Biertan Travel Guide

Discover Biertan, a charming Transylvanian village surrounded by natural beauty. From cultural attractions to outdoor activities, this guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable trip.


Introduction to Biertan

Located in the heart of Transylvania, Biertan is a captivating village known for its blend of Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian cultures. With its well-preserved medieval fortifications and picturesque scenery, Biertan has become a favored destination for travelers who want to explore the best of Romania. In this guide, we will provide you with a thorough tour of Biertan, highlighting the must-see attractions, activities, and accommodations for an unforgettable trip.

List of Places to Visit in Biertan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Biertan is home to several historical landmarks and museums that showcase the cultural heritage of the region. Among the must-visit places are:

  • The Biertan Fortified Church: a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 15th-century church is one of the most well-preserved examples of Saxon architecture in Romania.
  • The Ethnographic Museum: located in the village center, this museum exhibits the traditional lifestyle, customs, and art of the Saxon community that inhabited the area for centuries.
  • The Reformed Church: built in the 14th century, this imposing Gothic church features a remarkable interior adorned with frescoes and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Biertan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The surroundings of Biertan offer a plethora of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the best natural attractions to explore are:

  • The Tarnava Mare River: a slow-moving river that flows through Biertan, offering excellent opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
  • The Cetatea Biertan Nature Reserve: a protected area that encompasses the hills and forests around Biertan, filled with hiking trails, wildlife, and panoramic views.
  • The Valea Sighiștelului Gorge: a stunning canyon located 30 km from Biertan, renowned for its rocky cliffs and waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Biertan

Biertan is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors on foot or by bike. Some of the best trails to explore are:

  • The Biertan-Saschiz Trail: a picturesque 18 km route that leads through traditional Saxon villages, scenic hills, and dense forests.
  • The Transylvanian Hills Bike Trail: a 3-day journey that covers over 100 km of stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and lush valleys.
  • The Mălâncrav Village Trail: a moderate-level hiking trail that takes visitors through the beautiful Saxon village of Mălâncrav, known for its charming houses and idyllic scenery.

Best Things to Do in Biertan: Activities and Tours

When it comes to things to do in Biertan, the options are endless. Visitors can choose from a range of activities and tours, such as:

  • Wine tasting tours: Biertan is surrounded by vineyards that produce high-quality wines, such as the famous Fetească Neagră. Tourists can join wine tastings and cellar tours to discover the secrets of Transylvanian winemaking.
  • Traditional crafts workshops: Biertan is known for its artistic and artisanal traditions, including pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. Visitors can participate in workshops and learn from local craftsmen to create their own souvenirs.
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides: a charming and romantic way to explore the village and its surroundings, tourists can book horse-drawn carriage tours that take them through the narrow streets of Biertan and the rolling hills around it.

Week-Long Itinerary for Biertan

For those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Biertan, here’s a suggested week-long itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrival and check-in at a local guesthouse
  • Day 2: Visit the Biertan Fortified Church and the Ethnographic Museum
  • Day 3: Hike the Biertan-Saschiz Trail and have lunch in a traditional restaurant
  • Day 4: Take a wine tasting tour and visit the Valea Sighiștelului Gorge
  • Day 5: Join a pottery workshop and have dinner at a local brewery
  • Day 6: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit the Reformed Church
  • Day 7: Departure and farewell to Biertan

Food and Drink Scene of Biertan

Transylvanian cuisine is renowned for its hearty, rustic flavors and its fusion of Eastern and Western influences. In Biertan, visitors can savor some of the best local dishes and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the most popular Transylvanian dishes to try in Biertan are:

  • Sarmale: a delicious dish made of cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, usually served with sour cream.
  • Mici: grilled sausages made of minced meat, garlic, and spices, served with mustard and bread.
  • Papanasi: a dessert consisting of fried dumplings made of sweet cheese, sour cream, and jam.

Local Beverages

Biertan is known for its excellent wines and beers. Some of the best local drinks to taste are:

  • Fetească Neagră: a red wine variety that has become one of the flagship products of Transylvania, characterized by its fruity and spicy notes.
  • Beer: Biertan has several microbreweries that produce artisanal and flavorful beers, such as the Biertan Brewery and the Saxonia Brewery.

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

Biertan has a range of accommodation options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the best places to stay in Biertan are:

  • Guesthouses: the most traditional and authentic option, as they are usually run by local families that offer home-cooked meals and personalized service. Some recommended guesthouses are the Ana-Maria, the BinderBubi, and the Muller.
  • Hotels: Biertan has a few hotels that provide modern amenities and comfort, such as the Transilvania, the Binderholz, and the Wolkendorf.
  • Hostels: a budget-friendly option for backpackers and solo travelers, Biertan has a few hostels that offer shared dorms and private rooms, such as the Rustic Hostel and the Casa Biertan.

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

For those who want to take a piece of Biertan with them, there are plenty of souvenirs and local products to choose from. Some of the best items to buy are:

  • Pottery: Biertan is known for its distinctive pottery style, characterized by its intricate designs and colorful patterns. Visitors can buy handcrafted plates, cups, and bowls from local artisans.
  • Honey: Biertan is surrounded by meadows and forests that produce high-quality honey, known for its rich flavor and medicinal properties. Tourists can buy jars of honey from local beekeepers.
  • Wine: Biertan is home to several vineyards that produce world-class wines, such as the Fetească Neagră and the Pinot Noir. Visitors can purchase bottles of wine from local wine shops and cellars.

