10 Day Trips from Brasov You Should Take to Uncover Transylvania

Brasov is one of the best destinations in Romania if you’re planning to discover more of Transylvania. Thanks to its excellent location, you can easily take day tours from Brasov to explore some of the region’s best landmarks. This beautiful city is a short drive away from the fascinating landscapes, whether it’s the breathtaking Carpathians or the centuries-old fortified churches.

Continue reading our guide to the best day trips from Brasov you should take.

1. Brasov day tour to to Viscri

The most famous of all the fortified churches from the UNESCO Heritage Sites is less than two hours by car. A symbol of the Saxons of Transylvania’s cultural heritage, this splendid white church is also one of the oldest in the region. In Viscri, the traditional architecture, the craftsmen, the hand-made souvenirs, and the slow pace of life create one of the most authentic rural experiences in Romania.

Houses from Viscri

You’ll find plenty of things to do if you want to spend an entire day in the village. You can eat homemade meals from local ingredients,  visit local artisans, cycle and walk around, or you can simply relax ages away from your busy life.

As Viscri is no longer an off-the-beaten-track destination, avoid the summer weekends.

Make the best of your time and opt for guided day trips from Brasov.

We selected tours with excellent quality and free cancellation for your peace of mind.

2. Take a day trip from Brasov to Sighisoara

Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, is next on our list. One of the popular day trips from Brasov, Sighisoara is two hours away by car, but you can also take a direct train.

A UNESCO Heritage Site, Sighisoara is one of the seven medieval citadels founded by the German colonists. A rich and free commercial town, Sighisoara had to defend itself against devastating Ottoman and Mongol attacks. The best solution was to fortify the town with strong walls, towers, and bastions that each guild maintained during peace and protected during attacks.

The Clock Tower, Sighisoara

Most towers and parts of the fortification walls still exist, offering an unparalleled image of life in a medieval town. The Church on the Hill, the Dominican Monastery, and the Evangelical Cemetery complete the list of must-see attractions.

3. Hike in Piatra Craiului Mountains

If you want to spend one day in nature, take a hike in Piatra Craiului National Park. Many hiking trails start in Zarnesti, a small city less than one hour by car or train. Plan your hike depending on the weather, and always consider your hiking equipment and experience.

Piatra Craiului Mountains

From easy hikes to Magura village or Curmatura Hut to more challenging trails above 2,000 meters, Piatra Craiului is our preferred choice for a hiking day trip from Brasov.

Check the detailed trails on Muntii Nostri.

4. Visit the Bear Sanctuary from Zarnesti

If you travel by car, don’t miss the Bear Sanctuary from Zarnesti. The largest brown bear sanctuary in the world, this is a haven for bears saved from cruel captivity conditions. Book your ticket online in advance as there is a limited number of visitors allowed each day.

5. Visit the fortified churches

If Viscri is too far away or you’d like to visit more fortified churches, Brasov is the best place to start. The sites from Prejmer and Harman are less than one hour away, by train or car. These excellent conserved landmarks offer a great visitor experience. You can step on the wall walks, climb up the towers, admire one of the oldest altars in Transylvania, and see for yourself the rooms used during sieges.

Cincsor Fortified Church

Consider also a trip to Cincu and Cincsor, halfway between Brasov and Sibiu. While the fortified church from Cincsor is now a museum, Cincu is a more off-the-beaten-track destination. It conserves an impressive 13th-century Romanesque basilica, one of the largest in Transylvania.

6. Brasov day tours to the medieval fortresses

The medieval fortresses of Transylvania once defended this region against Ottoman attacks. Most sites were destroyed, while others survived sieges, earthquakes, fires, and ruin. Luckily, you can visit the most famous fortresses during your day trips from Brasov.

Rasnov Fortress, view from the Old Town

Start with Rasnov and Bran, both built in the 14th century by the German colonists. Continue with Rupea, the snail-shaped fortress that rises on an abrupt basalt rock halfway between Brasov and Sighisoara. If you have enough time, drive to Saschiz and walk uphill to the ruins of the 14th-century fortress that defended the village hundreds of years ago.

Visit all these sites with our day tour Medieval Fortresses of Transylvania.

7. Take a day trip to Sibiu

Sibiu is one of the oldest cities in Transylvania, founded like Brasov by the German colonists. Its central squares date from the medieval ages and are a must-see along with the magnificent Evangelical Church.

You’ll reach Sibiu in two hours by car and around three hours by train. Start your day as early as possible to make the most of your time in lovely Sibiu.

8. Drive on the Transfagarasan

You’ve probably heard of the high-altitude Transfagrasan road. This is one of the best-known images of Romania and a major construction project of the past communist regime. While a day tour from Brasov to the Transfagrasan can take even 12 hours on summer days, this is the easiest way to see up close the Fagaras Mountains.

9. Visit Sinaia and Peles Castle

If you’ve missed a visit to Peles on your way from Bucharest to Brasov, don’t worry. The royal castle is one hour away by car and less by train. In fact, this is the best option as the traffic can cause significant delays by car.

Take your time to walk around Sinaia, the most beautiful mountain resort from the Southern Carpathians. The beautiful 19th-century chalets and the winding streets invite you to take long walks in the cool mountain air. You can even take short hikes from Peles Castle or the cable car to the alpine plateau.

You have enough train connections to spend the entire day in Sinaia and do some more sightseeing. Check the timetable on mersultrenurilor.infofer.ro

10. Take your kids to Dino Park

Dino Park is a favorite family destination and for good reason. Set in Rasnov, this dinosaur-themed amusement park is the best way to keep your kids happy after carrying them around Brasov. Let’s face it, kids need to play even if you’d rather hike or tour the fortresses.

Check the visiting schedule on dinoparc.ro.

Brasov offers many great options to travel around Transylvania. Spend at least three nights in the city and take as many day trips from Brasov as you can for a memorable vacation.

Where to stay in Brasov

Book in advance your stay in Brasov to grab the best deals. We warmly recommend Villa Katharina, Casa Rozelor, The Pines Boutique Villa, Bella Muzica, and Antler.