• The Old Fortified Church In Saschiz

    The Old Fortified Church In Saschiz

    The historic and charming commune of Saschiz is located in the heart of the historical region of Transylvania, Romania. This place is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Saschiz is a perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and authentic experience in Romania.

    Where is Saschiz located?

    The commune is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city of Sighisoara. In order to reach Saschiz, from Sighisoara you will have to drive on the E60 road towards Brasov.

    The Evangelical Fortified Church

    The village of Saschiz dates back to the Middle Ages and has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its well-preserved architecture. The most notable of these is the old Evangelical Fortified Church, which was built in the late 14th century. One interesting thing about the Evangelical church tower, it looks almost the same as the famous Clock Tower from Sighisoara.

    Today, the fortified church is well-preserved and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its rich history and stunning medieval architecture.

    The fortified church from Saschiz in winter.
    The Clock Tower in Saschiz.
    The church behind the defense tower.
    The church next to the Clock Tower.

    Traditional Transylvanian houses

    Traditional Transylvanian houses are a unique and charming architectural representation of the region’s rich history and cultural diversity. Transylvania, a historical region in central Romania, is famous for its picturesque landscapes and a heritage deeply influenced by various ethnic groups, including Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons, and Romani communities

    Old traditional Saxon houses in winter.
    A street in the village with traditional houses.

    The Peasant Fortress

    Beside the Evangelical fortified church, you will find another hidden gem is this commune. That is actually the ruins of the Peasant Fortress which was built by the Saxons in the 13th century. The fortress was built on the top of a larger hill and its about 2 km away from the Evangelical Fortified Church.

    Ruins of the old peasant fortress in Saschiz.
    The Peasant Fortress located on a hill next to the village.

    In conclusion, the village of Saschiz is a hidden gem in the heart of Transylvania that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and history. With its stunning architecture, breathtaking scenery, and traditional way of life, Saschiz is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and charm of Romania.

    Top sights near Saschiz

    • The closest attraction to Saschiz is of course the medieval citadel of Sighisoara.
    • Another important sight near Saschiz is the old village of Viscri.
    • Close to the village of Viscri you will find the Rupea fortress.

  • Ochiul Beiului in the Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park

    Ochiul Beiului in the Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park

    If you are wondering where is Ochiul Beiului located, well, it’s situated in the southwestern part of Romania, near the village of Potoc, in the Caraș-Severin County. The lake is part of the Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park, a protected area encompassing diverse ecosystems, rare flora, and fauna. To reach Ochiul Beiului, visitors must embark on a scenic trek through the forest, immersing themselves in the untouched beauty of the Carpathian mountains. If you plan to eat something before or after your journey to Ochiul Beiului, you can find a small restaurant near the trout farm where you can eat some fresh mountain trout and not just.

    The road from Potoc to the trout farm

    Please be mindful that the approximately 4.7 km road from the village of Potoc to the place called Podul Beiului is narrow with many curves so be sure not to drive very fast there. Unfortunately, the next segment of the road, from Podul Beiului to the Beiului trout farm is not asphalted anymore, therefore you will have to drive even slower. The second part of the journey has a length of 4.4 km.

    From the trout farm to the lake

    Once you arrive at the trout farm, you will find many places where you will have to leave your car while you visit the beautiful lake. From this point starts the most beautiful part of the journey, a long walk in the forest to Ochiul Beiului,

    Right before the entrance into the trout farm, you will find a marked path that will take you through the forest to Ochiul Beiului. After about 45 minutes of walking through the forest, next to a mountain stream, you will reach the small lake with turquoise water.

    Path in the forest to Ochiul Beiului.
    Path in the forest close to the trout farm.
    Stream in the forest near the path
    A stream near the path.
    Fallen trees in the water.
    Fallen trees in the stream.

    Ochiul Beiului

    After a long and beautiful walk in the forest, the magnificent lake with its amazing turquoise water came into sight. Since we visited this place in the summer, there were a lot of tourists near the lake admiring and of course, photograph it from various angles.

    Ochiul Beiului with its turquoise water.
    Ochiul Beiului.
    Turquoise water.
    Turquoise water.
    Tree roots growing on the rocks.
    A tree with exposed roots near the lake.
    Stream near the lake in the forest.
    A stream near the lake.
    Tiny cascades on the stream.
    Mountain steam.
    Small waterfalls.
    Small waterfalls.

    Camping options near Ochiul Beiului

    Right next to the restaurant, you will also find two camping places if you wish to stay here for a longer period. Those two option are Camping Pastravaria Bei and Camping Valea Beiului.

    In the map below you will find the exact location of the two camping places:

    What else can you visit in Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park?

    If you plan to visit other natural beauties in this National Park then you should visit the Bigar Waterfall.

  • The Șiria Fortress

    The Șiria Fortress

    Located atop a hill in the scenic Zarand Mountains, the Șiria Fortress is a fascinating historical landmark not far from the Romanian city of Arad. Perched above the commune of Șiria, the fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse into centuries of history.

    Since this fortress is not a very well-known tourist spot, it might be a bit tricky to find on your own. To make your visit easier, here is the exact location of the Șiria Fortress on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xXj9DVb3u3fZb4KW9. This will help you navigate directly to the site without any hassle, ensuring you can easily explore this hidden gem.

    About the Șiria fortress

    The fortress was built in the 13th century with construction materials from the nearby area. It had an important strategic role for 5 centuries. Back in the 16th century, it was occupied by the Ottomans for the second time. Unfortunately, in 1784 the entire fortress was destroyed by the Habsburgs. Today only some ruins remained here.

    How to get to the Șiria Fortress

    If you’re driving, a paved road leads up the hill to an area near tall antennas, where you’ll find a parking lot. From there, it’s just a short and easy walk through the forest to reach the fortress ruins, making it a convenient option for visitors.

    For a more active experience, you can choose from several hiking trails starting in the commune of Șiria that lead to the fortress. These trails vary in length and difficulty, allowing you to pick one that matches your fitness level.

    The Șiria fortress in the summer.
    The old ruins on a beautiful and warm summer day.
    Ruins belonging to the fortress with large agricultural fields in the background.
    Other ruins in the fortress.
    Large round shaped wall part with the commune of Șiria in the background.
    A part of the former fortress with the vast plains in the background.
    The road which leads up to the fortress with the mountains.
    The road which leads form the Șiria up to the parking lot.
    The Șiria fortress on the edge of the hill with a large plain in the background.
    Path towards the fortress.

    What to Expect at the Șiria Fortress

    When you arrive at the fortress, you’ll be greeted by:

    • Panoramic Views: From the hilltop, you can enjoy stunning views of the expansive plains, agricultural fields, and the nearby mountains.
    • A Sense of History: Walking among the ruins, you can imagine the fortress in its heyday, bustling with activity and brimming with strategic importance.

    Other things to visit in the area:

    • If you drive towards Deva in the Mureș valley, you will find the ruins of the Șoimoș Fortress which was built on the outskirts of the village of Șoimoș.