If you are one of those people who love horror stories, gothic architecture and mythical landscapes, surely a season in Transylvania will be unforgettable. Located in Eastern Europe, it is one of the most mysterious cities in Romania and Europe. Its irregular relief combines the intense green of nature with towers of high castles.
Things to do
Called the “Cradle of Dracula”, Transylvania has some of the oldest and most emblematic buildings in Europe. It’s Gothic and medieval architecture gives it an air of magic and unique fantasy.
Hunyad Castle, a good starting point to learn more about this region. The Hunyad Castle in Hunedoara was for a long time the home of the famous ‘Vlad the Impaler’. He enjoyed capturing his enemies, impaling them and then eating his blood with bread.
Vlad takes us to another emblematic character in the history of Transylvania. We speak of the Prince of Darkness, Count Dracula, the protagonist of the novel written by Bram Stoker. Through all the representations in cinema and theater, this novel unveiled to the world the city of Transylvania.
Beyond the castles, Transylvania has architectural wonders that are worth visiting. The Rupea Fortress, a building surrounded by a colorful field of green grass and colorful flowers, is one of them. Over time it became an important center for trade and crafts.
A marvel of civil engineering present in this city is the Transfagarasan Highway. It is a 90-meter road known as the “infernal highway” that meanders over the Carpathian Mountains. If you are not a great driver, it is better that you pass the wheel to another.
The famous medieval cities of Brasov, Sigisohara and Sibiu are architectural destinations that you must visit in Transylvania. There you will find cobblestone streets full of colorful houses, walls that surrounded the cities and the famous Black Church.
Green Transylvania
If it’s natural wonders, Transylvania should be on the list. This city surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Carpathians hosts places you can move to the ancient years of the Earth.
For example, the Apuseni National Park, with more than a thousand caves, includes Vartop and Scarisoara, glacial formations that rise as guardians of the caves.
If we continue until the end of the Infernal Highway, we will reach Lake Balea. A cold and charming landscape that in summer seems to be the picture of a beautiful fantasy story. There you can also breathe in the impressive Balea waterfall, which descends from the top of the mountains.
Mount Bucegi is another natural wonder of Transylvania. It is a great experience to climb it on foot because of the pleasant climate and the incredible view it offers. It will be a great adventure to explore its subterranean tunnels, which, as he says, choose great mysteries of humanity.
How to get there
Travel by airplane
The best option to visit Transylvania is from Spain, through the Cluj – Napoca airport, or via Bucharest. From this point, you can go through the cities of Sibiu, Brasov, and Cluj-Napoca.
Traveling by train
After arriving by plane to Bucharest, a highly recommended experience is to travel to Transylvania by train. Following this route, you can visit the emblematic cities of Sibiu, Sighisoara, and Brasov. Also other main stations of the train route such as Cluj Napoca, Sebes, Medias, Miercurea Ciuc Targu Mires and more. Daily train trips to and from Bucharest.
Traveling by car
Moving around the region of Transylvania by car is a pleasure, allowing you to get to know your people and their customs. You can rent a car in Bucharest and explore different nearby cities, as well as cross the dreaded road to hell.
When to go
Although Transylvania is one of the most famous cities in Romania, even in high season, we will not find tourist crowds at any point of the route.
Transylvania still has a lot of work to do in terms of enhancing tourism, it is not a popular destination. In any season of the year, you will be comfortable without the need to make reservations very early.
Besides, Transylvania is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe at any time of the year.
The most recommended time to travel is from April to October when the Carpathian Mountains have a special beauty. Specifically May and June, the temperature increases a little but you can still see the snowfall.
How long
If you want to travel the essential destinations of Transylvania one week will be enough for you. Most tourist tours last from six to eight days.
Opening and Closing Hours
Most tours in Transylvania last from 5 to 8 days, during which you can visit most of the emblematic places of the city.
In general, tourist agencies offer tours during May and June for being the best time of the year in terms of climate.
These dates are ideal for visiting the natural wonders of the city since many places become green and sunny.
Also, many more specific tours cross certain places of Transilvania like the Painted Monasteries, Historical Center of Sighisoara, among others.
They usually last 8 or 12 hours and can be booked in advance. They also offer tour guides that tell the history of these places, as well as public and private transport.
Planning
For EU members or people in Western Europe, it is easier to visit Romania for the cheap flights they offer.
Romania’s tourist infrastructure is growing and getting better constantly. Activities like mountain biking are relatively new, but with a special pre-booked tour is easy to do.
Inside Information
If you are thinking of going alone, we recommend mountain biking as an essential experience in this town. For example, you can cross the Mount Bucegi, one of the most famous natural wonders of Romania.
For this, you can rent bikes and other equipment on Sinaia and Busteni for the Bucegi Massif.
History
The history of Transylvania dates back to 106 AD when it was part of the Roman province of Dacia.
Since the Ancient Age, the city was invaded by several nearby towns such as Gepids, Huns, and Avars, giving it an immense cultural diversity.
The first leader of Transylvania was Gelu, who died in the year 904 during the last battle against the Hungarians.
After many battles, in 1526 the kingdom of Hungary was divided into three parts: one under Austrian control, one under Turkish control and the Transylvania region. It was this fact that gave rise to the formation of the official city of Transylvania.
Websites
If you want to know more about Transylvania and how to get there, visit:
Other Nearby Attractions
Another place you can visit in Transylvania and arrive by car or train is the Fortress of Rasov.
Although not as well-known as other castles, the Rasov Fortress is one of the most important destinations in the city.
At 15 minutes from Brasov, it is a construction erected at the top of the Cordilleras of the Carpathian Mountains.
It is said to have been built between 1211 and 1225. It was one of the strongholds that the German Teutonic knights built to defend Transylvania from the Turks and Tatars.
When the enemy approached by the pass of Bran, the inhabitants of the city locked there to protect themselves. There they hid for years, turning the fortress in a sort of city
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