Travel Recommendation: Five (5) nights at Solyom Major – Falkenhof
Our travel recommendations are intended only as suggestions and ideas. You can take these trips in your own vehicle and customize them as you wish. We also offer guided excursions and day trips; please contact us directly for more information. We’re happy to assist you with planning your vacation and itinerary.
Day 1 – Travel and Arrival
Travel to Solyom Major in Harghita, with arrival scheduled for the early afternoon. After checking in and resting for a bit, take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding area. Enjoy the idyllic landscape of Szeklerland, explore small villages, or take your first walk to nearby Șoimușu Mic to visit the Museum of Traditional Housing and Crafts. Round out the day with a leisurely dinner at the Falkenhof, featuring regional specialties and our Farm to Table concept.
Day 2 – Day Trip to Sighișoara / Schässburg
After breakfast, the medieval town of Sighișoara (known as Schässburg in German), located only about 24 km (a half-hour drive) away, awaits you. Schässburg is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns/fortresses in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the winding alleys, visit the famous clock tower, the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș (also known as Count Dracula), and the Mountain Church with its covered staircase. Numerous cafés and restaurants invite you to enjoy a relaxing lunch break before returning to Solyom Major in the late afternoon or evening.
Day 3 – Nature, Sights, and/or Family Activities
Today’s excursion begins with a visit to the imposing Christ Statue “The Heart of Jesus” on Gordon Mountain, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding region. Afterward, we recommend a visit to the Tropical House in Praid, where exotic butterflies and a unique microclimate create an extraordinary experience, before continuing on to Sovata, known for its picturesque surroundings, the famous Bear Lake, and the narrow-gauge railway “Sovata Mocanita.”
An alternative for families: Instead of the town of Sovata, consider visiting the Mini Transilvania Park. The lovingly crafted miniature models of Transylvania’s most famous landmarks make the park a fun-filled destination for young and old alike. However, it would be best to simply extend your stay by one day to experience all the attractions.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Sibiu / Hermannstadt
In the Old Town of Sibiu, one of Romania’s most beautiful cities, much of the area can be explored on foot. The center of Sibiu combines medieval architecture, cozy squares, and great viewpoints.
The Upper Town:
- Grand Square (Piața Mare)
- The city’s central square, surrounded by colorful townhouses, cafés, and restaurants. Markets and various events are frequently held here.
- Brukenthal Palace
- One of Romania’s most beautiful Baroque buildings. It houses the Brukenthal Museum, which features European art.
- Small Ring (Piața Mică)
- A particularly picturesque square with arcades and small shops.
- The Bridge of Lies (the landmark of Sibiu)
- Romania’s first cast-iron bridge. Numerous legends surround it—supposedly, it will collapse if anyone lies on it.
Lunch featuring Romanian or Transylvanian specialties in the city center at a restaurant of your choice. We recommend trying ciorbă (a type of sour soup), sarmale (similar to stuffed cabbage rolls) with mămăligă, and papanași (a well-known Romanian dessert) as examples of typical Romanian cuisine.
Other places to explore in Sibiu:
- Evangelical City Parish Church
- Gothic church with an impressive interior. The tower offers a beautiful view over the city’s rooftops.
- Huet Square
- Historic square right next to the church.
- Stairway Passage
- One of the city’s most photographed alleys. It connects the Upper and Lower Towns.
Also take note of the distinctive skylights that look like eyes (Ochsenaugen). They are typical of Hermannstadt / Sibiu and have earned the city the nickname “City of Eyes”.
The ASTRA Open-Air Museum is located near Sibiu, about 5 km to the south. It is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe and features historic farmhouses, windmills, and watermills, as well as traditional craft buildings from all regions of Romania. However, you should plan on spending at least three to four hours here for a thorough visit.
Late afternoon/early evening: Return to the Falkenhof, dinner, and relaxation in peace and quiet surrounded by nature.
Day 5 – Day Trip to Târgu Mureș
The city of Târgu Mureș is characterized by Hungarian, Romanian, and Austro-Hungarian influences and is particularly impressive for its Art Nouveau architecture. The main sights are close together and can be easily explored on foot. Park in the city center and visit the following places:
- Rose Square (Piața Trandafirilor)
- The heart of the city, featuring numerous historic buildings, cafés, and restaurants. Ideal for your first stroll.
- Palace of Culture (Palatul Culturii)
- The city’s landmark. A masterpiece of Art Nouveau with magnificent stained-glass windows, mosaics, and the famous Hall of Mirrors. The building also houses art collections and a concert hall.
- Palace of Administration
- Directly across from the Palace of Culture. Worth seeing for its richly decorated facade and striking tower.
- Teleki-Bolyai Library
- One of Romania’s most important historical libraries. It houses valuable manuscripts and old prints, as well as an exhibition on the mathematicians Farkas and János Bolyai.
In the city center, you’ll find many restaurants serving Hungarian and Transylvanian cuisine. Be sure to try goulash, pörkölt, langos, and kürtőskalács for dessert.
- Medieval Fortress of Târgu Mureș
- The restored fortress, dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Within its walls, you’ll find green spaces and historic buildings.
- Reformed Church of the Fortress
- A Gothic church within the fortress complex; it is one of the city’s oldest religious buildings.
- Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption
- An impressive cathedral with magnificent frescoes; it is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Romania.
- Târgu Mureș Zoo
- Located just outside the city center on a wooded hill. It is one of the largest (and most beautiful) zoos in Romania, and one worth taking the time to visit.
The city of Târgu Mureș is ideal for a day trip. Compared to Sibiu, it is less touristy, quieter, and particularly known for its impressive Art Nouveau architecture and multicultural history.
Late afternoon/early evening: Return to the Falkenhof, dinner, and relaxation amid peace and nature.
Day 6 – Continuing the Journey with Historical and Cultural Highlights
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Brașov / Kronstadt. Along the way, it’s worth making a stop in Saschiz to see its impressive fortified church and fortress. You’ll then continue on to Viscri, one of Romania’s most famous Saxon villages, with its imposing fortified church—also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To round off the day, take a visit to the imposing Rupea Castle (known as Reps in German) before continuing your journey toward Brașov.
This route combines the scenic beauty of Harghita with the historical and cultural highlights of Transylvania, offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation—ideal for couples, families, and anyone who wants to discover the authentic Romania.