Visit the Saxon villages from Transylvania with our Rural Transylvania Tour
The centuries-old legacy of the German communities is a major attraction of Transylvania, Romania’s most famous destination. If you’re looking to discover more about this rich cultural heritage, it’s best to start with the Saxon villages from Transylvania, founded by the medieval German colonists who settled in the region to defend the borders in exchange for rights and liberties.
This way you’ll get to discover traditional houses, visit the fortified churches and, in a nutshell, explore a world of traditions, kept alive by a determined group of locals and organizations.
Malancrav Village
Read also Top Things to Do in Transylvania for the Curious Travelers.
1. Viscri
Location: Viscri, Brasov County
The most famous village on our list, Viscri is the best start for your rural journey. It’s so beautiful that even the bumpy road will be worth it. In fact, the slower you drive, the more time you have to admire the rolling hills that surround the village that Prince Charles often visits. His interest, presence, and support have been fundamental, alongside the work of the Foundation Mihai Eminescu Trust, to save the cultural patrimony of Viscri.
Viscri Village
Besides the 12th-century fortified church, included in the UNESCO Heritage Sites, you can admire the typical houses, some of the best-preserved in Transylvania, and visit the local artisans. If you plan your walk around sunset, it’s even better. This is the time when a funny mix of ducks, goats, and cows find their way back home.
2. Malancrav
Location: Malancrav, Sibiu County
More isolated, but a definite must, Malancrav or Malemkref is today the village with the largest German ethnic population in the region. It’s also one of the most beautiful villages in Transylvania.
Take one day to explore the village as you have plenty to do. Visit local artisans, observe local life, admire the Apafi Mansion and the fortified church. Be sure to step inside to see the largest Gothic pre-Reformation fresco in Transylvania.
The fortified church, Malancrav Village
3. Copsa Mare
Location: Copsa Mare, Sibiu County
Less known, but only 2 km from Biertan and its great fortified church, Copsa Mare dates from the 13th century. Its remoteness helped conserve most of its traditional structure, with wide streets and solid houses, you can admire today.
Visit the large 14th-century fortified church, equipped hundreds of years ago with firing holes and defensive towers. For a complete experience, stay for the night in one of the guest houses of the Bassetti family who has done wonders to save their authenticity.
Copsa Mare Village
4. Crit
Location: Crit, Brasov County
Just a few kilometers by bike from Viscri, Crit will greet you with its old facades, dusty road, colorful windows, and an entire world of rural authenticity.
First mentioned in 1322, the village seems from another time even today. The main street of the village, declared a historical monument, will take you to the 19th-century church, built on the location of a disappeared medieval fortification. The enclosure walls and the original towers are only partly conserved but well enough to let your imagination recreate the atmosphere of a medieval village when the church was the last refuge in face of enemy attacks.
House in Crit Village
5. Cisnadioara
Location: Cisnadioara, Sibiu County
At first, you wouldn’t think Cisnadioara is a village. Its paved streets and car traffic would have you believe you’re in the suburbs. In a way, this is true as it’s located only a few kilometers from Sibiu. Still, Cisnadioara remains one of the most beautiful modern versions of the Saxon villages from Transylvania.
The main attraction is the 13th-century Romanesque basilica that dominates the village from the highest hill. Surrounded by defensive walls, the monument has splendid stone-carved portals and conveys such an overwhelming feeling of peace that you’ll find it hard to leave. You can also visit the 18th century Evangelical Church and the Ethnographic Museum.
Cisnadioara Evangelical Church
These are just five of the Saxon villages from Transylvania you should definitely visit. The list is much longer, but traveling from one to another you’ll reach even more off the beaten track communities, with their own fortified churches and traditions that hopefully will survive in the years to come.