It’s hard to think of a more well-rounded destination for travelers than Transylvania. And yet, many people don’t even realize that Transylvania actually exists!
Between the natural beauty of the rugged Carpathians, mesmerizing countryside castles, and well-preserved medieval cities, it’s a region with plenty to offer.
I spent two weeks in Romania, much of which was spent road-tripping through Transylvania.
Here’s a detailed guide for visiting Transylvania, including the best places to see, how many days you need here, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
A Brief History of Transylvania
Transylvania encompasses most of Central Romania, though that’s not always been the case, as this region has loads of history.
Most notably, it used to belong to present-day Hungary, a factoid that even today still creates friction. Many Hungarians still claim Transylvania as their own, while Romanians encourage them to just move on already. But there’s still tension within the region, as a sizable number of ethnic Hungarians still live here.
However, much of the Transylvanian land was actually first settled by Saxons (Germans) in the 12th–16th centuries. These Saxons were sent by Hungarian kings to claim territory, build villages and cities, and eventually contribute to the development of the area.
The German and Hungarian influence is still prevalent throughout Transylvania. In cities like Sibiu, signs are still commonly written in German. Meanwhile, in Harghita County, the vast majority of residents are ethnically Hungarian, and Hungarian is the primary language.
Best Things to Do in Transylvania
Transylvania has is filled with highlight after highlight. The region is perfectly sized for a week-long trip, though you can definitely spend more time here to fully immerse yourself in this quaint region.
With that said, here are some of the best things to see and do in Transylvania:
Visit Romania’s Famous Castles
For most travelers, the No. 1 thing to do in Transylvania is to visit its breathtaking medieval castles.
The hype is real. Some of the world’s most beautiful castles can be found in this region.
The “Big Three” castles, as I call them, are:
- Bran Castle: Also known as Dracula’s Castle, this 14th-century castle built on the side of a mountain is known for being the home of Vlad the Impaler.
- Corvin Castle: The largest castle in Romania, this stunning 15th-century castle makes for a great day trip from Sibiu
- Peles Castle: This Neo-Renaissance Palace wasn’t completed until 1913, but that doesn’t make it any less mesmerizing than Transylvania’s other castles.
I actually did not visit Bran Castle by choice.
While it looks quite nice, I’d heard it gets very crowded in July when I was in Romania. Plus, I had already visited Corvin Castle, so a trio of castles felt unnecessary when there were plenty of other activities and sights on my Transylvania itinerary. If you do visit Peles or Bran, I strongly encourage you to get there right when they open, particularly if visiting during the summer or on a weekend.
Drive the Stunning Transfagarasan Highway
The Transfagarasan, a scenic mountain pass that cuts through the Carpathians, has been named one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Driving along the sweeping switchbacks was so cool. I was totally unfamiliar with this road before researching for my Romania trip, but I can confidently say that driving the Transfagarasan is one of the best things to do in Transylvania.
Some of the main sights to hit during a Transfagarasan road trip include:
- Balea Lake
- Lake Vidraru
- Poenari Citadel
- Capra Lake (requires a hike)
- Balea Waterfall
- Castelul Dracula Transfagarasan
Make sure to give ample time to visiting beautiful Balea Lake right next to the road, in particular.
Allow at least five or six hours to drive the Transfagarasan, or a full day if you plan to do some hiking. I actually stayed overnight near the base of the road, and it was nice to have two days to explore. It’s fully deserving of your time.
A heads-up: watch out for bears! It’s common to see them wandering along the road, especially around Lake Vidraru. I saw three bears in five minutes in this area. You can slow down and take pictures or videos, but don’t come to a full stop, get out of your car, or feed them. Unfortunately, these bears are used to tourists throwing things like apples at them, making them extra curious. As long as you mind your business, you have nothing to worry about. They also stay below the tree line.
Experience Traditional Life in Transylvania’s Fortified Villages
Transylvania is a fantastic place to visit for those who love slow travel or rural tourism.
