What is more beautiful than Christmas? Days filled with the joy of giving, wonderful moments with your loved ones and spiritual peace of mind. Whether or not there is snow, if the sun shines or not, Christmas is the celebration which gives us brings as all together.  And Christmas is just around the corner! For everything to be perfect, on our website you can find all the best restaurants and locations in Sibiu, and you can make discounted reservations for any of them. You can spend your evenings having dinner, you can attend carols concerts, or party in the hottest clubs. You just have to choose your favourite! Of course, you can also visit the Christmas Fairs. There’s the by now internationally famous Christmas Fair of Sibiu. And for those who love to ice-skate, there’s the newer Selimbar Christmas Fair. You can find more info about it, here.

Carols and karaoke contest at Imperium Live

December 20th, in Imperium Live Pub there’s going to be a magical night. Florin Thomits will sing for all those present the most beloved and beautiful carols. Beside him you’ll find the Live Band Karaoke and its competitors. The entry to this event is free and you cannot miss it!
Thursday, December 21st, at 20:00, it’s time for the much awaited final of the Live Band Karaoke Contest. The winner will go home with the grand prize of 1,000 euros! 
You can make online reservations for Imperium Live. It’s easy, you just have to click BOOK&SAVE. You get your reservation and a 10% discount to your bill!

Old-school Christmas at the Astra Museum

For those who love outdoor walks, even in winter, The Village Museum is preparing a magical Christmas. From December 24th, from 10:00 until December 27th at 12:00, you can sing carols on the idyllic alleys of the museum and participate in any of the events organised during these days. If it snows you can opt for a walk with Santa’s sleigh. In the absence of snow, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, ready prepared to reveal the universe of the Romanian village. Everything is prepared in traditional style. From the food chosen, to the amazing sponge cake and up to the carol singer dressed up in traditional clothes.  If this sounds like something you would like, on the event’s Facebook page, you will find all the details!

carols CONCERT AT Thalia Hall

If you opt for a refined evening, then Thalia Hall is a top pick. December 21st,  at 19:00, you can enjoy a “Christmas night in a fairytale harmony “. It is a Christmas concert conducted by Harald Ovlovsky. The lead vocals are soprano Melinda Samson and mezzo soprano Claudia Codreanu. Prepare yourself to be enchanted!

A ROYAL Christmas

The Brukenthal Palace of Avrig opens its gates, December 23rd, in order to offer you the possibility to spend a magical Christmas magic in a dreamy wonderland.

The menu is truly fabulous – traditional pork cold cuts, chicken soup with dumplings, roast goose on a bed of tempered red cabbage, potato dumplings, and baked apple with nuts. There’s also going to be plenty of delicious sponge cake for desert,  and great music for the best holiday atmosphere. Are you still thinking about it? We wouldn’t. Make reservations by calling  0726.234.417.

The best dj’s at mai lounge

For great vibes this Christmas, Mai Lounge has set up some awesome parties. Saturday,  December 23rd, you can dance to the beat of DJ Optick’s music. 

And on the 25th, the amazing Adrian Eftimie returns at Mai Lounge, to give you an unforgettable Christmas night. 
You can make online reservations for these events. And the best part is you get 15% discount to your bill!

Super party and mixtape volume launch

Christmas Eve is really special this year, with the “Backyard X-Mas party”. We’re being promised an evening hard to forget. Backyard fans will recognise the hot atmosphere, as all the cool DJs will be there – DJ Akadela, DJ Cipi Hampu, and DJ Buttermilk Alex. For an extra touch of magic Mr.Saxi will play the saxophone.
And at midnight, we’ll all celebrate a special moment with the launch of the seventh volume of the “winter” mixtape sounds of Dj Cipi Hampu and DJ Buttermilk Alex! Make sure you make it to this party! It’s going to be #epic. 

Well, there you have it…a couple of reasons to love Christmas in Sibiu even more! Happy holidays, everyone!

The post Countdown to Christmas | Tips for spending your holidays appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

This Friday, October 6^th, at Atrium Classic Caffe, from 21:00, Paragon jazz band hosts a great concert. The four members – Peter Ehwald, a German saxophonist, Arthur Lea, a pianist from London, Matthias Nowack, the bass player and Jon Scott the drummer – created the image of one of the most sensible and intuitive musical ensembles of the European jazz scene. Trust us, it’s worth listening to them, especially now, when the entrance is free and you can get a 10% discount to your final bill with reservations made using Travelscounter.

The same evening, in Imperium Live, at 22:00, you’ll get to see Antract and Paul Manolache. To get there,you only need good vibes and a reservation – the last one comes with a 10% discount off the bill! Also in Imperium, Saturday evening, Andrei Paunescu, the son of the poet Adrian Paunescu and Florin Thomits invite you to a witness majestic music, poetry, dialogue, and emotions. It will be a memorable evening during which the organizers want to build a bridge between the past and the present to recall the phenomenon and spirit of “Cenaclul Flacara”.

SAVE WATER. DRINK WINE!

If you are a refined wine savvy or just love to have a glass now and then, you should not miss VinFest. It is the 2nd edition of this festival dedicated to quality wine. 13 representative cellars from Romania and the Republic of Moldova will come to Sibiu from the 7^th to 8^th October on Cetăţii Street. To name just a few, there will be Jidvei, Cotnari, Recaş, Budureasca, Histria, Halewood, Carastelec, Gabai, Casa Bunescu, La Sapata, Boieru and Gorgandin. And a welcomed new participant this year will be the Cricova cellar, from the Republic of Moldova. So, we come back to one of the most beautiful streets in the city, with the best wines, great food, good vibes, six bands and well-known jazz artists who will perform during these two days. What could you possibly want more?

THE MAGICAL WORLD OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

And because October is a colorful month any traveler can stop at the “Young Festival”, which takes place from October 7^th to 15^th . The event is at its third edition and for nine days artists from Belgium, Czech Republic, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania and Ukraine will present in Sibiu an eclectic program dedicated to performing arts for children and adolescents. The organizers say this year’s edition is a balanced and diversified one.

