The Most Beautiful Villages In Transylvania

If you’re interested in the most beautiful villages in Transylvania, then you know that Romania has so much more to offer beyond Dracula.

The countryside of Transylvania is a nature lover’s paradise. Rolling hills, vast forests, mighty peaks, waterfalls, rivers, and, the pearls of the region, its villages, are a must if you visit Romania. 

Saxon villages, scattered along valleys, with beautifully preserved architecture, are the perfect getaway for a tranquil vacation filled with good food, cultural sights, and interaction with the locals.

The most beautiful villages in Transylvania

Biertan

Biertan is among the first German settlements in Transylvania, with proof of its existence since 1283. 

The village was built around the fortified church in a traditional Saxon style.

During the 12th century, Saxons from today Germany, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, were invited by King Geza the 2nd of Hungary to settle in the Transylvania region in order to protect it from Ottoman invaders.

Biertan was home to the chair of the Saxon Bishop for three centuries between 1572 – 1867. Given its importance, the church was protected by three concentric walls, making it one of a kind in Transylvania.

Viscri

Viscri is one of the most known villages in Transylvania and of the most beautiful, equally appreciated by the locals and foreigners, especially after Prince Charles purchased properties here.

As in most Saxon villages in Transylvania, at the center of Viscri sits the fortified church, a beautiful piece of architecture, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

As a destination, Viscri is perfect for those who look for an authentic Romanian experience. Some of the activities that you can do here are horse carriage rides, hikes in the beautiful nature, food, and wine tastings, attending local crafts workshops, and guided bike tours.

Valea Zalanului

Valea Zalanului is a hamlet deep in the Transylvanian heart. 

It was made known by Prince Charles after having purchased an old property that was restored to its old charm and opened to the public as a guesthouse.

Valea Zalanului, while very small and isolated, is a must-see if you are in Transylvania. Not only spending the night at Prince Charles’ guesthouse is itself an experience but interacting with the locals (less than 100 people), enjoying a simple way of living, and taking in the beautiful surroundings are all worth taking the unpaved road through the forest to reach here.

Cincsor

Cincsor village became known with the opening of Cincsor Transylvania Guesthouses.

The guesthouse complex comprises a former school, a former parish house, and two former peasant houses, all beautifully restored, keeping many of the original elements.

Suppose you choose Cincsor Transylvania Guesthouses to spend the night. In that case, you will be truly mesmerized by the impressive library that hosts hundreds of books and is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring the village on foot.

Mesendorf

Mesendor is another beautiful village in Transylvania that sits in a beautiful location between rolling hills and is surrounded by lush greenery. 

It is the perfect starting point to explore other Transylvanian villages, as well as some of the most known cities, such as Sighisoara, Sibiu, and Brasov.

Asides from the beautiful architecture and the imposing fortified Saxon church that can be found here, Mesendorf is about indulging in the local cuisine, learning about history, and exploring the beautiful nature horseback riding if you’re into it.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.