Sighişoara - Târnava Mare
The site of community importance Sighișoara Târnava Mare - Natura 2000 protected area has been designated for grassland habitats, lakes, bushes and meadows, forests of different types (all habitats of European interest) and for numerous species of flora and fauna dependent on them.
The area is of international importance, thanks to the large grasslands, probably the last ones in Europe, which are perfectly functional from an ecological point of view. Their traditional management has established a balance between human activities and nature, which has remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages.
In 2008, the Târnava Mare area was approved as Natura 2000 site by the Government of Romania and the EU Environment DG (Site of Community Interest, SCI, under the EU Habitats Directive) and covers approximately 85,000 ha. The Târnava Mare area has been and it is an important pilot area at national level for testing EU incentives for good grassland management.
How to Visit:
The site can be discovered using the multitude of marked trails options between Viscri and Biertan - Richiș. Hiking enthusiasts can fo along the Via Transilvanica. Experienced cyclists cand try the TBT trails, from Viscri to Sighișoara or the MBM trails, from Biertan to Mediaș. Families and children may use any section of the trails in this area: redstrip CT1 for walks in the forests, bluestrip CT2 for some of the best views and a change to visit as many villages as possible.
The Natura 2000 protected areas are best discovered on foot, by horseback or by bicycle, on the marked routes that leave each village. No visit fee.
For guided tours, call Guides or local agencies.