The program is announced to be an exciting one. Each play will tell you a story, raise a problem, and debate a theme that is worthy of anyone’s attention. The opening of the festival will take place this Saturday, October 7^th,at the Gong Theatre, with the Plip puppet show in Porto (Portugal). You can buy tickets for this perfomance ar any other show within the festival, here.

NEED FOR SPEED!

The sports lovers will have what to see this weekend. Friday, October 6^th and Saturday, October 7^th, the Super Special Rally of Sibiu takes place. The event is the final stage of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, the Dunlop National Rally Championship 2 and the National Historic Competition Vehicle Championship. The festive start will take place this evening, inthe Big Square, at 20:00. The car and speed lovers will see an unforgettable show. Attention, however, for the good performance of the event there will be many restrictions both in the city and in the county. More details on this topic can be found here. If you feel the “need” for speed don’t think too much and be there!

GAME OVER!

Also this weekend, more precisely between the 6^th and 8^th of October, a new edition of the Wedding Fair will take place at Redal Expo. It is an event that brings you all the magic of wedding, whether you are going or not to take this step. From the latest trends to the smallest details, you’ll see it all at this event! Check it out you are only curious or…you are in love and it’s game over!

We’re ending our article with a friendly reminder. Wherever you choose to go this weekend in Sibiu pay great attention to how and where you park. Local authorities announced that illegally parked cars will be picked up, and this month including those unjustifiably parked on spaces for people with disabilities. The fines are high and the recovery of the cars will be expensive. So be careful! Oh, and be sure to check out all the best venues in Sibiu. Choose your favorite, and make reservations for you and your friends – you’ll get up to 20% discount to your bill! Sending everyone good vibes for a lovely weekend!

The post Supercharge your good vibes in Sibiu! appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

A full AUTUMN week & weekend

Cibin Fest continues in the Big Square until Sunday. Don’t forget that for the final 4 evenings of this event you’ll get to enjoy great shows from Hermannstadt 7.

At the BIS Theater (Stefan cel Mare, no. 56), this Saturday and Sunday there will be two performances of a Romanian-British Vanner Collective show-event. It’s about “All That’s Wonderful in the World.” These two are the last outdoor shows of this season. For the romantic and nostalgic ones, we recommend “La Cenerentola – Gioachino Rossini” (Cinderella), a two-act opera, after a libretto by Jacopo Ferreti inspired by the classic fairy tale of our childhood. The show takes place this Saturday at 19:00 at the Sibiu State Philharmonic. And Sunday, again at the Philharmonic, at 11:00 and 17:00 you can watch “Goe and his folks” a musical by Roman Vlad and Stela Popescu. If you venture further and reach the neighboring county at Cincşor,you must know that on October 1, the traditional autumn “Harvest Day” takes place. A good opportunity to take advantage of carefully selected Transylvanian dishes! And there’s more to this event : you can see a painting exhibition and you can attend the recital of Hakon Kornstadt, within the fortified church of Cincsor. Places at this brunch are limited, and the ticket price is 75 lei. Make sure you book your spot here. 

Cool concert with special guests

Imperium Live gives us a crazy rock night! This Saturday, September 30th, at 21:00, a Krypton Unplugged concert is announced alongside Rafael (ex. Iris).

The organizers say it will be an extraordinary evening, because the band is at its peak, and the newly founded Krypton Unplugged project promises to be of great value. Entry cost is 20 lei. You can make reservations here for this particular evening, and you will get 10% discount off the bill! You can make reservations for Imperium Live for Friday also. They’re celebrating autumn’s “Harvest Day” with good traditional food and live music performed by Maria Cojocaru and Alex Petre.

You know how to shoot a bow?

Also this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, in the ASTRA Traditional Folk Civilization Museum, a 3D ArcheryNational Contest takes place. It is the first competition of its kind in Sibiu and will take place on a special course put together by the organizers. So far, there are 104 participants! Surely we will have what to see. In the same contest, disabled people can participate, for whom a specially arranged route will be considered. Competition requires imitation of hunting conditions as accurately as possible. Participants will shoot from a distance of 5 to 50 meters at different angles, and there will be naturally sized targets. Interestingly, visitors can see close competition and even interact with participants while moving from one target to another. In complete safety, guaranteed by the organizers, they will be able to admire the skills of the archers, the variety of arches, starting from the historical replicas and ending with the last generation, capable of the highest precision. And if all this hunting will get you hungry, it’s good to know that you can stop by for some 5 stars romanian food, on your way back to the city. Give Hilton’s Camara Boierului a try, if you want to taste pure goodness, with a 10% discount off your bill!

Motivation to hit the gym

And as we can’t have a week without a sport, it’s good to know that on the 29th and 30th of September Sibiu hosts the National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship 2017 finals. Friday is for training sessions and putting together last details, and the competition itself starts Saturday, at 11:00. The athletes and their muscles can be seen in all their splendor at the Transylvania Hall. Entrance is free of charge.

If you love science

Autumn comes with a whole night dedicated to scientists and technology lovers. This is the “Night of Researchers” event, organized by “Lucian Blaga” University. The event is known at a European level and it gives you the chance to meet researchers from different fields and take part in unusual scientific actions, organized in a fun and unconventional atmosphere. So, September 29th , starting with 16.00, the fascinating universe of science opens its doors in Sibiu for the fourth consecutive year. Experiments, exhibitions, contests, robot shows, lab visits and many other activities for audiences of all ages will be organized this night.

We’re thinking you can’t miss such adventures! All fun and play this weekend – which means you’ll have another great one in Sibiu!

The post How to best spend your autumn days in Sibiu appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

So, take advantage of the stray summer during these autumn days and check out the best venues in Sibiu. You have a wide range of choices, both in the middle of Sibiu and beyond, in locations surrounded by idyllic landscapes, clean air and adventure.

Books make you richer.

First on our list of events is the Sibiu Book Festival – Open Minds, a – you guessed it – book festival. We welcome the idea of such an event especially when you think that we live in a world where technology has the bad habit of replacing the interest for books and reading. And “a bookless room is like a soulless body” Cicero once said. Sibiu Book Festival is a relaxing festival, perfect for your free time, that combines the pleasure of reading with quality music as it perfectly fades into the weekend. It takes place between September 14th and 17th , in the Small Square. There will be many books, new titles, special offers, and a collection and donation campaign. 

