10 Enchanting Experiences in Transylvania

Go World Travel is reader-supported and may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this piece.

Beyond the gothic novels and Hollywood tales lies the real Transylvania. This is a region in central Romania where medieval citadels rise from mist-covered valleys and fortified churches stand as sentinels to centuries of turbulent history.

This corner of Eastern Europe offers travelers a blend of architectural wonders, stunning natural landscapes and centuries-old traditions. From the infamous Bran Castle to the UNESCO-protected fortified church of Viscri, Transylvania has a lot to explore.

Whether wandering the cobblestone streets of Sighișoara’s perfectly preserved medieval citadel, testing your courage at Parc Aventura Brașov or admiring the architectural splendor of Sibiu’s Large Square, this guide will take you through 10 experiences that capture the true essence of Transylvania.

Visit Dracula’s Castle: A Transylvania Legend

Bran Castle stands as a timeless sentinel, shrouded in history and myth. It became known as Dracula’s castle after Bram Stoker described it in his famous 1897 book titled Dracula.

Many of the stories told about the castle today are mere legends. However, Bran Castle does have a long history dating back to 1377 and its dark beauty cannot be challenged. With its Gothic spires and stone walls, Bran Castle exudes an eerie charm that impresses both adventurers and history enthusiasts.

During a visit to Bran Castle, you get to explore the origins of Dracula’s legend and discover hidden passages, intricate stone carvings and several chambers that reveal the castle’s design and historical significance.

While often associated with legendary Vlad the Impaler, who inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula character, Bran Castle was not Vlad’s residence. Instead, the castle played a pivotal role in defending the region and collecting tolls from traders traversing the nearby trade route.

The castle transitioned from a military stronghold to a royal residence, notably under Queen Marie of Romania. The perfect time to visit Bran Castle is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is pleasant, crowds are thinner, and the surrounding landscapes bloom with beauty. Options for visiting include basic entrance tickets, guided tours, skip the line and day-trip tours.

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) Tours and Tickets

Explore Medieval Citadels and Cities

Sighisoara Citadel is the biggest medieval inhabited citadel in Eastern Europe. It is also one of the best-preserved and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 12th century by Saxon settlers in Gothic style.

Sighisoara Citadel is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich history and picturesque setting. It houses the Clock Tower and the history museum.

Brasov Old Town is exceptionally beautiful with splendid architecture, themed cafes and traditional restaurants. Landmark buildings such as the Black Church, spots such as Tampa or Rope Street make Brasov a must-visit place in Transylvania.

Sibiu is one of the most famous and beautiful cities in Transylvania and the former Cultural Capital of Europe. It is a well-preserved 3-star Michelin destination and one of the top destinations.

Sibiu and the surrounding area have a lot to offer, from old and colorful houses and fascinating legends to amazing Germanic architecture and the legacy of Saxon settlers.

Cluj-Napoca is a city for the young and the old. Home to cultural diversity, outstanding architecture and incredible traditional food. In addition, it hosts top-notch, world-known festivals such as Electric Castle, Untold Festival, Jazz in the Park and TIFF. It is full of students, full of life, has impressive cathedrals and two opera houses. Visit Cluj-Napoca for an all-in-one experience of a lifetime.

Tour of Medieval Sighisoara, Viscri Village and Rupea Citadel from Brasov

Learn About Local Landmarks

The Transfagarasan, or DN7C, is Romania’s best-known paved mountain road and is one of the top things to do and see in Transylvania.

Transfagarasan is a landmark of the communist regime. It is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and it crosses the southern part of the Carpathian Mountains.

Imagine over 150 kilometers of mountain roads with some incredibly challenging curves and the most spectacular views. Mind you, the road is hard and bumpy, and it is only recommended in July and August when there is no avalanche risk.

It was built between 1970 and 1974 at the command of former communist ruler Nicolae Ceausescu. Some legends say it was built to allow the people to escape in case USSR troops invaded.

Turda Salt Mine is one of the most spectacular natural tourist destinations in the world. It is set just North of Turda. From Turda town center, you will need to catch local bus number 17 to reach the mine entrance.

The salt mine is huge and has attractions that are fun for adults and kids. Whatever you choose to do, you cannot miss the out-of-this-world and super-healthy experience in the world’s most spectacular place, dug in the depths of Transylvania.

Just to give you an idea of the magnitude of this place, the salt from Turda Salt Mine could, if necessary, cover the salt need for the entire planet for 60 years.

Tours and Tickets to Experience Transfagarasan Highway

Admire Transylvania’s Fortified Churches

The fortified churches of Viscri, Biertan and Prejmer are all worth a visit. If you know anything about King Charles III, you know he has been in love with Viscri village for a very long time.

