Author: Laura - Liliana Crihan
Via Transilvanica, also known as the “road that unites” is an initiative of the Tășuleasa Social Association, whose coordinator is Alin Ușeriu.
Via Transilvanica is set to connect Putna with Drobeta Turnu-Severin, stretching over almost 1000 km. It will cross 10 counties: Mehedinți, Caraș-Severin, Hunedoara, Alba, Sibiu, Brașov, Harghita, Mureș, Bistrița-Năsăud and Suceava. Similar to the Camino de Santiago, in Spain, the project aims to make people enjoy the simple things, from the heart of nature by hiking or cycling. In addition, travelers can discover a multitude of places in our country, many of them very little known.
Although the road includes a multitude of places in different parts of the country, we will now focus on Transylvanian lands, which are threaded by this road. Transylvania is not only about Dracula, but also about places full of history, about people with respect for national values, about traditions and customs, about a rhythm of life that is lived at leisure.
What makes Via Transilvanica a special project?
1. Each boundary stone has a unique sculpture.
Hikers can stop to relax, to admire the landscape, to think about their journey, the symbols on the landmark. The sculptures are made by students from Iași and represent animals, elements from nature or history.
Image: Via Transilvanica
2.Tourist attractions
During your hikes, you’ll meet objectives that have survived the passage of time and have a great value. Some of these sights are part of the UNESCO heritage but all of them will enrich you spiritually and culturally.
Teleki castle Posmuș. Image: Țetcu Mircea Rareș, Wikipedia
Fortified church Dârjiu. Image: Bujdosó Attila, Wikipedia
Praid salt mine. Image: Octav Druta, Wikipedia
- Talks with the locals.
Talking with the locals will give you an insight on the mentalities of the different areas of the country and their ethnic specificities. Life stories from old people, welcoming hosts and owners of idyllic houses, all of them are part of beautiful Romania and can give you precious knowledge on the neighbourhood.
Photo: Voicu Bojan, PressOne
- Breathtaking landscapes
Along the way, you will find amazing landscapes, places where you can breathe, meditate and enjoy the perfection of nature.
Image: https://manastireabunesti.com/
- Healthy food
If you stop and eat here, you’ll notice that the food is as natural as possible, the dishes skillfully made with local products, which will give you an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Hiker’s Guide
Available in 3 languages (Romanian, English and German), the Hiker’s Guide contains useful information about the trails, directions, accommodation, prevention of critical situations and travel recommendations.
There are 7 trails on Via Transilvanica, but we will now focus on the Terra Saxonum trail (of about 125 km), Archita-Criț route. The road is 24 km long and takes about 8 hours to complete. Archita (Vânători Commune) makes the transition from Terra Siculorum to Terra Saxonum.
What can you see on the Archita-Crit route?
- Rustic landscapes, streams, farms, rich flora
- Sheepfolds
- Hardwood forests, wild forests
- Roadeș village (Bunești commune).
It is a Saxon village, where you can visit the Gothic Fortified Evangelical Church of St. John. It dates back to the 15th-16th centuries. The special sacristy, the stone baptistry, the panels of the large tribune and the well-preserved fortification make the church stand out.
Image: Andrei Kokelburg, Wikipedia
At the same time, you can find here the Saint Gheorghe Monastery. Situated in a quiet, solitary place, its peculiarity is the Agheasmatarul, a road of the cross arranged on the hill next to the monastery, symbolically representing the road to Golgotha. The monastery can also serve as lodging.
Image: https://manastireabunesti.com/
- Citadel Hill. Once upon a time, there was a Dacian fortress here.
- Crit village (Bunești commune).
Image: Simona Stănescu, Lipa-Lipa.ro
The fortified church is one of the main objectives in Crit. It consists of the evangelical church, the fountain and an enclosure with towers once made for defense, and later used as storage space for bacon. The church dates from the 19th century, but was built on the ruins of a church from 1270. It comes to the fore with the impressive refurbished organ, old furniture, traditional Saxon clothing and a beautifully maintained courtyard.
The “Haferland Week” Festival takes place during summer în Crit. It promotes the cultural and touristic heritage of the Saxon area through various presentations about places, recipes, concerts, book launches, art exhibitions.
Where can you stay on the Archita-Crit route?
- Tabaluga (Roadeș) Guesthouse. Here you can go on cart rides and guided hikes.
- Holiday house Criț 171 (Criț)
- Kraus House (Crit). It is a former parish house that impresses with its restored and hand-painted furniture, decorative objects and the harmonious mix of traditional and modern style. Here, you can participate in the preparation of ‘lichiu’, a very well-known dessert, made especially on holidays. There is also a felt workshop, where you learn, for 3 hours, how to make slippers.
- Crit 217 & 218 (Crit)
- La Hansi (Crit). The place impresses with its restored old furniture, authentic appearance, old-fashioned textiles and embroideries, hand-woven patterns and carpets. You can eat food made with only local products, Transylvanian wines and bread from an old oven, all while being surrounded by a wonderful landscape.
Images: La Hansi
At La Hansi you can also organize activities such as hiking, cart rides, trips to the sheepfold with tasting of traditional products, picnic on the hills, tours to nearby fortified churches.
Image: La Hansi
- Rozalia Guesthouse (Crit)
- Morning Glory Guesthouse, 189 (Crit). A vegetable garden, a meadow with trees, traditional dishes, terracotta stoves and solid wood furniture are some of the features of this house. They also organize visits to bee hives and cart rides.
- Crit House 164 (Crit)
Image: Casa cu Zorele
The ideal time for hiking is between May and October, the trails being difficult to cover in winter, especially because it gets dark earlier. It is also advisable to hike in groups, with appropriate equipment.
The Terra Saxonum trail has 10 routes, one of them being the Archita-Crit route. Follow us and read beautiful stories about the Criț-Saschiz Route. To be continued…
Cover image: Via Transilvanica
Laura - Liliana Crihan
I am a calm, empathetic person, I like to read, write, travel and have experiences that will help me develop personally. I always like to learn something new, to enjoy nature, and the little things like a jasmine tea, blooming trees or Christmas lights. I am interested in topics such as education, the environment, the community we belong to and ways to develop it.
