Welcome to Transylvania

Transylvania conjures a vivid landscape of mountains, castles, fortified churches and superstitious old crones. The Carpathian Mountains are truly spectacular and outdoor enthusiasts can choose from caving in the Apuseni range, rock climbing at Piatra Craiului National Park, biking atop the flat Bucegi plateau, or hiking the Făgăraş. The skiing scene, particularly in the Bucegi Mountains, is a great draw, while... Read More

Top experiences in Transylvania

Recent articles

Beyond Braşov: exploring Transylvania’s great outdoors

There’s more to Transylvania than castles and vampire legends. Romania’s central region draws nature lovers with its spectacular alpine peaks and the largest brown bear population in Europe, while adrenaline junkies can swap the cobblestone alleys and fairy-tale towers for snowmobiling on frozen lakes and cycling the hairpin mountain roads.  

Braşov is one of Transylvania’s most visited towns thanks to an overload of baroque architecture and a bohemian atmosphere. It also makes an excellent base for exploring the great outdoors, so gear up and get active with these five exciting excursions.
Nellie Huang
Lonely Planet Writer

Ten things you need to know before visiting Transylvania

Transylvania is best known as the mysterious land of bloodthirsty vampires and howling wolves. Some may think it’s fictional, but this central Romanian region is a real place. And it’s pretty special, too. Bordered to the east by the Carpathian Mountains, ‘the land beyond the forest’ still feels undiscovered. So, pack your garlic – here’s the lowdown on one of Eastern Europe’s most captivating regions.

The famous Bran Castle near Braşov is Transylvania’s top tourist attraction. Image by Glen Pearson / Lonely Planet
Lara Brunt
Lonely Planet Writer

Romania’s top five World Heritage Sites

Romania’s tourism profile has been slow to rise since EU membership and discount airlines both arrived in 2007. But with the country’s incredibly diverse, rewarding and relatively affordable offerings, that’s gradually changing. Among the singular attractions currently drawing only modest crowds, here are five outstanding Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Sighişoara’s old town and clock tower. Image by Doug Pearson / Getty Images
Leif Pettersen
Lonely Planet Writer
Read more articles

Travel guides

Starting at $25.99

Image for Image for

Transylvania adventures

$1350 Small group tours

The Saxon Transylvania in a 8 Day Tour from Sibiu

This 8 days tour will take you through the Saxon Transylvania, the south part of this Romanian historic region that was inhabited for centuries by German people. Although most of them have left a quarter of a century ago, the mark they left over the 7 centuries of inhabitance is visible all around. It includes everything from the iconic architecture of the villages to the wonderful fortified churches and the specific cuisine and traditions.
$150.92 Small group tours

8-Day Private Transylvania Tour from Cluj

Transylvania is the heart of Romania and it’s waiting to be discovered! This regions has spectacular landscapes and plenty of historical symblos which will make your trip unforgettable.
$543.09 Small group tours

6-Day Classic Northern Heritage Tour from Cluj

Explore the north of Romania in 6 days and enjoy two of the most beautiful and well- preserved historical regions: Maramures and Bukovina. This is the best opportunity to discover Romanian folklore together with the popular painted monasteries, as well as other monuments protected by UNESCO.
$650.57 Small group tours

3-Day Vampire in Transylvania Departing from Cluj Napoca Including The Ritual of Killing of a Living Dead

Intended for those willing to discover the best parts of Transylvania’s legendary realms in a shorter period time, this 3 day break includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sighisoara and Biertan, unique events which caught the attention of media world wide such as the live re-enactment of the Ritual of Killing of the Living Dead, and a privileged meeting with the only artist who uses spider web for his paintings. The entertaining programme is complemented by the relaxing 4* accommodation, a medieval fantasy with beds and the mouth-watering vampire dinner! We bet our 9 lives you’ll love it.
$501.93 Holidays, festivals & seasonal

2- Day Halloween Party in Sighisoara Citadel from Bran

Enjoy the best Halloween ever in Dracula’s birth place – the Medieval Citadel of Sighisoara! A two day self-guided break departing from BRAN. The main highlight is the Halloween party including a delicious traditional dinner, an excellent folk show and a tremendous time in one of the most beautiful citadels from Europe.
$650.57 Small group tours

3-Day Halloween Tour in Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca

One Halloween, two Halloween parties, one in Sighisoara Citadel,D racula’s birth place, and the other in Bran Castle. You'll visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Sighisoara Medieval Citadel, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace and Transylvania’s iconic image, and Bran Castle near the Medieval city of Brasov. The Halloween party in Sighisoara includes a delicious traditional Romanian festive dinner washed down with fiery spirits. Tour price also includes a second Halloween Party at Bran Castle.
See More Adventures
Transylvania photo credits