Did you know, for example, that the smallest book in the world has 0.9 mm both in length and in height, like a grain of salt, but it has 30 pages, out of which 3 are coloured? Or that the Bible is the world’s best-selling book, that Shakespeare invented over 17,000 words and that Essenza Wine & Books in Sibiu is a place like no other where you can combine good wine with jazz and old books? You can make reservations for wine tastings and events using the Essenza Wine&Books page. And the best part…you’ll have 10% discount off the bill!

How to lift a bus and be seen by people in 89 countries.

Saturday, September the 16th, between 14:30 and 20:00, the world’s most powerful people meet in the Big Square. “Strongman Champions League Romania” will create a part of Goliath’s world in Sibiu. There will be buses drawn by people, huge wheels and stones and nine athletes will compete over their muscles. It is a “power lifting” competition set up in 2008 following the “World’s Strongest Man” circuit. 

Participants are the world’s best athletes who face over 20 contest stages, based on strength, skills and resistance. Sibiu hosts 5 of them, and the rest are taking place elsewhere in the world. At the end of the competition the most powerful man on the planet is chosen. Sounds…heavy, right? The event has global coverage being transmitted by the Eurosport Channel within a 52-minute show to be broadcast in 89 countries.

Dance the weekend away.

This Friday and Saturday the secrets of dancesport are uncovered in Sibiu. The Transylvanian Grand Prix 2017takes place at the Transylvania Hall. If we are to believe the organisers, it is the most important dance event in Romania. Every year, there are over 2,000 athletes from all over the world, and over 20 World Ranking Pairs have confirmed that they will be at Sibiu. The competition is intended for amateur athletes participating in World Open Standard and World Open Latino, and it is structured on age groups. Tickets for this event can be purchased on kompostor.ro.  But beware! If you decide to go, you will definitely want to go out dancing.

And there’s no better place for that than the ultra glamorous Liquid the Club. As always, Saturday night comes with special events, and there’s no exception this weekend! Celebrity Daniela Crudu and the cool Silviu Andrei DJ are in the house this Saturday at Liquid! Make reservations for this (or any other) party using the Liquid the Club page, and you’ll get 15% discount off the bill! Cheers to that! 

Food. Awesome food. Street food.

The best part of this coming weekend? An event we’ve been very much waiting for – “Foodie – Street Food Cuisine”, the awesomest culinary festival. The organisers want to take out the culinary art outside the restaurants’ kitchens, to take it to Cetatii Street – the most beautiful street in Sibiu – and to offer three really memorable days! There’s also very good music in store for us, with the help of “The Noise”, “Les Elephants Bizarres”, “Omelette”, “GOLAN”, “Yellow” and “Sarmalele Reci”. Some of the best street food is just waiting for all of us to sample it. We’re talking grilled goodies, burgers, paella, waffles, ice-cream, all that’s good in this world And we could tell you a lot about this event, but wouldn’t you rather see it for yourself?

Especially when it takes place on one of the most interesting areas of Sibiu, near the third fortification belt, built between 1357-1366. The three towers of the guilds, the Gunsmiths Tower, the Carpenters Tower and the Potters Tower were built in the 14th-15th centuries, and the way they have preserved their appearance over thousands of years is remarkable. So make sure you get to see them this weekend!

A more delicate touch.

We could not finish the list of events without recommending the opening of the Sibiu Opera Festival. The event marks the start of the 2017-2018 season of the Sibiu Ballet Theatre and takes place on September 15th at 19:00 at the Thalia Hall. The show opening the season is “Peer Gynt”, a contemporary dance choreographed by Aleisha Gardner, on the live music of musicians Monica Florescu – Fernandez and Makcim Fernandez Samodaiev. The show is extremely popular, so maybe you will take advantage of your free time and attend it. You can buy tickets from the ticket offices of the State Philharmonic of Sibiu and kompostor.ro.

That being said, we look forward to a weekend with great food, books, and dancing. Hope you have a great one!

The post Free time in Sibiu | Top events and places appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

Like when you “add” a celebrity chef to an iconic location in Sibiu. And it seems like this is the best recipe for La Turn, the first restaurant to open its gates in the Big Square. After a very successful appearance in a top cooking show on national television, Chef Erdei Lorant has joined the team of La Turn and has been, for a couple of weeks now, running the kitchen of the location we all know and love. 

La Turn has always been a popular spot, mostly due to its perfect location, both in the Big and Small Square. Over the years, the chefs there have tried to leave their mark on the place, and opinions have been rather…diverse. While others loved the place and the food, some only appreciated the place. You could say some are pickier, but one must acknowledge the fact that when it comes to food you have to search quite a bit until you find that perfect…recipe.

With this new (and very promising) addition to its team, it might seem that La Turn has found the perfect recipe. Chef Erdei Lorant was born in Satu Mare, and now a new and very cute “factor” – his baby girl – made his set camp in Sibiu. He has worked in important restaurants in Hungary, Germany, and France. He took part in a famous Romanian cooking show, in Chef Scarlatescu’s team. And although he didn’t take home the big prize, he was one of the most appreciated competitors of the show’s edition, being the competitor who was highlighted by the courage to offer the jury bold and tasteful dishes. This led him to the semifinals of the competition, where he won the people’s love and sympathy.
And this super talent is now head of this great restaurant in the heart of Sibiu, where he waits for you with a new and amazing touch. 
The new menu of La Turn is now more condensed, while at the same time offering something for every taste! From appetizers to salads, hard-to-pronounce mains, enticing desserts, and even pizza, you can have a true culinary experience at La Turn. So there you have it…the perfect location, and the perfect menu! We watched Chef Lorant in action in the kitchen, and we can say…he is superstar material! And while he got busy preparing an awesome dish, we got busy asking him a couple of questions.

Travelscounter: Which specialty from the new menu would you recommend to your customers? 

