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This road runs through the Transylvanian Plateau and is a historic route through what was the heart of Saxon Land in medieval Transylvania. The almost 100 kilometers of road provide access to the historic and cultural treasures of the Middle Ages—the Saxon fortified churches—while crossing a picturesque landscape.

The road begins in Sighisoara, one of Romania’s tourist gems—a real medieval fortress-city dating back to the 12th century. The town is known for its surviving 14th century citadel boasting nine towers and two bastions. The citadel is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its clock tower stands 64 meters tall and displays a fascinating 1648 clock with revolving wooden carved figurines and an intricate mechanism. This town is an absolute must on your visit to Romania.

From the center of town, DN14 runs along E60 through the somewhat newer section of town still bearing the mark of its communist past. As you leave town, DN14 turns left and heads west. The transition into countryside is swift and highly enjoyable. The road quality is good and the view is very pleasing—rolling hills, pleasant villages, and trees flanking the roadside.

Just about every village you ride through on this road was once a Saxon settlement. As a result, most villages have a fortified church, which served two purposes—that of a religious center and also as a refuge in case of attack. The best known of these fortified churches is Biertan. About 19 kilometers from Sighisoara you will see the sign for Biertan, near the village of Saros pe Tarnave. It is worth a trip. The ride through this area is reminiscent of life 500 years ago. It is not difficult to imagine how the inhabitants of these places lived, because to a large extent, they still live the same way.

The church in Biertan is impossible to miss, as the edifice is impressive in size and towers over the village below. The 15th century church is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the only fortified church that is open and holds regular monthly services. Two and a half rings of wall encircle the church connected with a covered staircase. The graves of the bishops can be seen in the Bishops’ Tower. The interior boasts a sacristy door with 19 locks and a bastion where legend has it that couples desiring divorce were shut inside. Supposedly, only one couple in 400 years went through with divorce after two weeks of seclusion!

Returning back on DN14, turn left toward Medias. A few kilometers down the road, into Brateiu, you will notice another fortified church in the town’s main square. While impressive in its architecture and location, it is not open to the public.

From here it is a short ride into Medias, another medieval Saxon stronghold. This active industrial town dates back to the Iron Age. It gained more importance during the Roman colonization of Dacia. The town was a walled fortress during Saxon rule, and served as the site of the first Lutheran synod in Transylvania in 1544.

The ride from Medias continues in a more southern direction, through the town of Copsa Mica, once considered Romania’s most polluted town. During communism, the town was host to carbon and metallurgic plants, which churned out tons of soot every year, practically covering everything in black—houses, gardens, sheep at pasture, even laundry if left outside. Riding through town nowadays you may find glimpses of its past, but the industry here has performed a substantial turn-around. European filters have been installed on the metal plant, the carbon plant was closed, and the town has been considerably cleaned-up. The town’s industrial smoke stacks sill provide a striking contrast with the lush green, rolling hills surrounding them.

From Copsa Mica, it is 55 kilometers into Sibiu. This section takes away from the industrial flavor of Medias and Copsa Mica, with more scenic landscapes, a twisting road and plenty of opportunities for gear changes. The road even throws in a few hairpin turns to keep things interesting. As you approach Sibiu, the road offers a panoramic glance towards the city from a high point. By the time you reach Sibiu, you feel the ride was worth it.

SIBIU (Hermannstadt) has the honor of co-chairing as the European Cultural Capital in 2007, alongside Luxembourg. The old city is worth a visit—with its squares, Piata Mare, Piata Mica and Piata Huet, charming old buildings and churches as well as trendy boutiques, bookstores, and café terraces. There are plenty of cobblestone streets and alleyways to stroll that also provide great vantage points for people-watching.

From here, there are several routes worth taking—south toward Ramnicu Valcea through the impressive Olt River valley; east toward Brasov with, perhaps, a detour south on the fantastic Transfagarasan. There are plenty of options, depending on your plans and the time of year.

Brateiu

Roads > DN14

Road to Medias

Medias

Copsa Mica

Biertan

Motorcycle Adventures for the 21st Century