Transylvania Travel Guide (Romania/Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Transylvania
List of Places to Visit in Transylvania
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Transylvania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Transylvania
Best Things to Do in Transylvania: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Transylvania
Food and Drink Scene of Transylvania
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Transylvania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Transylvania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Transylvania
Best Time to Visit Transylvania
Do’s and Don’ts of Transylvania
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
Getting to Transylvania: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Transylvania
Where to Go Next from Transylvania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Transylvania

Transylvania, known for its mysterious and gothic aesthetic, is a region located in Romania, in the Balkans region of Europe. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and forests, this region offers breathtaking natural beauty. Transylvania is also rich in culture and tradition, with medieval architecture, historic castles and museums, and a vibrant food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Transylvania

Make sure to visit these must-visit locations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bran Castle - also known as Dracula’s Castle, this historic fortress is a popular tourist attraction in Transylvania, known for its ties to the infamous vampire.
Peles Castle - a beautiful summer residence of the former Romanian royal family, featuring German Neo-Renaissance architecture with Eastern Orthodox elements.
The Corvin Castle - a large Gothic-Renaissance castle located in Hunedoara County, originally built in the 14th century and restored in the 19th century.

Natural Attractions of Transylvania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Piatra Craiului National Park - a beautiful and unique national park known for its rugged and diverse mountain with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests. The park is popular for hiking and trekking.
Apuseni Natural Park - a nature reserve, popular for its karstic landscapes, underground caves, and biodiversity.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Transylvania

If you are an adventure seeker, you will love exploring Transylvania’s hiking/biking routes!

Transfagarasan Highway – one of the most thrilling and scenic drives in Europe, with plenty of hiking and biking trails surrounding the road.
Carpathian Mountains – offers various trails suitable for different fitness levels.

Best Things to Do in Transylvania: Activities and Tours

Ghost Town Visits - visit the abandoned old mining towns of Boiu and Rosia Montana, which have been deemed as Unesco heritage spots.
Countryside Tours - visit traditional Romanian villages and farms, meet locals and experience their way of life.
Saxon Culture Tours - explore the traditional fortified churches and other typical architecture of the formerly German-inhabited areas of Transylvania.

Week-Long Itinerary for Transylvania

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Transylvania:

Day 1 - Arrival in Brasov, city exploration
Day 2 - Visit to Rasnov Fortress and Cantacuzino Castle
Day 3 - Explore the Bran Castle and hike in the nearby Piatra Craiului National Park.
Day 4 - Visit Sinaia Monastery, Peles Castle, and Pelisor Castle
Day 5 - Hiking in the Retezat Mountains in Hateg County
Day 6 - Visit Cluj-Napoca and its many museums and cultural sites.
Day 7 - Return to Brasov and shopping at the central market

Food and Drink Scene of Transylvania

Transylvania’s cuisine is a melting pot of influences, including Romanian, Hungarian, and Saxon cultures. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Sarmale - cabbage rolls filled with spiced beef and pork and rice and covered with a tomato-based sauce.
Mamaliga cu Branza si Smantana - made of boiled and then baked cornmeal, served with sheep cheese and sour cream.
Cozonac - Romanian sweet bread with nuts, cocoa, and Turkish delight filling.

Local Beverages

Tuica - traditional Romanian brandy made from fermented plums, cherries, or apples.
Silvaner - Hungarian-influenced, semi-sweet white wine made in the Transylvania area.

Where to Stay in Transylvania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Transylvania has a varied range of options for accommodation, including luxury hotels, cozy guesthouses, and affordable hostels.

Hotel Castel Dracula - located in Poiana Brasov, this hotel boasts a picturesque setting with comfortable rooms and the opportunity to experience a Dracula-inspired stay.
Transylvanian Guesthouse - located in the rustic village of Viscri, this guesthouse offers unique accommodations in a traditional Saxon courtyard house.
Sleeping Cod - located in the medieval town of Sighisoara, this hostel offers affordable accommodation with modern amenities.

What to Buy in Transylvania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When you take home souvenirs, you’ll always have a piece of Transylvania with you. Be sure to purchase these local crafts and products:

Embroideries - traditional handmade embroidered clothing or tablecloths.
Ceramics - unique pottery with patterns inspired by the region’s nature and folklore.
Plum Jam - a delicious, locally made traditional snack
Palinka - a strong, traditional Romanian fruit brandy available in different flavours such as plum or apple.

Local Culture and Customs of Transylvania

Transylvania is home to a diverse mix of cultures and customs, including Romanian, Hungarian, and Saxon. One of the most significant local customs is the Romanian Easter celebration. Transylvania celebrates this holiday in a unique way, combining Christian traditions with old ritualistic customs, including an egg-painting contest and a traditional Easter dinner.

Best Time to Visit Transylvania

Transylvania is beautiful throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) months because of the moderate weather, and the spectacular landscapes during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Transylvania

To ensure that your trip is comfortable and safe, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Dress modestly when visiting churches, monasteries, or mosques.
Try to learn a few Romanian words/phrases.

Don’t:

To avoid offending locals, avoid political or religious discussions.
It is advisable not to drink tap water, always drink bottled water.

Safety and Health

Transylvania is generally safe for travelers. Take precautions when traveling solo, especially at night, and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. As for health, ensure that you have proper health insurance before traveling. Consult your doctor if necessary and carry any necessary medication with you.

Getting to Transylvania: Transportation Options and Logistics

It is possible to travel to Transylvania through several transportation modes. Here are some popular options:

Airports Near Transylvania

Sibiu International Airport
Cluj-Napoca International Airport
Targu Mures International Airport

Bus Stations Near Transylvania

Brasov Bus station
Sibiu Bus Station
Cluj-Napoca Bus station

Other Options

Renting a car or taking a taxi from Bucharest to Brasov.
Train travel from Bucharest to Sighisoara.

How to Get Around in Transylvania

The best way to explore Transylvania is by renting a car or by booking a group tour. If traveling solo and taking public transportation, note that busses do not run frequently and trains may not stop at destinations that are off the beaten path.

Where to Go Next from Transylvania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time for exploration, here are some ideas for nearby destinations and excursions:

Bucharest - visit Romania’s capital city with its vibrant cultural scene and streets full of history and culture.
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve - one of the most extensive wetlands on the planet, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to thousands of tree and bird spices.
Sighisoara – the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler and a gothic/historic town, just two hours from Brasov]

Conclusion

Transylvania has a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural influences and rich history to offer travelers. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to experience the best of Transylvania with ease. Plan your trip ahead and pack accordingly for an unforgettable holiday. HAPPY TRAVELING!