Day Trips and Tours from Cluj-Napoca

Nicknamed by many as the “Capital of Transylvania,” Cluj-Napoca has plenty to keep any traveler occupied, from its 2,000-year history to its magnificent churches that dominate the city skyline. However, the destination also serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for anyone wishing to explore more of the country.

There are a multitude of day trips and tours from Cluj-Napoca to choose from, whether you wish to ride an underground Ferris wheel, discover Gothic architecture or visit the largest castle in Romania.

Turda Salt Mine

It is believed that Turda Salt Mine’s roots trace back to the Roman period, making it one of the oldest landmarks in Transylvania. However, documentation supporting the existence of the mine only travels back to the 11th century. Once used to meet the salt needs of the area, Turda Salt Mine’s primary purpose is now as a tourist attraction.

Alongside investigating the history of the mine and how it was dug by hand in search of precious metals, those who choose a day trip to Turda Salt Mine from Cluj-Napoca can participate in numerous fun activities, such as bowling, and mini golf in its underground amusement park.

Transylvania

Covering over 100,000 square kilometers in Central Romania, the region of Transylvania is littered with charming medieval villages and impressive Gothic castles. However, the area is best known for its association with the fictional vampire, “Dracula” — who was written as the main character in Bram Stoker’s 19th-century novel.

Today, Transylvania still holds onto its reputation as a spooky destination, with folkloric legends of the undead and tales of brutal rulers. There is, however, more to the region than just its spine-tingling dark past, which you can discover for yourself on a Transylvania day trip from Cluj-Napoca. On this type of excursion, you’ll hop between villages, strolling pretty cobbled streets and UNESCO-listed churches, as well as meeting gypsy communities.

Sighișoara

Nestled in the Transylvania region is the colorful town of Sighișoara. With vibrant buildings and a rich heritage that stretches back 800 years, this destination is unsurprisingly popular with tourists. Sighișoara is the only inhabited medieval citadel remaining in Southeastern Europe and its most popular attraction is its 64-meter clock tower, which was constructed at the turn of the 14th century, and provided protection to the town against raids.

A day tour of Sighișoara from Cluj-Napoca provides an insight into Romanian history through its UNESCO-listed center and often includes a handful of other destinations, including Biertan.

Biertan

Biertan is famed for its UNESCO-listed fortified church, which, while once Roman Catholic, now serves as a worship spot for Evangelical Lutherans. The village is part of a commune in the Transylvania area of Romania, alongside Copșa Mare and Richiș. Established in the 13th century, the townlet’s main attraction is its spectacular 15th-century church; however, you’ll find, on a day trip to Biertan from Cluj-Napoca, that the rest of the village is just as charming.

While a worthwhile spot to visit by itself, you’ll typically find that Biertan excursions also include Sighișoara, and together, the two destinations showcase Romania’s medieval architecture perfectly.

Alba Carolina Fortress

Alba Carolina Fortress is located within the city of Alba Iulia, which sits along the River Mureș, and is a masterpiece of Vauban architecture. This land has been fortified since Roman rule when it was known as Apulum, and was replaced during the medieval era with a newer citadel.

The monument you can see today on a day tour of the Alba Carolina fortress was constructed during the 18th century and its most iconic feature is its heptagonal shape. Each of its seven corners has its own bastion, once used to offer protection to the city from all sides and the landmark was built by over 20,000 workers.

Corvin Castle

Also known as both “Hunyadi” and “Hunedoara,” Corvin is among the largest castles in Europe. Now listed as one of the “Seven Wonders of Romania” alongside the Alba Carolina fortress and the Churches of Moldavia, Corvin Castle was originally commissioned in the 15th century by the Voivode of Transylvania at the time, John Hunyadi.

The castle was built in a classic Gothic style that was fitting with its time period and is beautifully preserved, making it a prime attraction for visitors on a Corvin Castle day trip from Cluj-Napoca. The site is swimming in local legends and once imprisoned the notorious Vlad the Impaler — the real-life inspiration behind “Dracula.”

Maramureș

The region of Maramureș stretches across the northern lands of Romania and into the western part of Ukraine. One of the most traditional corners of Eastern Europe, those who embark on a Maramureș day tour from Cluj-Napoca will find the area to be beautifully old-fashioned, with spinning wheels, wood-carved furniture and pottery kilns at every turn.

The area is also known for its selection of wooden churches, which are recognizable by their lofty spires and clock towers. These eight religious monuments were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries after a Hungarian prohibition of stone Orthodox churches fell into place.