Hilton Hotel Sibiu

Beautiful pictures from the spring market last weekend (April 18, 2026) and the village / fortified church in Valea Viilor, former German name Wurmloch, in Sibiu County, taken by our dear Roland 😊

Valea Viilor, originally Vorumloc (Transylvanian Saxon) / Wurmloch (German), was probably first mentioned in documents under the Hungarian name Baromlak in 1224 (possibly also 1305). The Transylvanian Saxon serf village, initially owned by nobility, was later able to join the Seat of Medias and thus become free. Until 1964, the town was known by the name Wurmloch (derived from Vorumloc), and was subsequently renamed with the Romanian name "Valea Viilor" (meaning Valley of the Vineyards).

In 1850, the proportion of Germans was over 65%, and in 1977 over 50%. Today, only about 1-2% of the residents are German.

It is worth mentioning that the name "Vorm / Worm / Wurm" was used in the Middle Ages as a designation for a dragon or a serpent.

The Transalpina, or "The King's Way" as the road is also called, is usually open from the beginning of June (like the Transfagarasan) until the first heavy snowfall in autumn / early winter.

It connects the towns of Novaci in Gorj County and Sebes in Alba County. Over a length of 138 kilometers, this road crosses the Parang Mountains and reaches its highest point at the Urdele Pass.

We thank Mr. Andreas Hainbach for these beautiful pictures from his Romania tour at the end of July 2025 / beginning of August 2025. Many thanks 🥰

Vacation 2026 in Romania, Heide Reisen SRL, Stuttgart and Sibiu / Hermannstadt, info@heide-reisen.de, 0162 258 44 94 and +40 758 928 928

Contact: https://heide-reisen.de

Your specialist for Transylvania, city tours in Brasov / Kronstadt, Sighisoara / Schässburg, Sibiu / Hermannstadt, and Timisoara. Execution of day trips for private groups, Transfagarasan premium tour, experiencing Transylvanian Saxons - the land and the people, event: Zorabia 3.0 Whiteparty with German hits and a drone show on August 2nd, and much more ...!

Enjoy and discover the delicious temptations along the Historic Cafés Route in Transylvania.

The café / confectionery *La Vatra Ardealului* in Brasov (Kronstadt) and the Brukenthal Palace in Avrig invite you to a unique coffee experience, accompanied by many other delights. Visit the Historic Cafés Route in Romania and let yourself be spoiled.

📍 Cafe / Confectionery La Vatra Ardealului, Brasov / Kronstadt, opposite the Black Church, Str. Gheorghe Baritiu 14
>> https://www.facebook.com/lavatraardealului

📍 Brukenthal Palace, Cafe & Restaurant in Avrig / Freck, about 30 km southeast of Sibiu
>> https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/unser-historisches-cafe/

📍 KAFUNE coffee bean blends from LA FANTANA, Italy
>> https://lafantana.ro/ro/rezidential/cafea/cafea-boabe

The church / fortified church is located in the municipality of Biertan (Biertan in German, Berethalom in Hungarian) in the county of Sibiu in 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 around a central square, above which rises the imposing church fortress. Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon episcopate (episcopal see of the Evangelical Church of A.B.), which favored the construction of one of the largest farming communities in Transylvania around this fortified church. It is a medieval and architectural treasure in Romania, which is definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful pictures by photographer Sorin Onisor ( facebook.com/sorinonisor ), thank you for the permission to use / show them.

We were there for the first time two years ago, Casa Traditionala in the city of Medias in Sibiu County. It's a bit on the outskirts and you have to know it / find it, but it's a beautiful place to relax and feast on delicious Romanian food.

Can be found here ( https://www.facebook.com/casatraditionalarestaurant/ ) in Strada Greweln, Medias 551109.

Easter holidays (Orthodox Easter is on April 12 / 13) full of surprises on April 12 and 13 at the Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, Sibiu County. In addition to the daily brunch and restaurant operations, various activities for the whole family / children will be offered on Easter Sunday, April 12.

Info / Registration: +40 (0)726 234 417 - Reception
eMail: office@palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro/ (German, English, Romanian)

Photographed a few minutes ago by our dear Roland from Medias (Sibiu County) and sent to us.

The Easter bunny is still on the road in Romania today ... but judging by the pictures, much more relaxed and probably already recovering from yesterday's hard day's work 🥰

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

On August 2, 2026, the legendary ZORABIA – Transylvanian Night in White awaits you as a major OPEN-AIR event near Sibiu (Hermannstadt). German hit music, dance, cocktails, a top-class drone show, and much more ...

More information and online tickets:
https://heide-reisen.de/zorabia2026-whiteparty-drohnenshow/

Brukenthal Palace invites you this weekend to celebrate in a fairytale setting and enjoy authentic flavors, prepared by chef Cosmin Dan.

A special menu awaits you, in which the taste of local fish is harmoniously interwoven with ocean delicacies, prepared outdoors in the Brukenthal Palace garden.

More information & booking:
☎️ +40 (0)726 234 417 | Palatul Brukenthal Avrig

Beautiful pictures of the botanical garden "I Giardini di Zoe" from March 2024.

The garden, also known as Banpotoc Garden, is located east of the city of Deva (in German Diemrich), on the left side of the A1 motorway (heading towards Sibiu), in the Banpotoc village of Harau commune.

We thank Go Hunedoara for granting permission to use these images.

On the way from Sibiu to Brașov lies the town of Făgăraș. At the end of the 12th century the town's fortress was only a wooden fortification, which was expanded into a stone fortress in the 14th century.

