Transylvania by bike
Transylvania has become a European model of sustainable development and responsible tourism
Daniel Onea, 10.09.2026, 14:00
Transylvania has become a European model of sustainable development and responsible tourism. Today we discover how a network of tens of kilometres of cobblestone paths, built on the hills around Sighișoara, has radically changed the economy and life of Saxon villages.
In addition, exploring nature has become safe and open to all ages thanks to e-bikes, bringing more people to the routes that connect Sighișoara to villages such as Viscri, Meșendorf or Criț.
What is special in the region, compared to the rest of Europe, is the very existence of a network of special bicycle paths, the pilot project of which was launched in 2011. A titanic work followed, through which tens of kilometres of the route were paved by hand on the tops of the hills. We spoke to Sergiu Pâcă, a mountain guide and entrepreneur from Sighișoara, about what the local infrastructure looks like today:
“With the establishment of the new network, 47 kilometres of routes now connect Sighișoara to Viscri. This is the “backbone” of the system. Branching from it left and right are either routes similar to the pilot project, or agricultural roads and borehole roads. The borehole roads are very well maintained by natural gas companies, which use them to check the infrastructure with heavy equipment, and are therefore accessible even for sports cars. Also, the roads affected by forestry works are quickly rebuilt and paved. There are also farm roads in the village of Saschiz, which are partly paved and in excellent condition, up to the top of the hill. The main route connects Sighișoara to Viscri, but all the adjacent villages, such as Criț, Meșendorf and Saschiz, benefit from road connections. Some of these can deteriorate in bad weather, which is a challenge for inexperienced cyclists, who are our main target for tourist packages. Experienced cyclists usually organise their own routes and accommodation, and don’t need to rent bike.”
For most guests, sporting performance takes a back seat, and the emphasis is on the slow, non-invasive exploration of a rural environment that has preserved its authenticity.
“For the tourists who do not practice this sport regularly, cycling is just an alternative means of transport to explore the Saxon villages. The main goal is to visit the fortified churches and try the local cuisine, especially in the many local gastronomic units set up in the area, as tourism has an over 20-year long tradition here. Although the villages can also be visited by car, cycling allows a direct connection with nature, as the region is part of the Natura 2000 site. The absence of intensive agriculture has preserved the mosaic landscape and spontaneous flora. The atmosphere in the forest is special. For example, on a summer morning, although temperatures quickly reach 25 degrees Celsius, in the shade of the trees the air is particularly fresh and cool, especially after rainy days. This relaxing experience in nature makes our tours quite attractive. The fauna is also rich and includes wild animals, such as bears. Although their presence is frequent, the bears in this area are not used to humans, so in case of accidental sightings on the trails the animals run away without posing any real danger, unlike the specimens that search for food in inhabited areas.”
The e-bike has eased access to these landscapes, broadening the tourist profile and significantly growing the outdoor enthusiast community. As for the network’s impact on the community, the shift is clear, as mountain guide Sergiu Pâcă explains:
“I’ve been mountain biking for 33 years, and for a long time, there were only about five of us in Sighișoara passionate about this sport. Over the last five or six years, precisely because the infrastructure is so accessible, the number of riders has surged. The network works even for those who haven’t pedaled in decades. Recently, we had a tourist who hadn’t been on a bike in 60 years. Although we transferred him via support vehicle on certain tougher segments—like the one between Biertan and Viscri—for his own safety, he completed the tour without incident. These trails are suitable for almost anyone, especially when using electric-assist bikes. To be clear, we are talking strictly about pedal-assist bikes, not electric mopeds, which we don’t rent out anyway due to safety concerns and road regulations. The motor assist is a huge help, and during lunch breaks, we make sure to recharge the batteries for anyone who used up extra energy so they enjoy a worry-free ride.”
The success of this model attracts funds that stay right in the local economy, while the recent integration of Transylvanian trails into large-scale national networks offers visitors unprecedented freedom of movement.
“Working predominantly with foreign tourists, 90% of the revenue generated is injected directly into the communities between Biertan and Viscri. This year, we are organizing 35 tours of around ten people each—roughly 350 tourists. A tour package costs about €1,800 per person, and nearly half of that goes directly to local services. We’ve had stellar years with over 40 tours, as well as slightly slower ones with around 30 groups. A major milestone was integrating the Via Transilvanica trail. It complemented our existing network of custom-built tracks, logging paths, and access roads. Via Transilvanica unlocked new opportunities, allowing us to create fresh tourist circuits. For instance, even without a guide, a tourist staying in Saschiz can set off on local trails marked by Transylvanian Highlands and loop back via Via Transilvanica.”
This continuous effort to bridge heritage with innovation proves that eco-tourism is far more than just a trend. Across the Transylvanian Highlands, it serves as the primary engine protecting wild landscapes while securing sustainable economic growth for the future of Romania’s historic villages.(AMP & VP)
