We thank Mr. Frank Leun for the beautiful video.

The church / fortified church is located in the commune of Biertan (German: Birthälm, Hungarian: Berethalom) in Sibiu County, 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 arranged around a central square, above which the imposing fortified church rises. Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon episcopate (bishop’s seat of the Evangelical Church A.B.), which favored the development of one of the largest rural communities in Transylvania around this fortified church. It is a medieval and architectural treasure in Romania, definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful pictures, a bit different, from Sibiu (German: Hermannstadt) on St. Nicholas Day.

Thank you to the photographer Frank Leun (https://www.instagram.com/leun_naturfotografie) for sending these pictures. Thank you, Frank 😊

Even more beautiful and interesting pictures from Sibiu (German: Hermannstadt) on St. Nicholas Day.

Thank you to the photographer Frank Leun (https://www.instagram.com/leun_naturfotografie) for sending these pictures. Thank you, Frank!

Pictures from Hermannstadt (Sibiu), located in the historical region of Transylvania in the heart of Romania.

Discover more destinations in Romania and create your own travel plan > https://rotravel24.com

The old town and the fortress walls were built by Saxon settlers (the Transylvanian Saxons) in the 12th and 13th centuries and are still largely preserved in their original form today.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

Impressions from last autumn (October 2025) from Dumbraveni (in German: Elisabethstadt; in Saxon dialect: Eppeschdorf, in 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 is located on the banks of the Tarnava Mare River, about 20 km east of Medias. It lies on the Transylvanian Plateau, on the border with Mures County, halfway between Medias and Sighisoara / Schässburg.

Everywhere the Christmas markets have started, and many will remain open until Epiphany. Visit Romania and enjoy the beautiful, peaceful, and contemplative pre-Christmas season.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

Pictures: Christmas markets in Targu Mures, Timisoara, and Sibiu / Hermannstadt.

For all those who love German Schlager, have time on Saturday, and live in or are in Sibiu / Hermannstadt! Admission is free, but registration is required!

Spend a special evening with live music, a warm, cozy atmosphere, and an à la carte menu.

Date: Saturday, 29.11.2025
Time: 20:00–24:00 | Admission: from 18:30

📍 Location: Mentor Restaurant & Bar, Piata Mare No. 16, Sibiu / Hermannstadt

Reservations at 📞 +40 747 993 629 or info@heide-reisen.de

Many Christmas markets have already opened (Sibiu, Craiova, ...) and many are opening today, tomorrow, and on Sunday (e.g. Timisoara).

An overview with pictures and all information:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

The Christmas season is beginning—may it be peaceful, reflective, and positive for everyone.

Pictures from this year (Targu Mures) and previous years (Timisoara, Craiova) from various Christmas markets.

Beautiful pictures from Sibiu, in the heart of Transylvania, from the end of May 2023. A wonderful day to explore a wonderful city.

Plan your trip / holiday to Romania now with https://rotravel24.com and create your own travel plan with destinations, experiences, and more!

We thank Mr. Michel Tesmar for sending these pictures.

Many have already opened (Craiova, Sibiu / Hermannstadt, Alba Iulia, Cluj-Napoca, Predeal, Arad, and more) and many will start in the next few days (Brasov / Kronstadt, Bucharest, Oradea, ...).

An overview with all dates:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

Pictures: Christmas market in Targu Mures and Timisoara from last year

The Transalpina, or "The King's Way" as the road is also called, is usually open from the beginning of June (like the Transfagarasan) until the first heavy snowfall in autumn / early winter.

It connects the towns of Novaci in Gorj County and Sebes in Alba County. Over a length of 138 kilometers, this road crosses the Parang Mountains and reaches its highest point at the Urdele Pass.

We thank Mr. Andreas Hainbach for these beautiful pictures from his Romania tour at the end of July 2025 / beginning of August 2025. Many thanks 🥰

This 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 first German-Saxon settlements and was officially mentioned in documents in 1398 (other sources: 1402).

