Deutsch-Weißkirch: Church, Crafts and Trails Around Viscri

The fortified church of Viscri is one of the seven villages with fortified churches that have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viscri preserves a complete and exceptionally well-preserved ensemble of regionally typical rural architecture from the early 19th century.

Today's church in Viscri contains parts of a church that was probably built by a Szekler community before the Saxon settlement in the early 12th century. At the end of the 15th century, the church in Viscri received defensive passageways at the choir and the west tower.

The fortified church of Viscri is classified as a historical monument of national importance with the status of a National Treasure under Articles 1 and 2 of Romanian Law No. 11 of 1994 on the protection of historical monuments. The fortified church of Viscri regularly hosts concerts and cultural events. Once a month, a Protestant service according to the Transylvanian liturgy takes place in the fortified church of Viscri.

In Viscri, old property names are passed down orally. The old property names make it possible to reconstruct the historical division of the cultivated plots.

Hiking trails around Viscri lead from the guesthouse. The hiking trails around Viscri range in duration from about 30 minutes to about three hours. The hills around Viscri are suitable for hiking and offer the opportunity to observe deer, pheasants, foxes and hares, as well as a diverse birdlife and flora. A mountain bike or trekking route connects the neighboring Saxon villages of Criț and Meșendorf with Viscri via hills and through forests. There are two riding centers in Viscri that offer horseback rides.

At the village smithy in Viscri, visitors can watch horseshoes and tools being made according to centuries-old models. In Viscri, a female craftworkers' community makes knitted clothing and decorations by hand. For this work, the female craftworkers' community uses techniques passed down by the village elders. The brick kiln south of Viscri is a visitor attraction associated with the revival of the traditional production of bricks and roof tiles.

Viscri 38 is a local gastronomic establishment based on family recipes and fresh ingredients. At Viscri 38, sarmale with meat are offered as a classic Romanian dish.

Via Bunești, Viscri can be reached from the E60 between Sighișoara and Brașov; the distance to Viscri is 7 km. Viscri can also be reached via Dacia from the E60 near Rupea; the distance is 9 km. A free car park is available at the entrance to Viscri.

More destinations: Pârâul Rece, Prejmer, Cincșor, Vama Buzăului, Poiana Mărului, Predeal, Bunești, Viștișoara

To the higher-level travel overview: Brasov.