23 March 2025

Family hike on Via Transilvanica in a protected area in the Târnavelor Hills

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Route

Biertan - Richiș
Ani Drumetiei icon

Difficulty

Easy

Dear hikers,

The route we will follow starts in front of the fortified church in Richiș, which we will visit at the beginning of the tour. This church, built by Cistercian monks in the second half of the 14th century, is known for the Green Little Men hidden under the arches of the church. Their story is extremely interesting and will be shared by the tour guide. After visiting the Cistercian church, we will follow the Via Transilvanica trail signs on the village streets towards Biertan. Upon leaving Richiș, we will climb left on a country road towards the hilltop, which leads us north. We follow the trail marked with the letter T, staying above the terraces on the slopes of the hills that were once cultivated by the Saxon inhabitants with grapevines. The Târnave wine produced here is said to have been so famous that it was served at the official dinners of the Emperor of Austria. Here, we will also talk about the plants, insects, mammals, and birds that led to the declaration of the protected areas of European interest in this region. For more details about the wild animals living in this protected area, I recommend visiting the Facebook page of the Peisaj Deschis Federation, based in Hosman.

After approximately one hour, we will reach Biertan, where we will visit the fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which for three centuries was the episcopal seat of the Evangelical Church in Transylvania. The stories of this church, over 500 years old, are impressive, which is why we will spend about an hour here. We will continue our journey and leave the village through a valley that leads us through wilder areas back to Richiș.

On our way back, we will make a stop where participants will taste a delicious apple pie based on an old Saxon recipe!

WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?

We will meet in the morning at 9:30 AM in the parking lot of the Hobby Mobila furniture store, at the exit from Sibiu towards Agnita (Ștefan cel Mare Street). After a short presentation of the tour program, we will group by cars and head to Richiș. Richiș is one of the Saxon villages located within the protected area of the Natura 2000 Sighișoara – Târnava Mare site.

ROUTE INFORMATION

Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: 100 m
Route difficulty: easy
Tour duration: approximately 5 – 6 hours

Tourists who wish to participate but cannot travel to Richiș may call the tour guide (Mihai Proca – 0720003332) to check if there are available spots in the cars of other participants.
The tour is suitable for people of all ages with a minimum level of fitness and children aged 8 and above.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Water/tea bottle, minimum 1l;
Snack for a break halfway through the route
Cap and sunscreen;
Insect repellent.

COSTS

– 70 lei/adult participant.
Children between 8 and 18 years old: 20 lei/participant!

The tour will take place with a minimum of 10 adult paying participants!
Children must be accompanied by an adult!

GUIDE

Proca Mihai – local and national tourism guide
Contact: 0720-003.332

Note:

– The route configuration and length will be adjusted according to weather conditions and the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the group.
– The organizer (guide) reserves the right to refuse participants who are not appropriately equipped or who have inadequate physical condition.
– Tours are conducted under safe conditions and with a minimum number of participants. The organizer reserves the right to reschedule or cancel tours without prior notice if these conditions are not met.
– Ticket refunds are only provided in case the organizer (guide) cancels the hike.

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By participating in this event, I consent to being photographed. I acknowledge that the photos may be used for promotional purposes, both online and in printed materials, within the “Anii Drumeției” Program to promote it. I declare under my own responsibility that, to the best of my knowledge, I am physically capable of sustained physical effort during hiking events without jeopardizing my health in any way. My participation in this event is entirely voluntary, understanding the associated risks to which I expose myself.
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The “Anii Drumeției” Program is initiated and funded by the Sibiu County Council in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association. Its main purpose is to improve hiking infrastructure in the county and promote activities specific to ecotourism.

The date of the hike

23 March 2025

Starting point

Hobby Mobila (Broscărie)

Departure time

09:30

Duration of the hike

5-6 ore

Difficulty

Easy

Cost / person

70 lei