Best places to visit in Transylvania

Transylvania Essentials

Transylvania’s landscape is defined by medieval fortifications and dramatic natural formations. This selection spans the star-shaped Alba Carolina Fortress and the 14th-century Rupea Fortress, alongside Gothic landmarks like Cluj-Napoca’s Saint Michael Church. Natural highlights include the Turda Gorges and the subterranean galleries of Salina Turda, a repurposed salt mine. Cultural heritage is represented by the UNESCO-listed wooden church of Plopiș and the Baroque Bánffy Castle, while the Rodna Mountains host Cascada Cailor, Romania’s tallest waterfall.

Transylvania Essentials — Map

Cristian Bortes / CC BY 2.0

A

Salt Mine

Turda Salt Mine is a spectacular underground complex in Transylvania, Romania, offering unique experiences for sightseeing, health, and leisure. It is recognized as one of the most impressive tourist attractions worldwide, featuring underground galleries, recreational facilities, and salt therapy benefits.

Valeriu Pantazi / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Făgăraș Citadel

Făgăraș Citadel is a historic monument in Făgăraș, Brașov County, Romania.

Vic Sirbu / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Rupea Fortress

Rupea Fortress is a medieval fortress built by Transylvanian Saxons in the Kingdom of Hungary and first mentioned by a 1324 document.

Lily15 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Saint Michael Church

The St. Michael's Church is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic church in Cluj-Napoca.

Henric Trenk / Public domain

E

Turda Gorges

Turda Gorge is a natural reserve situated 6 km west of Turda and about 15 km south-east of Cluj-Napoca, in Transylvania, Romania.

2013dunare / CC BY 3.0

F

Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Cathedral

The Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is the most famous Romanian Orthodox church of Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

CristianChirita / CC BY 2.5

G

National Museum of Transylvanian History

The National Museum of Transylvanian History is a history and archaeology museum in the city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Dan Retegan / CC BY 2.5

H

Cascada Cailor

Located in the Rodna Mountains near Borșa, Cascada Cailor is Romania’s tallest waterfall, featuring a 90-meter drop over several limestone steps. The falls are accessible via a chairlift followed by a short forest hike.

Plinul cel tanar / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Câlnic Citadel

The Câlnic Fortress is a fortress located in Câlnic, Alba County, in the Transylvania region of Romania.

Ana Maria Catalina / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden

The Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden, officially Alexandru Borza Cluj-Napoca University Botanic Garden, is a botanical garden located in the…

Radufan / CC-BY-SA-3.0

K

Alba Carolina Fortress

The Alba Carolina Citadel is a star-shaped fortress located in Alba Iulia, Romania.

Ggl / CC BY 2.5

L

Bánffy Castle

Bánffy Castle is an architectural monument situated in Bonţida, a village in the vicinity of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with construction phases…

Țetcu Mircea Rareș / CC BY-SA 3.0 ro

M

The Wooden Church of Plopiș

The Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel is a Romanian Orthodox church in Plopiș village, Șișești Commune, Maramureș County,…

Ana Maria Catalina / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Soccer field

Getting its name from the Austrian fortress that used to reside here, this forested hill offers the best views of the city - climbing is a…

ES Vic / CC-BY-SA-3.0

O

Lucian Blaga National Theatre

The Lucian Blaga National Theatre is in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, sharing its building with the Romanian Opera.

Other Lists

Historic Religious Sites Castles and Fortresses of Transylvania Historic Heritage Sites Scenic Views & Nature