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The image shows a large city in the light of the setting sun, with several church towers rising above other buildings and green hills visible in the background.
The image shows a large city in the light of the setting sun, with several church towers rising above other buildings and green hills visible in the background.

Cluj-Napoca

Published: 26 February 2026, 08:30

The secret capital of Transylvania

Cluj-Napoca (also known as Klausenburg in German) is located in northwestern Romania and is the capital of Cluj County. The country’s second-largest city is nestled in the green foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. For centuries, it was one of the leading centres of Transylvania. Even today, it is considered the unofficial capital of this myth-shrouded region. This makes the city the perfect starting point for immersing yourself in the country’s vampire folklore.

Cluj is a place where a diverse historical heritage with German, Hungarian, and Romanian influences meets a young and modern community. With its lively student scene, the city is one of Romania’s most important university centres. This creates a unique blend of history and modernity. If you are interested in well-preserved historical architecture, numerous parks, and an exciting nightlife, Cluj-Napoca is definitely worth a visit.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + one hour
  • Population: approx. 330,000
  • Official language: Romanian
  • Currency: Romanian leu (RON)

Unique Cityscape

The picture shows a paved square with an equestrian statue. Various old buildings with colourful facades and trees frame the square.
Piața Unirii (Unity Square) is located in the centre of the well-preserved old town. The equestrian statue of King Matthias Corvinus stands proudly in the square. © Ungureanu/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a bright church with a large nave and a tall tower. In front of it stands an equestrian statue. The church and statue are reflected in a smooth water surface in the foreground.
The Biserica Sfântul Mihail impresses with its Gothic nave, Baroque pulpit, paintings from the 15th century, and a church tower, which is the tallest building in the city. © bdavid32/stock.adobe.com
In the picture, you can see the front of a building. The yellow façade is decorated with columns and statues. Turrets and arches emphasise the neo-Baroque style.
The Romanian National Opera and the Lucian Blaga National Theatre share a building that combines culture, neo-Baroque architecture, and exceptional acoustics. © vladislavmavrin/stock.adobe.com
The image shows a sports stadium surrounded by trees in the centre of a large city, with a mountain range in the background. The lighting is dim.
The Cluj Arena is the home ground of Universitatea Cluj. With a capacity of 30,335, Romania's third-largest stadium can also host concerts and music festivals. © radudumitrescu/stock.adobe.com
In the foreground is a fountain decorated with statues, surrounded by green trees and shrubs. A colonnade can be seen in the background.
Parcul Central Simion Bărnuțiu invites you to stroll and linger, with free sports equipment, boat rentals, abundant nature, and cultural events. © sebi_2569/stock.adobe.com

Mythical Transylvania

Transylvania, also known as Siebenbürgen, is much more than just the home of the famous Count Dracula. Its largely untouched nature captivates visitors with pristine meadows, vast fields, green hills, and remote forests. Medieval towns, along with numerous castles and palaces, tell the stories and myths of the region. The authenticity of the surrounding villages offers a striking contrast to the urban charm of Cluj-Napoca. It is not uncommon to hear the eerie melodies of the famous organ piece ‘Toccata’ echoing from the open doors of a village chapel, while horse-drawn carts pass along the sandy dirt road in front of it.

Transylvania from Cluj-Napoca

The picture shows a gorge between green mountains and grey rock faces.
Cheile Turzii, a huge gorge, is located about 50 minutes from Cluj-Napoca. Numerous hiking trails lead through the spectacular rock formations. © pilat666/stock.adobe.com
You can see a path through a misty forest with curved trees on both sides.
Hoia Baciu is located west of Cluj-Napoca. This dense forest, with its unusually crooked trees, is surrounded by numerous legends. © Daniel M/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows an old wooden church in a meadow against a blue sky.
Those interested in history should not miss the Parcul Etnografic Naţional “Romulus Vuia.” The open-air museum displays reconstructed farmsteads from the 17th-20th centuries. © GISTEL/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a city from above. A domed building and a tall tower stand out in particular. Green hills and a blue sky can be seen in the background.
Târgu Mureș, located in the centre of Transylvania, captivates visitors with its medieval charm. The quiet town is also a popular local recreational area. © Zstock/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a castle with different towers and red roofs on a hill. It is surrounded by many trees coloured in autumnal hues.
Bran Castle is located a long drive away from Cluj-Napoca. It is often referred to as Dracula's Castle because it most closely resembles the fictional castle. © Cristi/stock.adobe.com

Cluj-Napoca from BER

Flugzeug kurz vor dem Aufsetzen auf die Start- und Landebahn

Wizz Air 

Piktogramm Info-i

Cluj-Napoca Airport (CLJ)

Five tips for ...

1. Explore the well-preserved Old Town and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural history.

2. Discover alternative cafés or bars in small alleys.

3. Enjoy the view of the city from Cetățuia Hill.

4. Recognise the religious diversity of Transylvania based on the different church architecture.

5. Stroll along the Eroilor Promenade and soak up the lively city atmosphere.

1. Marvel at Transylvania's history and archaeological finds in the National Museum of Transylvanian History.

2. Discover Romanian artwork and paintings at the Muzeul de Artă in Bánffy Palace.

3. Experience immersive modern art interactively at the MINA Museum.

4. See a play or opera at the magnificent Lucian Blaga National Theatre.

5. Gain insights into botanical research at the Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum.

1. Relax at Lake Tarnița or enjoy water sports.

2. Explore the tunnels of the Salina Turda salt mine.

3. Walk in the footsteps of the paranormal in the Hoia-Baciu Forest.

4. Hike through the impressive Cheile Turzii (limestone gorge) and enjoy the view.

5. Discover impressive mountain landscapes in the Apuseni Natural Park.

Picture source title:
© Ungureanu/stock.adobe.com

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