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The area around Sibiu, Brasov and Sighisoara is well known for its picturesque landscapes and medieval towns and villages. Since the end of medieval times groups of colonists from north-west Europe were invited by Hungarian kings to start their new lives in the fertile valleys of the lands in the corner of the Carpathian mountains, as Christian faith keepers against the raids of barbarian tribes and Muslims and as farmers and city builders.
The first city to be erected by mainly Flemish folk was Hermannstadt, Sibiu. Soon followed other smaller towns in the area. The Teutonic knights and Hospitallers (mainly Germans from the Rhine-area) who defended Jerusalem and later Acre in Palestina against the Muslims got hold of the area nowadays called Kronstadt or Brasov after their defeat in the middle east. They only stayed for a couple of decades, but built some remarkable fortresses and towns which are still to be visited in this beautiful area. Soon other cities, such as Schassburg, Sighisoara were built on strategic points alongside rivers and valleys in the heart of Siebenburgen, Transylvania. Although the greater cities were built by these so called Saxons from north west Europe, there had always been an ethnic mix of peoples in these regions. In the northern parts there are living mainly Hungarians, and throughout whole Transylvania you can find Romanians.
In the late twentieth century the peoples who build and dominated the villages and towns, the Saxons, almost all left this country due to economic, political and socio-geographical changes. Only smaller remnants of a once flourishing culture survived in the area over 800 years. In the meantime new colonists, Romanians and Roma (Gypsies) started to live in the deserted villages and are working together with the Saxons in finding ways to make a future in the fairytale-like beauty of rural Transylvania. This land with the weight of centuries of culture combines the best of rural sceneries that has been lost in the rest of Europe with great architecture, hundreds of fortified churches, castles and farms in small forested valleys with the great Carpathian mountains never far away. Here are still animals living that are distinct in most parts of Europe. The chances are small, but there is a possibility of seeing brown bear, red dear or hear wolves at night. For sure we will see roe deer, foxes and a rich bird life. The flora of this region is unique in its richness and beauty, the meadows and hill are overgrown with rare flowers especially in may, june and july.
With our tour you will see the beauty of rural Transylvania. Highlights such as Sighisoara, Brasov and Bran can easily be visited on your own, but with us you’ll discover the small, tiny pearls hidden far away from the main roads and cities. Around every corner where we bring you, there might be a surprise waiting. You will see and experience the countryside of this great area and make part of it while visiting locals in their yards and farms, meet shepherds and enjoy a nice campfire.
Feel free, welcome and happy while enjoying us on our tours with our Romanian four-wheel drive, the ARO. Together we’ll make an unforgettable trip!
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