Chef Erdei Lorant: Personally, I am a big fan of the lamb chops in aromatic herbs crust. And if you’re looking for something lighter, you could try some salads specially designed by different varieties: chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp.

T: What’s your opinion about Romanian cuisine?

E. L.: Our Traditional cuisine is a bit outdated. It’s rich and varied, but I think that reinterpreting Romanian dishes is essential if we want to grow in this area.

T: What is the concept of La Turn and what does it bring new to Sibiu from a culinary point of view?

E.L.: Regarding what we want to do … we’ve made a collage between French, Italian and traditional cuisine. And I can say that some of our specialties must be tried at least once in a life!

Having tried the chef’s recommendation – the lamb chops – we must say that new menu, new chef, new flavors… seems perfect for us!

And what’s really great is that if you make a reservation for the La Turn using Travelscounter, you will have a 10% discount on your final bill. So give the new menu a try. Chef Lorant and La Turn will not disappoint!

The post Wine and Dine | The best menu yet at La Turn appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

Since ancient times, on Romanian territory natives have worked with soft clay they have modeled in every possible way. That’s why in any Romanian museum you’ll find clay statues, vessels, and household objects dating hundreds and thousands of years back! This craftsmanship has been transmitted from generation to generation. Moreover, in Sibiu, there is an event dedicated 100% to pottery, and it takes place (you guessed!) at the Astra Open Air Museum.

This event takes place every year in the middle of July, and this year it’s on July 19th to 23rd. The project has been going on for some years now, under the motto “Beautiful. Ceramic. Useful”, and the organizers define it as “A different kind of potter’s fair”.

This year, the main attraction is the pottery of Saschiz, a village in Transylvania with centuries of tradition in pottery. During three days, potters from Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria are competing both at the potter’s wheel and at cooking traditional recipes in clay vessels.

Another goal of this whole event, as the organizers have stated, is to seek a way to adapt production and ornamentation methods to international requirements, by gradually replacing lead varnishes with more eco-friendly glazes for household ceramics household, while at the same time keeping the character, typology, and style. Visitors of the Open Air Museum in Dumbrava Sibiu are invited to participate in demonstrations of pottery and cooking or buy beautiful, well-fired pots, in which the food retains its full natural taste.

What’s really interesting is that every visitor or curious can learn how to make a clay pot. You can mold the clay on the potter’s wheel, press clay in patterns, or decorate ceramic pots under the guidance of craftsmen.

The highlight? Culinary demonstrations are organized at the Country Fair in the Outdoor Museum, starting this Friday at 9:30 until Sunday. Potters and chefs will cook in earthen vessels on the open fireplace or in the oven, traditional Bulgarian recipes, Swäbische, Hungarian and Romanian as well: salted cheese Bulgarian pie (Banitsa), potato pudding (Patatnik),Swäbische Krumpir – Suppe mit Eier , sour or sweet cabbage meat rolls, goat soup, vegetables stew, Hungarian goulash, potato and Csabai sausage soup, and many more delish dishes. The Hungarians in Sibiu Association are also organizing a tasting of cabbage soup (Toros káposztaleves) and Palóc goulash (Palócgulyás) on Saturday an Sunday.

It’s another fun way to spend your summer days, and you should definetly give it a try. And since you’re in Sibiu, if you’re looking for scoops on where to go and what to eat, you can also check-out Travelscounter. We’ve got all the best restaurants, coffee-shops, pubs and clubs in Sibiu, and we’re giving you awesome discounts to use in all of them! Enjoy!

The post Something different on our list – a pottery fair at the Astra Open Air Museum appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

Actually, it’s not about good news, it’s about some very very good news. A spectacular evening is announced at Ursus Cotton Pub. 
Let’s drop some hints!

This weekend’s party will be hosted by the one who is soo beloved and successful both at home, and over the ocean.
In the Breakout Billboard Club he went straight to 3rd place, and he’s gaining quite a reputation in the US. He also ranked first in the international rankings  with the single “Mhm Mhm”.
By now we’re sure you know who it is….  the awesome MANUEL RIVA! 

And finally, he comes back to Sibiu!
He is one of the most successful Romanian music producers, being the core producer for several Romanian mainstream dance acts for many years, even since 2000. 
So, if you’re looking for quality music, and a great dancefloor, you shouldn’t miss the party happening this Friday, July 7th, at Ursus Cotton Pub !
Book your table and gather your friends…let’s have a cool Friday at the coolest party, only at Ursus Cotton Pub! Use Travelscounter to make a reservation, and you’ll have 15% discount for your bill! Even cooler!

And if it’s good music you’re looking for, Imperium Live Pub also promises us an incendiary evening! Paul and Manole, the well-known members of Antract, launch an invitation for this Friday – July 7th, starting with 21:00 – for a live acoustic evening.  Antract will once again offer a special and unforgettable performance! True fans are always there, join them for more fun and cool vibes!  The ticket price is 20 lei.  Great live music and the perfect place for anyone who wants to truly enjoy the unique atmosphere that Sibiu offers – Imperium Live Pub. And if you book your table with Travelscounter, you’ll pay 10% less for your bill!

So, there’s no staying in this Friday. You have too many good reasons to go out and have some fun in Sibiu! Enjoy!

The post Great DJ’s and live music this Friday in Sibiu. appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

It’s that time of the year again, when movie lovers from all over the country and the world can enjoy 5 dreamy days in Sibiu, 5 days of TIFF – Transilvania International Film Festival. 

Started in 2002, TIFF is the first international feature film festival in Romania. During these years, TIFF has become a well-known brand in Romania, not only due to the outstanding films screened every year, but also for the effective organization, sparkling atmosphere and density of events, from seminars, workshops and panels to fabulous concerts and crazy all night long parties.

For 5 days, movie lovers will get to enjoy a selection of over 40 titles. It’s the 11^th edition, and the programme sounds really promising, as always! There will be projections taking place in 4 permanent locations – The Big Square, The Gong Theatre, The Astra Film Hall in the Small Square and The Thalia Hall. And there will also be 3 special events, in 3 special locations – the Brukenthal Palace of Avrig, the Gura Raului Dam, and the lake stage of The Astra Museum, in the Dumbrava Forest.

