Racoș, Viscri and Sighișoara, Transylvania

Racoș

Racoș is a small town in Transylvania half way between Brașov and Sighișoara. It is known for it’s natural beauty and geological wonders.

The Racoș Volcano, Emerald Lake and Basalt Column are all very close together in the same area. It is a National Park. Entry is 20 Lei which is roughly £3.50 or €4 and this also allows you to park up for the night. We actually arrived early evening so this was perfect.

We went straight away to see the Basalt Columns and The Emerald Lake

Basalt Columns

Racoș is famous for its unique basalt columns, formed by the cooling and solidification of lava flows millions of years ago. These hexagonal columns, resembling giant organ pipes, create a stunning and surreal landscape that attracts visitors and photographers from around the world. They are around 15 metres high and very impressive when you stand in front of them.

Emerald Lake

Emerald lake is just a short walk from the Basalt Columns. It is named Emerald Lake because of how the light shines on it making it’s crystal-clear waters shimmer with shades of green, giving it a mesmerizing emerald hue. It is possible to hike around the lake but sadly not possible to swim in the lake

Racos Volcanoes

The following morning we went to see Racos Volcanoes also in the same area. These volcanic cones, formed over thousands of years, offer a glimpse into Romania’s tumultuous geological history. The Racoș Volcano is the oldest in the area and appears to be inactive.

Overall, Racos is worth a visit especially if you’re in a van as it is a great park up too.

Viscri

Viscri is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Transylvania, possibly the most famous village in Transylvania as King Charles III actually has a home here and spends time here during the summer.

It’s history dates back to the 12th century when German Saxons settled in the region, contributing to the unique architectural heritage that still characterises the village today.

Viscri is not the only Saxon village in Transylvania but it is a special village due to it’s fortified church which has UNESCO World Heritage status.

It was built in the 13th century as a place of worship and defence against invaders. Its fortified walls, towers, and architectural elements help visitors to see into the past, creating a sense of how it must have been. Once inside the church you can climb right up the main tower, the views are stunning.

There were lots of outbuildings on the site, mainly showing things as they would have been in medieval times including a museum.

Throughout the centuries, Viscri served as a vital trading hub and agricultural centre, playing a significant role in the economic and cultural life of the region. The village’s traditional way of life, characterised by farming, craftsmanship, and community spirit, has been carefully preserved by its inhabitants, many of whom are descendants of the original Saxon settlers.

In recent years, Viscri has gained international recognition as a tourist destination, attracting visitors to experience its authentic rural atmosphere and explore its historic landmarks.

It has been important to balance tourism with conservation, to ensure that the village keeps its authenticity.

Viscri feels like stepping back in time.

It’s quite unique, full of cobblestone streets and colourful houses. Definitely worth visiting if you are ever in Transylvania.

Sighișoara

Sighișoara, our next destination is a historic town located in the Mureș County still in the Transylvania region of Romania.

It was certainly a very busy town, there were 2 car parks in the centre of town but no space for us in either of them. We ended up on a campsite about 10km outside of town. It was a nice chilled campsite called camping Curtea Larga and was around €20 for the night. We decided to have a relaxing afternoon on the site and to cycle into Sighișoara early in the morning before it got too hot.

It was founded by German craftsmen and merchants, known as the Saxons of Transylvania, in the 12th century. Sighișoara is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

At the heart of Sighișoara a well-preserved fortified medieval citadel, which features colourful buildings, cobbled streets and impressive towers, including the iconic Clock Tower which was built in the 14th century and is 64 metres high.

The covered staircase which you can see in the first photo below was built in 1642 to connect the upper and lower parts of the citadel, the main purpose was to allow people to reach the church and the school during the winter when there is snow making things difficult. We did climb the stairs and it is worth doing the climb if you are there.

The Church on the Hill is the most important monument or religious architecture in Sighișoara.

Sighișoara is also famous for being the birthplace of Vlad III, commonly known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula, who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional character Dracula.

You can visit his house and it is also a restaurant downstairs now. They have definitely made it suitably ‘creepy’. If you go inside there are a few surprises in store as well!

Sighișoara hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Medieval Festival, which celebrates the town’s rich heritage with reenactments, concerts, and traditional crafts.

It was early afternoon when we cycled back to the campsite and it was very hot by that time!

After a rest and a shower it was time to move on to our next destination, the town of Sibiu where we planned to spend the night before venturing onto The Transfagarasan Highway early the next morning. This is where our next post will start.

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