The 3 Best & Most Charming Day Trips from Sibiu
Not only is Sibiu one of the most incredible cities in Romania, but it makes a great base to discover some seriously beautiful destinations in Transylvania. Sibiu was named one of the European Cultural Capitals in 2007, putting it on many traveler’s radar. With its eclectic mixture of Saxon and Romanian cultures, there is plenty to see, eat, and explore within the city limits. However, there are some awesome day trips from Sibiu that should not be missed.
The stunning Corvin Castle, the open air Astra Folk Museum, and the medieval village of Sighisoara are three excellent examples of day trips from Sibiu. These three attractions are all diverse and are easy to reach from Sibiu via public transportation.
Ready to discover these 3 day trips from Sibiu? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
- But First, Fall in Love With Sibiu
- Corvin Castle (Hunyadi Castle)
- Muzeul Astra (Astra Folk Museum)
- Sighisoara
- Final Thoughts | 3 Best & Most Charming Day Trips from Sibiu
But First, Fall in Love With Sibiu
Before jetting off on these awesome day trips from Sibiu, explore this super charming and picturesque city. With two bustling main squares, winding cobblestone street, and a mouth watering culinary scene, Sibiu is worth a few days. Fall in love with the vivid homes that line the adorable streets of Sibiu. This city is truly a delight to get lost in.
Since the city is compact, the main attractions are within close proximity to the centrally located train and bus station. This makes it convenient to explore the region of Transylvania and to take day trips from Sibiu.
The impressive Corvin Castle is only a few hours away. A quick ride on the Sibiu city bus takes you to the lovely open air Astra Folk Museum. The large cultural museum is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Sibiu. Hop on the train and in a couple hours, prepare to wander the romantic medieval hilltop village of Sighisoara. All of these day trips from Sibiu are effortless and I promise the countryside scenery won’t disappoint.
Psst... Looking for a place to stay in Sibiu? I loved using CityStay Hostel Sibiu to explore Transylvania! With its central location, short distance to the transit centers, and epic views, I highly recommend sleeping here when visiting Sibiu! Check availability here!
Corvin Castle (Hunyadi Castle)
Watchtower Couryard Corvin Castle is picture-perfect
Corvin Castle is an idyllic Gothic styled castle whose gigantic size and sheer stature will leave anyone breathless. Located in the village of Hunedoara, it was originally used as a fortress. The fortress was transformed into a mighty castle sometime around 1440. Corvin Castle might one of the most external visually aesthetic castles in all of Europe.
While the exterior is dazzling and will take your breath away, the interior can seem bare and a little lacking. It’s possible to take a self-guided tour with convenient signage with some drab history littered around many of the rooms.
Corvin Castle Logistics | Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-17:00, Monday open at 12:00 | Fees: Standard Ticket: 30 Lei ($7.50 USD) / Audio Guide: 6 Lei ($1.50) / Fee for Photos: 5 Lei ($1.25) | Official website & ticket purchase tickets online
Even with the underwhelming interior, don’t be discouraged to visit this castle. The castle still makes a worthwhile day trip from Sibiu. The exterior and impressive drawbridge will not disappoint. Corvin Castle is perfectly nestled in some seriously beautiful scenery. The exterior architecture is absolutely spectacular.
Since it can be one of the long day trips from Sibiu, many travelers are discouraged to visit. Due to this fact, it is much less crowded than the overwhelmingly popular Bran and Peles Castles, which are a popular day trip from Brasov.
Keep in mind, you won’t arrive to the Corvin Castle until noon if arriving by public transit.
An hour and a half at the castle is an ample amount of time to explore the interior of Hunyadi Castle, including taking a ridiculously excessive amount of photos from the outside. The ticket line moves fast and usually takes under 5 minutes.
A Note On Vlad the Impaler & The Whole “Dracula Castle”
It is rumored that Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” was imprisoned at Corvin Castle for sometime. While Bran Castle is marketed as the actual “Dracula Castle,” Vlad the Impaler actually has no connection to that castle. At Bran find massive lines to enter the castle, gimmicky souvenir shops, and almost an exploitation of the Dracula theme. The presence of Dracula feels “hoaxy” and so overplayed, sadly making it feel like a full blown tourist trap. So, if looking for a more “authentic Dracula Castle, choose Corvin Castle, because there is a chance that he was possibly imprisoned there.
