Winter Holidays in Sibiu
Right before the winter holidays, let us take a trip to the heart of Transylvania, to Sibiu County
Daniel Onea, 16.12.2021, 13:33
Right before the winter holidays, let us take a trip to the heart of Transylvania, to Sibiu County. Today we get to discover the beautiful Christmas fair that attracts tourists of all ages. At the same time, in Paltinis, lovers of winter sports will find ski and sled slopes, but also skiing schools for young and old alike. The rural area expects tourists with rare traditions and customs, a fascinating scene that rounds beautifully a vacation in Sibiu.
To begin with, lets start in the center of the city, with Andrei Dragan Radulet, organizer of the Christmas Fair, who told us the story of a success:
“The Christmas Fair, in its present form, which is closer to such fairs in the west of Europe, was born in 2007, when Sibiu was European capital of culture. It has been growing ever since. At that time it was the only one of its kind in the country. In the meantime, others have cropped up, which is great. From 30 shacks in 2007, we reached 120 in 2019, the biggest edition. This year we are limited by the pandemic, and we have only 80 shacks. It is an interesting evolution, and it is very interesting that it became a tourist attraction. If at first it was just interesting to tourists, now it is a very sought after destination.”
The Christmas Fair in Sibiu is open until January 2, 2022, and access is bound by the national norms for COVID-19 prevention. That means presenting a green vaccination certificate, or certificate of having had the disease. After you get in, even if you dont have as many activities available as you did in 2019, the offer is still varied, as Andrei Radulet told us:
“This year there were things we couldnt do. Normally, we have kids workshops where they make candles, or cookies. This year, access to these activities is restricted only to organized school groups. Activities for around 4,000 children are still available, but it is more complicated and they have to be planned. This year, we have been offering only the basic experience of the fair, of strolling around the 80 shacks in order to find the best gift for you or your loved ones. Also, we have food tastings. We have a variety of food stands, from a company in Hungary, whose presence is already customary, to Romanian products: meat cuts, cheeses, Christmas cakes, or sugar free sweets. This year we stripped down to essentials, but the essentials dont miss anything.”
We asked Andrei Radulet what the tourists experience is like.
“First of all, we noticed that foreign tourists, many of them on their first Christmas Fair trip to Romania, say that the fair is just like the ones in Germany or Austria. The fair has products that are representative of places all over Romania. We have companies from 22 counties, the fair is not Sibiu specific. They are also impressed of how friendly the city is. Sibiu has always been a tourist friendly city, and people who have stands in the fair are used to that, and communicate in several foreign languages. They know what to do to make visits pleasant for everyone. There are plenty things to do in Sibiu. A few hours a day, since the fair is right in the center of town, you have access to a variety of museums and restaurants. It is a complete tourist destination.”
Sibiu is a feel-good place, with something for everyone, whether they want to just stroll around, or want to discover museums or local history, according to Mirela Gligore, spokesperson for City Hall:
“First and foremost, we recommend each tourist to visit the historical center. It is an extremely valuable heritage ensemble, made up of the central squares and the streets in the historical center, both in the upper and lower city. There are historic buildings that are extremely valuable, which City Hall continues to invest in. For instance, last year alone we finished restoring the towers that are part of one of the defense belts of the old burg, on Citadel Valley Street. These have been restored to the tourist circuit after many years of staying shuttered. Secondly, I invite tourists to visit Sibius museums. The Bruckenthal national museum complex is famous both in the area and in Europe. This is the first museum that ever opened in Southeast Europe. Also, dont miss a visit to the Astra Museum. Maybe the best known is the open air museum, which you can stroll in with beautiful surroundings, getting a glimpse into the history of Romanian civilization. I also recommend the Pharmacy Museum, the History Museum, and the House of the Arts. All are important, if you want to get to know Sibiu and its culture.”
All these are very close to the Christmas Fair, so you can revolve back there at any time, according to Andrei Dragan Radulet:
“There is an atmosphere that puts you into the heart of Christmas. Even if this year is more complicated, and even if there have been complications in other years too, the moment you walk into the Grand Square, everything is alight. The buildings are illuminated, there are projections, there is a light net, it is full of little cabins with welcoming people and seasonal music, which makes for an authentic atmosphere. At the same time, it is very interesting to see a fair that is still at its beginnings, as opposed to European fairs with an old tradition, where the tourism aspect is much more emphasized. We continue to have an earnest, pleasant fair, where you can stroll at your own pace, without bumping into everyone all the time. It is a surprise for many to see Romania during the winter season. Aside from skiing, the country doesnt really stand out with much during winter, but the Sibiu Christmas Fair is all that you are looking for.”
This is our invitation for the winter holidays. Until next week, when we present to you another destination, good travels and fair weather!
