The green tour

Our second suggestion for a tour you could take during you 24-hour stay in Sibiu is one dedicated to those of you who have already seen the historical center of the city. We suggest you get to know the city "by bike", because Sibiu takes pride in being a bike-friendly city. This is a new approach which we hope you will fancy.

Start you tour in the historical center, from the bike rental store [1] situated in Unirii Square. You are on the limit of the wonderful historical center. But you will see that Sibiu is fascinating even beyond the limits of the old fortress. Hop on and let’s enter into the Iosefin district taking Dealului Street [2] and then on to Banatului Street, reaching Victoriei Boulevard. Get down from the bike and enjoy a walk by the buildings of this old district of Sibiu: the edifice of the Faculty of Letters [3], that of the vice-chancellorship of the Lucian Blaga University in Sibiu or the massive building which used to host the Court House. Today, the historic buildings host offices and restaurants. Walking slowly alongside your bicycle you will reach the Sub Arini Park [4], which spreads over 22 hectares, displaying 70 essences of wood both of local and of exotic origin and hosting almost 100 species of birds.

The music gazebo, the water fountain, the bust of poet Mihai Eminescu, the meandering alleys, the flowers and the trees, but also the bike track, make this park well appreciated by locals, as well as a very interesting location for tourists. Stay here for a while and enjoy the fresh air, the beauty of the green areas and the quietness of this park.

Then cross the park diagonally and you will reach the bike track [5], part of a network which measures almost 65 km of bike track, spreading all over the city.

Following the track you will arrive on Ludoș Street, where you will find one of the access gates into the Zoo Garden, situated in the Dumbrava Forest. It is time for you to get off the bike because this walk is well worth it. You have the opportunity to visit a modern Zoo [6], even if this is the oldest Zoo opened in Romania. Over 250 animals representing 52 species found shelter here. The quiet alleys, the lake with the floating fountain and the boats gently sliding in the light of the sun make this place a wonderful halt in your walk. Once you have treaded all the alleys of the Garden, noon must be around the corner.

It is time to get back on your bike and, using the bike track which leads deeper into the woods, you will get to the Astra Museum of Folkloric Traditional Civilization [7], an open-air museum which is unique in Europe. You will probably stop here for a couple of hours because you will most certainly be absorbed by this scenery. The Museum spreads over almost 100 hectares, the exhibits – households and technical installations from Romanian villages – covering around 50 hectares. Calmly stroll on the alleys measuring 10 km, find out about the uses of the technical installations which, old as they are, they are innovative and interesting.

By now it is high time you return to the city, using the same path, following the bike track. Don’t forget to return the bicycle to the rental center and then hurry to catch the theatre play or the concert at the Philharmonics which you must have chosen or simply enjoy the local cuisine in one of the cafés, bistros or restaurants in the center. You will probably hear the first sounds of the music concert taking place in the Large Square or the delighted noises of the audience of a street animation performance which announces one of the 150 events taking place in Sibiu every year, in various public spaces and performance halls.
Now, are you absolutely sure you don’t want to stay just for another day?