Bethlen Estates Transylvania

Find wellness, wilderness and a wealth of history in Transylvania

Age-old traditions are kept alive at Bethlen Estates, a bucolic and eco-friendly retreat in the heart of Transylvania. Immaculately restored, a trio of three-hundred year old residences nestle in remote village Cris, where the untamed wilderness can still be explored, and the quiet life reigns. This storied estate is an ideal base to tour the stunning Carpathian Mountains, experience authentic Transylvanian culture and cuisine, and embrace moments of laid-back luxury.

In bringing their ancestral home back to life, owners Nikolaus and Theodora Bethlen have created a stunning hideaway for those who want to get away from it all. Aligning to an ethos of responsible and community-focused tourism, the guesthouses have been faithfully restored by local artisans. Designed to feel homely yet stylish, they are cosy for winter, bright and airy for summer, providing comfort and ease no matter the season. Retreat to a snug sofa and open fire in Depner House after an afternoon hiking or celebrate a special occasion with friends around the heated pool at Caretaker’s House (which also comes with a private sauna). Each house is finished to an exacting standard, with contemporary comforts and unique, thoughtful touches.
Read more[SPLIT]Read less
A short stroll takes you to the Kitchen Barn, where a hearty breakfast is laid out every morning, while evenings are spent exploring Transylvanian fine dining. With an extensive wine cellar, your own library to lounge in, home-made brandies and artisanal breads and cheeses to discover, the temptation to do very little is easily understood. But with breathtaking countryside as far as the eye can see, those who roam are well-rewarded.

Enjoy your stay!

10 Rooms | 1 Floor | 1 Restaurant |

- /5

No ratings or reviews available for this hotel yet

Considerate Collection

Country House Hotel

Family Friendly

Fine Dining

Considerate Collection

Actively sustainable luxury hotels

Environmentally Conscious

Every aspect of Bethlen Estates is rooted in respect for the land and local traditions. Nearby farmers and the hotel’s herb garden and orchards supply the no-waste Kitchen Barn with seasonal produce like wild mushrooms, pears and plums, and organic waste is then fed to the village animals. Guided nature walks with a certified ecologist around the Breite Oak Tree Reserve are available throughout the seasons, as well as e-biking, horse-riding, hiking, and bear-spotting in the surrounding forests and valleys. Rooms are naturally ventilated by the estate’s air-pump system, and the houses’ ancient walls keep you cool in the summer and cosy come winter.

Cultural Custodians

Along with the Bethlen’s original manor house, the family have painstakingly restored historic buildings in and around Criş, from Saxon cottages and the castle’s former caretaker’s house to the village’s school and granary. Local craftsmen including blacksmiths and copper-workers were enlisted to preserve the authenticity of each guesthouse (some of which are over 300 years old), using hand-forged nails, handles and hinges, and locally sourced beams and tiles. In the restaurant (and surrounding slopes, if you’re out for a picnic), traditional Transylvanian dishes are served on hand-made ceramics from Székely Land, and you’ll only find natural materials decorating the interiors.

Community Minded

Count Nikolaus Bethlen is the latest in a long line of his family members (dating back to the 12th century) to contribute towards Criş, continuing the work of his predecessors by turning tumbledown properties into sustainably furnished guesthouses. The estate creates ongoing employment and educational opportunities for villagers, and actively supports local suppliers by buying vegetables from Boosifarm, fish, meat and cheese from Harghita County, wines from Transylvanian vineyards, and producing beer in partnership with a craft brewery in Sibiu. History and natural beauty abound throughout the Carpathian Mountains, and Bethlen’s trusted local experts are there to guide you, with fishing rods, snowshoes, and horse-drawn carts at the ready.

