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.

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 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.

Video

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)

Video

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

It is hot, very hot, so here are our tips for cooling off a little in the Transylvania region:

# Piscina Baum, Dumbraveni (north of Sibiu) > https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZhwHcfA4NGzhWEyq8

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.

It is hot, very hot, so here are our tips for cooling off a little in the Transylvania region:

# Corabia Piraților / Beach Club Avrig > https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nu8L4RBSiPinvuUT9

Beach Club Avrig (Corabia Piraților), located opposite Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, about 25 km southeast of Sibiu, is the perfect solution for the hot summer. Open daily from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro/beach-club-avrig-ro
https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/beach-club-avrig

Simply relax by the pool, enjoy the palace garden and the restaurant opposite, and spend a day, a weekend, or an entire holiday there (with accommodation available at Brukenthal Palace or Villa Rosalia). The place is ideal for it 🥰

...it's starting shortly!! For anyone who is nearby, the event continues until about 11:30 PM / Midnight 🍻🍻😍🇷🇴

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/exdhMHFREhfHtc1u5

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 ( facebook.com/rene.benner.1 ) for sending these beautiful images. Thank you!

Starting on July 29 (Cluj-Napoca / Klausenburg) and July 30 (Cristian / Großau), the tour continues via Sibiu / Hermannstadt until August 2, with six concerts featuring organ and saxophone around the world—or, in this case, across Transylvania.

Exact dates, locations, and concert times are available at: https://www.orgel-saxophon.de/

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.

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).

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.

Daily from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM >> Corabia Piraților / Beach Club Avrig / Freck. Swimming fun very close to Sibiu / Hermannstadt in Transylvania.

Beach Club Avrig (Corabia Piraților), located opposite Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, about 25 km southeast of Sibiu, is the perfect solution for the hot summer.

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro/beach-club-avrig-ro
https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/beach-club-avrig

Simply relax by the pool, enjoy the palace garden with its restaurant (opposite), and spend a day, a weekend, or an entire holiday there. The place is ideal for it.

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.

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

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

Experience an unforgettable summer night under the open sky together with Transylvanian Saxons from all over the world, with dancing, a party, German hits, and much more!

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

This year again, the legendary ZORABIA – Transylvanian Night in White takes place as a major OPEN-AIR event near Hermannstadt (Sibiu).

Corabia Piraților / Beach Club Avrig / Freck. Swimming fun very close to Sibiu, in Transylvania. Daily from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

Beach Club Avrig (Corabia Piraților), located opposite Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, about 25 km southeast of Sibiu, is the perfect solution for the hot summer.

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro/beach-club-avrig-ro
https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/beach-club-avrig

Simply relax by the pool, enjoy the palace gardens and the restaurant opposite, and spend a day, a weekend, or even your entire holiday there. It is the perfect place for it.

Carta Monastery (Kerz in German) 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 cities of Sibiu and Făgăraș, and is currently an Evangelical Lutheran church.

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

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.

First of all, a beautiful and typically German word, "Dampflokomotivenmuseum" (in Romanian: Muzeul locomotivelor cu abur), but definitely a wonderful place here in Hermannstadt / Sibiu for all railway fans and those who want to become one.

The museum, inaugurated in 1994, includes about 40 locomotives, both standard gauge and narrow gauge, as well as snow plows and steam cranes. Seven of these locomotives are still operational today and can be admired and ridden during special trips or trains.

The Steam Locomotive Museum is located opposite the main train station in Sibiu (in German: Hermannstadt) and consists of the former roundhouse and the turntable of the railway line. The exhibited locomotives were built between 1885 and 1959 in Romania and other countries such as Germany (Henschel & Sohn, Borsig, Schwartzkopff) and the United States (Baldwin Locomotive Works).

Mr. Roland Schmid sent us these photos. Thank you, dear Roland, we didn’t know about it until now and it really is something special.

Restaurant, guesthouse, and recently expanded with its own swimming pool. Available for staying guests, as well as for those just passing by who are looking to cool off when it's hot. The pool is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

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

The town of Dumbraveni is located between Sighisoara and Medias, making it the ideal starting point for discovering the "treasures of Transylvania." Fortified churches, medieval castles, picturesque hiking trails, and unforgettable cultural events.

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

In addition, the house offers a breakfast room, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a SPA area, a fitness room, a children's Playground, and private parking.

And for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal, Bistroteca / Baum Restaurant is definitely the place to visit.

The Carpenters' Tower in Sibiu (German: Zimmermannsturm) was built in the 14th century by the Saxon carpenters' guild in Sibiu. The tower was part of the city's third fortification belt and is today the left tower of the preserved defensive and fortress wall. It is located on Citadel Street (Harteneckgasse, named after Mayor Johann Sachs von Harteneck).

The Potters' Tower (Romanian: Turnul Olarilor) was built in the 15th century by the Saxon potters' guild. It was also part of the city's third fortification belt and is located to the right of the preserved defensive and fortress wall.

Pictures: July 2023