No plans yet for Christmas and/or New Year's Eve? Spend your time at Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, Sibiu County.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere, celebrate with friends, and take advantage of the many excursion options in the region (e.g.: Balea Lake, Brambura Family Park with ice rink, Christmas market in Sibiu / Hermannstadt, and much more ...)

All information / offers can be found at:
https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro | https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com (German, English)

Pictures from Medias today (17.12.25), Christmas spirit but no snow. We thank our dear Roland for these pictures 🥰

Medias (German: Mediasch, Hungarian: Medgyes, and in Saxon: Medwesch, Medves, or Meddesch) is a city/municipality in Sibiu County in Transylvania. It consists of the city of Medias and the village of Ighisu Nou (German: Sächsisch-Eibesdorf) and has about 55,000 inhabitants. After Sibiu, Medias is the second largest and most populous city in Sibiu County.

In Roman times, there was a Roman fortress called "Media" on the territory of today's city. Later, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Hungarian kings settled German and Western European colonists, the so-called Transylvanian Saxons, in this area of Medias.

The old town / city center of Sibiu in recent pictures from April 12 and 13, 2025. Hermannstadt (Romanian: Sibiu, Hungarian: Nagyszeben, and Transylvanian Saxon: Hermestatt) is the county seat of the county of the same name in the historical region of Transylvania.

It is believed that the first German settlers arrived in the area in 1147. The first documentary mention of the city dates from 1191. From 1223 the Latin name "Villa Hermanni" is attested, and from 1241 the German equivalent Hermannstorf.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending the pictures and for granting permission to use them.

Mediaș (in German Mediasch, in Hungarian Medgyes, and in Saxon dialect Medwesch, Medves, or Meddesch) is a town (and municipality, explanation below) in Sibiu County, Transylvania.

The town of Mediaș also includes the village of Ighișu Nou (German: Sächsisch-Eibesdorf) and has a population of approximately 35,000 to 55,000 inhabitants. After Sibiu, Mediaș is the second-largest and most populous city in Sibiu County.

In Roman times, a fortress named "Media" was located on the present-day site of the city. Later, in the 12th to 13th centuries, Hungarian kings settled German and Western European colonists in this area, known as the Transylvanian Saxons.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful and recent pictures.

Explore the heart of Transylvania: Sibiu, Transfagarasan, Kerz Monastery, Sighisoara, and of course Brukenthal Palace in Avrig in winter, spring, and/or summer.

Four (4) days following the Historic Cafés Route in Transylvania, including accommodation/breakfast, your own rental car, and a city tour in Sibiu / Hermannstadt from 279 euros per person (price depends on travel period, in a double room, according to further information from the tour operator).

Provider: DRS Reisen GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
Travel dates: From September 2025 until autumn 2026 possible
More information at:
https://drs-reisen.de/.../auf-der-historischen-cafes.../

Sibiu / Hermannstadt | Kerz Monastery | Sighisoara / Schässburg | Brambura Family Park | Transfagarasan and much more ...

Spend a (short) winter holiday at Brukenthal Palace in Avrig. Enjoy your time in the palace’s historic café, visit the on-site glass museum, and take your family to Brambura Family Park (also in Avrig), which will offer an ice rink starting December 13th.

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro | https://brambura-park.ro

Avrig is centrally located for a trip to the Christmas market in Sibiu / Hermannstadt and/or to Schässburg / Sighisoara. Visit Balea Lake in winter (accessible by cable car), the Kerz Monastery, and the Fagaras fortress/museum. Even places like Bran Castle ("Dracula's Home") and Brasov / Kronstadt can easily be reached and visited on a day trip.

Brambura Park | Upside down... or maybe not!? Sometimes everything is upside down in life, and here at Brambura Park in Avrig (German: Freck), that's the norm. An experience for children, families, and every visitor.

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.

Current pictures just now... from our dear Roland and from today’s flea market in Medias, Sibiu County. And also of his favorite dish... mici, freshly served with mustard and bread on a plate 😊 Thank you, Roland 👍

Mici are a typical Romanian national dish, and you can also find a typical Hungarian dessert in the pictures / at the flea market... Kürtőskalács, which in Germany would probably be called Baumkuchen.

On the way from Sibiu to Brasov lies the city of Fagaras. At the end of the 12th century, the city’s castle was only a wooden fortress, which was expanded into a stone fortress in the 14th century.

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

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from the end of September 2025.

Cisnadie (German: Heltau, Transylvanian Saxon: De Hielt, Hungarian: Nagydisznod) is a town in Sibiu County in the historical region of Transylvania. The town is located about 10 km southwest of Sibiu (Hermannstadt) at the foot of the Southern Carpathians. Two small streams flow through the town: Paraul Argintului (Silberbach) and Paraul Ursului (Bärenbach).

Heltau was first mentioned in documents in 1204, founded by Germans (Transylvanian Saxons), and for centuries was mainly inhabited by Saxons. In 1425, Heltau received the first tower clock in Transylvania. In 1500, on the occasion of a visit by King Wladislaus II, the town was granted market rights.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from the end of September 2025.

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.