Local Places for a Day Trip
Some of the most fascinating and significant historical and cultural sites are conveniently close to Harvest House Transylvania
Our central location makes it easy for you to see and do things without rushing around.
​
Although we would love for you to spend your days with us, there's so many interesting things to do nearby that we encourage you to get out and explore the area. We can help you put together an itinerary to satisfy your curiosity of what this region of Transylvania has to offer.
​​
A sample of what's near by:
Alba Iulia Citadel
A star-shaped fortress, this is one of the most significant urban locations in all of Romania. See old Roman ruins, a 12th century church, statues honoring heroes, torture chambers, and an intricate tunnel system used to fend off attackers. It's a 45 minute drive through beautiful farmland.
Rimetea (Torockó)
This village has been occupied since Roman times, and is famous for it's architecture and iron ore history. Where the sun rises twice, most inhabitants are ethnic Hungarians and it's a wonderful place to walk, see the sites, and do a little trinket shopping. There are good restaurants here, and some of the best kurtos kalacs for dessert. About a 45 minute drive away.
Turda Salt Mine
This salt mine will blow you away. From a mine that has 16 echoes, to rowing in the subterranean lake, to walking through the vast chambers, this is truly an awe-inspiring experience, and not one to be missed. Only 30 minutes away.
Castle Ruin Hike
This is an active outing, walking through a wild flower filled meadow to a hilltop castle ruin with beautiful expansive views overlooking a picturesque village. Forty-five minutes away and includes a drive through Aiud (local wine cellar and fortified church are among the sites in this medium sized town).
Cheille Turzii
Seen from miles away, this notch in the mountains is a prefect day hike for those looking for a beautiful easy hike along a river. Nature abounds with all types of wildlife and wild flowers to search for. For the more ambitious, hike to the top of the mountain and enjoy the spectacular views. There's snacks, meals, and trinket buying at the trailhead. About 45 minute away.
Dacian Ruins
On the UNESCO heritage list since 1999, this fascinating site is one of 6 defense systems built in the 1st century to keep out the invading Romans. The fortresses once formed the nucleus of the Dacian Empire and represent a complex of citadels and settlements placed in a strategic manner and designed to form a strong defense. About a 2 hours away.
Ocna Mures Spa
Newly opened and an instant hit, this is a wonderful place to relax either inside or outside in medicinal waters of different temperatures, or take advantage of the many health spa services they provide. There's also workout rooms, quiet place to relax, as well as food and alcohol service. Only 10 minutes away.
Dumbrava Monastery
Beautiful gardens, a small zoo, a colorful monastery, an orthodox church, and some traditional wood buildings grace this special place. The kids will love it, and you'll enjoy the peaceful nature of the meandering pathways and secret gardens. About 20 minutes away.
Biertan Fortified Church
Biertan is part of the first German Saxon settlements in Transylvania. With 3 fortification walls, this settlement is located in a beautiful valley and presents itself spectacularly as you travel toward it from Medias. From the wood covered stairway, to the Gothic style church at the center of the fort, to a divorce "prison", you won't be disappointed. About 2 hours away and would be part of a Medias/Biertan/Sighisoara day trip.
Medias
Founded in 1146, this fortified town is one of the earliest settlements in Transylvania. The old town center is gorgeous and is one of the best preserved historical centers in Romania. There are good restaurants, shops, wine stores and a beautiful church to explore. About 1.5 hours away.
Sighisoara
This UNESCO fortified town is filled with cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, tower buildings, ornate churches and fun narrow streets to explore. It's also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impailer), who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional character "Count Dracula". Full of history and expansive views, it's a must see if you're in Transylvania. About 1.5 hours away.
Bran Castle
Although this is associated with Dracula (lots of Dracula paraphernalia near the entrance), and historically very loosely associated with Vlad the Impailer, it's still a sight to see and fun to explore. Full of history and beautiful furnishings, it's recommended that you arrive early to avoid the long lines and crowded passages. Best combined with Peles Castle. About a 3.5 hours away.
