Interesting Things To Do In Sighișoara 

An Overview of Sighișoara 

Sighișoara is an amazing tourism town situated atop a large hill. The historic town originally served as an influential guild-base and military stronghold during Europe’s medieval period. For generations, the town and it’s intricate walled defense system was a staunch defense against invasion by the Ottoman Empire. Much of the city’s original fortifications and traditional buildings are intact, making the town a beautiful place to visit. Sighișoara is extraordinarily popular. It’s advisable to visit on weekdays, as weekends see considerable crowds. There are many interesting things to do in Sighișoara.

Advice for Visiting Sighișoara

Sighișoara can be reached from Cluj-Napoca by train, bus or car.  It is closer to Bucharest, but generally the trip is rather long.  The cheapest way to and from Sighișoara is by using the Blablacar application, which costs about 40 Lei both directions.

Much of Sighișoara requires cash, most especially the various food trucks.  A couple of the smaller attractions also require small bills.

Sighișoara is a very popular tourism town.  The city hosts a couple of popular Medieval Festivals thorughout the year. 

Thought Sighișoara is atop a rather large hill, the stairway isn’t terribly steep.  It is possible to drive up, but parking and maneuvering in the city is stressful and difficult.  It’s recommend that visitors park in the town at the bottom and follow a stairway or the main road up.

Interesting Things To Do In Sighișoara 

The Citadel

This was once a frontier defense against the Ottoman Empire, restored in the 1300 to 1500’s by various guilds, which allowed it to remain intact.  The citadel includes the Blacksmith shops, the butcher stores, the cobbler roads, the furriers guild, the Rope-Maker’s tower, the tailor, tanner and tinsmith all contributed to the city defense.  Many roads are named after their contributions.

Clock Tower

This is the defining feature of Sighișoara, a 64-meter tower used as a defensive apparatus with four corner turrets.  A famous 1600s clock is installed atop with images of the angels of day and night.

Piata Cetatii – Citadel Square

This is a bright little café square which hosts numerous events for Medieval Sighișoara recreations, including markets, fairs, public executions and witch trials.

Church on a Hill 

This is a 15th century Gothic church built atop a Romanesque basilica with numerous frescos.  The church shows St. George fighting the dragon and other biblical scenes.

The Covered Staircase

This is a long series of stairs following timber roof and walls linking upper citadel with citadel square. Musicians can often be found on this path.

Turnul Franghierilor – Rope Maker’s Tower

This is a quaint building with a dwelling incorperated into the structure.  The dwelling belongs to the groundskeeper of the Evangelical Cemetery.

The House of Vlad Dracul, Count Dracula, Vlad the Impaler 

The pseudo-legendary prince of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, inspired Bram Stoker’s story about Count Dracula.  However, Vlad Tepes had an influential role in history, with several ties to the walled city. At this small “vampire house” there’ s a sculpture of an iron dragon, symbolizing the Order of the Dragon to which Vlad belonged. Learning the history around Vlad Tepes is one of the most interesting things to do in Sighișoara.

Breite Nature Reserve 

This is a large nature reserve with 800 year old hornbeam and oak trees.  The beautiful landscape follows a 25 km loop with several shepherds rotating around. It can be found just outside of Sighișoara.

Evangelical Cemetery 

This is a large cemetery overlooked by the Church on the Hill.  The graveyard holds generations of Saxon residents.  The foliage is rich and beautiful with views over the city and lowlands in the distance.

Saschiz 

This is a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 15 minutes down the road from Sighișoara. The site is based around a fortified Saxon Church raised at the end of the 15th century.  The structure is beautiful with 22 buttresses and a single defensive tower to the north.

Sighișoara History Museum 

This master-craftsmen museum with laminated cards in English, which are extremely informative.  There are also historical records regarding the processes needed to join a craft guild.  Additionally, the museum includes a steep staircase leading to a glass viewing-box to see the inner working of the clock mechanisms.  The view from here, overlooking the town, is impressive.

Biertan 

This is a nearby historic town outside of Sighișoara. Beirtan is part of a majestic countryside fairytale castle with a impressive fortified church in the center. The entire, magical scene is often accented by colorful flowers and trimmed hedges

The Dracula Investigation 

This small venue contains a comprehensive explanation of the historical events around Dracula and how Vlad Tepes and his horrific habit of impaling his enemies influenced Bram Stroker’s work.

Teo’s Cellar Pivnita lui Teo

Located off a small road, this is an award-winning brewery cellar.

Umbrella Street 

This is an umbrella-decorated food and treats street where numerous tourists and crowds are often found. The street is in the lower town of Sighișoara, surrounded by restaurants and eateries.

Weapon Museum 

This is part of the city’s history museum, with several exhibits showing off antique shields, armor, rifles and swords.

Read about interesting things to do in Sighișoara and seeing the world by visiting the Leftfade Trails Blog

Affiliate Disclosure: Leftfade Trails contains affiliate links, so using services or products through these links supports the website, at no extra cost to the user. All links are to tested services and products designed to aid travelers on their journeys. Some links specifically connect to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases.