Romania Transylvania on Dialysis – Part 2: Sibiu, Beautiful Towns and the Road Home

Local Taxi Drivers — Unexpected Help

My car was in the workshop. The repairs kept dragging on.

I’d already asked Julian for help several times. Eventually I started to feel uncomfortable. I couldn’t keep relying on his kindness indefinitely.

Time to find another solution.

I approached some local taxi drivers. I was straight with them — I need to get to dialysis, it’s not a choice, it’s a necessity. I’m looking for someone reliable and punctual. The best place to find a trustworthy local taxi? Head to the area around the big market in Sibiu. There’s a traditional taxi rank there — old school, no big corporations, no Uber, no Bolt. Just local drivers who know every road in the area.

I found two such people.

Mornings — a young guy. An old, falling-apart Dacia. The car was in terrible shape. The driver, though? Friendly, cheerful and always on time.

After dialysis — an older lady. Her car wasn’t in any better condition. But she too was warm, kind and never late.

Both offered a very low price. They didn’t have to — but they did.

It’s one of those moments when travel teaches you something beyond geography.

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Sibiu Without a Car — Discovering the City

My free hours and car-free days went to exploring Sibiu.

Best decision I could have made.

The Old Town

Sibiu is one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Romania. Founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers, it was for centuries one of the most important trading hubs in Transylvania.

In 2007 it was named a European Capital of Culture.

Walking through the Old Town is pure pleasure. Colourful townhouses, cobbled streets, ancient churches.

The Large Square and the Small Square

The heart of the city is Piața Mare — the Large Square. A grand, open space lined with cafés on all sides. Perfect for a coffee and some people-watching.

Just next to it — Piața Mică, the Small Square. More intimate, more atmospheric. Connected to the Large Square by stairs and passageways.

The Bridge of Lies

Between the Small Square and the Old Town stands the Bridge of Lies — Podul Minciunilor.

It’s Romania’s first cast-iron bridge, built in 1859.

Legend has it that the bridge collapses under anyone who tells a lie while standing on it. Merchants used to seal deals here — no one dared to lie. Worth a visit — at your own risk.

The Market (Piata Cibin) — A Must-See

Sibiu has a large, lively local market.

Fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farmers. Preserves, cheeses, honey. All local, all fresh, all affordable.

If you have cooking facilities — don’t miss it. Even if you don’t, it’s worth a wander for the atmosphere alone.

Sibiu Cycling Tour

Every year Sibiu hosts the Sibiu Cycling Tour — one of the most important professional cycling races in Central and Eastern Europe.

The race holds a UCI 2.1 category. Top professional riders from around the world compete here.

The founder of the race is the chief physician of the Diaverum clinic in Sibiu — the same doctor who looked after my dialysis. A nice coincidence.

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Back on the Roads of Transylvania

After more than a week, I finally collected my car from the Skoda service centre.

Time to make up for lost time.

Sighișoara — A UNESCO Gem

Sighișoara is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The old town sits on a hilltop, surrounded by 13th-century defensive walls. Cobbled streets, colourful buildings, a tall clock tower visible from miles away.

This is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler — the inspiration behind Dracula. His house still stands.

Important note for travellers with disabilities — with a disability card you can drive right into the centre without any issues. No need to park far away and tackle steep cobbled streets on foot.

Biertan — The Fortified Church Village

Biertan is a small, quiet village with a remarkable treasure at its centre.

A fortified Evangelical church — also UNESCO listed — surrounded by three rings of defensive walls. It looks like a fortress.

Inside, original features from the 15th and 16th centuries are still intact. Silence, beauty and history in one place.

Viscri — A Village Outside of Time

Viscri is a Saxon village that time forgot.

Cobblestone roads, wooden gates, cows wandering the streets. No rush, no crowds.

Another fortified church — another UNESCO listing.

King Charles III has owned a house here for years and has actively supported the restoration of the village. It was largely thanks to him that Viscri became known to the wider world.

While in Viscri, don’t miss lunch at Punct Gastronomic Local La Mariana, Str. Bisericii 73. It’s home cooking at its most authentic — a local host cooks traditional Romanian dishes and you eat at a shared table. Cheap, genuine and absolutely delicious. You won’t find a better Romanian meal anywhere.
GPS – Bisericii 73, 507039 Viscri, Rumunia

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Diaverum Sibiu — Highly Recommended

When it became clear I’d be staying longer, I went to the clinic and explained what had happened.

The chief physician asked me to wait 10 minutes.

Ten minutes later, I had a full schedule of additional dialysis sessions. No bureaucracy, no complications, no unnecessary questions.

On top of that — I needed an important medication for my haemoglobin. It was provided without any difficulty.

Friendly, welcoming staff. Comfortable beds. Outstanding care.

I recommend this clinic without any hesitation.

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The Road Home

After almost a month in Romania, it was time to head back to Poland.

Just like on the way there — a stop in Budapest. The journey home passed without incident.

But somewhere on that road back, my mind was already on the next trip.

This time — Lazio, Italy. A dialysis clinic in Fondi and beautiful towns nearby.

That story is coming soon.

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Below are a few more photos from this wonderful trip. I haven’t described everything I managed to see — Transylvania has far more to offer than any single post can capture. But this list is authentic, exactly as it happened. I hope it inspires you to plan your own adventure.