We sure know what we’re going to do June 21^st to 25^th ! And if you’re not already here, you still have time to make it to Sibiu!

TIFF Sibiu 2017 launches it’s 11^th edition this Wednesday night, at 10 pm, with a screening of the much-awarded “Que Dios nos perdone” directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. The screening is happening in the Big Square, on the enormous screen installed especially for the festival. It’s a special screening, as “Que Dios nos perdone” was nominated for 6 cathegories at the Goya Awards, while Robert Alamo – the leading man – was awarded the Goya Award for Best Actor. The thriller focuses on the inspectors Velarde and Alfaro, who are trying to solve a series of murders before the Pope’s arrival in Madrid. 

The first day brings 3 movies at the Gong Theatre – Rasmus Heisterberg’s “In the Blood”, Iulia Rugina’s “Breaking News” with Andi Vasluianu in the leading role, and Ulrich Seidl’s controversial “Safari”, a documentary about austrian tourists who spend their summers in Africa, killing animals. The Astra Film Hall is also going to be busy for the first day. You can see “The Rolling Stones Olé, Olé, Olé!”, a documentary about the famous’ band tour in Latin America, “Siska Deluxe” directed by Jan Cvitkovic, or “Chavela” a portrait of the famous Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, freshly arrived from the Berlinale.

If you’re looking for special screenings, then you’re in for a treat! Because this year screening will be taking place in a new location, also – the amazing Brukenthal Palace of Avrig. Friday, the 23^rd at 10 pm, you’re all invited to the Bel Etage, the area at the main entrance of the Summer Palace. You’ll get to see a great comedy, already viewed by more than 4.5 million frenchmen.”R.A.I.D Dingue” is directed by the famous Dany Boone, and tells the tale of the first woman ever accepted in the elite R.A.I.D squad, as she faces a very difficult mission – handling her ultra misoginistic partner while at the same time trying to stop a mob group.

And if you like to laugh, Saturday you can do it again, this time at the Gura Raului Dam. “Cabbage, Potatoes and other Demons”, or, funnier, “Varza, cartofi si alti demoni” is Serban Georgescu’s most recent pride and joy. Awarded with the Best Documentary title at the 2017 UCIN, it centers around the village of Lunguletu – a village with 1000 tractors and 100.000 tons of potatoes and cabbage, with which the villagers have no clue what to do. The screening begins at 9:45 pm, but it’s preceeded at 6 pm by a lovely picnic. This way, viewers will get to enjoy the area’s fresh air, and localy produced delicacies, while at the same time grooving to the jams of DJ Coralie de Gonzaga.

The last of this year’s special projections will take place on the lake stage of the Astra Village Museum. Sunday, at 10 pm, you’ll get to see Peter Brosens’s “King of the Belgians” – a story about a stranded king, trying to get back home from Istanbul, to deal with it’s country’s crisis.

Of course, the festival has a very rich agenda, too rich for us to encompass in one single article.

But keep in mind that there will be daily projections happening in the Big Square, at 10 pm, and entrance is free for all of them. The Gong Theatre will hold 3 projections daily, at 6, 8 and 10 pm, while at the Astra Film Hall the screenings will be held at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 pm each day. A new addition to TIFF’s locations, the Thalia Hall will hold 2 screenings a day, at 5:30 and 8:15 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And it’s Friday, Saturday and Sunday that the little ones will get to enjoy their own film festival! The EducaTIFF project comes with special screenings for children, for which entrance is free, at the Astra Film Hall, each day at 11 am.  Tickets for this year’s edition can be purchased from the Big Square InfoPoint, open daily between 10 am and 10 pm, and from all of the projection locations.

And because 5 days is a long time to be in Sibiu, you’ll have plenty of time to try some of the cool restaurants and locations featured on Travelscounter Venues. You can make reservations for any of them, and you get 10,15 or even 20% discount off your bill!

So, we’ll see you at TIFF! Make sure to go ahead and make some nice memories in Sibiu!

The post Things to do in Sibiu | TIFF 2017 appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

This year, love drew people to Sibiu.

The first three days of FITS XXIV Edition have cut down all attendance records, with more than 70,000 people being present daily in street and indoor performances. Fits brought us 10 days of megaspectacles, unusual theater pieces and fabulousstreet shows. Unfortunately, time passed and we have just a few days left of this amazing festival. A colorful weekend was announced in the heart of Transylvania. So, are you ready?

Let’s see what are some of the most interesting shows FITS is preparing for this closing weekend!

The first day of the weekend starts fresh in the morning, at 8 o’clock on the outside wall of TNRS. This show is called “The horizontal newspaper” Vol. 5. It will be hosted by Dan Perjovschi & CO. Dan Perjovscji is a local artist and he created drawings in museum spaces ( most recently the Museum of Modern Art in N.Y.C. ). Be there and meet this talentated visual artist! 

Starting with 9 am, the Gong Theatre will host a photo exhibition, called “Attitudes”.

At the same time, but in another venue – the “Imparatul Romanilor” Hotel – you’ll be able to admire the Romanian Folk Masks exhibition. And if you want a breath of “fresh” air you can go to a workshop – “Simplicity is very sofisticated”.

In fact, if you are a workshop lover this day is definetly for you! You can go to a workshop at the Students Culture House in the Orange Hall starting with 10 am – ” Acting Outside the Box: The actor as a Co-Creator”.

Later on, starting with 4 pm, at the Gong Theatre you can see “Do you speak emoji?” , a theatre performance by Gigi Caciuleanu. Movie lovers can go to Habitus, to see “The Phantom Father” (2011). And at the same time, at Cavas-ULBS you can enjoy a great theatre piece – “Three Legs”.

At about 6 pm it’s starting to get “crowded”, and you just have to choose your favorite show:

1)Gong Theatre – All over your face – Theatre piece. The ticket price is 30-25 lei.

2) Radu Stanca National Theatre – Brodsky/Bayshnikov scenete. Ticket price is 40 lei.

3)Evangelic Churh to change the vibe and hear some beautiful music – Jangada de Pedra. Price 20 lei.

