Charming Transylvania: Storybook Villages in Romania

Transylvania is quite a large area of Romania, so there are plenty of things to do, but I will stick to my favorite top five for now. Plus, a bonus. Depending on where in these gorgeous highlands you are, you get to see and experience something different. But anyways, here we go:

• Explore the fortified churches by bike: You definitely got to hop on an e-bike and pedal through the rolling hills and magic forests from village to village for a tour of these mini-citadel-like churches. The countryside is absolutely charming when you discover it like this. My favorite thing to do when in the highlands of Transylvania.

• Hike the trails: The Carpathian Mountains are full of scenic trails and diverse wildlife, offering hikers a chance to enjoy nature in its most pristine form. A must-do! The biodiversity here is not to be missed.

• See King Charles’ House: You’ll also want to stop at King Charles’ historic home and discover what drew him here, from the beautiful landscape to the local traditions that captivated him. He first visited Romania in 1998 and has been coming back nearly every year since, particularly to rural villages in Transylvania, where he owns properties and immerses himself in the local lifestyle and natural surroundings.

• Transfăgărășan Mountain Pass: Another must do and one of the world’s most scenic mountain roads, the Transfăgărășan twists through the Făgăraș Mountains. Stop at Balea Lake for some “Romanian mountain street food” and breathe in the fresh crisp air.

• Via Tansilvanica Trail: Via Transilvanica, known as the “road that unites,” is a 1,400-kilometer long-distance hiking trail that crosses Romania diagonally from northeast to southwest, linking the regions of Bukovina, Transylvania, and Banat while celebrating their rich cultural, ethnic, historical, and natural diversity. I particularly recommend walking some of its most scenic sections.

• See the Sighișoara Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sighișoara is one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Stroll along its fortified walls, climb the iconic Clock Tower, and step back in time in the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.

Listed here are some of my all-time favorites, scattered across this unspoilt corner of the world. Whether you’re visiting a vibrant city like Brașov or Sibiu, or a small, almost-forgotten village tucked deep into the rural highlands, these are places you simply can’t go wrong with.

• Viscri 32: Right in the heart of the village, Viscri 32 offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with food made from local ingredients. It’s a great place to enjoy traditional Transylvanian dishes with a modern twist. Locally sourced ingredients!

• Mesendorf 65: A welcoming family-run business, Mesendorf 65 serves hearty chef-like home-style meals that reflect Romanian traditions. Their cheeses are to die for! Only by reservation. This works like a Local Gastronomic Point. These are small-scale, authorized culinary units in rural Romania (and similar models elsewhere) where, typically, private households serve local, traditional, and seasonal dishes directly to tourists.

• Kulinarium: Located in the heart of Sibiu, Kulinarium is a locals’ favorite for contemporary cuisine. Excellent place to dine in the city’s charming square called “Piata Mica”. They’ve received several awards along the years.

• Bistro de l’Arte: Hidden along a cobbled lane in the city’s charming old town, the space features vaulted brick and stone interiors that feel like a warm, intimate wine cellar. The menu is compact, authentic, and rooted in slow-food traditions. Ingredients are sourced from the villages around Brașov. You can’t miss this one when in the city!

• Tei Teehaus: A charming hideaway, just a few steps away from the UNESCO-listed Fortified Church of Saschiz, they specialize in aromatic teas, kombuchas, and all kinds of homemade pastries. It’s a perfect stop to relax and soak in the slow pace of Transylvanian village life.