From the Alps to the Balkans, I’ve spent the last few years chasing curves and altitude across Europe on two wheels. There’s something unbeatable about the way a motorcycle tour drops you straight into the landscape, makes you part of it. And yet, despite all the roads I’d ridden, one place kept popping up in the background of conversations with other riders, like a well-kept secret: Transylvania.

At first, I only knew the clichés — castles, Dracula, maybe a sheep or two. But after a bit of research, I realised this wasn’t just any region. This was a rider’s playground, with backroads, gravel passes, untouched forests, and local culture that hadn’t been steamrolled by mass tourism. That’s how I found Smart Tours Romania, a Brașov-based team offering motorcycle expeditions that go far beyond the usual brochures. I signed up for one tour. Then another. And before I knew it, I’d done all three of their day rides, each one showing me a new face of Romania.

Read on to find out why exploring Transylvania by motorcycle is the best adventure you can have in Romania — and which route to pick depending on your riding style.

Why Romania, why two wheels?

Some places are just better explored on two wheels, and Transylvania might be one of the best-kept secrets in the adventure motorcycle world. Romania isn’t just about Dracula legends or castles. It’s about open roads through wild pine forests, Saxon villages that time forgot, gravel passes that twist and dip through the Carpathians, and the kind of local food that makes you want to extend your trip. As someone who’s done motorcycle tours in the Alps and the Balkans, I came into Romania with high expectations. But what I found exceeded them. It felt real and raw, the kind of trip where you’re not just looking at the scenery, you’re living it. I’ve now done all three day tours offered by Smart Tours Romania, a Brasov-based DMC that runs both guided and self-guided motorcycle expeditions. Here’s what each one offers, from a rider’s perspective, and how to choose the best route for your kind of adventure.


The Terra Borza Loop - Best for scenic cruising, Saxon heritage and casual riders

The Emerald Lake in Racos looks like an oasis in the middle of a volcano crater

If you're looking for something laid-back with just the right amount of adventure, the Terra Borza Loop is a solid start. This 170km day ride starts and ends in Brasov, taking you through Transylvania’s Burzenland region and up to the edge of Szeklerland. It’s ideal for casual riders or those who want to soak up medieval history without needing advanced gravel skills. We rolled through quiet countryside lanes, gentle mountain passes, and stopped at Racos, a geological area with an extinct volcano, basalt columns, and a turquoise crater lake.

We also visited Kalnoky Castle, a noble estate with deep roots in the region’s aristocracy, followed by a lunch at a local pub nearby - It’s not every day you eat homemade stew and fruit syrup so close to a castle courtyard! What really stayed with me though was the castle’s hidden gem below ground. In the cellar, with its vaulted brick ceilings and thick stone walls, the team was preparing for a candlelit concert that evening. Dozens of warm LED candles lit the space, around the fireplace, lining the banquet tables, and surrounding a small raised stage. It felt like stepping into another century. The acoustics, even in silence, gave the space a sacred quality. While we didn’t stay for the music, just seeing it being set up made the ride feel even more connected to Transylvania’s layered history.

I mean...Can you imagine Hans Zimmer's epic music and this?

It was the kind of day where you get the thrill of the ride and the cultural payoff too, without needing to push yourself too hard. If you’re a beginner rider or want to pair motorcycling with scenic stops and heritage sites, this tour hits the sweet spot.


Riding in Terra Siculorum - Best for gravel enthusiasts, history lovers and off-the-beaten-path seekers

This ride is muuuuudy

This one is for the riders who like to work a bit for their view and don’t mind getting a bit of dust on their boots. The Terra Siculorum ride is a 195 km adventure into Szeklerland, a lesser-known region of Transylvania with fortified churches, wild forests, and gravel roads that keep your hands firm on the handlebars. We kicked off the day with a stop at Prejmer, a UNESCO-listed fortified church that looks like a cross between a fortress and a village. Super cool history, even better when your guide knows all the weird facts (like the importance to the local community of a Lard Tower in the fortified church!).

Then came Comandau, where the fun really started. A stretch of adrenaline-spiking gravel trail had me grinning inside my helmet. It’s not too technical, but it does require you to ride with intention. Forest all around. No tourists. Just you, the road, and the hum of your engine. Lunch was at a local restuarant where we tried a local favourite - the goulash! Now, if you've tried this before, just know that over here they make it exactly as in the original Hungarian recipe - spicy, stewy and absolutely finger-licking!

