Sibiu: Old Town, Museums and Cycling Routes

Explore Sibiu’s culture through its historic centre, museums and their varied collections; there are also cycling and leisure activities. Seasonal offerings, transport connections and the current status of individual visitor attractions are also relevant when planning your day.

Historic Centre and City History

Explore Sibiu’s historic centre via its cobbled streets, narrow passageways, old houses with high roofs, churches, towers and defensive walls. The Podul Minciunilor adds a specific milestone to this historic picture: in 1859, it became the first cast-iron bridge in what is now Romania.

When planning your visit, note the current status of Turnul Sfatului: the tower is currently closed to visitors for renovation work. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The city’s craft tradition is another part of its cultural heritage. The Asociaţia pentru întreţinerea Casei Calfelor was founded in Sibiu in 2007. Casa Calfelor is the first journeymen’s house outside Germany, France and Switzerland.

Museums and Collections

The Muzeul de Istorie Casa Altemberger was built at the end of the 15th century and is Romania’s largest Gothic secular architectural ensemble. Its exhibitions provide an overview of the development of human communities in southern Transylvania, focusing on Sibiu and its surroundings: from the earliest human traces documented there, dating to the Palaeolithic, through to the modern era.

The European Art Gallery at the Muzeul Brukenthal is based on Baron Samuel von Brukenthal’s European painting collection. It comprises around 1,200 works from the major European schools of painting, dating from the 15th to the 18th century. Its focus therefore differs from the broad historical overview at the Muzeul de Istorie Casa Altemberger: the emphasis is on paintings and their art-historical context.

The permanent exhibition at the Muzeul Bisericii Evanghelice covers the history of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession, the Lutheran church in Romania, as well as the community and religious life of the Transylvanian Saxons. The museum also displays sacred works of art and cultural heritage objects spanning seven centuries, including altars, communion vessels, sculptures, textiles and printed works. Together, the three collections offer different perspectives: regional history, European painting, and church and community life.

Cycling Routes and Leisure Activities

The themed Traseul Emil Cioran cycling loop connects Sibiu with Rășinari. The 25-kilometre circular route passes through Sub-Arini Park, Dumbrava Forest, Rășinari and Poplaca. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out. Gușterița has six hiking and cycling routes, opened in 2014. Each has its own story and offers a different experience; they are seasonally available from spring through autumn. The named 25-kilometre circular route and the several trails with different themes provide distinct reference points for planning.

The Lacul lui Binder leisure complex has wakeboarding facilities, beaches, a floating playground, beach volleyball courts and piers. As the operating status of the facilities can change, check the latest information before your visit. Near Sibiu, the ASTRA Museum offers visitors horse-drawn carriage rides as a leisure activity; this offering may vary seasonally.

Getting There and the Regional Market

Sibiu International Airport is directly connected to Sibiu’s public transport network. Tursib buses run directly to key parts of the city. As routes and timetables are subject to change, it is advisable to check the schedule for your travel date.

The Piața volantă Transilvania in Sibiu is a market for small producers from the region. Products on offer include cheese, baked goods, meat products, organically grown fruit and vegetables, organic honey, jams and syrups. The stated operating period for 2026 begins on 29 August. Check the market date for your visit.

Discover more destinations: Dealu Frumos, Arpaşu De Sus, Şelimbăr, Tălmaciu, Valea Viilor, Boiţa, Miercurea Sibiului and Orlat.

For the main travel overview: Hermannstadt.