Via Transilvanica Adventure in 10 Days: Terra Saxonum

Welcome to Brasov, one of Romania’s most charming medieval cities! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Take a stroll through the Old Town, admire the colourful Saxon architecture, and soak in the atmospheric charm of this historic Transylvanian gem. In the evening, relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Overnight in Brasov

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Brasov to Archita, a charming Saxon village nestled in the heart of Transylvania. From here, your Via Transilvanica adventure begins as you hike through scenic landscapes and traditional villages rich in Saxon heritage.

Your journey will take you through Roades, a lesser-known but historically significant village, where you can admire its fortified church and experience the rural tranquillity of Transylvania. Continuing, you will reach the UNESCO-listed village of Viscri, one of the most famous Saxon settlements, renowned for its beautifully preserved fortified church and its connection to King Charles III’s conservation efforts.

You will have time to explore the village, interact with local artisans, and experience the authentic Saxon way of life in Viscri.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Viscri

Wake up in the peaceful surroundings of Viscri, one of the most picturesque Saxon villages in Transylvania. The day begins with a visit to the UNESCO-listed fortified church, one of the best-preserved in the region, offering a glimpse into the village’s fascinating medieval past.

After exploring Viscri on foot, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the scenic countryside, a traditional mode of transport still used by locals today. This experience allows you to take in the rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and charming Saxon farmsteads at a leisurely pace.

Your journey continues towards Crit, another beautiful Saxon village known for its fortified church and well-preserved Saxon architecture. Once a thriving Saxon settlement, Crit still holds on to its unique heritage, with a mix of Romanian and German cultural influences. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore the village, meet local artisans, or relax in the peaceful rural setting.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Crit

After breakfast in Crit, your journey along the Via Transilvanica continues through the picturesque Saxon countryside. The day’s first stop is Cloasterf, home to one of Transylvania’s most architecturally homogeneous fortified church ensembles. The Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Cloasterf, built between 1521 and 1524 under the supervision of master Stefan Ungar from Sighișoara, stands as a testament to medieval craftsmanship.

The trail leads to Saschiz, a village famous for its imposing fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its distinctive clock tower, similar to the one in Sighișoara, Saschiz is also a hub for local crafts and traditional gastronomy. Here, you can learn about the region’s pottery-making traditions and taste locally made jams, syrups, and cheeses.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Saschiz

After breakfast, leaving Saschiz behind, you’ll head toward Daia, a small village known for its fortified church, which is listed as a historical monument. The Evangelical Fortified Church of Daia, dedicated to Saint Mary, was built in the mid-15th century in the Late Gothic Central European style.

The hike continues toward Sapartoc. Once home to around 800 residents, today it has only 26, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and tranquility. One of the village’s unique features is its three churches: a Romanian Orthodox Church dating back to 1696, a Catholic Church built in 1857, and a Calvinist Church constructed in 1930.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Sapartoc

After breakfast in Sapartoc, your journey along Via Transylvania continues towards Aurel Vlaicu. This picturesque village provides a last glimpse of the rural Transylvanian landscapes before reaching one of Romania’s most iconic cities.

Upon arrival in Sighisoara, you will embark on a guided city tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe. Walking through the cobbled streets, you will discover the highlights of this enchanting town, including The Clock Tower, the city’s most famous landmark, offering panoramic views, The Birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, believed to be the house where the infamous ruler (who inspired the Dracula legend) was born, The Scholars’ Stairs, a covered wooden staircase leading to the historic hilltop church, and The Church on the Hill, an impressive Gothic monument with medieval frescoes.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Sighisoara

After breakfast in Sighisoara, the journey continues through the rolling hills of Transylvania. One of the day’s highlights is Cris, home to the Bethlen Castle, a stunning Renaissance-style manor built in the 16th century by the noble Bethlen family. This castle was surrounded by lush forests and was a residence for one of Transylvania’s most influential aristocratic families. Also, in Cris, you will visit the Evangelical Church, an elegant example of Gothic architecture. This church, originally built in the 14th century, played an essential role in the religious and cultural life of the local Saxon community.

Continuing through Floresti, you will reach Malancrav, one of Transylvania’s most picturesque and culturally rich Saxon villages. Here, you will visit the Malancrav Fortified Church, a remarkable Gothic church famous for its well-preserved medieval frescoes, the most extensive in any Saxon church in Transylvania. Dating back to the 14th century, these frescoes depict biblical scenes in stunning detail, offering a rare glimpse into the religious art of the Middle Ages.

Beyond its historical treasures, Malancrav is also known for its apple orchards and traditional way of life, making it an excellent place to experience Transylvania’s authentic Saxon heritage.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Malancrav

After a peaceful morning in Malancrav, your journey continues through the Saxon heartland of Transylvania. The day’s first stop is Noul Sasesc, a quiet village that has retained its traditional Saxon architecture and rural charm. Next, you will arrive in Copsa Mare, a picturesque town known for its Evangelical fortified church, which is a silent witness to the region’s Saxon heritage.

The day’s highlight is Biertan, home to one of Transylvania’s most impressive and well-preserved fortified churches. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Biertan Fortified Church dates back to the 15th century and was once the seat of the Lutheran bishops of Transylvania for nearly 300 years. Surrounded by massive defensive walls and towers, the church is famous for its unique wooden door with an intricate medieval locking system, a remarkable example of Saxon craftsmanship.

Spend the evening exploring the charming village of Biertan, with its cobbled streets and traditional Saxon houses, before settling in for a well-deserved rest.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Biertan

After breakfast in Biertan, the journey continues deeper into the Saxon region of Transylvania, where hidden villages and historic churches reflect centuries of history and tradition. The first stop is Richis, a village known for its Evangelical Church, which holds unique sculptural details, some with pre-Christian symbolism, making it one of the most intriguing Saxon churches in the region. Once a vibrant Saxon community, the village itself is now a blend of cultures, with a small but dedicated group working to preserve its rich heritage.

Continuing toward Nemsa, you will visit the Evangelical Fortified Church of Nemsa, a historical monument built at the end of the 14th century. The fortified ensemble includes the church and the defensive walls, which once protected the local Saxon community from invaders. Despite its remote location, the Nemsa church is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Saxon settlers who shaped Transylvania’s landscape.

Next, you will arrive in Mosna, a village known for its imposing fortified church, built in the 15th century in the Late Gothic style. The day ends in Medias, one of Transylvania’s oldest cities, with a beautifully preserved medieval center.

Meals: breakfast

Overnight in Medias

After an unforgettable journey through the Via Transilvanica – Terra Saxonum, it is time to say goodbye to Transylvania. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred from Medias to either Sibiu Airport or Brasov Airport for your departure.

As your adventure comes to an end, take with you memories of fortified churches, medieval towns, stunning landscapes, and authentic Saxon heritage—a true journey through history and culture.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Romania soon!

Meals: breakfast

Important Mentions:

• The total length of the Via Transilvanica trail included in the tour: 151 km
• You will pass through areas/villages inhabited by Roma people. There is no danger, they are just curious and occasionally ask for money.
• We will pass through areas with sheepfolds, and shepherd dogs may be encountered. Do not panic; they are trained to protect the flock. You will be accompanied by a guide who will take measures to avoid them.
• You will have the possibility of having lunch along the trail in different villages. Lunch will be at your own expense.

Disclaimer: some photos we used to showcase this tour are taken from the official trailer’s website viatransilvanica.com. All the credits go to the creators of the website.