When you hear about Transylvania, the legend of Dracula comes to mind. This is, in fact, what made this region so famous amongst travelers worldwide. However, once you visit this picturesque area, other wonders, such as Sibiu, will amaze you.

Transylvania has the most beautiful landscapes you can imagine. Tall mountains, covered in snow, embrace the sky, and immense and colorful flower and cereal fields show how hard-working the local farmers are. 

If you stop for a second and admire the Transylvanian countryside, you’ll believe it’s out of a painting. Small villages and towns complete this image beautifully. Everything has its own place, people are welcoming and warm, and everything complements so well: nature and buildings. 

At Balkan Trails, we believe Sibiu is a must-see destination for any traveler! This is why you’ll find it included in almost every tour of Romania from our website. You’ll visit Sibiu accompanied by a local guide and taste the best traditional Romanian food while listening to its captivating legends since Saxons lived in this area. 

Uncover centuries of history in Sibiu.

Sibiu, this bohemian Transylvanian city dating back to the XII-th century, is a must-visit destination in Romania. It was founded by Saxons and has always been an epicenter of artisanry, with crafts in pottery, leather, and iron processing flourishing over the years.

Sibiu, situated in southern Transylvania alongside the Carpathian Mountains, has faced countless military attacks throughout ancient history because of its strategic position. This is the reason behind the impressive sight of the thick stone walls surrounding the old city’s part, which still remains to this day.

If you’re traveling by car from Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu is just a two-hour drive away. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque views that’ll definitely make this trip a memorable one.

If you are planning to drive from Bucharest, be prepared for a 5-hour trip. You’ll see it was worth the time when you’ll arrive in Sibiu and see this marvelous medieval city open just before your eyes. 

The first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful architecture that is so different from the rest of the country. Due to its German influences, the colorful houses with red roofs will seem to you out of a story tale. And there’s even more to that: if you look closely at their rooftops, you’ll see some particular attic windows that look strikingly similar to eyes. In Sibiu, the houses have “eyes” and stare at you while you discover its winding streets and chic coffee shops. 

What is there to visit in Sibiu?

The best-known landmark  of the city is the Council Tower. Once used as an entry point through the second fortification belt, this magnificent seven-story tower offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Ascend the narrow and sinuous stairs from the Small Square and pause to view the art exhibitions on different floors. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and distant, snow-capped mountains. The tower can be visited every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Council Tower, Sibiu

Considered one of the most beautiful museums of East Europe, the Bruckenthal Museum is a representative symbol of Sibiu. The museums in the city are spread across six buildings, and experiencing each is an absolute adventure.

The Bruckenthal Palace, an 18th-century building that took over a decade to construct, is the most renowned. Originally owned by Baron Samuel Bruckenthal, the palace houses a vast collection of exhibits, including a remarkable collection of 1000 paintings, a spectacular library, and a natural history museum. The Bruckenthal Museum can be visited from Wednesday until Sunday, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Here you can check the entrance fees for all the exhibitions.  

Another representative landmark of Sibiu is The Bridge of Lies. This bridge was built in 1859 and is made of cast iron. It is one of the oldest of its kind in the country that’s still in use. It links “Piata Mica” and “Piata Huet,” two important city squares.

There are many legends about the Bridge of Lies, but the most popular is that this bridge can tell when people crossing it are lying. Then, it will start groaning, and it’ll fall down. This is why lovers are known to come here to make their vows. Nevertheless, it remains one of the oldest and most beautiful in Sibiu.

The Bridge of Lies, Sibiu

And if you’re visiting Sibiu, you don’t want to miss the three main squares of the city: Piata Mare, Piata Mica, and Piata Huet. 

The heart of the city beats in Piata Mare. Home to the Bruckenthal Museum and countless restaurants, bars, cafes, and souvenir shops, this main square is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in its vibrant energy.

Piata Mare, Sibiu

Piața Mică is a cozier and more intimate place, not as crowded and busy as the main square. Surrounded by colorful old houses and right next to the Liars Bridge, it is the perfect place to relax with a beer after a full day wandering around the city.  

The Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral is the main attraction in Piata Huet. It’s a beautiful monument you can visit and even go up into its tower to admire a wonderful sight over the city. 

Discover the vibrant culture of Sibiu.

Sibiu is a city that’s as beautiful as it is full of culture. Its rich, artistic flair draws you into many events, such as art shows, concerts, gastronomic events, and more. It’s no wonder Sibiu was the Cultural Capital of Europe back in 2007! With charming old-town aesthetics that match its local artistic trend, this city is a true gem.

As you take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets in the evening, be prepared for unexpected cultural surprises en route, so keep your options open and maintain a flexible schedule. You never know what concert or spectacle you’ll discover on your way. You can check all cultural events here if you’d like to plan your day in advance. 

Astra Museum, the largest open-air Museum in Europe

And since we’re talking culture, you must add to your list the Astra Museum, the largest open-air Museum in Europe. There are 4 component units of the Astra Museum: The Open-Air Museum, the Transylvanian Civilisation Museum, the Franz Binder Museum, and the Emil Sigerus Museum. 

In the Open-Air Museum, you will see traditional Romanian houses, churches, or even entire households from different regions. Moreover, this part of the Museum is located in a splendid natural area called “Dumbrava Sibiului,” also a Natural Reservation. Discover blissful serenity on a peaceful stroll along the winding pathways, where tranquil lakes and lush vegetation abound.

Astra, the Open-air Museum, Sibiu

The Transylvanian Civilisation Museum is a testimony of the several ethnicities inhabiting this picturesque region. You will admire textile and embroidery collections, pottery, wood-carved objects, icons, religious artifacts, and photography here. It’s a unique and diverse exhibition that will help you better know the history and traditions of these places. 

The Franz Binder Museum is a unique anthropological showcase presenting cultures worldwide. It stands out as the only Museum of its kind in Romania. It offers a fascinating insight into the diversity of our global heritage.

The Emil Sigerus Museum is a testament to the vibrant Saxon culture that once thrived in Transylvania. Despite the passage of time, the area’s towns, villages, and cities (including Sibiu) still bear a significant Saxon influence in their architecture, customs, and crafts.

And, if you love spending time in nature, then you must know that Sibiu’s location is just perfect for you. Hiking the Transylvanian Alps, the southern Carpathians, renowned for their scenic splendor, and visiting Paltinis mountain resort are must-dos. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in skiing and snowboarding when the snow season arrives on the beautiful slopes of Paltinis, well-known throughout Romania.

Including Sibiu on your travel itinerary is an excellent choice. And with Balkan Trails by your side, you’ll have the ultimate experience. We’ll plan everything in detail for you so that you don’t only visit Sibiu but get to know the local traditions, history, and people. We love to make your holiday memorable for you. Get in touch with us via email, and we’ll start customizing your itinerary.