Many of the villages built by Saxon settlers nearly 1,000 years ago remain in their original condition. In fact, there are seven fortified Transylvanian villages that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Viscri is the most well-known of these peaceful villages. I spent two nights in Viscri and had a truly wonderful stay at Viscri 125. Activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, cooking classes, and shadowing blacksmiths are available to visitors. Your host can help arrange these activities, and mountain biking and hiking tours can be found online as well.
Discover the Fairytale Citadel of Sighisoara
A quintessential Transylvanian setting can be found in Sighisoara, a small fairytale city with an old town perched on a hill overlooking the rest of the city. This citadel has been impressively well-maintained over the centuries and is one of the most popular attractions in Romania.
Sighisoara’s Old Town was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999. The colorful houses lining the narrow, cobblestone streets give it storybook vibes.
While magical, Sighisoara is small, making it a great day trip from Brasov or Sibiu. And since all of Sighisoara’s most notable attractions are within walking distance, it’s a really convenient place to visit.
Related: How to Get to Sighisoara From Brasov
Explore the Medieval City of Sibiu
Sibiu is the former cultural and administrative capital of Transylvania, and its historical importance is still felt today. The city has the largest concentration of medieval buildings in Romania.
Sibiu is charming, and it strikes the perfect balance between lively and relaxing. Recently, it was named one of the most idyllic places in Europe by Forbes, and it was a European Capital of Culture in 2007.
The German influence in Sibiu is evident throughout the entire city. You’ll see the city’s German name, “Hermannstadt,” on sewer caps, street signs, and buildings, and many landmarks still contain the German translation.
My two-day visit to Sibiu was one I won’t soon forget.
Go Beneath the Surface at Turda Salt Mine
If you’re looking for something different, Salina Turda (“Turda Salt Mine”) is well-worth a visit. This multi-level salt mine has an underground museum, restaurant, and even an amusement park. It reaches depths of 120 meters and is visited by more than 600,000 people each year.
Salina Turda can be a perfect day trip from Sibiu, as it’s only about an hour away.
Soak in the Mountain Magic of Vibrant Brasov
Brasov is one of the most-visited places in Romania along with Bucharest, and when you see pictures of the medieval old town tucked in a lush valley, it’s not difficult to see why. I spent nearly four full days in Brasov and never got bored.
The city is nestled right in the Southern Carpathians, making it a prime base for hiking, mountain biking, and even skiing in the winter.
For epic views of the old town, head to the White Tower (Turnul Alb) and Black Tower (Turnul Negru). For a legit workout, make the trek up Mount Tampa, home to Brasov’s version of the “Hollywood” sign.
The 14th-century Black Church in the city center is the landmark of the city. But if you’re visiting Brasov for multiple days with ample time to explore, I recommend going agenda-free for a while and just getting lost in the city’s cozy streets.
Hike in the Carpathian Mountains
This region has to have some of the most underrated hiking anywhere in Europe. Sure, it’s not Switzerland, but it’s honestly pretty close.
Brasov is a great city to use as a home base for hiking. In fact, there are several wonderful hikes in Brasov itself. As mentioned, there are some tremendous hikes branching off from the Transfagarasan as well. The hike from Balea Lake to Capra Lake, in particular, was unforgettable.
There are too many great hiking trails to list, so here’s an article dedicated entirely to hiking in Transylvania.
Mountain Bike Through the Transylvanian Countryside
Mountain biking is one of the most fun things to do in Transylvania. Biking enthusiasts flock to this region to take advantage of the storybook rolling hill settings and more challenging terrain higher up in the mountains.
What’s nice about mountain biking in Transylvania is that there are trails for all levels of riders. The small rolling hills of the countryside are doable for intermediate and even novice bikers. Advanced riders can find more exhilarating trails in the mountains, particularly in the Fagaras subrange near Brasov and Sibiu.
There are plenty of tour operators that arrange mountain biking trips. I used BikExplore and have nothing but positive things to say. Our guide, Vlad, took us on a four-hour ride from Viscri to two other Transylvanian villages. The setting was gorgeous, the ride was leisurely (thanks in part to using e-bikes), and he was super friendly.
