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Romania & the Hutterite Story: Faith and Culture in Transylvania 

When:
June 4 - 15,  2026
Tour Leader(s):

Rod Hofer 

Activity Level:

Active

Peles Castle, Sinaia, Romania

Discover the inspiring history of the Hutterites in Romania as storyteller Rodney Hofer brings their trials, faith, and resilience to life. 

  • Walk the cobblestone streets of Sibiu and explore former Hutterite prisons and sanctuaries. 

  • Visit fortified Saxon villages and UNESCO World Heritage churches. 

  • Step inside Corvin Castle, Bran Castle, and the royal Peles Castle. 

  • Share home-cooked village meals and connect with local communities. 

  • Experience wine tastings, folk traditions, and Transylvania’s breathtaking landscapes. 


A powerful blend of heritage storytelling, cultural encounters, and unforgettable scenery. 

Step into the heart of Transylvania, where the echoes of faith, resilience, and cultural exchange have shaped communities for centuries. Led by storyteller Rodney Hofer, this immersive journey traces the remarkable history of the Hutterites in Romania — their imprisonments, escapes, and places of refuge — while embracing the region’s diverse cultural tapestry. 

From the medieval streets of Sibiu to the fortified Saxon villages, from the haunting towers of Hutterite prisons to the warmth of home-cooked village meals, you’ll experience both the profound heritage and the vibrant living culture of this region. Along the way, explore iconic castles, UNESCO World Heritage churches, folk traditions, and the breathtaking Carpathian landscapes that have long been witness to human courage and conviction. 

At a Glance

  • Dates: June 4 - 15, 2026 
  • Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
  • Story Teller: Rod Hofer
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Sibiu

Sibiu

Sibiu (Hermannstadt), Romania

Sibiu

Sibiu

Sibiu (Hermannstadt), Romania

TM Travellers

TM Travellers

TourMagination travellers singing hymns during their tour in Romania

Sibiu

Sibiu

Sibiu (Hermannstadt), Romania

TM Travellers in Sibiu

TM Travellers in Sibiu

Fellow TourMagination travellers at the Former Theresianum Orphanage with the statue of Maria Theresa, Sibiu (Hermannstadt), Romania

Alba Iulia

Alba Iulia

Orthodox Cathedral of the Reunification, Alba Iulia, Romania

Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle

Corvin's Castle, Hunedoara, Romania

Fortress of Deva

Fortress of Deva

Fortress of Deva, Deva, Romania

Hutterite Codices at Batthyaneum Library

Hutterite Codices at Batthyaneum Library

Hutterite Codices at the Biblioteca Batthyaneum (Batthyaneum Library) in Alba Iulia, Romania

Romania

Romania

Sighișoara Citadel (The Historic Centre of Sighișoara)

Romania

Romania

Sighișoara, Romania

Bethlen Haller Castle

Bethlen Haller Castle

Castle Bethlen-Haller for Wine Tasting

Biertan

Biertan

Biertan, Romania with the Biertan Fortified Church in the centre of the village

TM Travellers in Romania

TM Travellers in Romania

Fellow TourMagination travellers at a previous Romanian Culture and Hutterite Heritage Tour

Rupea Fortress

Rupea Fortress

Rupea Fortress Ruins, Rupea, Romania

The Fortified Church of Prejmer

The Fortified Church of Prejmer

The Fortified Church of Prejmer, Brașov, Romania

Saxon German Fortified Church

Saxon German Fortified Church

Saxon German Fortified Church, Biertan, Romania

The Black Church

The Black Church

The Black Church (Biserica Neagră) of Brașov, post-1999 restoration

Peles Castle

Peles Castle

Peleș Castle, Sinaia, Romania

The Cistercian Monastery Ruins

The Cistercian Monastery Ruins

The Cistercian Monastery ruins at Cârța, Romania


​Itinerary

Day 1 | Sibiu

Arrival in Sibiu 

Arrive in the charming city of Sibiu (Hermannstadt) and settle in. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Old Town, perhaps indulging in ice cream at an outdoor café or browsing artisan shops. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and orientation with Rodney Hofer. 

Day 2 | Sibiu

Hutterite Prisons of Hermannstadt 

Begin with a guided tour of Sibiu’s Old Town, visiting the Hermannstadt Penitentiary and Old City Hall & Jail, both once used as Hutterite prisons. Explore the Lutheran Cathedral, Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, or Roman Catholic Church. Enjoy free time for shopping, lunch, or climbing the City Tower for panoramic views. 

Day 3 | Sibiu

Faith, Deportations & Folk Traditions 

Visit the Hermannstadt Jesuit Orphanage, once built to house Hutterite children. Tour the Landler Museum in Neppendorf Lutheran Church, learning about Austrian and Carinthian Lutherans deported alongside Hutterites. See fortified churches in Cisnădioara, stroll through the Outdoor Folkloric Museum, and hear from Karla Roșca about the history of Habaner pottery. 

