Via Transilvanica Part III - Terra Saxonum - self-guided walk

Your adventure begins with a private transfer from Sibiu airport to the village of Crit.

Dinner and accommodation at a lovely guesthouse in Crit.

Leaving the "mystical cross" of Criț behind, you will follow the Via Transilvanica through a landscape of rolling hills and dense hornbeam forests on a relatively short but rewarding trek. The path leads you through the quiet village of Cloașterf, a hidden gem where you can visit the 16th-century fortified church of St. Nicholas, renowned for its remarkably preserved interior and defensive towers. As you approach your destination, you will be greeted by the dramatic silhouette of the Peasant Fortress (Cetatea Țărănească) perched high on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the entire Târnava Mare valley. Upon descending into Saschiz, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can marvel at the massive 15th-century fortified church and its iconic Clock Tower, which bears a striking resemblance to the one in Sighișoara. Before ending your day, be sure to taste the local blue pottery traditions or the famous rhubarb jam that has made this vibrant Saxon village a favorite for modern travelers.

~14km, +430 m
Meals: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation at a charming guesthouse in Saschiz.

Your third day transitions into a journey toward deep solitude and the "slow life" of the Transylvanian hills. The trail winds through dense hornbeam and oak forests before revealing the high pastures of Daia, a quiet hamlet where time feels suspended and the traditional architecture remains remarkably untouched. As you progress, the path intersects at the historic Vulcan Cross, a weathered monument marking ancient trade routes and offering a moment of reflection before the final stretch. Your destination, Șapartoc, is a "hidden" village that was nearly lost to history but is now experiencing a rebirth through eco-tourism and heritage restoration. Known as one of the least polluted spots in Europe, this multicultural settlement greets you with its three distinct churches—Orthodox, Catholic, and Reformed—and a profound sense of peace that only a village with fewer than 30 permanent residents can provide.


18 km, +702 m.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation at a local guesthouse in Sapartoc

Your fourth day begins with a climb to the Breite Plateau, a hauntingly beautiful nature reserve where you’ll walk among massive, 800-year-old oaks that predate the Saxon arrival. The trail then descends into the heart of Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the legendary birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, offering the perfect medieval backdrop for a well-deserved break amidst its colorful towers and cobblestone streets.


~~13.5 km, +320 m
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation at a 3* central hotel in Sighisoara

Leaving the UNESCO citadel of Sighișoara, the trail ascends into the serene hills of Terra Saxonum, leading you through the ancient, gnarled oaks of the Breite Plateau. This leg of the Via Transilvanica offers a peaceful transition from medieval architecture to the rolling pastoral landscapes typical of the Transylvanian highlands. As you descend toward the quiet village of Stejareni, you'll navigate a mix of shaded forest paths and open ridges with sweeping countryside views. It is a shorter, meditative stretch that perfectly captures the rustic charm and biodiversity of this historic Saxon region.

~14km, +350m
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation at a local guesthouse in Stejareni.

Leaving Stejăreni, your path continues through the rolling "Oat Country," weaving between lush oak forests and sun-drenched pastures that characterize this secluded corner of the Transylvanian Highlands. Along the way, you can take a small detour to visit the Bethlen Castle in Criș, one of the most beautiful Renaissance monuments in Transylvania, or pass through the quiet village of Nou Săsesc to witness a community still deeply rooted in tradition. Your day concludes in Mălâncrav, a unique village that remained a noble domain for centuries and famously avoided the architectural "modernization" of the communist era. This preservation is most evident in the Mălâncrav Fortified Church, which houses the largest and most complete cycle of 14th-century Gothic frescoes in Romania—a stunning "Bible of the Poor" that covers the interior walls. Before resting, take a moment to explore the renovated Apafi Manor or taste the village’s famous organic apple juice, produced from the vast orchards that have defined this valley for generations.

~16.5km, +515m
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation at a local guesthouse in Malancrav

Your final leg on the Via Transilvanica leads you through a quintessential landscape of ancient terraces and high-pasture ridges. The trail climbs out of the valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding "Land of Saxon Settlements" before descending into Copșa Mare, a stunning village where the massive 14th-century fortified church stands as a testament to the area's former wealth. Continuing along the rolling hills, you will finally arrive in Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant medieval landmarks in Transylvania. Dominating the village is its colossal fortified church, which served as the Lutheran episcopal seat for 300 years; inside, you can marvel at the ingenious 1515 multi-locking door mechanism and the "marital prison," a small room where couples considering divorce were locked together with only one set of cutlery to resolve their differences.

~15km, +619m
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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