4) At the Sinagogue- Lux Aeterna – price 20 lei.

5) The National College Octavian Goga – a beautiful theatre production – Macbeth. Price 25-30 lei.

Starting with 9:30 pm it’s time for some theatre! You can enjoy “Metamorphoses”, “Deambuloscopy”, “MEDE/EA” or “About domestic happiness”.

Saturday is even busier! In the morning, it’s time for exhibitions and workshops. But as the day unfolds, theatre and circus take over the programme.

At 4 pm, you’re again invited to Habitus, as you wouldn’t want to miss an outstanding picture – Toni Erdmann (2016) .

By 5 pm, music takes over, and you can choose to enjoy some Fado at the Saint Joan Evangelical Church, or a street show right on Nicolae Balcescu – “Youth, Rhythm and Harmony”.

The evening continues with theatre, circus and dance. And because the closing weekend should really be special, you probably shouldn’t miss another representation of “Faust”, at 10 pm.

The last day might be a bit sad… but it promises to be the best day!

Spectacular circus demonstrations will leave the audience dazzled.

And if you love dancing, Spanish sensations and flamenco, don’t miss the show 8 pm show – Andalusian Flamenco Ballet. This is going to be just warm-up, as at 10:15 pm it’s time for the highlight of the entire day. Be ready to dance and feel the rhythm with Kadebostany!

Kadebostany is a band from Geneva. It was founded in 2008 in what they call the “European republic of Kadebostan”. The band has a very unique visual stylistic identity and its powerful live performances and music videos (by SuperMafia) reflect that. It’s a unique opportunity to have fun dancing to their music and to listen to exceptional songs.

Of course a special fireworks show will close the day and the festival. At 11:45 pm be prepared to see Sibiu shining bright like a diamond!

We’re sure you loved Sibiu and FITS, so start getting ready for #fits2018 ! And when you come back to Sibiu, don’t forget to use Travelscounter to see the best restaurants and locations in the city! See you next time!

The post Things to do in Sibiu | FITS closing weekend appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

The decor and the summer garden of the palace are like a fairytale kingdom, full of trees and flowers, especially tulip trees.  There are only a few places in our country where the tulip trees grow, and the Brukenthal Palace of Avrig is one of those places. The tulip trees  are one of the attractions of the summer residence of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal.  At this time of the year, they bloom, giving the visitors an unforgettable view. The tulip tree found at Brukenthal Palace is about 250 years old, and it still has the power and vigor to offer an amazing spectacle for the eyes and souls of those who prefer to take a stroll in the middle of nature, on the alleys of the park, where the yellow tulips are shining, like precious stones. 

You can also spend wonderful moments in the Orangery restaurant.

Starting from spring to autumn, you can enjoy the culinary offer under the clear sky and in the shadow of the old trees. Depending on the season, blooming roses, lavender, dahlias and many other flowers will delight your senses. During the afternoon you can relax in a pleasant ambience and atmosphere, sipping a coffee or tasting cakes, tarts or a hot apple pie. Cakes are prepared with seasonal fruits: apples, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and plums.  You can also try organic products such as sweets or syrups.

The post Things to do in Sibiu | A visit to the Brukenthal Palace Avrig appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

Although it no longer needs any presentation, Sibiu International Theatre Festival is the most important theatre and performing arts festival in Romania and sustains a creative dialogue at a European and international level. The 24th edition of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival is starting in just a few hours, and it will take over the entire city between 9-18 June 2017.

“Love” is the main theme of this year’s edition, according to festival’s director, Mr. Constantin Chiriac, who declared : “This universal force is love. Love is light, love is gravity, because it makes people feel attracted to each other. Love is power and gives humanity the chance not to perish in its own blind selfishness. For love we live and die. Love is God and God is love. This force explains everything and gives meaning to life. Love is the most powerful force that exists. It is imperative to feed on this form of energy that is love, to save the world and find the meaning of life. We are still not ready to create a bomb of love, to remove hatred and selfishness that devastates the planet. The theme of love is the theme that governs this edition of the festival. And in this spirit, at every meeting I will recite a poem about love.”

Theatre, dance, contemporary circus, music, film projections, exhibitions, book launches, special conferences, play reading performances, workshops and student performances from all over the world will be presented in both performance halls, classic and unconventional, as well as on the main streets and squares of Sibiu. This year, FITS will showcase one of it’s most complex programme yet, including about 500 carefully selected events, in 67 venues, during 10 days, for 650.000 people who get to experience the creative side of life. The programme of FITS events is extended in 2017 to include the places of worship in Sibiu, Mărginimea Sibiului and the Transylvanian fortified churches route – The Evangelical Church in Cisnădie (Heltau), The Evangelical Church in Cisnădioara (Michelsberg), The Evangelical Church in Guşteriţa (Hammersdorf) , The Evangelical Church in Roşia (Rothberg) – thus adding a new dimension of the festival headlined by organ concerts performed by Romanian and international artists.

Of course, we’ve studied the programme quite carefully, and we find it hard to pick just some shows out of the many promising events. But still, there are some highlights we will be more than looking forward to!

“BRODSKY/BARYSHNIKOV” is one of the first shows that caught our eye. Presented by the New Riga Theatre – Latvian state theatre, “BRODSKY/BARYSHNIKOV” is a one-man show directed by Alvis Hermanis. It is based on the poems of Nobel laureate, Joseph Brodsky, interpreted by renowned dancer, choreographer and American actor, Mikhail Baryshnikov. “BRODSKY/BARYSHNIKOV” was nominated for “Performance of the Year” at the Latvian Theatre Awards and the actor was nominated for “Actor of the Year” at the same awards ceremony. Alvin Hermanis has also received many awards, such as Europe Prize New Theatre Realities, Stanislavski Award, two Golden Mask awards (Moscow), Max Reinhardt Pen (Salzburg Festspiele), Nestroy Preis (Austria) and Wolf Konrad Award (Germany). He returns at FITS for the second year, after having received a star on the Sibiu Walk of Fame.