Like every Saxon settlement, it stands out with a row of houses surrounding a central square, above which rises the imposing fortified church. Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon episcopate (bishopric of the Evangelical Church A.C.), which favored the development of one of the largest peasant communities in Transylvania around this fortified church. It is a medieval and architectural treasure in Romania, definitely worth a visit.

We thank photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ) for allowing us to use these beautiful images.

Alongside Sibiu, the Christmas market in Craiova also opened this weekend. A sea of lights, an ice rink, and so much more... even Santa Claus couldn’t resist and took a ride with his sleigh 🦌🎅

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

The market is open until January 4, 2026. We thank Târgul de Crăciun Craiova for granting permission to use these pictures.

Brateiu (also Bratei; German: Pretai, Transylvanian Saxon: Pretai or Pretua, Hungarian: Barathely) is a commune in Sibiu County.

The village was founded by German settlers and was first mentioned in 1283 as Mons Mariae (Marienberg). The village experienced its heyday towards the end of the 18th century. After complaints to Emperor Joseph II about the poor condition of the fortified church, which was in danger of collapsing — as it was built on marshy ground — were successful, the commune was expanded towards Schäßburg, the natural course of the Kokel river was diverted, and the surrounding marsh was drained.

Pictures: middle October 2025

It all starts tomorrow! In Sibiu / Hermannstadt and also in Craiova, the first Christmas markets in Romania will begin on Friday, November 14, 2025.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

Pictures from previous years from both Christmas markets.

Between Schäßburg (Sighisoara) and Medias lies the town of Dumbrăveni, the ideal starting point to discover the “treasures of Transylvania.” Fortified churches, medieval castles, picturesque hiking trails and unforgettable cultural events.

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

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

The house also features a breakfast room, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a SPA area, a fitness room, a children's Playground and private parking.

And if you want a tasty meal, be sure to visit the Bistroteca / Restaurant Baum.

Fans of castles, fortresses, palaces, and everything related will get their money’s worth on a holiday in Romania 🥰

Hunedoara / Corvin Castle, Hunedoara County | Bran Castle / Törzburg, Brasov County | Peles and Pelisor Castles, Sinaia, Prahova County | Cantacuzino Castle, Busteni, Prahova County | Fortified church of Biertan / Birthälm, Sibiu County | Defensive walls of Sibiu / Hermannstadt | Rasnov / Rosenau Fortress, Brasov County | and many other places invite you to visit.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/ausflugsziele-reiseziele-rumaenien-burgen-schloesser/

Pictures from the last Christmas market 2024 in the center of Hermannstadt (Sibiu)... but soon, very soon, it will be that time again, the Christmas market in Sibiu will open as early as November 14 🥰

Overview of Christmas markets in Romania:
https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

We thank Mrs. Camelia Stefan and Mrs. Heide Göddert for sending these pictures. Thank you > https://heide-reisen.de

Do you know the Ice Hotel at Balea Lake? Not yet... then it’s time for a trip this coming winter 🥰

https://www.hotelofice.ro

The hotel is rebuilt every year (planned opening December 23, 2025) and simply melts away again in early summer 😅. Due to its location (at 2,034 meters, Fagaras Mountains, Sibiu County), cold and long winters are guaranteed, and besides the wonderful winter landscape, it is another highlight of this region.

Balea Lake can be reached by cable car / gondola (3.7 km, Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The starting point for the cable car is Balea Waterfall (Cabana Balea Cascada). The hotel usually opens in mid / late December and has a season of about 4 months (depending on the weather and winter conditions).

Pictures from one of the last "hotel seasons" from previous years.

Do you know the Ice Hotel at Balea Lake? Not yet... then it’s time for a trip this coming winter 🥰

https://www.hotelofice.ro

The hotel is rebuilt every year (planned opening December 23, 2025) and simply melts away again in early summer 😅. Due to its location (at 2,034 meters, Fagaras Mountains, Sibiu County), cold and long winters are guaranteed, and besides the wonderful winter landscape, it is another highlight of this region.

