The “Bridge of Lies” is one of the most famous landmarks of Sibiu. Manufactured in 1859* at Friedrichshütte in Hesse, it was the first cast-iron bridge in all of Romania (and the second in all of Europe).

There are many legends about its name, but since it was also the first bridge that did not stand on pillars, it was initially called the “lying bridge” (Liegebrücke)… and from there it wasn’t far to the name “Bridge of Lies”... 😅😊

* Information: In 1859, Sibiu, like the region of Transylvania, was part of the Austrian Empire (from 1867 then part of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy)

Pictures: July 2023

Restaurant, guesthouse, and, recently, also with its own pool. It is available for guests, but also for anyone who simply wants to stop by when it is hot and is looking for some refreshment. The pool is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

https://pensionkokel.ro | https://bistrotecabaum.ro

Located between Sighisoara (Schässburg) and Medias, the town of Dumbraveni is the ideal starting point for discovering the “treasures of Transylvania”: fortified churches, medieval castles, picturesque hiking trails, and cultural events that remain unforgettable.

At the Kokel Guesthouse, you will find a true oasis of Transylvanian tranquillity and the warmth of a family atmosphere, where traditional charm blends harmoniously with modern comfort. The guesthouse has 12 luxurious rooms, lovingly furnished for comfort and relaxation—perfect for guests seeking peace and privacy in an elegant setting.

The property also offers a breakfast room, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a SPA area, a fitness room, a children’s Playground, and private parking.

And anyone who would like to enjoy a delicious meal should definitely visit the Bistroteca / Baum Restaurant.

The old town / city centre in current pictures from August 2026. Hermannstadt (Sibiu in Romanian, Nagyszeben in Hungarian, and Hermestatt in Transylvanian Saxon) is the county capital of Sibiu County in the historic region of Transylvania.

The first German settlers probably arrived in the area in 1147. The first documented mention of the town dates back to 1191. The Latin name "Villa Hermanni" is recorded from 1223, and the German equivalent Hermannstorf from 1241.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (early / mid-August 2026).

Visit the historic park, the restaurant, or spend your holiday at Brukenthal Palace in Avrig (German name: Freck), just a few kilometres east of Sibiu / Hermannstadt in beautiful Transylvania.

Find out more: https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro (D / EN / RO)

The restaurant (open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM) offers dishes of the highest quality, prepared with local and regional ingredients and accompanied by wines from Sibiu County – Crama Apoldium.

Visit the palace park, the orangery and / or spend time in the historic café of Brukenthal Palace.

Autumn impressions from Dumbraveni (German: Elisabethstadt; Saxon dialect: Eppeschdorf, Hungarian: Erzsébetváros), a town in the north of Sibiu County.

You can find good accommodation and delicious regional specialties here:
https://pensionkokel.ro | https://bistrotecabaum.ro

The town lies on the banks of the Tarnava Mare river and is located about 20 km east of the city of Medias. It is situated on the Transylvanian Plateau, on the border with Mures County, halfway between Medias and Sighisoara / Schässburg.

The tuberose* is a strongly scented bulbous plant from the agave subfamily. In Transylvania, the village of Hoghilag (in German Hockendorf) in Sibiu County is particularly famous as the "home of the tuberoses." The cultivation of these fragrant flowers dates back to the Transylvanian Saxons.

Every year in August, during the flowering season, the Tuberose Festival takes place in Hoghilag. A market and various activities are held within the evangelical fortified church and its surroundings. Additionally, the residents open their gardens to offer visitors the chance to admire them.

* The tuberose (Agave amica, syn. Polianthes tuberosa) is a plant species from the agave subfamily (Agavoideae) and, despite the name, is actually part of the asparagus family. Originally from Mexico, it is known for its strongly and intensely scented whitish flowers, which are often used in perfumery. (Text: Wikipedia)

Alongside the Transalpina, the Transfagarasan is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Romania (Sibiu County), usually open from mid-June (therefore also currently) until October.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de | https://welcome-to-romania.com

In summer / during the summer holidays, and especially at weekends, it can be a little crowded 😅, as it is a cool excursion destination at over 2,000 metres, particularly when temperatures are high in the valley.

We thank Mr. Dietmar Parakenings for sending these pictures from the end of July 2026.

The series of events continues! Following the wonderful and well-attended Beer Festival last weekend, the Summer Ball featuring the German-speaking Combo Band will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, August 5) in the fortified church in Kleinschelken / Seica Mica (Sibiu County, approx. 40 km north of Sibiu / Hermannstadt).

Simply stop by (from 7:00 PM), join the celebration, and enjoy the evening 🥰

The village and fortified church in Transylvania, Sibiu County.

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The church / fortified church is located in the commune of Biertan (in German Birthälm, in Hungarian Berethalom) in Sibiu County, Transylvania.

Biertan is part of the early German-Saxon settlements and was already mentioned in documents in 1398 (other sources say 1402).

Pictures: early August 2026

View from the church tower of the fortified church

Transylvanian Night in White, Zorabia (Sibiu / Hermannstadt), yesterday evening (August 2)

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A cool half-litre of beer for 10 lei (approx. €1.95), delicious food, German music (Schlager, folk songs, and a little “disco”), and lots and lots of good cheer... that was on offer yesterday evening / last night at the first Beer Festival in Kleinschelken / Șeica Mică, Sibiu County.

Many, many Transylvanian Saxons, as well as local residents, attended the festival. German seemed to be spoken more often than Romanian, and the inner courtyard of the fortified church proved to be the perfect venue 🥰

Tickets available at the door (€35 / adult), entry from 6:30 PM, Transylvanian Night in White with German hits, a drone show, and more! All details in the link (simply click on the image or the text below).

https://www.heide-reisen.de/events/zorabia-2026

Kleinschelken (in Romanian Seica Mica, in Hungarian Kissely) is a commune in Sibiu County, in the historic region of Transylvania. It consists of the main village of Kleinschelken and the village of Sorostin (in German Schorsten).

The fortified church of Kleinschelken is actually a Gothic complex dating from the 14th century, which was gradually developed into a fortified church by the Transylvanian Saxons. The church is impressive with its three-aisled pillar basilica, fortified bell tower, and distinctive well courtyard.

Around 1280, the first settlement was founded in the middle of the ridge between Kleinschelken and Kleinkopisch. In 1318, the name “Kleinschelken” was first mentioned in a document. In 1494, Kleinschelken became a market town, and in 1576 it was granted the right to exercise capital jurisdiction by the voivode of Transylvania.

Pictures: early August 2026