King Charles III was an advocate for the Romanian countryside heritage long before he first visited and has fought to stop the  destruction of old edifices and churches.

The Lutheran Fortified Church of Viscri was built by the Zseklers, was taken over by the Saxons, and is now one of Romania’s 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was initially a Roman Catholic Church but serves today as a Lutheran church.

Biertan Fortified Church was first mentioned in a document in 1222 and is still one of the most impressive medieval grounds in Transylvania. The Fortified Church of Biertan was built in the 15th century and is located on top of the hill, overlooking the entire village.

Built by the Saxons, it features late Gothic architecture, a multi-paneled altar and large wooden doors. It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday.

Prejmer Fortified Church, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is the largest fortified church in southeastern Europe. It was built by Teutonic knights in 1212.

Records show that the church has been attacked 50 times in 500 years. However, it could never be occupied by enemy forces because of its incredible defense system, which still wows historians. The Church can be visited daily.

Challenge Yourself at Parc Aventura Brasov

Parc Aventura Brasov is an enjoyable place to spend your free time with family and friends. The adventure park is an outdoor sports and leisure activity center. It offers 100% fun and adventure and no less than 16 progressively difficult tracks to test your limits in nature.

Parc Aventura Brasov is the largest of its kind (outdoor leisure and sports park) in Eastern Europe. It has no less than 16 trails of progressive difficulty levels. Test your skill and adrenaline resilience with obstacle courses, bouldering, rope climbing, rock climbing, zip lines or target-oriented activities.

Dive Into Sibiu’s Rich Heritage at the ASTRA Museum

ASTRA Museum is located just 4 kilometers from the city in Dumbrava forest. It is a Folkloric Traditional Museum offering  insight into rural living. The museum is spread over 96 hectares, with a 10-kilometer long exhibition circuit, and it was opened in 1963.

The open-air museum displays the rich heritage of Sibiu and is a testament to Romanian village life from all over the country,  preserved in their original form.

The site consists of 5 sectors and between them, there is a 3-hectare wide modern wood exhibition with pieces from a variety of renowned Romanian and foreign artists.

A visit to the ASTRA Museum is a must on your list of top things to see in Transylvania.

Enjoy the Large Square

Living up to its name, the Large Square is the largest square in Sibiu and is the historic center of the city. It was first mentioned in documents in 1411 as a cereal market. The Large Square of Sibiu, in the historic center, has existed since 1366 when the fortification belt was finalized.

It was called Der Grosser Platz for hundreds of years, but between WWI and WWII, it was called King Ferdinand Square. During the communist times, the name was changed to Republic Square and returned to its original name shortly after the communist regime fell. It is now, as it has been for the longest time, the heart of the old city.

Visitors can climb the stairs of the Council Tower, which showcases views over Sibiu. They can also check out the stained glass and painted interior of the Roman Catholic Church.

Take In the View From Rasnov Fortress

The most visited medieval fortress in Transylvania is located on a rocky hill near Brasov and Bran Castle. The fortress was built by Teutonic Knights to protect villages in Transylvania from Turkish and Tatar invasions.

It looks like a village inside a village with a small square, bedrooms and a chapel. It is a place full of legends and myths with picturesque views that can be admired from the top of the fortress and a museum of art and artifacts.

Enter the Palace of Culture

The Palace of Culture houses the Mures County Library, the Mures County Museum and the State Philharmonic of Targu Mures.

Inside the palace, visitors will find some of the most beautifully designed elements and wonders in Transylvania. This ornate secessionist-style building, ostentatiously titled on the outside and colorfully furnished within, is unlike anything else in Transylvania.

The construction of the building lasted from 1911 to 1913 at the request of the then-Hungarian mayor. It is an Art-Nouveau-style edifice consisting of 3 buildings.

If you go, make sure you visit the Mirror Hall, just above the Entrance Hall, on the 1st floor. The Concert Hall consists of a little over 700 seats and many concerts and opera shows are held here. The illustrations on the windows represent Hungarian legends and portraits of important Hungarian figures.

See the Natural Surroundings at Targu Mures Zoo

This beautiful zoo has various species of animals and spacious areas in a family-friendly environment. Targu Mures Zoo sits 197 meters above the city on what is known as the Cornesti Plateau in the middle of an oak tree forest.

It was opened for the first time in 1960 and is now visited by over 180,000 tourists annually. The area covers 40 hectares, plus 5 hectares of semi-reservation for wolves and bears and a 10-hectare semi-reservation for European herbivorous species.

You can visit the Targu Mures Zoo daily, from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:

Author Bio: Samuel Sobande is a freelance writer who writes to educate and inform people and society at large.

Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.

We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.