Campia Turzii/Luna AFB
Home of the Romanian Air Force 71st division, it hosts pilots from the Romanian Air Force, NATO pilots, as well as pilots from the U.S. Not open to visitors, the air base is close to Harvest House Transylvania which is a perfect place for friends and family to stay while visiting. About 15 minutes away.
Peles Castle
Constructed between 1873 and 1914 by King Carol 1, this amazing Neo-Renaissance castle miraculously survived pillaging during the Communist era. Spectacular wood work, inlayed furniture, incredible chandeliers, beautiful stained glass windows are just a few of the breathtaking items you'll see at this castle. Best to combine with the Bran Castle. About 4 hours away.
Sibiu
This well preserved fortified medieval town is known for it's Germanic architecture from 12th Century Saxon settlers, including the "hooded eye" roofs. Known for it's culture, history and restaurants, it's a favorite for tourists and locals alike. There are many very interesting things in the large square, including underground grain silos, and a number of very interesting museums. The ice cream is fabulous! About 1.5 hours away.
Sovata
The gateway to Szekely Land and the Szekely gates, Visited by European royalty, Sovata is best know for it's Austrian mountain style architecture and salt based therapeutic waters and spas. Bear Lake is a great place for outdoor swimming (there are thermal warm spots for your to find) and has nice trails that take you through a forest filled with wild life, mud baths, salt hills and multi colored small lakes. A great day trip to include with Korund and Praid. Also has the best kurtos kalacs in Transylvania! About a 1.5 hours away.
Praid Salt Mine
Have you ever heard of a medicinal salt mine? Preported to cure many different respiratory ailments, this mine is a must see. As patients need to spend hours a day for weeks, this mine has many different activities for people to do, including a ropes course, children's play area, a church, picnic tables and more. Perfect to include on your trip to Sovata and Corund. And, the village is full of small shops selling cooking and bathing salts. About 10 minutes from Sovata and on your way to Corund.
Corund
Corund is a perfect place to see traditional Hungarian and Romanian folk ceramics. The main road is full of small shops selling pottery, artwork, embroidery, rugs, wood work, paintings and knickknacks for souvenirs and gifts. About 15 minute drive from Praid.
Aiud
Historically significant for the slaughter of over 600 ethnic Hungarians in 1849, and the imprisonment of many dissidents during the communist era, Aiud has one of the oldest urban fortresses in Transylvania. It's also the gateway to the wine region of Transylvania, with a large winery in the basement of the Bethan Gabor Hungarian high school. It's also on your way to Rimetea. About 20 minutes away.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj is one of the most important cultural, academic and economic centers in Romania, housing many universities and Romanian company corporate headquarters. It's the place to go for night life, festivals, restaurants, the architecture, and anything you'd expect in a large city. There's also an international airport, which is the destination of choice for those entering and departing the Transylvanian region of Romania by air. About a 45 minutes away.
Viscri
Colonized by the Saxons in the 13th Century, Viscri hosts a fortified Evangelical church with many rooms to explore. Be sure to climb all the stairs to the top for spectacular views of the area. Viscri is a wonderful village to walk around and see the typical Saxon rural architecture. About a 40 minute beautiful rural drive from Sighisoara.
Rupea
The magnificent fortress of Rupea was an important strategic defensive point for the Saxon administration of southern Transylvania. By venturing to the top of the ruins, the 360 views are not only breathtaking, but also highlights its strategic location. And, in town, there's the best pizza in all of Transylvania! About 15 minute drive from Viscri.
Brașov
Brașov is the most cosmopolitan city in Romania. Great old town with wonderful restaurants, shopping and night life. East meets West. It's also a great place to spend a night or two, especially coming from Bucharest, or wanting more time enjoying Bran and Peles Castles. About 3.5 hours away.
Hunedoara Castle
One of the most important monuments of Gothic architecture in Romania, this castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world (top 10 fairytale locations in Europe). Although the last 30 minutes of the drive is rather boring and distressing (driving through the outskirts and town of Hunedoara), it's worth the trip if you tie it with Alba Iulia Citadel. About a 1.5 hours away.
Here are some things to do at Harvest House Transylvania:
The Transylvanian countryside has so many beautiful vistas. It's a feast for the eyes.