After hearing multiple horror stories from travelers who visited Bran and Peles Castles, I skipped two of Romanias most popular sites. The castles were allowing massive tour groups, some over 60-70 people. So, after an epic three day hike through Bucegi National Park, I walked past Bran Castle to see what it was like for myself. Yeah, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. It’s okay to skip “major attractions” if the crowds take away from the experience. I was very happy with visiting Corvin Castle over Romania’s more famous castles.
Day Trips from Sibiu | How to Reach Corvin Castle
The castle is located in Hunedoara, Romania. To make it a day trip, first take the train to Deva. One in the village of Deva, hop on a local bus to Hunedoara. After that, either take a taxi, or walk to Corvin Castle.
Train Sibiu to Deva | Take the First Train / shoot for the 8:06 | One-Way Ticket Cost: 40 Lei ($10 USD) | Duration: 3 hours to Deva | Verify the train tables & purchase tickets here
The train is slow, but scenic. Keep those eyes open, and soak in the views of Romania’s stunning countryside. Enjoy sweeping landscapes of rolling hills, breathtaking mountains, all while passing by through some blooming sunflower fields.
Bus Deva to Hunedoara | Exit to the left out of the train station to the mini bus station & look for buses going to Hunedoara | One-Way Ticket Cost: 9.50 Lei ($2.25) | Frequency: buses depart every 15 minutes | Duration: 30 minutes through the industrial side of town | Buses Drop: Hunedoara Central Bus Station
Finally, there are local buses that stop near the castle, or like me, you can choose to walk there. The walk is just under 30 minutes, but passes through a flat and very unmemorable part of the city. There are plenty of eager taxi drivers to take the quick 5 minute ride to the castle. Make sure to negotiate the price before stepping into the taxi.
A Note on Returning to Sibiu
Try to shoot for the 17:48 train that departs Deva. This allows for plenty of time to explore the castle, grab a quick bite, and catch this train. Remember, it’s another three hours back to Sibiu, so this train is the best option to arrive back in Sibiu and grab dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in the city. Don’t panic; the last train departs Deva at 19:17.
Astra Folk Museum (Muzeul Astra)
When you start asking the locals about their favorite thing to do in Sibiu, they alway cheerfully reply with, “a visit to Muzeul Astra.” This open air museum is only located on the outskirts of Sibiu, but due to its sheer size, it’s better to make include it as a full blown day trip from Sibiu. The Astra Folk Museum is the largest open-air ethnography exhibit in Europe, showcasing traditional reconstructions of traditional villages by regions.
The living museum is massive and sprawls over 96 hectares, so plan on spending at least three hours to scratch the surface of the park. Each region is represented in different ways, but focuses on each region’s handicrafts and trades. It’s quite interesting to see how the traditional villages were influenced by their environment. From windmills, watermills, and animal powered mills, it’s fascinating to observe how each region worked harmoniously with nature.
Astra Folk Museum Logistics | Hours: vary throughout the season for each exposition, It’s best to check them here | Adult Ticket Admission: 25 Lei ($6.25 USD)
This museum offers lots of discounted fares; check the price board before ticket purchase.
This museum is a great option for those travelers who don’t have the time to spend to enjoy Romania’s stunning countryside making it one of the best day trips from Sibiu.
On most days, it’s possible to watch the museum come to life with craft workshops, performances, mini-festivals, and if you’re lucky…cooking demonstrations. Although there were no live demonstrations happening during my visit, it’s still worth the trip. Take a relaxing stroll, appreciate the green space, and learn about the diverse regions of Romania through the Astra Folk Museum.
Hungry While Visiting the Astra Folk Museum?
If there is no traditional food being served throughout the open-air museum, visit the traditional restaurant right next to Gate 2, Hunul din Tulghes. This large restaurant serves up your favorite typical Romanian dishes with an open air patio. Save room for the beloved dessert, Papanași. This treat is a delicious doughnut stuffed with a soft cheese, and smothered in sour cream and a tart berry sauce! YUMMY!