Balea Lake can be reached by cable car / gondola (3.7 km, Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The starting point for the cable car is Balea Waterfall (Cabana Balea Cascada). The hotel usually opens in mid / late December and has a season of about 4 months (depending on the weather and winter conditions).

Pictures from one of the last "hotel seasons" from previous years.

On the way from Timisoara to Sibiu or from Cluj Napoca to Sibiu (both on the highway), or of course also in the opposite direction, you should not miss a detour to Alba Iulia.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/en/uir/destinations-romania-alba-iulia/

In 10 days, the first Christmas markets in Romania will already open... Craiova, Hermannstadt / Sibiu, and certainly several more. We’ll keep an eye on things (the snow globe ☺️) and will regularly and comprehensively inform you about the most beautiful Christmas markets in Romania.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/weihnachtsmaerkte-in-rumaenien/

Pictures: Christmas markets in Hermannstadt / Sibiu, Bucharest, Targu Mures, and Timisoara from previous years.

Cârța Monastery (German: Kerz) is a former Cistercian (Benedictine) monastery in Transylvania, Romania.

It is located on the left bank of the Olt River, almost exactly halfway between the towns of Sibiu and Făgăraș, and today serves as an Evangelical Lutheran church.

The exact founding date of Cârța Monastery (Latin: monasterium beatae Mariae virginis in Candelis de Kerch) is unknown. A Konstanz document dated 17 April 1418, issued by Sigismund, King of Hungary, vaguely states that the monastery was founded, built and endowed with rights and privileges by its predecessors. Cistercian documents collected and analysed by Leopold Janauschek from the 13th–15th centuries mention the monastery’s founding around 1202–1203.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

On the way from Sibiu to Brașov lies the town of Făgăraș. At the end of the 12th century the town's fortress was only a wooden fortification, which was expanded into a stone fortress in the 14th century.

The fortress houses a museum, which—like the fortress itself—can be visited. Directly next to the fortress is the cathedral / church Sfantul Ioan Botezatorul.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

Peles Castle in Prahova County, the city of Sighisoara in Mures County, Corvin Castle in Hunedoara County, and the city of Sibiu (Hermannstadt).

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

The Holy Trinity Parish Church is a baroque Roman Catholic church in Sibiu ( Sibiu ).

It is located on the Great Square ( Large Market ) and forms a set of buildings with the former Jesuit residence. It is a wonderful church worth visiting!

Images: July 2023

The village of Großpold, in Romanian Apoldu de Sus, is located in the county of Sibiu and is one of the three so-called Landler villages in Transylvania.

The Landler were forced to leave their Austrian homeland in the 18th century due to their Protestant faith and settled mainly in three villages near Sibiu. They have preserved their language and traditional costumes to this day. In Großpold, the typical architecture of the houses has largely been preserved. The two other Landler villages are Neppendorf, in Romanian Turnisor, today incorporated into Sibiu, and Großau, in Romanian Cristian.

We would like to thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending us these beautiful pictures and the corresponding text/explanation.

Only about 150 meters southeast of the Great Square (Piata Mare), right in the center of Sibiu / Hermannstadt, you will find Pardon Cafe Bar & Restaurant with its beautiful outdoor terrace.

Pardon Cafe Bar & Restaurant | https://pardoncafesibiu.ro

The restaurant offers a wide variety of European, Romanian, and also local dishes of the region.

We thank Mrs. Meli Döring for granting permission to use these pictures (August 2025). Thank you 😊

Beautiful in every season, by day and by night ... Hermannstadt / Sibiu / Nagyszeben in Transylvania.

The old town and the city's fortification walls were built by Saxon settlers (the Transylvanian Saxons) in the 12th and 13th centuries and are still preserved today in many of their original features.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).