Brasov: Viscri Saxon village, Extinct Volcano and Emerald Lake

On a fresh Transylvanian morning, our knowledgeable guide will greet you and pick you up directly from your chosen location in the beautiful city of Brasov. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the remarkable area of Racoș, where you will explore a fascinating geological complex. This site consists of three distinct and awe-inspiring natural wonders which you truly shouldn’t miss. First, marvel at the spectacular basalt columns, imposing 15-meter-high rock structures formed by ancient lava flows that will surely impress you with their geometric perfection. Next, behold the stunning Emerald Lake, renowned for its uniquely vivid and captivating color that shifts with the sunlight. Last but certainly not least, you will discover the dramatic ”volcanic canyon.” This entire area was a direct witness to intense volcanic activity millions of years ago, and the rugged scenery inside the canyon, with its layered walls, will make you feel as if you are standing in a smaller-scale, more intimate version of the Grand Canyon itself. If you appreciate a bit of history intertwined with nature, you will have the opportunity to visit the charming Sukosd Bethlen Castle situated within the village of Racoș. For the best views, you can even climb up into the castle’s tower to enjoy a wonderful panorama over the entire surrounding area.

Your next magnificent stop will be the iconic Rupea Citadel, proudly situated on the crest of a commanding hill, high above the town that shares its name. This fortress is one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in all of Romania. The first signs of human settlements here are incredibly ancient, dating all the way back to the Paleolithic and early Neolithic periods, offering a profound connection to the distant past.

Your final and deeply picturesque stop will be in the beloved village of Viscri, often referred to as “the Romanian home of Prince Charles.” This village is well known beyond the country’s borders for being one of the most picturesque settlements, rightfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will visit the famous White Church, which is a modest house of God on the inside but an impressively fortified fortress on the outside—one of many such structures created centuries ago to protect small Transylvanian villages during the turbulent Middle Ages.

We will end the day in authentic style with a delightful traditional meal (not included in the tour price) that will surely make you fall in love with this area’s culinary heritage. We will stop at a cherished local barn restaurant, where the passionate people from the community craft both traditional and reinvented dishes. The owners are dedicated to sourcing authentic, honest ingredients directly from the land, and they thoughtfully change their menu seasonally, depending on what they find most interesting and fresh within their network of small local farmers. After this memorable feast, you will be comfortably taken back to Brasov and dropped off at your original location, concluding a day rich in natural wonders, history, and culture.