The south-western corner of Romania is an unlikely place to go in search of boutique Airbnbs and road cycling. Sibiu is arguably the cycling capital of Romania, serving as the gateway to the Southern Carpathians (the “Transylvanian Alps”). It offers a mix of professional-grade mountain passes and rolling hills through traditional Saxon villages.

A 1-bedroom Airbnb just off the central Piața Mare square provides a spacious and contemporary base for exploring Sibiu. A living room connects with an open kitchen and dining area, passing across to a designer bathroom and bedroom with an airy, lofty feel. Modern finishes and an especially generous bathroom setup make it an ideal choice for athletic travellers staying and training out of Sibiu.

For speciality coffee options in Sibiu, try Lumos (central) and Stradal (one mile west of downtown).

Training Notes

Sibiu is relatively flat, with quiet streets reaching out of the city into the suburbs. The only running track is a minor feature around a football field – Stadion AS Vointa. A choice running route is an out-and-back to the “Astra” National Museum Complex, 6km south-west of the city centre.

Cyclists can look to nearby climbs, well services by road bike rental via Light Cycling who have Cipolini and Canyon models. Email lightcycling@gmail.com to book.

Transfăgărășan (Transalpina) south of Sibiu presents a long climb, starting 45km east of Sibiu (Cârțișoara) with Bâlea Lake the finish point. The climb is over 25km long and includes nearly 1,500m of climbing (av. gradient 6%). The high pass is usually only open from late June to late October due to snow. It features the “Pasul Urdele,” reaching over 2,100m.

Păltiniș is more local, connecting lowland hills to the west of Sibiu with the higher terrain and ski resort. The climb starts 20km from Sibiu, climbing 850m to 1,442m on an average gradient of 5%.

Flatter routes with 40-50km of rolling hills can be found via Poplaca – Orlat – Cristian – Sibiu. The medieval Cisnădioara cathedral can be another waypoint – 12km due south of Sibiu.

For organised cycling events near Sibiu, the Transfăgărășa Challenge in early July, an amateur race that allows cyclists to climb the famous pass with road closure – zero motor traffic. The most significant pro event is the Sibiu Cycling Tour, a UCI 2.1 stage race that attracts top-tier professional teams during July.

Swimmers will need to wait until 2027 to enjoy the Bazinul Olimpia pool, currently undergoing renovation. West of town nearer the airport is the Aria Waterpark which includes a 25m pool (Google Maps).

Find the Airbnb – Charming Attic in Sibiu