10 Incredible places in Transylvania and best-hidden gems to visit in 2022
I guess everyone has heard of Transylvania at least once, as Bram’s Stoker Dracula made sure of that. Or perhaps you saw the episode about the best road in the world — Transfăgărășan Highway on Top Gear Show. Or maybe you heard that Prince Charles of Wales has charming restored cottages there. It is all true. But there is so much more to this as Transylvania is indeed the Romanian land of magic.
Where is Transylvania located exactly?
First of all, Transylvania means “The land beyond the forest” and you will find it in between the Carpathian Mountains, at the very heart of Romania. It is quite easy to get there as you can drive or fly to Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, or Brașov, which are some of the biggest cities in the country.
Traveling across the hills and mountains, idyllic scenery of forests and rivers you get to understand what treasure hunting means. It feels like Transylvania is something you have to discover piece by piece, like little hidden gems that you get to uncover. You get the chance to go to ancient temples and walk the paths the old priests did. And when I say ancient, I mean more than 2 millenniums old… and you will experience what magic feels like.
The same vibe will accompany you wherever you go. Whether you are approaching the walls of a famous fortress or walking within castle ruins that are barely on the maps. There are a lot of sites like these for you to discover. You can just imagine and feel the life they had hundreds of years ago.
And don’t forget the scenery…
Traditional white little houses surrounded by majestic peaks of the Carpathians or hidden little scattered villages with remote cabins and breath-taking views, as well as spectacular natural protected areas. There is indeed a lot to uncover!
Transylvania, the Romanian land of magic
What can you discover in Framey’s app collection “Transylvania, the Romanian land of magic?”
Truth be told, in Transylvania, we did indeed grow up with tales and legends of vampires and warlocks, with water spirits and enchanted forests, and midsummer fairies. Magic has always been around. And we have it embedded in the walls of castles and the traditions that survived millenniums or as my folk teacher once told us, sewed as blessings or spells on the traditional clothing (called “ie”).
Did I manage to spark your curiosity? I hope so as I am about to give you some of the best places you can uncover in the Framey app collection: “Transylvania, the Romanian land of magic.” Let’s begin our journey with 10 of the most beautiful and famous landmarks you can save:
1. Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle
And yes, this is a real place! Not that we have seen vampires until now, but the castle does exist and it is a truly imposing landmark you do not want to miss. The Bran castle is open for visits and sits majestically upon the rocks. It looks exactly how one might imagine the castle of a ruling lord looks like.
And although the castle got its fame from the legend of Dracula, there is a thing or two to the truth about that legend, like Vlad the Impaler was indeed a ruler of Transylvania who was known for having extremely cruel reactions to any wrongdoers. (whether they were common thieves or occupying ottoman troops).
2. Corvins’ Castle
Another extraordinary and imposing castle in Transylvania is Corvins’ Castle.
Considered to be both one of the most beautiful and largest in Romania, this late gothic castle is also believed to have the place in which Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner. But to be fair, this castle looks like it came down from a fairy-tale book and it is a gorgeous place to pin on your map.
3. Râșnov Fortress
Not as far as a 25 min drive from Brașov, upon a hill lays one of the most well-preserved fortresses in Romania, the Râșnov Fortress. The Teutonic knights started this point of defense and you can just imagine the knights and the village folks defending the fortress against invaders.
4. Viscri Fortified Church
The fortified churches of Transylvania are located in the most serene and charming villages, while 7 of them are part of Unesco World Heritage sites. The Viscri Fortified Church unlike the others has been built in the XII century (the Saxons build the others between the 13th and 16th centuries). Not to rub you the experiencing the medieval atmosphere but you might also get to see Prince Charles there as he found that life in Viscri really relaxing and idyllic and does have a place there, a charming restored B&B.
5. Fortified Church of Biertan
Another fortified church that you should add to your Transylvanian adventure is Biertan. It is also on the Unesco list for World Heritage sites and there is a reason for that. You can spot the towers of the Biertan Church amidst the scenic hills and vineyards and it gets even more impressive as you approach this medieval stronghold. This was considered to be the safest fortified church in Transylvania.
As a bonus, you should know that the entire area is a paradise for bike and hike enthusiasts as well as wine lovers. You can find all the information about these routes on Via Transilvanica — Terra Saxonum.
6. Valley of Fairies Clay Castle
Returning from medieval times to present times, you have a treat waiting close to Sibiu. The Valley of Fairies Clay Castle is an eco-friendly castle and looks like it came straight from a fairy tale book.
This project is actually a house of the grid and it is made out of clay, straw, and sand, with all wooden pillars, everything organic, and nothing modern in it. Its owners and the architects managed to create here a magic place.
7. Turda Salt Mine
Now let’s get down into one of the oldest salt mines in the world. We are going to descend the 172 steps into a spectacular theme park. It is a truly imposing landmark and a fun way to spend the day in Turda. (And do not forget that salt mines are incredibly good for your health!) There is a lot you can do in this incredible amusement park: from traveling across the subterranean lake on a boat to miniature golf or billiard you have a lot to enjoy there.
8. ASTRA Museum
Sibiu is on its own, one of the most beautiful cities in Transylvania, with that beautiful and charming historic center and citadel. And it also has one of the most beautiful outdoor museums in entire Romania.
Situated in a beautiful, green hilly forest you are going to experience all the traditions Romania has to offer. You get to experience history and traditions just by walking between beautifully restored homes from all historical regions: from fishermen’s houses brought from the shores of the Black Sea and Danube River to little mountain cottages, brought from the highest peaks of the Carpathians.
When is the best time to schedule a visit? I would recommend the midsummer festival as there is always a fair on the International Day of “ie”, and you will want to see that.
9. Sighișoara Historic Center
How would you feel about living in an actual Citadel?
Well, this is Sighișoara and it is a site you do not want to miss. With its old paved narrow streets, well restored or preserved housing, beautiful scenery from the top, and fine cuisine, Sighișoara is the only inhabited medieval Fortress.
What is my favorite place to visit, you asked? I would have to say that it is the Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal) which is above the Covered Scholars’ Stairs. There are a lot of stairs to get there but it’s worth the climb. And one more tip: there is a medieval festival taking place each year in July (hopefully there will be no CoVid 19 restrictions for that time but you can check). It is quite something else: with nights and troubadours and craftsmen on the streets, you will get to feel the medieval magic in the air.
10. Transfăgărășan Highway and Bâlea Lake
I choose to end Framey’s collection: “Transylvania, the Romanian land of magic”, with something you do not want to miss. It will be the drive of your life: Transfăgărășan Highway. Although it is usually open between June and October, it is a trip you want to put on your list as it will take you across Făgăraș Mountains which hold the highest peaks in Romania. It is specular in any season. You can stop at Bâlea, enjoy a break and take a picture of this incredible glacier lake.
Endnote:
Be advised or warned that you will find fine cuisine and charming places, friendly locals and you might also fall in love (like other royalties) with Transylvania and might decide to move there!
But until then, you get to download and save the Collection: “Transylvania, the Romanian land of magic” in the Framey app!
This amazing social travel app is available both on the Android system and iOS. So check it out, save it and start planning for your next adventure!
