Transylvania map & highlights (2024)

Biertan

1. Biertan

Transylvania's Saxon past is in evidence throughout the region with seven villages falling under the UNESCO World Heritage banner thanks to their architectural styles and preserved churches. The village of Biertan, about 80km north of Sibiu, is a prime example and features a fortified church complete with bell and clock towers, Catholic frescoes and an annex for divorcing couples.

Biertan

Bran Castle

2. Bran Castle

Visiting Transylvania without mentioning the 'D word' is always going to be tricky and a trip to Bran Castle will do nothing to prevent the occasional: 'Mwhaha, I want to drink your blood,' etc. Once that's out of your system, Bran Castle provides a cultural, if not slightly touristy, interlude with Queen Marie's art and furniture combining with secret passageways and fabulous views from the upstairs balcony.

Brasov

3. Brasov

Medieval architecture and Gothic church, yup! In the shadow of Bran Castle's fairy tale spires, oh yes! Birthplace of the Romanian national anthem, you’ve got it! But is Brasov the home of Dracula? No. Brasov is a picturesque market town situated within the southern Carpathians which makes it the perfect base for winter sports enthusiasts, people watchers and summer crowds.

Brasov

Hunedoara

4. Hunedoara

Famed for Hunyadi Castle, which housed John Hunyadi and imprisoned Vlad III, the tree-lined avenues and green parks of Hunedoara are also a great base from where to go exploring in nearby Chizid Forest. The local bison breeding centre is also well-worth a visit and works in partnership with Rewilding Europe and WWF Romania to help bison and other animals return to the wilds of the southern Carpathians.

Libearty Bear sanctuary

5. Libearty Bear sanctuary

Thankfully, images of bears in circuses and zoos are becoming a thing of the past and it’s organisations like Libearty Bear Sanctuary that are helping to re-wild and look after discarded animals, offering them a safe haven to see out the rest of their days. Get in touch to find out more about how you can visit the sanctuary or volunteer to help bears as part of an organised tour.

Libearty Bear sanctuary

Malancrav

6. Malancrav

In a region famed for Saxon villages and fortified churches, Malancrav stands out and not just because of the wonderfully green surrounding hillsides. This is one of Transylvania’s Saxon crown jewels with the decorative Gothic frescoe, featured within the village church, almost as stunning as the views from the top of the wooden steps that lead to the bell tower.

Miklosvar

7. Miklosvar

Storks settle on chimney tops whilst horse drawn carts trundle over potholed roads; forget Stoker - Tolstoy would have a field day with Miklósvár. Populated almost entirely by Transylvanian Székelys, as well as the charming Count Kalnoky, this Hungarian style village is surrounded by wooded hillsides and flower-dotted meadows leading to Carpathian foothills – the ideal haunt for hikers looking to escape the modern world.

Miklosvar

Rasnov

8. Rasnov

Just 15km from Brasov the red roofed town of Râsnov is well-known for its strategically placed medieval citadel that was once inhabited by locals seeking refuge from invading Turks. Cobbled streets, Saxon houses and traditional tavernas give visitors to Râsnov a glimpse at the past and it's well worth taking at least a stroll before or after checking out the town's famous fortress.

Sibiu

9. Sibiu

A former European Capital of Culture and one of Romania's most important cities, Sibiu is bursting with Germanic character and features a series of pedestrianised squares as well as over 40km of cycle trails. The Holy Trinity Cathedral, Bridge of Lies and the Passage of Stairs are just a few of the highlights with obligatory fortified churches adding to the attraction of heritage museums and art collections.

Sibiu

Sighisoara

10. Sighisoara

As one of Europe's best preserved medieval towns, Sighisoara is not to be missed and if you were holding out for the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler you'll find it, rather appropriately, next to the city's weapons museum. A 12th century citadel, a covered staircase leading to a Gothic church, and an iconic clock tower are all present, with views from the hill perfect for potato bread picnics.

Zalanpatak

11. Zalanpatak

The royal seal of approval from King Charles ensures visitors to Zalánpatak are left in no uncertain terms as to the sustainable philosophy of tourism in the area which knits in rather nicely with the wonderfully wild surrounding countryside. Only populated by around 150 people, Zalánpatak retains traditional methods of farming and craftsmanship adding to the authentic appeal of old world ambiance.

Zalanpatak

Zarnesti

12. Zarnesti