Day Trips from Sibiu | How to Reach Astra Folk Museum
It’s easy to get to the Astra Folk Museum from Sibiu on the convenient city bus.
City Bus Logistics | Buses Depart from the main train station in Sibiu | Bus Number: #13 MUZEUL ASTRA | Frequency: every 30 minutes | Ride the bus to the final stop, close to the entrance with the giant wooden gate (Gate 2) | Cost for one bus ticket: 2 Lei (50¢ USD)
Important Notes About Purchasing Sibiu City Bus Tickets
It is extremely important that you purchase 2 bus tickets when departing to the Astra Folk Museum. The bus tickets are NOT available for purchase on the bus, so you must purchase them from where the buses pick-up. The local buses pick up right in front of the train station and the automatic machine only accepts 50 bani cent pieces and 1 lei bills. If you do not purchase two tickets, you must walk almost 2 miles to the next automatic ticket machine. Trust me, buy two tickets!
Sighisoara
colorful streets watchtowers Sighisoara, a lovely medieval hilltop village in Transylvania
Sighisoara is Romania’s most romanticized medieval hilltop village, and the charming hamlet has become a popular destination. The walled city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and welcomes visitors to walk around this “fairy-tale” town. There are multiple towers that surround the old town and lots of old city walls that gives Sighisoara an old world charm.
Vlad Tepes, who would become known as Vlad the Impaler, was also born here. As the future inspiration for Dracula, Vlad can be found all around town in the form of tacky Dracula trinket shops.
There are frequent trains that depart from Sibiu, making Sighisoara one of the best day trips from Sibiu. It is a romantic village, so many people like to spend more than just a day here. In my humble option, the hilltop town was enchanting, but also, it almost felt a little too perfect. The cobblestone streets are lined with trinket shops, and it feels like a city designed for tourists. Sibiu felt so much more lived in and authentic, so I think it’s best to discover Sighisoara as a day trip.
Love it? Spend the Night | If planning on sleeping in Sighisoara, there is one budget hostel located in the heart of the city center. Burg Hostel offers simple shared rooms to rest your head for a quick one night visit | Check availability here
Sighisoara | The Gateway to the Salt Region of Romania
Sighisoara is the perfect village to reach the underrated Salt Region of Romania. Haven’t heard of the salt region, you’re seriously missing out! The Salt Region is scattered between Sovata and Praid, and each city offers a wide range of unique activities with a completely different vibe. From rolling in salty mud baths with locals, visiting a salt mine amusement park, and two beautiful and diverse Nature Reserves, add the salt region to your Romania Itinerary.
A direct bus leaves every morning from the main Sighisoara bus station to Sovata.
Travel Planning | Discover the Salt Region of Sovata & Beyond
Day Trips from Sibiu | How to Reach Sighisoara
With the slick railway system, Sighisoara makes one of the easiest day trips from Sibiu. The prices of the time vary depending on the time.
Train Logistics | Trains depart from the main train station in Sibiu | Duration: 2.5- 3.5 hours | Average cost for one-way ticket: 13 Lei ($3.25 USD) | Verify the schedule & purchase tickets online
Final Thoughts | The 3 Best & Most Charming Day Trips from Sibiu
Sibiu is such a vibrant city, but don’t miss out on the nearby and worthwhile expeditions. These three day trips from Sibiu include visiting the picture-perfect Corvin Castle, the open-air and unique Astra Folk Museum, and the hilltop village of Sighisoara. All of these highlighted sights can be easily reached via public transit, and are relatively cheap to travel visit. With a bustling food and drink scene, it’s great to end the long days falling in love with all that Sibiu has to offer.
Have you explored any of these day trips from Sibiu? Did you enjoy them as much as I did? Am I missing any day trips from Sibiu that you’ve explored? Did your Romania bucket-list grow? Let me know in the comments below!
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Hi there! Excellent post with really useful pieces of information. One thing to update: there is the possibility to buy directly the bus ticket in Sibiu (for the city public transportation) straight from the bus, with a credit or debit card.
Ah that is great to know and so helpful! Thank you!