The two heritage-performances “Faust” and “Metamorphoses” directed by Silviu Purcarete, are also on our must-see list for this year. As this years marks 10th anniversary of Sibiu European Capital of Culture, it is not by chance that the Radu Stanca National Theatre is coming back with “Metamorphoses”, a performance that celebrated the events of 2007. And “Faust” has received such high praises over the years, that we could not even imagine FITS without it!

Another much awaited performance, the project “..Aquel Silverio” – “…That Silverio”, focuses on the current state of flamenco, and the main pillars of this art, such as Silverio Franconetti. It’s a production based on research, on the recovery, analysis, study and reconstruction of dance forms, singing, music and the way in which they were made.

Returning to Sibiu, Brenda Angiel Aerial Dance Company brings us two representations of “Air Condition”. They are planning to stage a performance that will impress the audience with suspended dancers, combining energy with flight over the stage and the artistry of modern dance. We’ll all get to see tango mixed with hip-hop and ballet, and live music, composed especially for this performance.

But of course, besides the indoor theatre, dance, circus and music performances at FITS, you can also take part in the outdoor street performances, play readings, special conferences, book launches, workshops, film screenings, the drama and art management universities convention or the Sibiu Performing Arts Market. As we do each year, we are all looking forward to the spectacular opening events, that will take place in the old town. Entrance is free for outdoor events, as well as for special events – special conferences, play readings and part of the film screenings. 

FITS will keep you fully entertained these next 10 days! Access www.sibfest.ro to see the full programme, and to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!

And because at some point you will get hungry, access Travelscounter to get 10,15 or even 20% discount in all the best restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and clubs in Sibiu.

Enjoy Sibiu, and LOVE FITS!

The post SIBIU INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL 2017 appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

IN SIBIU THESE NEXT WEEKS?

You’re in luck, because this spring is filled with events which bring a drop of energy and culture in the lovely Sibiu! If you’re looking to spend a day outdoor, head to the Dumbrava Forest. Because this Saturday, May 13th, is all about Maifest!

Maifest is a cultural manifestation designed to help maintain the identity of the Germans in Romania.

This festival offers a varied program with performances by artistic groups, exhibitions on various themes, religious services, popular Saxon dances, traditional costumes parade, brass bands and vocal groups.

It’s the 27th edition of Maifest, and it’s going to be a rich event, with a series of interactive and educational games for the participants.
If you’re visiting Sibiu with your little ones, you can try one of the workshops at the Gong Theater, or even a play for children. This Saturday, May 13th at 10:00 and 12:00, creative children with a rich imagination are invited to create stories, under the watchful eye of Diana Ribana. The workshop is about 60 minutes long, it’s recommended for children aged 6 to 10 years old, and the price of a ticket is 14 lei.

Sunday, May 14th, 11:00, the Gong Theater presents KINDERZIMMERZAUBEREI by Elise Wilk.

It’s recommended for children aged over 3 years old. The show, 50 minutes long, will be in German with Romanian subtitles. And the ticket price is only 7 lei.

Looking for something a little bit more…classy?

A Symphonic Concert might do the trick! Thursday May18th, at 7pm, Thalia Hall will be the home of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. 

The conductor for this concert is Gheorghe Costin, and Andreea Olariu is the piano soloist. Tickets are generally priced between 10 and 30 lei, depending on the event and the seating area, and they can be purchased at the entrance.
Another great event starting on Thursday the 18th is the much awaited Sibiu Jazz Festival – the highlight of this entire month.

The festival has come at it’s 47th edition and as a novelty, all of this years’s events are ticket-free! You can enjoy 4 days of the best international jazz players, in some of the best locations Sibiu has to offer : the Small Square, the Gong Theater, Thalia Concert Hall. It’s this edition that will also celebrate the 10 years anniversary of the “Sibiu-Luxembourg, European Capital of Culture” Programme.

So this event will be marked by the extraordinary concert of the Luxembourg based band “Jeff Herr Corporation”, taking place on May 19th, 20:30, in the Small Square. Jazz it away with Sibiu Jazz Festival!

And if you’re in the mood for theater, Thursday, May 18th , at 19:00, Bogdan Georgescu returns to the stage of TNRS. “MAL/PRAXIS” is the final part of a by now publicly acclaimed trilogy. “MAL/PRAXIS”analyses the case where the culpable person is known, yet no one takes a stand, with obvious disatruous consequences. It’s organising at Radu Stanca theatre. One ticket costs 20 lei.

We can safely say Sibiu is a must not only for it’s landmarks and historic center, but also for the many events taking place here. And it’s a must now because using Travelscounter, you have up to 20% discount in all the top restaurants, coffee-shops, pubs and clubs in Sibiu. So…welcome! And enjoy! Your trip is going to be awesome!

The post Top events in Sibiu this month appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

Sibiu’s airport has expanded quite a lot over the years, so you can easily touch down at Sibiu International Airport. Some of the best companies in the world operate flights arriving at Sibiu, and you can get here from a great number of cities. You can fly directly to Sibiu from Dortmund, London, Milan, Madrid, Memmingen, Munchen, Nurnberg, Stuttgart, Wien.

The old town is pretty close, at a distance of aproximately 3 kilometers. So you’ll get there rather fast by taking a taxi. You can also get downtown by bus.

If you are arriving by train, then you should know you’re arriving almost at the heart of things, as Sibiu’s train station is just minutes away from the old town, by foot. Of course, if your lodging is elsewhere but the old part of Sibiu, you might want to grab a taxi or the bus.

You can also come to Sibiu by car. There are signs for each gateway into the city, and they are posted with plenty of distance in advance. And there are well thought signs within the city also, giving directions for all interest points. The general speed limit in town is 50 km/h, but there are areas where it’s less. Watch out for the speed checks!

Sibiu is served by several bus and taxi stations. From these you can take the bus or one of the parked taxis, and go anywhere: to the zoo, to the Astra village, to the central park, to the shopping mall, or to any restaurant you want. If you take a taxi the price will be 2,49 lei per km.

The price for one bus ticket is 2 lei and you can get it at any bus station in the city. If you pay with a contactless card you’ll pay less, only 1,39 lei.

