Activities around Alma-Via Guesthouse

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

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.

Activities around Alma-Via Guesthouse
Cheerful tourists during their horse carriage travels organized by Alma-Via Guesthouse & Restaurant
Visiting the shepherds of Alma Vii organized by Alma-Via Guesthouse & Restaurant
Spectacular outdoor location being used for a picnic organized by Alma-Via Guesthouse & Restaurant

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.