hours to get to the main section of the Transfagarasan from Brasov. Then, plan 3–4 hours to fully enjoy the drive itself, plus another 3–4 hours if you want to hike.
How to Get From Brasov to Transfagarasan
There are plenty of tour operators with public and private tours to the Transfagarasan from Brasov (via bus or car). If you choose a guided tour, I’d strongly suggest going the private route. This way, you can create a more flexible itinerary and take your time when you want. Plus, riding this gorgeous stretch of road in a big bus just doesn’t hit the same as it does in a car.
Alternatively, you can rent a car for maximum flexibility. There are plenty of guided tours that I think are worthwhile in Romania, but this isn’t a Brasov day trip option where you need a guide (the exception being if you’re doing longer, multi-day hikes in this area). Just hit the road and take in the unbelievable scenery.
Sighisoara
The medieval city of Sighisoara is included on most Romania itineraries. The fortified old town is elevated above the Transylvanian countryside below, making for a storybook setting. The cobblestone streets, colorful homes, and breathtaking Clock Tower combine to make for quite the aesthetic.
If you’re into Dracula lore, there’s no better place to visit than Sighisoara. It’s where Vlad the Impaler (the historical character who inspired Dracula) was born in 1431. There are plenty of Dracula-inspired tours, shops, and even restaurants in Sighisoara.
I visited only for a half-day, which was actually enough to see most of Sighisoara’s top sights. However, a full day or overnight stay could have been nice to really soak in the serenity.
How to Get From Brasov to Sighisoara
The drive from Brasov to Sighisoara is pleasant and takes less than two hours. If you don’t mind a longer journey, there are also some direct trains that take closer to 3.5 hours each way.
The cheapest option is by bus. You can hitch a ride on a Flixbus for only 20 RON or $6 USD. These buses are cozy and air-conditioned. Just make sure to check the Flixbus schedule so you know what time you’ll have to be at the station for your return journey.
Viscri (and the Surrounding Countryside)
From the 12th through the 19th century, Transylvania was a region dominated by Saxons (Germans) who settled in small villages throughout the rolling hills.
Today, many of these villages remain in their traditional conditions. Often, they can be spotted from a distance by their landmark fortified churches. The most iconic village that remains is Viscri.
Viscri is home to less than 500 permanent residents. Only a few Saxon families remain, with the rest being ethnic Roma people. Nearly the entire community works in farming, blacksmithing, or artistic fields. As word has spread of Viscri’s allure, more and more locals are becoming involved in the tourism industry and the infrastructure is rapidly improving.
We stayed in Viscri for two nights. We spent nearly a full day exploring by mountain bike (highly recommended), but you can also shadow a blacksmith or join a cooking class to round out the experience.
Exploring the Viscri Fortified Church is a must. We actually thought it was cooler than Romania’s most famous castles just given how intimate it was.
You don’t need two full days in Viscri. It’s an easy day trip from Brasov, providing absolutely enough time to get to know the tiny, charming village that only has a few gravel roads. However, if you really want to immerse yourself in the culture, you can book an overnight stay like we did. There are plenty of very well-run guesthouses in town. We stayed at Viscri 125 which was a fulfilling experience.
How to Get From Brasov to Viscri
There’s no public transport to and from Viscri, so you’re going to have to rent a car or hire a driver.
The drive is just over an hour. While rural, it’s a comfortable trek. Driving in Romania isn’t too bad in my experience, so I’d recommend getting a car for the day. Just make sure you get your international driver’s license before your trip.
Keep in mind you can’t bring your car onto the lone “main road” in Viscri. There’s a sign stating so, which you’ll see when you arrive. There are some designated parking areas within a few minutes’ walk.
Sinaia
Perhaps the most popular day trip from Brasov is the mountain town of Sinaia.
Sinaia is known for two things: fantastic hiking and Peles Castle.
Peles is by all accounts considered one of Romania’s best castles to visit, if not the best. While Bran Castle draws the biggest crowds thanks to its Dracula lore, many consider Peles the better of the two. It looks straight out of a Lord of the Rings movie and is just as glorious on the inside.
However, it can still get very crowded, particularly during peak season. Try to get to Peles Castle right when it opens at 10:00 a.m.
Then, if you want to take advantage of Sinaia’s hiking opportunities, you can spend the second half of the day on the trails. Numerous trails begin right within walking distance of the town center, so just check out AllTrails for more detailed trails.
How to Get From Brasov to Sinaia
Besides the Bucharest to Brasov route, trains generally aren’t the most efficient in Romania.
Fortunately, Sinaia is a stop along this route, meaning the best way to get to Sinaia from Brasov is by train. The journey is about 45 minutes. I strongly advise training to Sinaia rather than driving or getting a taxi, as traffic can be ROUGH.
Sibiu
While Brasov garners the most visitors among Transylvanian cities today, it’s Sibiu that was the former cultural capital of the region.
Sibiu has quite a lot to offer. Truthfully, it’s worth more than a day trip from Brasov, but if you’re limited on time, make sure to get there. Sibiu was a 2007 European Capital of Culture and was recently named one of Europe’s Most Beautiful Small Towns by Forbes.
Sibiu’s medieval old town leaves a lasting impression on visitors. We spent two days in Sibiu and could’ve stayed a third. Piata Mare (“Big Square”) and Piata Mici (“Small Square”) are the main gathering areas of the upper town. Council Tower and Saint Mary’s Cathedral are well-worth checking out in this area. There are 360-degree views of Sibiu and the mountains in the distance from the top of both.
Make sure to explore the lower town as well. We had our most memorable meal of our Romania trip in Sibiu at SPIC Pasta de Vin thanks to both the food and the setting. If you want and have time to check out more of Sibiu, take a scooter ride or taxi to Sub Arini Park.
How to Get From Brasov to Sibiu
You can take a 3-hour train from Brasov to Sibiu for around 40 RON or $10 USD. The quicker option is by car (just over two hours). The drive from Brasov to Sibiu is very easy along a flat, well-paved countryside road.
I’d suggest taking the train if you’re returning to Brasov after your day in Sibiu. But if you plan on continuing onto another destination from Sibiu, it might be better to rent a car. Trains in Romania are OK, but having a car gives you more flexibility and time to explore.
Flixbus is another option for the Brasov to Sibiu route. It’s $5 for the 2 hour and 45-minute ride. Again, check the schedule in advance to ensure times align with your desired schedule.
In-Summary: Day Trips From Brasov
There’s just so much to see and do around these parts of Romania that your options aren’t limited to these five easy day trip ideas. Some more options worth considering include:
- Rasnov: A quaint town nearby that also boasts their own version of a ‘Hollywood’ sign
- Poaina Brasov: Ideal for adventure-seekers, this is a ski resort in winter and the hub for adventure in summer (hiking, biking, paragliding, ziplining, etc.)
- Miercurea Ciuc: The capital of Szekely-Land, the Hungarian-speaking region of Romania
- Bucharest: If you aren’t a big city-person but want to check off Bucharest’s top sights in one day, you can feasibly take the 3-hour train ride there and back in a day
- Seven Ladders Canyon Hike: Not long enough for a full day trip, as this hike is very close to the Brasov center (20 minutes by car). Seven Ladders Canyon a moderate 2.5-hour round trip hike through some gorges and canyons. Great for a half-day getaway.
The Seven Ladders Canyon hike was wonderful, and I heard nothing but amazing things about everything at Poaina Brasov. Many tour operators are based at Poaina Brasov, so they can help you plan activities there.
Overall, there’s no shortage of things to do in Brasov and in the surrounding areas.
