Fortified Transylvanian villages are wonderful to visit for many types of travelers.
For history lovers? This part of the world oozes history.
Into slow travel or rural tourism? Life in these hidden villages moves at the slowest pace imaginable.
Searching for scenery and adventure? The rolling hills make for postcard-worthy settings and ample opportunities for biking and hiking.
I spent two nights in Viscri, the most well-known of these fortified villages, which was a perfect spot to take a breather in the midst of an action-packed two-week trip to Romania.
If you’re planning a Transylvania trip and looking for the most culturally immersive experience, visiting the fortified Saxon villages of Transylvania is a must. Continue reading to learn more about their history, where to find them, and how to get there.
The History Behind Transylvanian Saxon Villages
Nearly 1,000 years ago, Transylvanian Saxons (Germans) were sent by Hungarian kings to claim this land and plant their roots. More than 150 villages were built, and the fortified churches followed in case of Ottoman invasion.
The blend of Hungarian and German influence in Transylvania is truly unique to this part of Europe. There are many ethnic Hungarians throughout the region, and even some descendants of the Saxons still remain. This region contains plenty of villages and even cities where residents still speak German or Hungarian.
The medieval old towns of cities like Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara exude a real medieval German feel. It’s not uncommon to see both languages written on street signs or still carved onto old buildings.
Villages in Transylvania With Fortified Churches
Listed below are the seven fortified villages listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all of which remain inhabited.
Viscri
Perhaps the most well-known of the formerly Hungarian villages in Transylvania, Viscri has retained much of its charm from past centuries.
Need proof? Just ask Prince Charles of Wales, who was so captivated by Viscri that he purchased a home there. The small dwelling also serves as a guesthouse for visitors in Viscri, though I recommend Viscri 125.
Viscri is tiny, with most homes lining the main gravel street. Most of the 400 residents are Roma people, while a minority community of Saxon descendants remain.
I spent almost two hours wandering around the grounds of the Viscri fortified church. And while nowhere near the size of Romania’s stunning castles, I actually enjoyed exploring this 13th-century church even more than the grandiose Corvin Castle. The experience felt richer and more intimate, likely due to the minimal tourists alongside me.
Biertan
Biertan is another well-known Saxon village of Transylvania.
The Biertan fortified church, completed in 1524, is just as mesmerizing as Viscri’s. The village itself is much larger than Viscri (population 2,500) so there’s a bit more liveliness to it.
Biertan acts as the main pilgrimage site for former Transylvanian Saxons who return to visit the land of their ancestors.
Saschiz
The community of Saschiz isn’t too far from the popular Transylvanian city of Sighisoara (also worth visiting).
Home to about 2,000 residents, Saschiz is unique in that it was also home to a separate citadel. Only ruins of the citadel remain, but it’s another interesting sight in town to check out.
The exterior of the church isn’t in quite as good condition as Biertan and Viscri’s, but the inside remains fairly well-preserved. Built in Gothic-style and completed in 1496, it’s a bit simpler than some of the other churches which took decades to construct, however, it provides majestic views overlooking the village below.
Calnic
The village of Calnic has a fortified church that is incredibly well-maintained.
Unlike the other fortified churches of Transylvania, Calnic Castle was built in a depression. This seems to detract from the protective capabilities of the structure, but it was originally designed as a residence for Hungarian kings. Only later did it become a refuge castle.
Darjiu
Darjiu is the lone fortified Transylvanian village still dominated by a Hungarian population. As of the most recent census, more than 90% of the 1,000+ residents are ethnically Hungarian.
This is not completely unusual for Transylvania. There are even some larger cities, such as Miercurea Ciuc, that remain majority Hungarian. Most Hungarian-dominated towns and cities are located in Harghita County.
You’ll need to know some Hungarian to effectively communicate with locals here, as many have refused to adopt Romanian.
Unsurprisingly, the Darjiu fortified church was built by the Szekely-Hungarian community.
Prejmer
With a population of 8,000, Prejmer is the largest of the seven fortified Saxon villages of Transylvania.
The Prejmer church is also older than most, with construction finishing in 1240. Since this is more of a town than a village, it’s the most accessible for everyday passersby, lying right next to a frequently traveled paved road.
Valea Viilor
Lesser-known Valea Viilor actually has two fortified churches, the Motis fortified church and the Valea Viilor fortified church.
Like Viscri, most of this village today is made up of Roma people. The exterior of both churches isn’t quite as polished as some of the others, but Valea Viilor especially is still beautiful on the inside.
Tips for Visiting the Fortified Villages of Transylvania
There are two ways you can plan your Transylvanian countryside adventure.
The first is not to plan much at all. Many make the fortified Transylvanian villages a day trip from Brasov. Others visit on a day trip from Sibiu before continuing to Brasov or Sighisoara.
Alternatively, you can spend a night or two in one of the villages to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the region and plan a few activities in advance.
I chose to spend two nights in Viscri. For half of our one full day, we went on a mountain bike ride through the countryside, which was wonderful. Other activities offered through our host included a cooking class and shadowing a local blacksmith to make our own crafts. The bike ride took up much of our day, so we didn’t have the energy for much else besides wandering the streets, but it was nice knowing there was more to do if we wanted.
Transportation
In Viscri, cars aren’t allowed on the main gravel street. There are signs showing where you can and can’t park or drive, so you won’t be confused.
Getting to these villages can be a challenge unless you rent a car or go with a guide. I rented a car in Romania for five days, and everything was seamless.
I also found driving in Romania to be stress-free (just avoid driving in Bucharest). As long as you can afford the $40–50 USD per day for a rental, I recommend driving to these villages. Just watch out for stray dogs and cattle roaming on the road!
Most Locals Will Not Speak English
The language barrier is another consideration. The vast majority of locals in these small Transylvanian villages do not speak English. Do your best to learn some key Romanian words and phrases in advance of your trip. People in places like Viscri and Biertan are accustomed to tourists not knowing Romanian, but a little effort goes a long way.
Come Prepared
Finally, it’s smart to have some bottles of water and snacks with you. Viscri only had one tiny convenience store and one gas station. Your guesthouse will provide meals, but you’re on your own for snacks and drinks if you’re spending the whole day or night in one place. Tap water in these parts of Romania can also be iffy, so bottled water is best.
In-Summary: Visiting Transylvania’s Fortified Saxon Villages
Visiting the fortified villages of Transylvania is like discovering a quieter corner of Europe that still feels untouched by time. Each village has its own charm, shaped by centuries of history and a mix of cultures that make this region so unique.
Between the cobbled streets, fortified churches, and endless green hills, it’s easy to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of rural life. These villages aren’t just places to see; they are places to feel.
