The largest eco-touristic destination in Romania TRANSYLVANIAN HIGHLANDS The cradle of the Middle Age Saxon colonists, Transylvanian Highlands Check out more information about lay hidden in the vast protected area between three rivers (Târnava attractions and what not to miss Mare, Hârtibaciu and Olt). Europe’s last authentic medieval landscape in Transylvanian fascinates the travellers and takes them through an incredible journey Highlands back in time. For more information, we encourage your visit the destination’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ colineletransilvaniei) and website (www.colinele-transilvaniei.ro). Contact: [email protected] The largest eco-touristic destination in Romania TRANSYLVANIAN HIGHLANDS SAXON HERITAGE NATURA 2000 PROTECTED SITE “Altland” or the land of the first settlements to be colonized Transylvanian Highlands span on Romania’s biggest continental group of 10 protected by Saxons, Transylvanian Highlands is the only place in the world Natura 2000 areas (276178 ha). Beautiful land of the mystic hillocks, here lay 50% where more than 100 fortified churches and numerous houses of the national area covered with downy oak, as well East-Europe’s largest and best stand proof today of the impressive saxon culture that flourished preserved habitat of pasture, timbered with sessile oaks and century-old oaks here in the Middle Ages. Rural sites and fortified churches in Biertan, (Breite Oak Reserve). The area is an important nesting place for migratory Saschiz, Valea Viilor and Viscri are included in UNESCO Heritage birds (more than 20000 individuals come here), including threatened prestigeous list and attract thousands of tourists each year. species like the lesser spotted eagle or the ferruginous duck. SLOW FOOD Local cuisine takes its quality ingredients from Transylvanian Highlands’ the gardens, orchards, forests and pastures. The Mălâncrav apple juice, the Saschiy jams and marmelades, Agnita’s honey, the Hosman bread or the Nucet “zacusca” (vegetable spread) are just a few examples of the tasteful surprises the destination has to offer. Therefore, several dedicated events take place here to honour the richness and particularity of the local gastronomy: Transilvanian Brunch, Bike&Brunch, Flavours and Sounds of Transylvania, Cabbage Festival, Mill Day, Rhubarb Celebration, Picnic in the Highlands. MEDIEVAL AND TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTS The Saxons were also famous for their well organised and excellent medieval guilds. Today, travellers can meet with skillfull descdendants of those entire generations of craftsmen. They can visit real-life workshops and even learn a few tricks from the craftsmen themselves in Alţâna (furrier), Daia or Marpod (carpenter), Şona or Chirpăr (blacksmith), Biertan or Mălâncrav (weaver), Agnita (fellmonger), Apoş (traditional roofers). OUR RECOMANDATIONS • Visitor/community center located in the towers of the fortified Evangelical Church in Cincsor • Hiking and mountain-biking along the +300 km of marked trails accessible and suited for all categories (from beginner to expert); • A sunrise and accommodation in 18th century establishments or with the locals; • Tailor made guided tours with customised experiences meeting the local communities • Horseback riding in Apoş, Prod, Cornăţel or Daneş and their surroundings; • A family&friends trip on the rail-cycle („ciclodrezina”) following the old narrow railroad along the Hârtibaciu river; • Birdwatching between aprilie and october in all the destination, especially at the lakes in Brădeni, the Olt Valley, in Cobor or around Sighişoara; • Orthodox churches from early XIX century, painted in an unique manner by the Grecu Family • Events: Very Short Film Festival, Transylvanian Book Festival, „Full Moon” Horror Film Festival, Haferland Week Festival, Holzstock Festival, Hârtibaci Festival, The escape of the Lole Ceremony, Servus Transilvania Fest, Tuberoses` Night, Transylvania Horse Show, Caroling for Christmas, St. Nicholas and St. John. Photos: Sorin Onişor, Mihai Dragomir, Daniel Secărescu For more information please visit the tourist information centers in Sighişoara, Saschiz, Biertan, Buneşti and Sibiu. Facebook page (www.facebook.com/colineletransilvaniei) / Website (www.colinele-transilvaniei.ro). Contact: [email protected].