Activities usually start with a visit to the fortified church of Alma Vii
A visit to Alma Vii’s fortified church has been ranked as one of the Top Sights in Fortified Saxon Villages by The Lonely Planet, alongside the famous churches in Biertan, Viscri, or Valea Viilor. The medieval fortified church of Alma Vii started as a small church in the early 1300s and has over centuries been constantly enlarged to become today’s impressive ensemble.
The fortified wall was renovated in 2016 under the supervision of the Mihai Eminescu Trust. It now houses a charming and kid-friendly museum with old artifacts from Alma Vii – including a real skeleton! A second phase of the renovation of the church itself started in 2022.
It is now even possible to climb inside the towers on steep, wooden ladders. In the bell tower, you will be right next to the giant old church bell. From there you will enjoy a beautiful view of the village and beyond.
You can find all the information on the church’s webpage at www.almavii.ro.
The opening times vary according to the season and other factors. Therefore it is advisable to inquire about them beforehand.
Why did the Transylvanian Saxons build fortified churches?
The fortified churches were built for a number of reasons, including as places of worship, as defensive structures to protect against invaders, and as places of refuge for the local population during times of conflict. Many of these churches have thick walls, towers, and other defensive features, such as arrow slits and openings for throwing stones at attackers.
Although there are around 150 fortified churches in Transylvania, not all of them are open to the public. Some of them are still used as places of worship and are only open for services, while others have been converted into museums or other public buildings. However, many of the fortified churches are open to visitors and offer tours or other activities. If you are interested in visiting one of these churches, it is worth doing some research beforehand to find out which ones are open and what activities they offer.
Overall, the fortified churches served as an important part of the defense and protection of the Transylvanian Saxon communities.
Outdoor Activities around Alma-Via Guesthouse
Bike
The hills and remote country roads around Alma Vii are unique and rewarding terrain for bicycle lovers. This also shows in the growing number of guided bicycle tours that visit us each year. Depending on your skills, you can also choose very challenging, off-road trips.
If you want to get more serious with your activities we recommend Lorand
With over three decades of expertise in not rushing into things, I decided to put my local knowledge to use by offering a great travel experience in the region I know best. My tours will take you off the beaten track and combine my passions: mountain biking, hiking and ski touring.
Lorand Peter
Lorand organizes private trips and tailor-made tours for small groups in search of an active journey
It will be difficult to find better bikes to rent
Lorand Peter
Tour Guide & Trip organizer
Phone: + 40 745 683 267
Email: info@trailguide.ro
Instagram: trailguide.ro
Facebook: trailguide.ro
Hike
The endless soft rolling, grassy hills and forests of Transylvania bring out the Wanderlust in almost everyone who comes here.
Romania is not (yet) a country with many marked and maintained hiking paths. The land is free and yours to discover, and you will find almost no fences here to stop you on your way!
Regardless if you just want to go where your feet will carry you, or if you have a set destination such as a neighboring village or fortified church. You will certainly find what you are looking for, and more.
Horse carriage rides around Alma Vii
That’s a great activity for the whole family.
How about driving to a traditional “stana”, a shepherd’s hut and paddock, where you can watch or help him milk the sheep, and see how traditional Romanian “branza” cheese is cooked over an open fire?
Or do you want to find out how Transylvanian honey is made and sample a few different types, all organic and pesticide-free?
For groups, we sometimes combine it with a picnic out in nature. This needs to be organized in advance.
If you are serious about horseback riding tours, check out Villa Abbatis
Villa Abbatis has great horses and they offer a large variety of riding tours. However, they don’t offer classical horseback riding for children or hourly horse rentals. But you can discuss all your ideas and questions about horseback tours through Transylvania with them.
Surrounding communities
Moșna
Alma Vii is part of the comuna Moșna. Moșna has an important cultural attraction on its own: “One of the finest fortifications in the region around Medias, Moșna’s 14th-century church was rebuilt over subsequent centuries, with impressive defense towers and high walls. There are a few displays of regional history inside the complex, but the church with statues of archangels and wood-carved pews is most interesting.” Lonely Planet
Biertan
Only 16 km or 25 minutes away by car lies the small town of Biertan, which is famous for its extraordinary fortified church, a UNESCO heritage site. This magical place with its hidden corners and breathtaking architecture is definitely worth a visit. If you enjoy long hikes, you can even walk there all the way from Alma Vii, on a marked hiking trail through beautiful forests. We are happy to supply you with a tasty lunch package for the way, and to pick you up by car for the way home to Alma Vii. A trip to Biertan is also a great route for a bike tour on asphalt roads with little traffic.
Valea Viilor
If the crowds at Biertan are too much for you, there is a secret gem hidden only 16 km from Alma Vii: the fortified church of Valea Viilor, also a UNESCO heritage site. It is much less visited than Biertan and hence has a more intimate feel to it, yet is no less interesting to see! By car, it can be reached by going around via Medias, which doubles the distance. But in good weather, it is also possible to reach it on a non-paved, remote country road through hills and meadows, either by horse cart, bicycle, or a long, beautiful hike (not advisable after heavy rain falls).
Sighișoara
The historical town of Sighișoara, 45 km from Alma Vii, is actually a citadel, which became a UNESCO heritage site in 1999. With its car-free, enchanting cobbled streets, charming, colorful houses, and amazing setting on top of a forested hill, it is deservedly one of Romania’s most visited places. On top, it is the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, better known to the world as Dracula.
Mediaș
Like most Transylvanian cities, Mediaș was strongly fortified in the middle ages. The fortified church St. Margaret represented the core, around which the citadel gradually developed. The old town center has maintained a medieval feel with narrow winding lanes, century-old houses, and a large pedestrian square surrounded by colorful facades.
Alțâna
In Alțâna, 30 km from Alma Vii, you can find an interethnic museum, with an impressive collection of Romanian, Saxon, and Hungarian artifacts. It has been assembled lovingly by its passionate owners and will transport you right back in time, to life in the old days in Transylvania.
Great link selection of touristic and cultural activities for Transylvania
Colinele Transilvaniei / Transylvanian Highlands is a common initiative of partners who value this particular area through the projects they implement and through the support they offer for community development.
Some official activity ideas from Sibiu Tourism Association
The „Years of Hiking” program is initiated and funded by Sibiu County Council, in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association, and it covers the whole of Sibiu County. The main aim is to improve the hiking infrastructure in the county and to promote specific ecotourism activities – hiking, cycling, horse riding, flora and fauna observation, and cultural tours.