The fortress houses a museum, which—like the fortress itself—can be visited. Directly next to the fortress is the cathedral / church Sfantul Ioan Botezatorul.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

Starting March 25, 2026, the #seafoodmenu begins at the Brukenthal Palace / Corabia Piratilor Beachclub in Avrig (German name Freck) in Sibiu County, Transylvania.

📞 (0726) 234 417 - Reception
📧 office@palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro (German, English, Romanian)

The Cârța Monastery (German: Kerz) 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 Fagaras, and is today an Evangelical-Lutheran church.

The exact founding date of the Cârța Monastery (Latin: monasterium beatae Mariae virginis in Candelis de Kerch) is unknown. A Constance charter dated April 17, 1418, issued by Sigismund, King of Hungary, states vaguely that the monastery was founded, built, and endowed with rights and privileges by his predecessors. Cistercian documents from the 13th to 15th centuries, collected and analyzed by Leopold Janauschek, mention the founding year of the monastery as being around 1202–1203.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from the end of September 2025.

Located only about 150 meters southeast of the Big Square (Piata Mare) and thus in the center of the city of Sibiu / Hermannstadt, you will find the Pardon Cafe Bar & Restaurant with its beautiful outdoor terrace where you can certainly enjoy many delicacies shortly (perhaps even now).

Pardon • Cafe Bistro Italian | https://pardoncafesibiu.ro

The restaurant offers a wide selection of European, Romanian, and local dishes from the region.

We thank Ms. Meli Döring for the permission to use these pictures. Thank you 😊

Sometimes everything is upside down in life, here in Brambura Park in Avrig (Freck in German) this is the norm. An experience for children, families and every visitor.

Pictures of Brambura Park from mid-May 2024 in Avrig (approx. 25 km south-east of Sibiu), the adventure park for everyone > https://brambura-park.ro/

Explore the heart of Transylvania: Sibiu, Transfagarasan, Carta Monastery, Sighisoara, and of course the Brukenthal Palace in Avrig.

Four (4) days following the Historic Cafés Route in Transylvania, including accommodation / breakfast, rental car, and a guided city tour of Sibiu / Hermannstadt, from €279 per person (price depends on travel time, in double room, according to details provided by the tour operator).

Organizer: DRS Reisen GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
Travel dates: From September 2025 until autumn 2026
More information:
https://drs-reisen.de/.../auf-der-historischen-cafes.../

Sibiu / Hermannstadt | Carta Monastery | Sighisoara / Schässburg | Transfagarasan and much more ...

Evangelical church since the Reformation. Regular German-language services are held here. There are also many concerts throughout the year.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these wonderful pictures (13 April 2025) and the corresponding text / explanation.

Valea Viilor (Wurmloch in German) is a commune in Sibiu County, Transylvania Region.

Valea Viilor, originally Vorumloc, was probably first mentioned under the Hungarian name Baromlak in 1224 (possibly 1305). Transylvania-Saxon Hörigendorf, which was originally held by the nobility, was later able to join the see of Mediascher and thus become free. Until 1964, the local in Romania was run under the German derivative name Vorumloc, then renamed "Valea Viilor" (in German: valea viilor).

In 1850 the proportion of Germans was over 65% and in 1977 over 50%. Today, only about 1-2% of the inhabitants are German.

We thank Vlad the Impaler - Dracula (photo: Adrian Arsu) for the permission to use this picture.

Only about 150 meters southeast of the Great Square (Piata Mare) and thus in the center of Sibiu / Hermannstadt, you will find Pardon Cafe Bar & Restaurant with its beautiful outdoor terrace.

Pardon Cafe Bar & Restaurant | https://pardoncafesibiu.ro

The restaurant offers a wide selection of European, Romanian, and also local regional dishes.

We thank Mrs. Meli Döring for granting permission to use these pictures. Thank you!

Brateiu (also Bratei; German: Pretai, Transylvanian Saxon: Pretai or Pretua, Hungarian: Barathely) is a commune in Sibiu County.

The village was founded by German settlers and was first mentioned in 1283 as Mons Mariae (Marienberg). The village experienced its heyday towards the end of the 18th century. After complaints to Emperor Joseph II about the poor condition of the fortified church, which was in danger of collapsing — as it was built on marshy ground — were successful, the commune was expanded towards Schäßburg, the natural course of the Kokel river was diverted, and the surrounding marsh was drained.

Pictures: middle October 2025

Explore the heart of Transylvania: Sibiu, Transfagarasan, Kerz Monastery, Sighisoara, and of course Brukenthal Palace in Avrig in winter, spring, and/or summer.

Four (4) days following the Historic Cafés Route in Transylvania, including accommodation/breakfast, your own rental car, and a city tour in Sibiu / Hermannstadt from 279 euros per person (price depends on travel period, in a double room, according to further information from the tour operator).

Provider: DRS Reisen GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
Travel dates: From September 2025 until autumn 2026 possible
More information at:
https://drs-reisen.de/.../auf-der-historischen-cafes.../

Sibiu / Hermannstadt | Kerz Monastery | Sighisoara / Schässburg | Brambura Family Park | Transfagarasan and much more ...

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.

Cisnadie (German: Heltau, Transylvanian Saxon: De Hielt, Hungarian: Nagydisznod) is a town in Sibiu County in the historical region of Transylvania. The town is located about 10 km southwest of Sibiu (Hermannstadt) at the foot of the Southern Carpathians. Two small streams flow through the town: Paraul Argintului (Silberbach) and Paraul Ursului (Bärenbach).

Heltau was first mentioned in documents in 1204, founded by Germans (Transylvanian Saxons), and for centuries was mainly inhabited by Saxons. In 1425, Heltau received the first tower clock in Transylvania. In 1500, on the occasion of a visit by King Wladislaus II, the town was granted market rights.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from the end of September 2025.