How Many Days Do You Need in Transylvania?
There’s a lot to see in Transylvania. For the most holistic trip, it makes sense to dedicate at least five days to the region, though a full week in Transylvania is more ideal.
It is possible to cover a lot of ground in just a few days. Driving in Romania was a pleasant, stress-free experience thanks to well-paved roads and GPS working well, even in rural areas.
However, this is a perfect place for those who prefer slow travel. Time moves slowly in much of Transylvania, especially in the smaller villages.
Where to Fly Into for Transylvania
While it’s easy to get around Transylvania, getting there isn’t quite as simple.
There are a few small international airports in Transylvania, found in Brasov, Cluj, and Sibiu. However, most visitors choose to arrive via a flight to Bucharest, followed by a train or drive from Bucharest to Brasov. This allows you to see the capital for a bit before easily making your way to Transylvania.
I actually flew into Timisoara, a city in western Romania. While not within the Transylvania region, Timisoara made the most sense for me as it allowed me to see many of the best places to visit in Romania without having to take many detours. After spending a few days in Timisoara, I rented a car and worked my way east throughout Transylvania before dropping the car off in Brasov. I then took the train to Bucharest to finish my trip.
Related: My Experience Renting a Car in Romania
Before figuring out where to fly into for Transylvania, I’d first suggest you decide which places you want to see most. Once you know where you really want to go, you’ll be able to better plan an ideal itinerary.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Transylvania?
Transylvania has year-round appeal thanks to offering both winter activities like skiing and summer activities like hiking and biking. In winter, rustic villages are dusted with snow making for storybook settings. In summer, mountain passes like the Transfagarasan are open to drive, allowing visitors to experience some fantastic sightseeing, hiking, and mountain-biking.
I visited the region in July and had a great time. Thanks to this being a mountainous and hilly region, temperatures are more moderate than low-lying places in Romania like Bucharest. It rarely gets unbearably hot here. With this in mind, I think the best time to visit Transylvania is July, August, or September. Unlike many beautiful parts of Europe, you don’t have to deal with crowds, even in peak summer season.
Still, if you’re into Christmas markets and skiing, Transylvania is well-worth seeing around the holidays!
Final Tips and Considerations for Visiting Transylvania
Speaking from experience, here are some tips and considerations before visiting Transylvania:
- Rent a car if it’s in your budget: Driving in Romania was a breeze for me. Because so many of Transylvania’s top sights are outside of the cities, having a car is super convenient so you don’t have to miss out on any places strictly because of logistics
- Public transportation is decent, but not widespread: The train network in Transylvania is hit or miss. Direct trains from Brasov to Sibiu are quite efficient, but I wouldn’t rely on public transport if you’re planning on getting to rural areas. This is why it helps to have a car!
- Transylvania is very affordable: This is not a touristic part of the world. Prices in Transylvania are set with locals in mind, not visitors. You can easily get by on $50 USD or so per day for meals, coffee, snacks, and alcohol.
- Transylvania is incredibly safe: Simply put, you don’t need to worry about crime in these parts. Obviously, use good judgment in cities at night, but even petty crime is incredibly rare in Transylvania.
- People are super hospitable: Romanians in general are very friendly and welcoming to tourists. This is especially true in Transylvania. Tourism is becoming a larger part of the economy here, so locals and accommodation hosts are really hospitable. Just don’t be surprised if your waiter or waitress comes off as blunt and/or reserved, that’s just kind of the norm in Eastern Europe!
In-Summary: Transylvania – A Hidden Gem Worth Visiting
When I’m asked about my favorite place in Transylvania, it’s really difficult to answer. Truthfully, every destination met or exceeded my expectations.
Transylvania is one of those rare places that completely lives up to its reputation. With its castles, mountain scenery, and welcoming locals, the region feels both timeless and full of life. If you’re planning a trip to Romania, make sure Transylvania is on your itinerary because it might just end up being your favorite part of the country.