Our Hotel

The Caretaker's House - Bedroom 2
The Corner Barn - Living Area
The Corner Barn - Living Area
The Corner Barn
Blue-Ochre Gobi - Bedroom
Red-Green Tansy - Bedroom
The Depner House - Bedroom
The Depner House - Terrace
The Depner House
The Caretaker's House - Bedroom 1
The Caretaker's House - Bedroom 3
The Caretaker's House - Library
The Caretaker's House - TV Room
The Caretaker's House - Dining Room
The Caretaker's House - Kitchen
The Caretaker's House - Private Sauna
The Caretaker's House - Private Pool
The Caretaker's House
Kitchen Barn Restaurant
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner

Explore medieval wonders

While the estate has its own ancient story to discover, the region’s villages and towns are equally enchanting, loaded with history and rich in culture. Nearby you’ll find fortified churches, Saxon settlements, sleepy town squares and medieval citadels. Sighisoara has masses of photogenic charm, with higgledy-piggledy streets in bright colours, and a thirteenth century clocktower, while an afternoon wandering the cobbles of picturesque Biertan is time well spent.

Embrace the wilderness

Hugged by the Carpathian Mountains, the estate rests in one of Europe’s most unspoiled landscapes. There are rolling hills, veteran oaks, roaming bears and bright-eyed lynx – far removed from urban life, nature here is thriving. Soak it all in on a gentle hike through woods and wildflower meadows, or hop on a guided bike tour to explore further afield (with e-bikes for comfort so you can focus on the sights). Whether indulging in a fairytale horse-drawn carriage ride, or finding moments of calm while fly-fishing, it's easy to sate your wanderlust in this remote kingdom.

Our rooms

Yellow-Blue Ikat - Bedroom
Yellow-Blue Ikat - Bathroom

Yellow-Blue Ikat

Sleeps 2

Double

Please enter dates to check availability

Blue-Ochre Gobi - Bedroom

Blue-Ochre Gobi

Sleeps 2

Double

Please enter dates to check availability

Pink-Red Pomegranate - Bedroom
Pink-Red Pomegranate - Bathroom

Pink-Red Pomegranate

Sleeps 2

Double

Please enter dates to check availability

Red-Green Tansy - Bedroom
Red-Green Tansy - Bathroom

Red-Green Tansy

Sleeps 2

Double

Please enter dates to check availability

The Depner House - Bedroom
The Depner House - Bathroom
The Depner House - Bathroom
The Depner House - Terrace
The Depner House

The Depner House

Sleeps 4

Double

Please enter dates to check availability

The Caretaker's House - Bedroom 1
The Caretaker's House - Bedroom 3
The Caretaker's House - Library
The Caretaker's House - TV Room
The Caretaker's House - Dining Room
The Caretaker's House - Kitchen
The Caretaker's House - Private Sauna
The Caretaker's - Bathroom
The Caretaker's - Bathroom
The Caretaker's House - Private Pool
The Caretaker's House

The Caretaker's House

Sleeps 8

Double

Please enter dates to check availability

show all

SLH Club Reviews

There are currently no member reviews available for this hotel.

Bethlen Estates Transylvania, Romania

There are currently no member reviews available for this hotel.

Key Features

Family friendly

Restaurant

Free parking

All Hotel Features and Services

Turndown service
Free parking
Snow sports
24-hour security
Family friendly
Fire safety compliant
Full service housekeeping
Security
Restaurant

All Hotel Features and Services

Turndown service
Free parking
Snow sports
24-hour security
Family friendly
Fire safety compliant
Full service housekeeping
Security
Restaurant
Wi-Fi in public areas
Massage services
Pets not allowed

Food And Drinks

The flavours of Transylvania are brought to life in the Kitchen Barn, where farm-to-plate dishes make the most of the season. An inspired blend of rustic and sophisticated, the menu is a love-letter to Transylvania, and a celebration of locally-sourced ingredients. From hearty stews and goulash in the winter, to freshly caught fish for a summer salad, the estate’s cuisine is a gastronomic journey perfectly matched to the moment.

The Kitchen Barn

Served Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Inspired by the rich tapestry of local flavours and ever changing seasons- we invite you to embark on a gastronomic adventure that celebrates simplicity while mastering a sophisticated approach to cuisine. From earthy vegetables to tender meats - each ingredient is chosen for its freshness - its quality and its ability to evoke the regions unique character. Our menu- a love letter to Transylvania- is a testament to our respect for the lands bounty and the people that tend to it.