Local Culture and Customs of Biertan

Biertan has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the unique blend of traditions and influences that shaped the region over the centuries. Some of the customs and festivals that are worth experiencing are:

  • The Transylvanian Saxons: Biertan was founded by Saxon settlers who came from Germany in the 12th century. The Saxon community had a significant impact on the cultural and architectural landscape of Biertan, leaving behind an impressive legacy that can be seen in the fortified churches and traditional houses of the village.
  • The Biertan Wine Festival: a yearly event that takes place in September, the Biertan Wine Festival celebrates the end of the grape harvest season and the local winemaking tradition. Visitors can taste a variety of wines and listen to live music during the festival.
  • The Christmas Market: held in December, the Biertan Christmas Market is a festive event that showcases the best of Transylvanian handicrafts, foods, and drinks. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional carols.

Best Time to Visit Biertan

Biertan can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on individual preferences and interests.

  • Spring (March-May): a great time to enjoy the blooming nature, pleasant temperatures, and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
  • Summer (June-August): the busiest and most popular season, with warm weather, festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Autumn (September-November): a good time to experience the wine harvest season, the fall foliage, and the cultural festivals.
  • Winter (December-February): a quieter season, but ideal for winter sports, holiday festivities, and cozy nights by the fireplace.

Do’s and Don’ts of Biertan

To make the most of your Biertan experience and show respect for the local culture and customs, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Respect the local traditions and customs, such as covering your head and shoulders when entering churches or avoiding loud noises during designated quiet hours.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks, and support the local businesses by purchasing souvenirs and products from them.
  • Take a guided tour or hire a local guide to learn more about the history, art, and culture of Biertan.
  • Connect with the locals and show a genuine interest in their stories, traditions, and perspectives.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing or provocative clothing, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
  • Get intoxicated or disruptive in public places, or engage in disrespectful behavior towards the locals.
  • Trespass private properties or enter restricted areas, such as the fortified churches or the protected natural reserves.
  • Make assumptions or stereotypes about the locals based on their ethnicity, language, or religion.

Safety and Health

Biertan is a relatively safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly community. However, visitors should take some precautions and be aware of the potential health risks in the area.

Safety in Biertan

To ensure your safety in Biertan, it is recommended to:

  • Keep your valuables locked in a safe or hidden in a secure place when leaving your accommodation.
  • Stay alert and cautious when using public transportation or walking around at night, and avoid dimly lit or deserted areas.
  • Follow the safety instructions and guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, or kayaking.
  • Take care of your personal hygiene and use insect repellent when hiking or visiting rural areas to prevent tick bites or mosquito-borne diseases.

Health in Biertan

As with any travel destination, visitors to Biertan should take some health precautions and consider getting vaccinated for certain diseases, such as:

  • Tick-borne diseases: the rural areas around Biertan are known to have a high prevalence of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis. Visitors should wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent, and check for ticks after hiking.
  • Food-borne illnesses: as with any foreign country, visitors may experience stomach problems or food allergies when consuming local dishes. It is recommended to stick to bottled water, wash hands frequently, and avoid raw or undercooked meat and vegetables.
  • COVID-19: Biertan has implemented COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures to protect the locals and visitors. Tourists should follow the local guidelines and recommendations regarding face masks, social distancing, and indoor gatherings.

Getting to Biertan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Biertan is located in the Sibiu County of Romania, and can be reached by several means of transportation.

Airports Near Biertan

The closest airports to Biertan are:

  • Sibiu International Airport (SBZ): located 80 km from Biertan, this airport has frequent domestic and international flights, including direct connections to several European cities like London, Munich, or Vienna.
  • Târgu Mureș International Airport (TGM): located 110 km from Biertan, this airport serves mainly national and charter flights.

Bus Stations Near Biertan

Biertan does not have a direct bus station, but there are several nearby cities and towns with bus connections to Biertan, such as:

  • Sighișoara: 12 km from Biertan, with frequent buses from Sibiu, Brașov, and Bucharest.
  • Mediaș: 33 km from Biertan, with buses from Sibiu, Brașov, and Cluj-Napoca.
  • Alba Iulia: 80 km from Biertan, with direct buses from Bucharest, Târgu Mureș, and Cluj-Napoca.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Biertan by train, taxi, or rental car. The closest train stations are in Sighișoara and Mediaș, with connections to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Brașov. Taxis and rental cars can be arranged from the airports or train stations.

How to Get Around in Biertan

Biertan is a small village with a compact city center, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. However, visitors can also use local transportation options, such as:

  • Buses: there are occasional buses that run between Biertan and nearby towns, such as Sighișoara or Mediaș. The schedules and fares can be found at the local tourist office.
  • Taxis: taxis are widely available in Biertan, and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. The fares are reasonable, but it’s important to negotiate and agree on the price before getting in.
  • Bikes: renting a bike is a great way to explore the surroundings of Biertan, and there are several bike rental shops in the village.

Where to Go Next from Biertan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Biertan is conveniently located near several other interesting destinations and excursions that are worth exploring. Some of the best places to visit are:

  • Sighișoara: a UNESCO World Heritage site, located 12 km from Biertan, Sighișoara is a medieval citadel that hosts several historical monuments, museums, and festivals.
  • Viscri: a traditional Saxon village located 50 km from Biertan, Viscri is known for its fortified church and picturesque countryside, and has become a popular destination for ecotourism.
  • Făgăraș Mountains: a mountain range that offers excellent opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, situated 100 km from Biertan.

Conclusion

Biertan is a charming Transylvanian village surrounded by natural beauty, rich culture, and history that make it a unique destination for travelers who crave authentic experiences. In this guide, we have presented a comprehensive tour of Biertan, highlighting the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and travel tips for a memorable trip. Whether you’re a culture aficionado, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Biertan has something to offer for everyone.

Biertan fortified church Biertan fortified church