Sibiu to Turda Salt Mine, Rimetea Village and Alba Iulia Fortress

Discover three of Transylvania’s most fascinating destinations on a day trip from Sibiu. Travel underground at Turda Salt Mine, explore the traditional village of Rimetea at the foot of the Trascău Mountains and walk through the impressive Alba Iulia Fortress.

This itinerary combines mining history, traditional architecture, mountain scenery and some of Transylvania’s most important cultural landmarks.

Turda Salt Mine – a remarkable underground attraction

Leaving Sibiu in the morning, we will drive for approximately one and a half hours to Turda Salt Mine.

First documented in 1271, Turda Salt Mine is one of Romania’s oldest medieval salt mines, although salt had been extracted in this area since ancient times. Mining activity ended in 1932, and the underground galleries remained closed for approximately 60 years before reopening to visitors in 1992.

Following two years of extensive renovation work and an investment of almost €6 million, largely financed through European funds, Turda Salt Mine reopened in its modern form in 2010.

What can you see inside Turda Salt Mine?

The former mine has been transformed into an unusual underground tourist complex while preserving important elements connected to its mining history. Its main attractions include:

• an underground amphitheatre;
• a mini golf course;
• bowling lanes;
• a panoramic lift;
• an underground lake with a small jetty and boats;
• a panoramic wheel installed inside the spectacular Rudolf Mine.

Visitors can also see the historic crivac, a rare wooden, horse-powered winch once used to lift blocks of salt to the surface.

You will have approximately two hours to explore the underground galleries and discover the history and attractions of Turda Salt Mine.

Rimetea Village and the Trascău Mountains

After visiting the salt mine, we will continue towards Rimetea, a historic village situated in a spectacular valley at the foot of the Trascău Mountains.

Rimetea was established as an iron-mining settlement during the 13th century by German settlers and was later developed by the local Hungarian community. Once a prosperous mining centre, the village is now known for its beautifully preserved white houses, traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Several hiking trails begin near Rimetea and offer panoramic views over the village, the surrounding valley and the Trascău Mountains.

Explore the traditional village

During our stop in Rimetea, we can walk along its peaceful streets and admire the characteristic whitewashed houses that give the village its distinctive appearance.

There will also be an opportunity to enjoy lunch in a historic Székely manor house and discover some of the local culinary traditions.

Alba Iulia Fortress

On the return journey to Sibiu, we can make a short stop in Alba Iulia. The city is home to one of Europe’s best-preserved Vauban-style fortresses and several important monuments connected to the history of Transylvania and Romania.

During a walk through Alba Carolina Citadel, we can see:

• the Roman Catholic Cathedral;
• the Palace of the Princes of Transylvania;
• the Coronation Cathedral;
• the fortress’s monumental gates and defensive structures.

The short walking tour provides an introduction to the citadel’s architecture and historical importance before we continue our journey back to Sibiu.

A varied day trip from Sibiu

The Sibiu–Turda Salt Mine–Rimetea–Alba Iulia tour brings together three very different sides of Transylvania: its underground mining heritage, its traditional rural communities and its historic fortified cities.

Contact us for additional information about the itinerary, availability and tour arrangements.