Romanian tourism: Saxon villages from Transylvania

Romania has known a visible increase of the number of foreign visitors, as there are many touristic attractions my country is famous for. However, few foreign visitors know about the Transylvanian Saxon villages. Therefore, my first post dedicated to fabulous Romanian destinations worth a visit presents these charming Romanian villages.

Why are Saxon villages in Transylvania?

Transylvanian Saxons, people of German ethnicity, settled in the 12th century in the eastern part of Transylvania. However, by the time the communist regime had fallen, the majority of this German-speaking population left for Germany. Numerous Saxon villages have been left behind. Seven of them are now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Calnic, Darjiu, Prejmer, Biertan, Valea Viilor, Viscri, Saschiz, according to UNESCO website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/596

The Saxon villages have a great historical and cultural importance, as hundreds of fortified churches have been erected here. Because the region where the Saxons settled was under to continuous threat of the Turks, the Saxons have built fortifications, including fortified churches, in order to protect the villages' inhabitants.

Viscri village

Prince Charles of Great Britain bought an old house in Saxon style in Viscri, which, once restored, has been introduced in the touristic circuit, thus putting this small village on the European touristic map. Thanks to His  Majesty's repeated visits, Viscri is the most famous Saxon village. Well-known for its medieval fortified church, Viscri, with approximately 500 inhabitants, also amazes by the wonderful landscapes, the typical Saxon houses, the colorful meadows and the wild forests.

My accommodation in Viscri has been Viscri 44 (http://www.viscri44.ro/). All rooms are traditionally decorated, spacious and clean. Guests may serve all meals on the property and I can assure you food tastes delicious.

You may find here more information about Viscri: http://www.viscri-info.ro/

Other Saxon villages worth a visit

Viscri is not the only gem Transylvania hides. Once you reach the eastern part of Transylvania, do not hesitate to visit Crit, Mesendorf, Alma-Vii, Biertan or Cloasterf villages.

In Cloasterf, I stayed at one of Dominic Boutique's cottages, in an idyllic traditional house built in 1775: (https://www.experiencetransylvania.ro/guesthouse/cloasterf-20-little-barn/). Calin is a fantastic host and I couldn’t have been taken care of any better. 

The Village of Criț has been first mentioned in the year 1322 and amazes by its beautiful traditional houses and well-preserved traditions. 

Alma Vii came into being in the year 1289. These days you can visit the recently restored fortified church, which offers a wonderful view of the surrounding hills and cottages.

The Village of Biertan (the first village included on the World Heritage List in 1993) has been founded in 1283 and is dominated by Saint Mary’s church. Each year, in the middle of August, here it is being held the Full Moon Horror & Fantasy Movie Festival (http://lunaplinafestival.ro/). Do give it a chance, if you are a fan of this film genre.

If interested in staying in traditional houses, I suggest you try the accommodation options provided by the hosts registered on Experience Transylvania: https://www.experiencetransylvania.ro/. All guesthouses are filled with history and have been renovated with good taste, following local traditions.

Haferland Week

Every year, in August, thousands of tourists gather to enjoy the old Saxon traditions, joined by hundreds of Transylvanian Saxons, returning to their homeland, on the occasion of Haferland Week (http://www.haferland.ro/)

Credits: Calin Stan

Haferland Week is a great occasion to go for a ride with horse-drawn carriages, try local gastronomy, attend Saxon-style brunches, concerts in fortified churches, theater plays, outdoor movie screenings and popular folk demonstrations.

The Haferland Week aims to attract both Saxons and tourists who want to discover a land of legends. I had a great time during last year’s festival and I highly advice you to attend this event.