Transylvania

Transylvania is one of Romania's cultural melting pots, where Romanians, Hungarians, and Germans (Saxons) coexist. Dobrogea is another such region.

The Saxons of Transylvania had an important influence. From the 12th to the end of the 19th century, they even had a dedicated micro-region, the so-called Christian Land or Seven Seats, representing the units they administered. The seven “seats” (fortresses) were Sibiu, Brașov, Mediaș, Sighișoara, Sebeș, Rupea and Bistrița.

Especially during the communist period, the Saxon population emigrated en masse to Germany. Presently, the "last Saxons" - as they are often referred to - live in southern Transylvania, respectively in Țara Oltului or Țara Fagarașului. The defining detail of any Saxon settlement is the fortified church, Kirchenbürgen.

Although they live almost anywhere in Transylvania, larger groups of Hungarians live in the east of the region, in the Szeklerland micro-region. Most are bilingual. Their influence can be seen in the general aspect of their towns or villages and in gastronomy.

Do you feel at a loss about what to do in Transylvania in autumn or winter? The slopes from Harghita-Mădăraș, Mărișel, or Straja are waiting for skiers throughout the cold season. On the other hand, cold seasons or rainy seasons are only good for exploring all the castles, fortresses, and mansions in the area.

The Apuseni Mountains or the Cindrel Mountains have hiking trails accessible even to the inexperienced. Picturesque villages at the foot of the same mountains are delightful in autumn, when the fog slowly rises from the valleys or when cloud ceilings form over the seemingly sleepy landscape. And the resorts with thermal baths or mineral waters such as Borsec, Băile Tușnad, Băile Govora, or Toplița have a lot to offer.