A Legacy of the Teutonic Knights
The story of Țara Bârsei began in 1211, when King Andrew II of Hungary invited the Teutonic Knights to settle here. Their mission? To defend the border of the Kingdom against the nomadic Cumans.
Though the knights stayed for only 14 years, they laid the foundations for the region’s most famous landmarks, including the early fortifications of Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress. Following them, the Transylvanian Saxons built the "Seven Cities" (Siebenbürgen), turning Țara Bârsei into a powerhouse of trade and Gothic architecture.
A picturesque landscape of Țara Bârsei (Burzenland) in Transylvania, featuring a medieval citadel on a hill, a Saxon fortified church, and traditional haystacks, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains.
No land this old is without its ghosts. Țara Bârsei is a place where every castle has a secret and every mountain has a memory.
1. The Maiden of Râșnov and the Endless Well
Inside the courtyard of the Râșnov Fortress, there is a well so deep it took 17 years to dig. Legend has it that during a long siege, two Turkish prisoners were promised their freedom if they could find water within the fortress walls.
They dug through solid rock for nearly two decades, carving verses from the Quran into the stone walls as they went. The tragic twist? Once the water finally bubbled up, the prisoners were not freed, but executed. Locals say that on quiet nights, you can still hear the rhythmic clinking of their ghostly shovels from the depths of the earth.
2. The Mist of Bran Castle
While the world knows Bran Castle through the lens of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, local folklore tells of something older: the Strigoi. Long before vampires became a Hollywood staple, villagers in the Bârsa Valley believed that certain souls remained trapped between worlds, wandering the forests as spirits. The thick mists that frequently swallow Bran Castle are said to be the breath of these ancient guardians, protecting the pass from intruders.
3. The Legend of the Crown in the Trees
As mentioned in our Postăvaru guide, the very symbol of Brașov (the administrative heart of Țara Bârsei) comes from a legend. A king—Solomon—fleeing through the forests of the valley, hid his golden crown in the roots of a tree to keep it from his enemies. Centuries later, a shepherd found it, and today, the "Crown on the Tree Trunk" remains the proud coat of arms of the city.
Must-Visit Landmarks in Țara Bârsei
- Brașov (Click HERE to see more): The "Crown City," home to the Black Church, the largest Gothic structure between Vienna and Istanbul.
- Bran Castle (Click HERE to see more): The legendary "Dracula’s Castle," a masterpiece of medieval defense perched on a 60-meter rock.
- Râșnov Citadel (Click HERE to see more): A peasant fortress offering the best panoramic view of the entire Bârsa depression.
- Prejmer & Hărman (Click HERE to see more): Home to massive fortified churches, UNESCO World Heritage sites designed to house entire villages during wartime.
Țara Bârsei is where the wild beauty of the Carpathians meets the discipline of Germanic architecture. It’s a land of high-altitude meadows, bear sanctuaries, and cobblestone streets where history feels alive. Whether you are chasing the ghost of Vlad the Impaler or hiking the trails of Postăvaru, this region is the quintessential Transylvanian experience.
A video witch present a part of Tara Barsei:
FAQ: Your Guide to Exploring Țara Bârsei (Burzenland)
1. Where exactly is Țara Bârsei located? Țara Bârsei is a historic depression located in the southeastern part of Transylvania, right at the bend of the Carpathian Mountains. It essentially covers the metropolitan area of Brașov and its surrounding villages, bordered by the Bucegi, Postăvaru, Piatra Craiului, and Persani mountains.
2. What is the best base city for exploring the region? Brașov is the undisputed capital of the region and the best place to set up camp. It offers excellent hotels, restaurants, and transport links to all major attractions (Bran, Râșnov, Prejmer) within a 20–30 minute radius.
3. How many days do I need to see the highlights? We recommend at least 3 to 4 days.
- Day 1: Explore the city of Brașov (Black Church, Council Square, Tâmpa Mountain).
- Day 2: Visit Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress.
- Day 3: Discover the UNESCO Fortified Churches (Prejmer and Hărman).
- Day 4: Hiking or skiing in Poiana Brașov (Postăvaru Massif).
5. Do I need a car to visit Țara Bârsei? Not necessarily, but it helps.
Without a car: You can easily reach Brașov by train from Bucharest. From Brașov, there are frequent buses to Bran, Râșnov, and Poiana Brașov.
With a car: You have more freedom to explore hidden gems like the Zărnești Gorges (Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor) or the smaller Saxon villages at your own pace.
6. What are the "Fortified Churches"? These are unique architectural wonders found almost exclusively in Transylvania. In Țara Bârsei, the churches of Prejmer and Hărman are essentially castles built around a church. They were designed to shelter the entire village population during Ottoman invasions. Prejmer is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a must-see!
7. Is the region suitable for families with children? Absolutely. Beyond history, kids will love the Dino Park in Râșnov (one of the largest in SE Europe), the Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești (Libearty), and the cable car rides in Poiana Brașov.
