Brașov

Brașov sits in a tight valley at the southern edge of Transylvania, with the wooded Tâmpa rising directly behind the old town. It was founded by Saxon settlers in 1211 — the Black Church (which is German Lutheran), the city walls and the Council Square still anchor everyday life. From Brașov, every important Burzenland sight is within an hour: Bran Castle, Râșnov Fortress, Prejmer fortified church, the Libearty bear sanctuary, the Piatra Craiului ridge. The train from Bucharest takes 2.5 hours; the airport (OTP) is 2.5 hours by car.

Why come here

It is the most convenient base in southern Transylvania — old enough to walk for two days without repeating yourself, well-connected enough to day-trip to Bran, Râșnov, Prejmer or Sinaia. The food scene has caught up too: La Ceaun and Bistro de l'Arte are the pair we send guests to most often.

Things to do

• Climb (or take the cable car up) Mount Tâmpa for the full Brașov-from-above view.
• See the Black Church — and time your visit for a Saturday-noon organ recital.
• Walk through Strada Sforii — one of the narrowest streets in Europe (1.3 metres).
• Day-trip to Bran Castle in the morning and Râșnov Fortress in the afternoon.
• Eat at La Ceaun in the Council Square for traditional Romanian, or Bistro de l'Arte for a slower dinner.
• Take a bear-hide evening with our partner forester in the hills above Râșnov (April–October).
• Hike a section of the Piatra Craiului ridge — a full day, start before 7am.

When to come

May–June and September–October. December for the Christmas market in the Council Square. Avoid mid-August weekends — Romanian holidays make Bran heave.