'Heaven is a place on earth' would be an understatement in Zabola Estate's garden

We continued to Zabola Estate, a manor house surrounded by forest and quiet, where we relaxed under the sun in what is probably one of the most peaceful courtyards I’ve ever sat in on a tour. They also have 4 hunting dogs there who were the absolute best tour guides - I was honestly considering not finishing the tour at this point, and just keep staying there a week or so! The inside of the manor house also surprised me, I did not expect such a well maintained and tastefully decorated mansion, it actually reminded me of the manor houses I've seen across the UK. For me, this was the best tour in terms of ride quality and terrain variation. Smooth tarmac, crunchy gravel, peaceful lanes, all in one day. If you’re looking for more remote beauty and a chance to test your skills, this is the one.


Transylvania’s Wild Heart and Gastro Local - Best for food lovers, local encounters and slow travel riders

Trust me, it DOES look just as spectacular from the ground as it looks from the air

This tour surprised me in the best way possible. If I had to recommend just one of the three to someone wanting a full-sensory experience of Transylvania, this would be it. At 160 km, it’s the shortest ride but definitely the richest in moments that stick with you. We started off crossing the scenic Bratocea Pass (don't tell me you have not seen this road pictured at least once before!), where you’ll basically want to stop every five minutes to snap panoramic shots of misty lakes and valleys. We did luckly stop a few times to check out a Sphinx-looking rock formation, then we admired the Maneciu Lake, and the immense forest-covered hills of the Ciucas Mountains at one of the belvedere spots on the way to Vama Buzaului.

Possibly the best mushroom stew I have ever had

When we got there, we first took a 1h-1.5h walk to Urlatoarea Waterfall, tucked deep in the woods, which was refreshing both literally and mentally. Then, once we'd worked up enough appetite, came the Gastro Local experience. We were welcomed by a local family in Vama Buzaului who served up a feast of slow-cooked Transylvanian dishes, all made from scratch with local ingredients. It wasn’t just lunch, it was connection. And such delicious food - literally the best I had in my whole time in Transylvania. They also showed us a bit around their home and explained how their daily routine goes in the midst of the Carpathians. I'm not gonna lie that I seriously considered moving there for a hot minute! I’ve done a lot of guided tours and local experiences, but this was the first time I felt like a guest, or even like a friend, not just a customer.

How medieval does Transylvania look like? Let's ask these citadel walls

After the meal, we visited Harman Fortified Church, a quiet, atmospheric site that rounded off the day with a bit of historical depth into the areas Saxon heritage. This was very similar to the Fortified Church of Prejmer, and although not included in the UNESCO list too, it didn't feel like that made any difference at all. So, if you are interested in this kind of stuff, either church gives you a great perspective into Saxon culture in the area. And if you're someone who rides to connect with places, not just rack up kilometers, this tour will absolutely hit home.


So which one should you choose?

Here’s my quick rider-to-rider breakdown:

Tour Best for Why
Terra Borza Loop history + scenic cruising great intro into Transylvania's heritage, low difficulty
Terra Siculorum adventure + relaxation ideal for more intermediate riders wanting a mix of terrain
Wild Heart & Gastro Local foodies + culture lovers best for slow travel, authentic meals and local connections

 

Can’t decide? You can also combine all three into a multi-day ride. Smart Tours DMC offers custom packages and self-guided options too.


What to expect from Smart Tours DMC

Alex - one of our tour guides making sure everything is ready to go after a muddy ride

Firstly, they had really well-maintained bikes (from KTM, Honda, CFMOTO or Husqvarna). I was lucky to also test a different bike on each one of the tours, and I have to say my favourite was definitely the KTM on the gravel terrain in Terra Siculorum! Then, their English-speaking guides are all locals, who ride these roads themselves. They knew a great deal about the places we visited, although they do not have a specific historical or touristic background. But they have a lot of passion for what they do and for the places they live and work in.

I also felt the tours were really well organised and had truly flexible formats: private, shared or self-guided. We had shared the Terra Siculorum ride with other rides from Germany, and the other two were fully private just for us. Either way you like it, the experience was just outstanding in all. Lastly, the optional extras they offer like a support car in case of technical issues, a photographer or even transportation for someone who may want to join you on the tour but not on the bike, just give that extra peace of mind and help make it from a great tour into a truly unforgettable memory from Transylvania!


Final thoughts: Transylvania just hits different on two wheels

I came to Romania for the roads and I stayed for the feeling. Transylvania, as Romania's probably most popular region, isn’t just about the scenery or Dracula and other vampire-related tales. It’s the real stories of its people, the silence of the forest roads, the way time slows down in the villages, and also the thrill that all these places give you! On a motorcycle, you don’t just see it, you also feel it to its core. And if you’re thinking of booking that next trip, all I’ll say is: don’t wait too long. Romania is still under the radar. For now.