And if you want to pay less for food and drinks all over Sibiu, use Travelscounter.  You can get 10, 15 or even 20 % discount in the best restaurants, coffee-shops, pubs and club in Sibiu.

Enjoy!

The post Planning a trip to Sibiu? Here’s how you can get here! appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

Here you can taste the new season’s menu, which the chefs of the former Summer Residence of Samuel von Brukenthal have especially prepared for the next period.

This time of year the “stars” of the new menu are the nettles, the spinach and the unfailing parsley, all grown right in Brukenthal’s garden.

The covetous type of people will fall in love with the finest and most delicious food inspired from both traditional Romanian and international cuisine.

For soup fans, the chefs propose two delicious recipes: nettle cream soup with croutons, or salad soup with fried eggs and bacon.

Parsley can be found in the new menu in a surprising combination with…. pancakes. More exactly parsley pancakes stuffed with vegetables and Hollandaise sauce.

The house special is the Talfespitz, served with horseradish cream, vegetables and boiled potatoes – Emperor Franz Joseph’s favorite food! You’ll also find localy grown Angus beef dishes.

When it comes to dessert, well…it’s their season, so strawberries are ruling the dessert section of the menu. Strawberry mint salad or strawberries with vanilla foam and whipped cream are waiting to be enjoyed on the Baroque terrace of this beautiful complex, a unique objective in Romania.

The park and buildings of the Brukenthal Palace of Avrig are among the most outstanding monuments of Baroque Transylvanian time. Once called “Transylvania’s Eden”, the Brukenthal Palace is now the only Baroque ensemble in Southern Transylvania which won the battle with time.

Since 2011, the entire complex has undergone complex renovations and today the resort is open to visitors who want to enjoy the special atmosphere in the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains.

Pay the Brukenthal Palace a visit, and dine like royalty in the majestic restaurant, or the marvelous garden. Make a reservation with Travelscounter, and you’ll have both a reserved spot and a 20% discount applied to the final bill! Enjoy!

The post Want To Dine Like Royalty? | Try The Brunkenthal Palace appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

And if you use Travelscounter, how could you not be generous? When you’ll be receiving 10,15, or even 20% discount off your bill as a Travelscounter user, we’re sure your tip will be more than satisfying.

Enjoy!

The post TO TIP, OR NOT TO TIP? appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

On its other name, the German Hermannstadt, Sibiu has been declared European Capital of Culture in 2007, together with Luxembourg, being the first city in South-Eastern Europe to receive this title. Sibiu has a European Character, due to the fact that it is a cultural location and because of its European spirit. In 2007 Sibiu hosted over 2000 events in different areas like: film, photography, architecture, music, literature, theater. The Sibiu European Capital of Culture program was a success, and since then Sibiu has gained more and more visibility.

The city was colonized by Saxon colonists under the name of Cibinium in the 12th century. As a fortress, Sibiu proved to be invincible and became the capital of Transylvania during the period in which the region was a Habsburg principality and over time it was also a commercial, educational and cultural center.

Sibiu is a great city which recorded many premieres in this part of Europe like the first hospital, the first school, also the first pharmacy, the first theater building, the first museum, the first beer factory or the first zoo garden.

Sibiu’s old town is all about remarkable architecture and some of the most amazing landmarks : the Brukenthal museum, the Franz Binder World Ethnographic Museum – part of the Astra National Museum Complex, the Council tower, the Big Square, the Small Square, the Liars Bridge, the Lutheran Cathedral, and many more! Take a walk through the old town, and you’ll be more than impressed, as pieces of history will unfold before you with every step that you take.

Sibiu continues to write its own history, being a modern and cultural European city, and an attractive touristic location for both Romanian and foreign investors. So, welcome to Sibiu! We’re sure you’re going to love it! Especially now, when Travelscounter is offering you discounts of up to 20% in the top restaurants, coffee-shops, pubs and clubs in Sibiu. Enjoy!

The post Welcome! Let’s visit Sibiu! appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.

You’re in for a treat, as you absolutely must try some traditional Romanian food. Romanian cuisine includes both every day and special holiday dishes. And while in Sibiu, you can sample the best of them. When it comes to culinary traditions, cabbage rolls are the first on the list. Cabbage rolls are prepared from fresh or sour cabbage and minced meat,and they kind of are our traditional Christmas dish.

The ones prepared with fresh cabbage are sweet and savory. The ones made with sour cabbage are more tangy, but equally delicious. It’s just a matter of taste when it comes to which ones you prefer most. But it’s a fact that whether sweet or sour, there isn’t one Romanian who hasn’t eaten this before, alongside some sour cream and polenta.

Oh, and the polenta! The polenta is apparently a very simple dish, basically boiled cornmeal. You can eat it as a side dish just as it is after it’s finished boiling. But then again, you can also bake it, fry it, or grill it. Or you can eat it mixed with cheese and sour cream, and you have a main dish of it’s own. It’s delicious!

 Tripe soup is luscious, and it’s rather hard to make, as it requires a lot of preparation. Because of it’s ingredients, it’s quite controversial, and you either hate it, or you absolutely love it! No in between. It’s garlicy, it’s sour, it’s definitely a must try!

The goulash made in cauldron is another specialty in this area. First of all, it’s a dish for big eaters, as it can be quite consistent. The recipes vary a lot, because of the many influences. It may contain potatoes, dumplings, cumin, and some even added pineapple. But no matter the recipe, the goulash will always be spicy.

Dumplings, or as we know them – papanasi – are quite possibly the most loved desert. They can be boiled or fried, although in most restaurants, they are fried. They resemble a doughnut, but they’re served with the best Romanian sour cream and sour jam, so the taste is definitely unique.

If you’re looking for great spots to try some traditional romanian food, we’re recommending Camara Boierului from Hilton Sibiu, Crama Sibiana, Apfelhaus, or Mai Pension.

 Use Travelscounter to get your restaurant discount before going to any of these places, and you’ll get a 10, 15 or even 20% discount of the final bill! Enjoy!

The post Best Romanian Dishes & Traditional Food appeared first on Travelscounter Blog.