The first major Christmas markets in Romania are about to open, and the cities of Craiova and Sibiu (Hermannstadt) are among the first to join.

The Craiova Christmas market in 2023 offered over two million lights, a Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, a carousel, and many traditional products. This year, the markets are expected to offer visitors an enchanting Christmas atmosphere 🎄🥰

Overview of Christmas markets in Romania:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/en/uir/christmas-markets-romania/

Craiova is the capital of Dolj County in the historic region of Oltenia.

We thank Târgul de Crăciun Craiova for allowing us to use these beautiful images.

The church is located in the municipality of Biertan ( in German Birthälm, in Hungarian Berethalom ) in the district of Sibiu in Transylvania. Biertan is part of the first German-Saxon settlements and was already mentioned in 1398 ( other sources: 1402 ).

Like any Saxon settlement, it stands out with a series of villages, which rises around a central square above which the imposing church fortress. Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon Diocese ( Bishop of the Evangelical Church of A.B. ), which favored the construction of one of the largest peasant communities in Transylvania, around this fortified church. It is a medieval and architectural treasure in Romania, which is definitely worth visiting.

A small selection of cities, places and destinations that you should definitely visit when traveling through Romania.

More: https://xn--willkommen-in-rumnien-m2b.de/ | https://welcome-to-romania.com

City of Sighisoara in Mures County | Barsana Monastery in Maramures County | Corvin / Hunedoara Castle in Hunedoara County | City of Sibiu in Sibiu County | Bran Castle in Brasov County | Peles Castle in Prahova County | Putna Monastery in Suceava County | the Black Sea and its beaches | the Carpathian Mountains, nature and sooooo much more

Beautiful pictures of the botanical garden "I Giardini di Zoe" from March 2024.

The garden, also known as Banpotoc Garden, is located east of the city of Deva (in German Diemrich), on the left side of the A1 motorway (heading towards Sibiu), in the Banpotoc village of Harau commune.

We thank Go Hunedoara for granting permission to use these images.

The church / fortified church is located in the municipality of Biertan (Biertan in German, Berethalom in Hungarian) in the county of Sibiu in Transylvania.

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

Like every Saxon settlement, it stands out for its row of houses around a central square, above which rises the imposing church fortress. Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon episcopate (episcopal see of the Evangelical Church of A.B.), which favored the construction of one of the largest farming communities in Transylvania around this fortified church. It is a medieval and architectural treasure in Romania, which is definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful pictures by photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ), thank you for the permission to use / show them.

A small village (Mergeln / Merghindeal) in the historical region of Transylvania, photographed in mid-May 2022. Beautiful.

We thank the photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for granting permission to use these images.

In some cities, it’s only six weeks until the first Christmas markets begin. Snow has already arrived (Lake Bâlea, Transfăgărășan, Transalpina), and we hope for a peaceful and reflective time to come, despite all the unsettling events currently affecting our world.

Below are the upcoming dates for a selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Romania, with images from previous years (please click on the image).

Craiova | Nov. 15, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
Sibiu | Nov. 15, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
Cluj-Napoca | Nov. 22, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025
Timișoara | Nov. 24, 2024 - Jan. 6, 2025
Oradea | Nov. 29, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025
Brașov | Nov. 30, 2024 - Jan. 7, 2025
Bucharest | Nov. 29, 2024 - Dec. 26, 2024
Piatra Neamț | Dec. 1, 2024 - Jan. 8, 2025

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/en/uir/christmas-markets-romania/

Visit the website of the "Network of German-speaking Hosts" to find plenty of information and contact details for the approximately 100 members and their various offers throughout Romania: https://dsg-ru.de

Examples / Images: Restaurant "La Fritz," Făgăraș, Brașov County | Horseback Riding with Hipparion Trails, Harghita County | Hotel Cabana Vânătorilor, Brașov County | Casa Wagner, Brașov | Greenhouse Pension, Sibiu | Wolkendorf Bio Hotel Spa & Conference, Brașov County | Bistro Poarta Schei No. 4, Brașov | Domeniul Cerbilor Chalets, Suceava County | Casa Schmidt Pension, Brașov County, and many, many more ...

On the road from Sibiu (Hermannstadt) to Brașov (Kronstadt) is the town of Făgăraș (in German Fogarasch or Fugreschmarkt).

Thanks to Mr Florian van der Bell for this photo (taken on 07 August 2022).

The Museum of Traditional Folk Culture in Sibiu (in German, Hermannstadt) is one of the largest open-air museums in Romania.

Located just south of Sibiu (in German, Hermannstadt), the museum is in the “Dumbrava Sibiului” forest, along the road connecting Sibiu and Rășinari, about three (3) kilometers from the city.

It features installations of traditional, pre-industrial Romanian folk civilization. Houses, workshops, and building complexes are scattered around a lake, among the trees of Dumbrava Sibiului.

We thank Ms. Farkas Ildiko (https://www.facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75) for the permission to use these images.

Enjoy fine Romanian wines together, surrounded by the beauty of Brukenthal Palace gardens, now dressed in enchanting autumn colors. A relaxing weekend in the fresh air, with strolls between layers of golden leaves and, of course, wine tasting carefully paired with delicious culinary dishes.

This coming weekend:

Exceptional Romanian wine tasting
Special dishes: perfectly roasted ram and pork
Fresh must for those who prefer a non-alcoholic alternative
Picturesque gardens, ideal for autumn photos
☀️ The Weather? Perfect! The forecast promises clear skies and ideal temperatures for a relaxed outdoor meal. The atmosphere will be filled with the smell of grilled delicacies and the taste of wine while you enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

🔔 Limited seats | Book now and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Brukenthal Palace!
📞 Info & Reservations: +40 (0)726 234 417
📧 office@palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro
🌐 https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro (also available in German and English)

Sometimes everything is upside down in life, here in Brambura Park in Avrig (Freck in German) this is the norm. An experience for children, families and every visitor.

Pictures of Brambura Park from mid-May 2024 in Avrig (approx. 25 km south-east of Sibiu), the adventure park for everyone > https://brambura-park.ro/

The Alba Carolina Citadel in Alba Iulia (Karlsburg) was built between 1715 and 1738 under the rule of Emperor Charles VI as a fortification with seven bastions.

It served the Habsburgs as a strategic defense point along the military border with the Ottoman Empire. Alba Iulia is located near the highway on the route to or from Sibiu (Hermannstadt). A visit is definitely worthwhile.

We thank photographer Rene Benner (René Benner) for sending these beautiful images. Thank you!

Alma Vii (in German Almen) is a village in Sibiu County in Transylvania and definitely deserves a visit!

The village is part of the municipality of Mosna and is also known under the old Romanian names Alma Saşe and Alma Intre Vii, as well as in Hungarian such as Almad, Szaszalmas, Nemet-Almas and Almas.

Information about the fortified church can be found here:
https://kirchenburgen.org/location/almen-alma-vii/

We thank Vlad the Impaler - Dracula for the permission to use these images.

Images from July 2023 of the currently closed Clay Castle. It is located about 40 km from Sibiu (towards Brașov) in the village of Porumbacu de Sus.

Current information suggests that the place will reopen next year; you can find updates here: https://valeazanelor.ro

Construction began in 2014, and by the summer of this year, the "Clay Castle," which looks like it was built for hobbits, was admired by hundreds of visitors daily.