Via Transilvanica - Terra Saxonum - self-guided walk

Your adventure begins at Brasov train station (or at airport) with a private transfer to Archita (~2:00 hour). Archita is a historic village that marks the boundary between Terra Siculorum (Szekler Land) and Terra Saxonum (Saxon Land). Here you can wander around the impressive 14th-century fortified church, soak in the quiet rural atmosphere, as you prepare for your Via Transilvanica trek starting the next morning.

• Meals included: Dinner
• Accommodation: chariming guesthouse in Archita.

Starting at the fortified church in Archita, the trail climbs past traditional shepherd camps into lush pastures. A peaceful forest road leads you to Roades, a beautifully restored Saxon village.
From here, the path winds down through rolling meadows and farmland before following a tranquil stream and forest trail that opens up to stunning panoramic views of Archita. After trekking through sunlit glades and woodland, your journey ends in Crit, another iconic Saxon village where you can explore the historic fortified church and relax.

• Walking: ~8h, 27km, +/-710m
• Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: chariming guesthouse in Crit.

Today’s walk begins in the center of Crit village at the historic fortified church, the Via Transilvanica trail leads you to the edge of the village, passing charm-filled Saxon houses before heading toward the forest. A gentle climb brings you beneath the forest canopy, offering a shaded and peaceful walk with no steep ascents. Upon exiting the woods, the route leads directly into Cloasterf, bringing you to the evangelical church at the heart of the village. Here, you can take a moment to explore the local campsite or tour the church before continuing along a quiet paved road toward Saschiz. Upon arriving in Saschiz, you can visit its UNESCO-listed fortified church and discover the unique charm of this beautifully revitalized Saxon village.

• Walking: ~4.5h, 13.6km, +380/-440m
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: chariming guesthouse in Saschiz

Your third walking day takes you deep into the quiet Transylvanian hills. The trail follows forest paths through fir woods, passing a traditional shepherd's hut in a mountain meadow before descending into the village of Daia, where keen eyes might spot traces of local wildlife. Continuing past the historic Vulcan Cross, you will pass through peaceful forests and an intersection marked by a haunting abandoned church. Your day concludes in Șapartoc, a hidden multicultural village of fewer than thirty residents that has been revived through eco-tourism, offering profound peace and traditional hospitality.

• Walking: ~6h, 17.3 km, +640/-540m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation at a local guesthouse in Sapartoc

Starting in Sapartoc, your day begins with a gentle climb past two abandoned churches and a shepherd's hut, leading into a cool fir forest. Emerging from the trees, the trail passes Aurel Vlaicu and reaches Lunca Postei, offering a breathtaking view over Sighisoara. You will descend into the UNESCO medieval citadel of Sighisoara, perfect for a break among its colorful cobblestone streets. Leaving the town, the path ascends onto the Breite Plateau nature reserve, where you will walk among massive, 800 year old oak trees. The day ends with a peaceful descent into the village of Stejarenii to visit its historic church, with an optional extension to Cris for those wanting extra miles.

• Walking: ~7.5h, 25.6km, +560/-670m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation at a local homestay in Stejarenii

* Flexible Pace: If you feel like taking things a bit slower, this stage can be split into two shorter days with an intermediate overnight stay in Sighisoara.

Leaving Stejarenii, the trail follows a paved road for three kilometers to Cris, where you can visit the magnificent Renaissance Bethlen Castle. Crossing from Mures into Sibiu county, the path climbs gently through lush oak forests and open pastures, descending along a quiet forest track to the colorful hamlet of Floresti, an ideal spot to pause by the village well. Continuing past working sheepfolds, you will ascend through an enchanting woodland that hides a natural mini-canyon before descending into Malancrav. A unique village that remained a noble domain for centuries and famously avoided the architectural modernization of the communist era, Malancrav boasts a stunning Fortified Church containing Romania's largest complete cycle of 14th century Gothic frescoes. Before resting, take a moment to explore the renovated Apafi Manor or taste the village's famous organic apple juice, produced from orchards that have defined this valley for generations.

• Walking: ~5h, 16.5km, +420/-410m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation at a local guesthouse in Malancrav

Departing Malancrav, the final leg of your journey leads through terraced apple orchards and past an ancient hexagonal well. The path climbs a hill before descending through young woodland onto a reddish-yellow dirt road toward Nou Sasesc. After passing through the village, you will ascend into sparse forest and follow a high grassy ridge across the countryside.
A steady descent brings you into Copsa Mare to view its 14th century fortified church before a short climb leads onto the crests of the Transylvanian Hills. The trail culminates with a panoramic descent into Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage site dominated by its colossal fortified church. Here you can explore medieval features like the 1515 multi-locking door and the historic marital prison room, where couples seeking divorce were locked together until they reconciled.

• Walking: ~5h, 15km, +580/-620m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
• Accommodation at a charming guesthouse in Biertan.

As the trail ends, a transfer back to the regional capital allows you to decompress while watching the Transylvanian highlands fade into the distance. Sibiu, a former European Capital of Culture, serves as the perfect final destination where you can celebrate your trek’s completion under the "eyes" of the city’s famous lidded roofs. You can spend your afternoon wandering through the Great Square (Piața Mare), crossing the legendary Bridge of Lies, or enjoying a gourmet meal in one of the city's vaulted cellar restaurants.


• Meals included: breakfast


Pro Tip:
! We strongly recommend extending your trip by adding an extra night in Sibiu. As one of Transylvania's most vibrant cultural capitals, Sibiu offers a rich blend of medieval history, lively outdoor cafes, and remarkable architecture. You can spend your day climbing the historic Council Tower or the Lutheran Cathedral for panoramas over the city, crossing the legendary Bridge of Lies, and discovering the iconic house roofs known as the Eyes of Sibiu. It is the perfect atmosphere to celebrate completing your hike.

! Looking to complete the full Terra Saxonum section of the trail? You can easily extend your journey by adding 2 additional walking stages:
• Stage 1: Biertan to Nemsa (15km, +480/-450m)
• Stage 2: Nemsa to Medias (19.8km, +480/-580m)
Continuing through these two extra days allows you to cross the official border of the Terra Saxonum region and finish this entire iconic chapter of Via Transilvanica. If you'd like to extend your itinerary, simply add them to your booking from the Optionals' list, or ask our team.