Day 4 | Alba Iulia 

First Deportation Village & Medieval Castles 

Travel to Romos, the first village where Carinthian Lutherans were deported, visiting the Parochial House Hideaway and Romos Lutheran Church. Tour the spectacular Corvin Castle in Hunedoara and see Deva Castle, where several Hutterites were imprisoned. Continue to Alba Iulia. 

Day 5 | Alba Iulia 

Palaces, Bruderhof Sites & Citadel Evenings 

Visit Vintu de Jos (Alwinz) to see the palace ruins that once served as a Hutterite sanctuary and prison. Stop at the Reformed Church near a former Bruderhof site for fellowship with the local congregation. Return to Alba Iulia for an evening stroll around the illuminated 17th-century Citadel. 

Day 6 | Alba Iulia 

Codices, Archives & Sacred Heritage 

Tour Romania’s oldest synagogue before visiting the Biblioteca Batthyaneum to view Hutterite codices. Explore the Catholic Diocese Archives to see a porcelain stove once used by Hutterites. Witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard, visit the New Gate (a former Hutterite prison), the 11th-century Catholic Cathedral, and the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral of Reunification. 

Day 7 | Sighișoara

Saxon Villages & Wine Tasting 

Travel to Sighișoara via Bethlen Haller Castle for wine tasting. Visit Bratieu, a Gypsy coopersmith village, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch in Richis. Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified church in Biertan and the fortified church at Mălâncrav. If available, attend a public evening concert in Sighișoara. 

Day 8 | Brașov

Medieval Citadels & Hutterite Detention Sites 

Explore the Sighișoara Citadel, including Dracula’s birthplace, the Torture Museum, and Citadel Tower. En route to Brașov, visit the Kreuz fortified church and Rupea fortress ruins — both linked to Hutterite history. Stop in Viscri for lunch and learn about King Charles’ connection to Transylvania, visiting his village home. 

Day 9 | Brașov

Fortifications & Mountain Views 

Tour the UNESCO fortified church at Prejmer (or Harman), stop at Râșnov for views of mountain escape routes, and explore the legendary Bran Castle. 


Day 10 | Brașov

Old Brasov, Royal Castles & Wine 

Walk the Old Brasov City Center and visit the Black Church. Continue to Azuga for wine tasting, then tour Peles Castle in Sinaia before returning to Brașov. 

Day 11 | Sibiu

Monastic Ruins & Farewell 

Return to Sibiu, stopping in Cincu (Gross Schenk) and the Cistercian Monastery ruins at Cârța. Share final reflections over a farewell dinner. 


Day 12 | Sibiu

Departure  

After breakfast, bid farewell to fellow travellers. Depart for home from Sibiu with new insights and memories that will last for years to come. 


Please note: itinerary subject to change.

For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.

​​Frequently Asked Questions

How much walking will I do on this tour?

This tour is rated as “Active”. Expect up to 2-3 hours of walking each day including well-paced walking tours with regular breaks.

Tour Fare

Romania & the Hutterite Story: Faith and Culture in Transylvania 2026

Double Occupancy:

Early Bird: $4,095 USD / $5,525 CAD

After December 4, 2025: $4,345 USD / $5,875 CAD

Single Supplement: 

$715 USD / $965 CAD

What do “Double Occupancy” and “Single Supplement” mean for my tour fare?
The price for a tour listed under “Double Occupancy” means the amount paid per person if you are sharing a room with another traveller, such as your spouse or a travel partner. If you prefer to have a single hotel room to yourself, the “Single Supplement” is an additional amount to cover the extra cost charged by the hotels for a single room. To determine your amount owing for the tour as a single traveller, you will need to add together the tour fare PLUS the single supplement. 

Important note: Costs could increase if you sign up less than 90 days before a tour begins

Fare Includes:

  • 11 nights hotel accommodations in high quality, premium properties  
  • All breakfasts, 8 dinners, 1 lunch, 1 wine tasting
  • Expert story teller supported with local guides

  • Local transportation and travel coordination

  • Gratuities for group meals, guides and driver

  • All listed excursions, guided tours, and museum entries

Fare Excludes:

  • International airfare and all associated fees
  • Airport transfers
  • Beverages with meals
  • Any additional or optional activities
  • Porterage
  • Gratuities for hotel and any personal activities  

Insurance

Travel medical (out-of-country emergency) insurance and cancellation/interruption insurance are not mandatory but are highly recommended. Click here to learn more about insurance services we offer.

Payments

All rates shown are in effect at time of printing (August 2025). Although every effort is made to maintain the prices as established, TourMagination does reserve the right to adjust prices on this tour should it become necessary. For your convenience, we accept online credit card payments.