Walk through Dracula's land
A Gothic crossing through Romania's medieval Saxon heartland, reimagined as a virtual challenge you complete with your everyday steps.
This 109.9 km route traces the Saxon trail through the heart of Transylvania — from the medieval citadel of Sighișoara (birthplace of Vlad Dracula) through UNESCO-listed fortified churches at Biertan and ancient villages preserved by the Prince of Wales at Mălâncrav.
With Zelus, you walk the real trail coordinates through Romania's Carpathian foothills. Your daily steps move you along the route on a live map, unlocking six milestone checkpoints at landmarks like the Sighișoara Clock Tower, Biertan's triple defensive walls, and the fortress church of Mediaș.
6 milestones along the way
Each milestone marks a real medieval landmark in Transylvania. Unlock them one by one as your daily steps add up.
Begin your journey through the dark heart of Transylvania, where shadows lengthen across ancient Carpathian hills.
The clock tower looms above — within these medieval walls, Vlad Dracula was born in 1431. One of Europe's best-preserved inhabited citadels.
A Saxon village preserved by the Prince of Wales, with a stunning 14th-century fortified church hiding exquisite medieval frescoes.
Enter the UNESCO World Heritage site with its triple ring of defensive walls — once the seat of the Saxon bishop in Transylvania.
The medieval Saxon town with its fortress church of St. Margaret, where narrow cobblestone streets echo centuries of history.
You emerge from the darkness, forever changed by the land of Dracula. Route complete — your medal is earned.
How it works
Ready to start walking?
Download Zelus and pick the Transylvania route. Your first steps today count toward the finish line.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this challenge take?
The target is 100 days, but there's no time limit. At around 3 km of walking per day (roughly 4,000 steps), you'd finish in about 5 weeks. Go at whatever pace feels sustainable.
What is the Transylvania trail?
The route traces the Saxon trail through Romania's Transylvania region — the historical homeland of the Transylvanian Saxons. It passes through medieval citadels, UNESCO-listed fortified churches, and villages tied to the legend of Vlad Dracula.
Do I need to run?
No. Zelus is built for walking — commuting, errands, lunch walks, pacing on a phone call. Running counts too, but it's not required.
How are my steps converted to distance?
Zelus syncs with your phone's step counter and converts steps into kilometres using a calibrated stride length. Your position updates on the map automatically.
What happens when I finish?
You earn the Transylvania completion medal, which is permanently added to your profile. Then you can pick your next route from the 14+ challenges available.
What if I miss a day?
Nothing happens — your progress stays exactly where you left it. The goal is consistency over time, not perfection. Pick it back up whenever you're ready.