Transylvania is a beautiful region located in the center of Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. It is known for its fairy-tale landscapes, medieval castles, fortified churches, Saxon-style building and well-preserved medieval towns. If you want to explore Transylvania by train, you will reach almost all beautiful towns and cities, but fortified churches are usually located far from railway stations. Hunedoara is the largest city without passenger trains in Romania.
Transylvania by train – a general overview:
Transylvania is well-connected with Bucharest and Hungary by train. International trains from Hungary stop at Sighisoara and Brasov stations. Trains in Romania are generally slow, so transport between many cities will take many hours.
For example travel time between Sighisoara and Medias is about 40 minutes. Fast train from Sighișoara to Cluj-Napoca covers the route in three and a half hours. The train journey from Sighișoara to Brașov takes the same amount of time.
Tickets for local trains are cheap but fast trains are relatively expensive.
Transylvania by train – basic itinerary:
There is an absolute minimum itinerary for explore Transylvania by train:
Day 1: Brasov
Day 2: Rasnov and Bran Castle (optionally)
Day 3: Travel by train from Brasnov to Sibiu
Day 4: Travel from Sibiu to Medias
Day 5: Sighisoara
Day 6: Cluj Napoca (optionally)
The travel itinerary can be complemented with bus rides or hitchhiking to picturesque villages and remote fortified churches.
Transylvania by train – highlights:
Brașov – one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Transylvania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. The city is very popular among tourists. Historic city centre is located about 2 km from the railway station. There is a bus between station and the prettiest part of the city.
Most important tourist attractions:
– Black Church (Biserica Neagră) – the largest Gothic church in Romania, famous for its blackened walls (after a fire in 1689) with an unique collection of Ottoman carpets.
– Council Square (Piața Sfatului) – lively main square full of cafes and restaurants, surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings. The Council House (Casa Sfatului) in the middle of the square now houses the Brașov History Museum.
– Strada Sforii (Rope Street) – one of the narrowest streets in Europe, only 111 cm (44 inches) wide built as a passageway for firefighters
Tampa Mountain – a great viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city from the Tâmpa Mountain peak (960m). There is a cable car from the city center to the peak.
– Catherine’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) – the only remaining medieval city gate built in 1559.
– White Tower & partially burned Black Tower – defensive medieval towers. The White Tower houses an exhibition.
– Saint Nicholas Church – a beautiful Orthodox church built in the 15th century.
– Romanian School Museum with an exhibition of the old Slavic manuscripts and the first books printed in Romanian.
Râșnov is a well-known Romania’s top ski resort famous for ski jumping events located 15 km south of Brașov. A very good place for winter sports and summer outdoor activities. On a hilltop well-preserved 13th-century citadel is located just outside the city center. There are direct regional trains from Brașov to Râșnov.
About 12 km from Râșnov is located Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), probably most famous castle in Romania, linked to the Dracula legend. The castle was built by Saxons in 1377. You can reach Bran by bus, but there are no railway tracks. Tickets are relatively expensive.
Sighisoara – a town of around twenty-five thousand inhabitants. One of the well-preserved medieval towns in Europe and one of my favourite towns. You can see cobbled streets, colorful houses and interesting tourist attractions. The town has a charming atmosphere.
Most important tourist attractions:
– The Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas) – built in the 14 century, now houses the History Museum. From the top of the tower you can admire panoramic views of the town.
– The Citadel (Sighișoara Fortress) – well-preserved medieval fortress.
– Vlad Dracul House – the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), now a restaurant.
– The Covered Staircase (Scara Acoperită) – a medieval wooden staircase to the church on the hill with 176 steps, built in 1642.
– Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal) – a Gothic-style church from the 14th century accessible via the covered staircase. It features beautiful frescoes.
– The Tailors’ Tower (Turnul Croitorilor) – one of the original fortress towers, dating back to the 15th century.
Medias – a small peaceful town between Sibiu and Sighisoara is often considered as a hidden gem of Romania. Founded in 1146 as a craftsman village.
Main tourist attractions:
– St. Margaret Church, a fortified church from the late 15th century with 70 meters tower.
– Remnants of medieval fortifications: Tailors’ Tower, Shoemakers’ Tower, and Blacksmiths’ Tower and defensive walls.
– The House of Han (Casa Hann); a well-preserved Saxon house from the 17th century.
– The Franciscan Church and Monastery (Biserica Franciscană); a Baroque-style church built in the 15th century with beautiful frescoes
– Schuller House (Casa Schuller); a historical merchant house from the 16th century, now houses a cultural center, exhibition space, and event hall.
Sibiu is a major cultural and tourist destination known for its historical architecture, local cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.
Main tourist attractions:
– The Large Square (Piața Mare) – the heart of the city surrounded by historic buildings.
– The Small Square (Piața Mică) – a picturesque medieval square lined with colorful houses, cafes, and restaurants.
– The Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor) – a legendary iron bridge from 1859, the oldest cast-iron bridge in Romania.Surrounded by myths—locals say it “creaks” when someone tells a lie while crossing.
The Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) – one of Sibiu’s most iconic landmarks, built in the 13th century. It offers panoramic views of the city.
– Brukenthal Palace & Museum – a stunning Baroque palace, home to Romania’s oldest museum with an impressive art collection.
– The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary – a massive Gothic church with a 73-meter-high bell tower. Worth visit for frescoes and a beautiful pipe organ. The tower is open for visitors.
– Astra Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization – one of the largest in Europe open-air museum (96 hectares) located 4 km from the city center.
– Passage of the Stairs (Pasajul Scărilor) – a medieval stone passageway connecting the Upper and Lower Towns.
– The Orthodox Cathedral (Holy Trinity Cathedral) – a stunning Orthodox church, inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul built in the early 20th century
– The Lower Town (Orașul de Jos) – a quieter part of Sibiu, full of colorful old houses, charming alleys, and local cafes.
Cluj-Napoca – a vibrant city known for its lively arts scene and sport events.
Main tourist attractions:
– Unirii Square (Piața Unirii) – the central square of Cluj-Napoca, surrounded by historic buildings.
– St. Michael’s Church, one of the tallest Gothic churches in Romania from 14th century with stunning frescoes.
– Banffy Palace & National Museum of Art – a Baroque-style palace built in the 18th century which houses Art Museum.
– Central Park (Parcul Central Simion Bărnuțiu) – a green oasis in the heart of the city
– Cetățuia Hill (Fortress Hill) – a great viewpoint with ruins of an Austrian fortress from the 18th century.
– Botanical Garden (Grădina Botanică Alexandru Borza) – one of the largest botanical gardens in Romania.
– Well-preserved medieval fortification from the 15th century.
– Hoia Forest (Pădurea Hoia-Baciu); known as the haunted forest
– National Ethnographic Park “Romulus Vuia”; an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life.
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